
On This Day in Alexandria History — “When news of the fall of the Confederate capital at Richmond reached Alexandria during the first week of April 1865, days before the surrender of Robert E, Lee’s forces at Appomattox, the grim city immediately took on a festive air. The first sign was the tolling of church bells throughout the downtown, and later the firing of victory rounds at local fortifications as a salute by Union soldiers. The celebration by Union forces and those loyal to their cause lasted several days, with parades spontaneously occurring on main thoroughfares and constant noise making of citizens by blowing horns and whistles.” [Historic Alexandria]
ACPS Collective Bargaining Agreement’s Uncertain Path Forward — “City Council has not yet stated if or how it plans to close the $5.6 million gap between ACPS’ requested fiscal year 2027 budget and the city’s proposed $340 million allocation. If the $5.6 million is not funded, ACPS must make a choice between fulfilling its agreement with the EAA or making further cuts elsewhere … At the same time, educators remain unsure of whether they will vote to approve the collective bargaining agreement – two years after EAA’s two bargaining units voted in support of the union.” [Alexandria Times]
ACPS Grad Makes Difference In Division III Tournament — “Alexandria City High School alum Kye Robinson is a national champion! 🏆🏀 Kye won the NCAA Division III title and was named the tournament and Final Four Most Outstanding Player. From dominating the court to earning top honors, he’s making the Titans proud!” [Alexandria City Public Schools/Facebook]
Rep. Don Beyer on Iran War Ceasefire — “The U.S. must immediately make clear to Israel that the ceasefire agreement is not and cannot be functional without a ceasefire in Lebanon. The American people want this war to end and bombing downtown Beirut is not a path to peace.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Governor Juggles Duties, Redistricting Election — “Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday pushed back against criticism from some fellow Democrats who say she has not done enough publicly to rally support for Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum. Spanberger argued that she has been clear in her support while prioritizing governing in the early months of her administration.” [Virginia Mercury]
Survey on Regional Travel Habits — “Data collected from the Regional Travel Survey (RTS) serves as the primary input for the TPB’s travel demand model, which helps planners and community leaders understand transportation needs and inform decisions about future investments in roadways, transit, and other travel options.” [Metropolitan Washington Council of Governors]
Holmes Run Stream Cleanup on Saturday — “City staff and volunteers with the Alice Ferguson Foundation will provide the tools and guidance needed for attendees to participate in a stream cleanup along Holmes Run – just bring sturdy shoes and a willingness to learn and make a difference!” [Alexandria T&ES]
New Engine in Service at Fire Station — “Station 205’s newest fire engine is officially in service! This engine brings upgraded technology, enhanced safety features, and improved response capabilities to better protect our community!” [Alexandria Fire Department/Facebook]
Vinyl Record Conference Planned in Alexandria — “In a changing music industry, including the ongoing resurgence of vinyl, the do-it-yourself ethos spawned in the nation’s capital will be the focus of the upcoming Making Vinyl USA 2026 conference in Old Town Alexandria, at The Westin, from May 27 to 29.” [WTOP]
Arlington’s Missing Middle Arguments Heard in Supreme Court — Justices were scheduled to hear plaintiffs’ 10-minute argument on reversing a Court of Appeals decision to restore Missing Middle in Arlington last summer for procedural reasons. This moves the court one step closer to deciding if it accepts the case for full review. [ARLnow]
It’s Thursday — Expect areas of frost early in the morning, but the day will be mostly sunny with a high of around 62°F. Winds will be calm initially, becoming southeast at about 6 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 42°F and southeast winds between 3 and 6 mph. [NWS]
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