On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 22, 1802, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, wife of the nation’s first president, died of a severe fever at age 70, in the small, third-floor bed-chamber at Mount Vernon that she had moved to after her husband’s death in 1799. In the extended period of her bereavement, her health declined steadily, and a visitor to Mount Vernon in 1801 remarked, “She speaks of death as a pleasant journey.” Although technically America’s first “First Lady” that term was not in presidential jargon at the time George Washington served as Commander in Chief, and she was instead referred to simply as “Lady Washington.” A year after Washington died, his widow freed all slaves previously under his ownership and closed up their former bedroom on the second floor of the expansive residence, moving to a small room on the third floor. She was interred beside the “Father of Our County” on the grounds of the estate.” [Historic Alexandria]
Memorial Day Travel Forecast — “In its Memorial Day Weekend travel forecast, AAA said a record 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 or more miles from home for Labor Day Weekend, Most of them — 39.1 million — will be driving. All modes of travel are expected to increase this year.” [Patch]
Chamber ALX Names 40 Over 40 — “Meet The Chamber ALX’s second-ever 40 Over 40 Class — an extraordinary group of leaders, innovators, mentors, and changemakers whose work continues to shape Alexandria in meaningful ways. Across industries and throughout the community, these honorees show that great leadership doesn’t just emerge — it endures.” [Chamber ALX/Facebook]
Former High School Principal Dies — “Suzanne Acee Maxey, former T.C. Williams High School principal, died May 13. She was 74. Maxey was principal of then-T.C. Williams High School, now Alexandria City High School, from 2010 to 2015.” [Alexandria Times]
Potomac Yard’s IDA Hosts Science: Unrestricted Event with ACPS — “This fun-filled, educational STEM event helps students understand that science is relevant to almost everything they do, helpful in their everyday lives as citizens, something they can excel at and an exciting career choice. IDA and ACPS have produced Science: Unrestricted for more than a decade. Each year, the event encourages students to discuss scientific subjects, prompts further discussion with their teachers, initiates discussions about science and STEM with their parents and other family members, and provides some initial ideas about subject areas they may want to pursue.” [IDA news release]
Governor’s Action on Immigration Bills Frustrate Democrats — “The mixed actions frustrated and baffled some Democratic lawmakers who argue Spanberger is sending conflicting signals on immigration enforcement and other legislative priorities during a period of growing fear surrounding ICE operations across Virginia. The moves highlighted the careful line Spanberger has tried to maintain during her first six months in office. She has repeatedly criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics while resisting proposals she argues could create legal conflicts, public safety concerns or unintended consequences.” [Virginia Mercury]
Flights from Ebola Outbreak Areas Directed to Dulles — “Passengers arriving in the United States after recent travel through parts of East and Central Africa are now being routed through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced Ebola screenings. The new federal restrictions began Thursday and follow growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, Congo and South Sudan.” [DC News Now]
Paid Sick Leave Legislation Signed — “The new law, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger Wednesday, requires employers to provide both full-time and part-time employees with up to five sick days per year beginning in July 2027. Workers accrue one hour for every 30 hours worked, and will be able to take time off for either mental or physical illness.” [ARLNow]
Virginia Railway Express to Run Fireworks Trains on July 4 — “Celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in style this year, with the return of VRE Fireworks Trains on Saturday, July 4, 2026! Ticket sales through Eventbrite will begin on June 1. Participants will also receive a commemorative LED ‘sparkler’ to provide some patriotic flair and fun for the whole family.” [VRE/Facebook]
It’s Friday — Expect rain before 5 p.m., followed by showers, with a high of around 61°F. East winds will be 9 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph, and an 80% chance of up to a quarter-inch of precipitation. Friday night will have showers until 11 p.m., then more rain, with a low of about 51°F, east winds at 8 to 13 mph, and a 100% chance of similar rainfall. [NWS]
