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Council Notebook
Smoking is still legal in Alexandria, but it’s increasingly discouraged.
Council Notebook
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Councilman Frank Fannon. No, he’s not Superman. But Mayor Bill Euille is praising Fannon for quick thinking and fast action in coming to the assistance of a citizen in need.
Council Notebook
Alexandria has become a whistle stop town — in more ways than one. Trains have been a regular feature of life in the city since before the Civil War.
Council Notebook
For years, city leaders have thought the surface parking lot at the King Street Metro is just too suburban.
Business Matters
Alexandria's chief tourism promoter Stephanie Pace Brown is leaving a city her organization calls “Charm-ville.”
Council Notebook
Del Ray is sometimes called “the little neighborhood that could,” a reference to the area’s history as a residential spot for railroad workers at Potomac Yard.
Mixed Success on Menstrual Equity in Virginia
Increased availability behind bars, but no tax breaks during back-to-school week.
Several lawmakers from Northern Virginia arrived in Richmond this year hoping to push a cause known as menstrual equity — making sure that feminine hygiene products are affordable, safe and available. But success has been mixed.
Poverty in the Classroom: Low-Income Students Scattered Through Northern Virginia
Where are the region's highest poverty schools?
When Carla Castro-Claure was approaching the age when she would soon attend Kindergarten, her mother became increasingly concerned about Hybla Valley Elementary School.
Ethicist on the Bench
Prosecutor of bad lawyers to take a seat on the Alexandria Circuit Court
Prosecuting unethical lawyers is not a great way to win friends and influence people. Yet somehow Kathleen Uston has been able to figure out a way to trade her job as assistant bar counsel at the Virginia State Bar for a seat on the Alexandria Circuit Court. She'll be installed on the court next week, the culmination of a career that has given Uston an inside look at some of the worst lawyering in Virginia while also giving her a special insight into the role ethics plays in the law. — Yvonne Weight Callahan
Alexandria City Council Approves Historic Tax Increase
After ousting two Republicans, all Democratic council hikes tax rate four cents.
Members of the Alexandria City Council unanimously supported a historic four-cent hike in the tax rate this week, raising the average residential property tax bill $314 to $4,888.
State Senate Committee Kills Effort to Overturn King's Dominion Law
School boards were encouraged by support from governor, but couldn't win over Senate committee.
The Senate Committee on Education and Health voted today to kill an effort overturning the King's Dominion Law, which mandates that school divisions across Virginia begin classes after Labor Day.
Limiting Neck Restraints
Lawmakers negotiate behind closed doors on how to curb police use of chokeholds.
When lawmakers began their special session on criminal justice reform in August, hopes were high that the General Assembly would send the governor a bill that banned police from using chokeholds. But now that the protesters have gone home and the lawmakers have moved behind closed doors to negotiate in a secret closed-door conference committee, advocates for criminal-justice reform are worried about what will emerge in the conference report that will be presented to the House and Senate.
Invasive Restrictions: Effort to Restrict Sale of Invasive Plants May Wilt in Richmond
Legislative delegation wary of running afoul of the free market.
They’re all over Mount Vernon — English ivy, Bradford pear, porcelainberry, oriental bittersweet and bamboo.
Changes to Waterfront Zoning Put on Hold While Challenges Are Considered
As challenges to small-area plan multiply, upzoning has been put on hold.
Think the waterfront plan passed? Think again.
Week in Alexandria
The controversial waterfront small-area plan may have squeaked through City Hall on a five-to-two vote last month, but a final resolution could be months away.
Week in Alexandria
What happens to members of city boards and commissions who get sued by the city government? It’s an awkward question, one that Alexandria now faces in the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Arlington Streetcar: Desire or Disaster?
County residents are divided on the value of installing streetcars on Columbia Pike.
The $250 million Arlington streetcar is moving full speed ahead, with federal officials on the verge of announcing whether or not the project will be partially funded by Uncle Sam.
Alexandria to Launch Airbnb Registry, Adding $200,000 in New Tax Revenue
Airbnb to collect the taxes and forward money to city.
For the last few months, city officials have been working behind the scenes to create a registration system for people who rent out their homes through Airbnb. Now they’ve created the online database, and they’re about to launch a campaign to let all the home-sharing businesses know it’s time to register with the city and start paying taxes.
May Day at City Hall: Democratic Primary Puts Heat on Candidates
Recent unpopular decisions may mean trouble for two incumbents and two former incumbents.
Hector Pineda is one of thousands of residents who live in the sprawling series of garden apartments on the city’s West End, which has been one of the last remaining spots in the city for low-income residents.
City Council Approves Massive Development over Bitter Opposition
Beauregard boom may be felt at the ballot box in the Democratic primary.
Once again, members of the Alexandria City Council cast aside hours of bitter opposition to support a controversial plan.