Data Center Tax Exemption Debate Continues for State Budget — “As lawmakers work behind closed doors to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget before the next fiscal year begins in July, negotiations hinge on whether the data center industry’s sales and use tax exemption should end, or continue with new requirements.” [Virginia Mercury]
AG Jay Jones on Supreme Court Voting Rights Decision — “I want to assure Virginians that my office will always fight to defend not only the right to vote but also equal representation under the law, and any efforts to illegally disenfranchise or impede access to the ballot box will be met with swift and aggressive legal action.” [Office of Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones]
Comey Appears in Court — “Former FBI Director James Comey made his first court appearance Wednesday in a criminal case against him that legal experts say presents significant hurdles for the prosecution and will likely be a challenge for the Justice Department to win … The case was charged in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the location of the beach where Comey has said he found the shells. He made a brief appearance Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, the state where he lives.” [Associated Press]
Clean the Bay Day — “Join the City of Alexandria this Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for Clean the Bay Day at Oronoco Park. At this annual event sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, members of the community come together to remove litter and debris from the park and shoreline and protect local wildlife, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.” [Alexandria T&ES]
Winner of America250 Poster Contest — “On April 22, Mayor Alyia Gaskins selected the red, doodle-style collage poster designed by Torpedo Factory artist Matt Liptak, an Alexandria resident of 15 years, as the winner of the America250 Art Poster Contest.” [Alexandria Times]
Atlas Brew Works Wins World Beer Cup Award — D.C.-based Atlas Brew Works, which also has an Alexandria location, won gold in the American-style Pilsner category for its Bullpen Pilsner at the Brewers Association’s World Beer Cup. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Best of the West Event Planned at Brenman Park — “Join us for our highly anticipated yearly celebration of all that makes the West End the Best End! Additional details coming soon.” [West End Business Association]
Contractor Lauded for Alexandria Storm Sewer Work — “The Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA) has awarded Flippo Construction Company, Inc with The Excellence in Infrastructure Award for their work on the Loyola Avenue Storm Sewer Upgrade project in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. The project consisted of taking an existing “V” ditch between two homes in the neighborhood and turning into an underground, double pipe, storm sewer system. The Flippo crew performed the work while maintaining active storm water flow during the rainy months of May through July 2025.” [Flippo Construction Company news release]
Fairfax Schools Recommend Delaying Smartphones Until Eighth Grade — “At its meeting last week (April 23), the Fairfax County School Board approved a “Wait Until 8th” resolution that expresses support for “developmentally appropriate smartphone use as a community norm,” encouraging parents to hold off on giving their kids a smartphone until they finish eighth grade.” [FFXnow]
Alexandria Sister Cities’ Whisky Tasting Event — “The City of Alexandria’s Sister Cities Committee invites whisky lovers and curious sippers alike to its annual signature event—the 2026 Alexandria Sister Cities’ Whisky Tasting, held at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street) on Saturday, May 2nd at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour.” [Historic Alexandria]
It’s Thursday — It will be mostly sunny with a high near 67°F and a northwest wind blowing at about 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 44°F and a lighter northwest wind at 7 to 10 mph. [NWS]
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