On This Day in Alexandria History — “On April 24, 1940, the Robert Robinson Library opened its doors to the African American community, just eight months after one of America’s first “sit-in” demonstrations took place at the segregated Alexandria Library on Queen Street. The library was named after Robert H. Robinson, a former slave who became a pastor at a church on South Washington Street known today as Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church. The old Robinson Library building now houses the Alexandria Black History Museum.” [Historic Alexandria]
No Budget Deal as General Assembly Session Recesses — “The Virginia General Assembly convened for a special session Thursday to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget, but recessed after just a few hours without a deal, underscoring deep divisions within the Democratic majorities and leaving the spending plan unresolved. After a brief floor session, lawmakers left Richmond and returned to their districts, with no clear timeline for when negotiations might produce a compromise on the two-year spending plan.” [Virginia Mercury]
No Fare Increase In Metro-Adopted Budget — “The WMATA Board of Directors [Thursday] adopted a $4.8 billion operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2027, improving service without raising fares. Bus service improvements will take place in June, and additional bus and rail changes will be made in December. [WMATA]
Testing Underway on RiverRenew Tunnel — “AlexRenew this week began accepting preliminary test flows into the new Waterfront Tunnel system, a key step that allows crews to test dewatering pumps and critical equipment ahead of the project’s anticipated operational deadline later this summer.” [The Zebra]
Chamber ALX Announces Community Champions — The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the latest round of Community Champions, who are honored for their contributions to the Alexandria community. The Community Champions Honors, presented by Inova Health System, will be held on May 21 at Belle Haven Country Club. [Chamber ALX/Facebook]
Alexandria-Based Consultant Sued Over Payment Dispute — “The suit, filed April 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, claims Cypress “knowingly accepted” the mistaken payment of $494,296 and ignored JLL’s request to return the funds. The lawsuit claims Cypress used the funds for rent abatement.” [Washington Business Journal]
Reminder on Street Renaming Public Hearing — The city wants public feedback on the proposal to rename Iverson Street as Edmonson Street. The proposed name references sisters Mary Edmonson and Emily Edmonson, who were born into slavery, earned their freedom and became important figures in the abolitionist movement. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue). [ALXnow]
ACPS Wins Award for Virtual Tutoring Partnership —”I had the pleasure of attending the 5th Annual EduTutorVA Gala, where ACPS was honored with the EduTutorVA Partnership Award. I was joined by School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Pierrette Finney, and Executive Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement Taneika Taylor Tukan. Moments like these highlight the strength of our partnerships and the shared commitment to supporting student success.” [Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt/Facebook]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny weather with a high near 81, although there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m. Winds will be from the northeast at 3 to 5 mph. Friday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 55 and a continued 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with southeast winds around 6 mph. [NWS]
