News

Morning Notes for May 5, 2026

Sunny day in Old Town (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Cinco de Mayo in Alexandria — “At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. … Elsewhere in Alexandria, events will feature extended happy hour deals, live music and specials on food and drink, including all-day $3.50 tacos at Taqueria Picoso.” [ALXnow]

Thousands of Virginians to Regain Voting Rights — “A federal court ruled earlier this year that Virginia’s current disenfranchisement of anyone with felony convictions violates laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly-emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]

Alexandria Police Week Events — “The Alexandria Police Department invites our community to join us for Alexandria Police Week 2026 as we come together to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our city. We will hold a series of events throughout the week, including a Wreath Laying Ceremony at APD Headquarters, a waterfront ceremony, and a memorial church service. These moments are an opportunity for our community to stand alongside our officers, reflect on the meaning of service, and pay tribute to those we will never forget. We welcome all who wish to attend.” [APD]

Milk & Honey Restaurateur Fosters Success — “On any given morning on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, there’s a wait for a table at Milk & Honey, where shrimp and grits and other Southern staples set the tone. It’s a scene that captures what Warren Thompson has been building for decades—restaurants rooted in story and experience—and one that now serves as a front door to a much larger, fast-growing portfolio.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

ALX Teen Named VA’s Junior Cherry Blossom Princess — “For one unforgettable week this April, 14-year-old Ella Jackson of Alexandria stepped into a role steeped in tradition, diplomacy, and springtime pageantry—serving as Virginia’s 2026 Junior Cherry Blossom Princess during the National Cherry Blossom Festival … Each state is represented by a single delegate, and in 2026, Ella was selected to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Junior program.” [The Zebra]

Festival of Speed & Style Returns This Month — “Old Town Alexandria is about to trade its usual cobblestone charm for horsepower and high fashion as the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style returns for another unforgettable weekend, May 16-17. Equal parts luxury showcase, street festival, and philanthropic celebration, this fast-growing event has become one of the East Coast’s premier automotive experiences—drawing more than 40,000 spectators each year and putting Alexandria squarely on the national map for car enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.” [The Zebra]

AFD Shares E-Bike, E-Scooter Safety Tips — “The popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters continues to grow, and for good reason. They’re convenient, efficient, and fun. But it’s important to remember that these devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a serious fire risk if not used or maintained properly.” [AFD]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny conditions with a high near 84°F, accompanied by breezy southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 33 mph. Tuesday night will bring increasing clouds, a low around 64°F, and a 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. South winds will blow at 13 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.

About the Author

  • This is the staff byline for ALXnow, used by editors and other full-time staff. Launched in October 2019, ALXnow is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Alexandria, Virginia.