On This Day in Alexandria History — “On Friday, April 14, 1865, a procession of Union troops fourteen blocks long paraded through Alexandria to mark the anniversary of the start of the Civil War and the renewed Union control of Fort Sumter, the South Carolina fortification where the war had begun just four years earlier. But by the very next morning, Alexandrians were stunned to hear rumors of the shooting of President Lincoln the evening before, and then confirmation of his death by Dr. David P. Smith, the surgeon in charge, when he returned to Alexandria early that morning. With the escape of assassin John Wilkes Booth, and fearing a larger conspiracy, guards were immediately posted at all entry points to Alexandria preventing any passage to civilians. That evening a citizen meeting developed plans for a period of mourning, including the closing of all businesses, placement of black crepe on homes and public buildings, and the tolling of bells throughout the City.” [Historic Alexandria]
Voter Registration Deadline for April 21 Special Election — “The deadline to register or update existing voter registration for the April 21, 2026, Special Election is Tuesday, April 14. After that date, the same day registration period will begin. Please be aware that individuals choosing to register same-day will be required to cast a provisional ballot.” [Office of Voter Registration & Elections]
City Council Meets Tuesday — City Council will return for a legislative meeting on Tuesday, April 14. The agenda includes two proclamations, a state of the economy update, and first readings of ordinances of parking meter fees, the stormwater utility fee and more. [Mayor Alyia Gaskins/Facebook]
Alexandria Man Among Arrested in Child Exploitation Sting — “The ‘Operation Spring Bloom’ initiative, which took place April 1-6, was conducted by the Fairfax County Police Department’s Child Exploitation Unit in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI. Detectives used various online platforms to pose as underage children to identify individuals seeking minors for criminal sexual acts.” [Patch]
Rep. Beyer on Continued DHS Shutdown — “DHS has now been shut down for 59 days – the longest funding lapse in U.S. history. The House returns from its two-week recess this week and Republicans are still refusing to bring the Senate-passed bill to fund the law-abiding parts of DHS to the floor.” [Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Fairfax School System Changes School Calendar — “Hoping to alleviate parents’ concerns about the frequency of disruptions this school year, the Fairfax County School Board has backed a calendar for the upcoming academic year that cuts down on the number of early-release days and nixes Veterans Day as a holiday.” [FFXnow]
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Auction Open — The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 40th anniversary gala may be sold out, but the online auction is open. Bidding ends on April 18, and winners will be notified the next day. [Scholarship Fund of Alexandria]
Holocaust Remembrance Event in Alexandria — “The City of Alexandria will observe the Days of Remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, at noon on Tuesday, April 14, at the Frank and Betty Wright Reading Gardens, Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Central Library. The City of Alexandria hosts the annual ceremony as part of the weeklong commemoration of the national Days of Remembrance, Sunday, April 12 through Sunday, April 19.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandria Mom Inspires with “Club Chemo” During Treatments — “What started as a personal coping mechanism—playing music, setting a mood, creating a small sense of control—quickly evolved into something more. The atmosphere changed. The energy shifted. And others began to take notice.” [The Zebra]
Ben & Jerry’s Hosts Free Cone Day — April 14 marks Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s at 103 S. Union Street in Alexandria and other locations. [Alexandria Living Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — It will be mostly sunny with a high of about 89°F, and a southwest wind will increase to 5 to 10 mph in the morning, with gusts potentially reaching 18 mph. Tuesday night, expect partly cloudy skies and a low of around 69°F, with southwest winds at 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]
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