On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 12, 1909, a large fire broke out at Smoot Lumber at Union and Cameron streets. Originating at the planing mill near Lee Street, the fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage. Firefighters drafted water from the Potomac River to help put out the blaze.” [Historic Alexandria]
Worries About Supreme Court Decision on Voting Rights — “The decision significantly narrowed how Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act can be used in redistricting disputes and made it more difficult to challenge maps that dilute minority voting strength. The ruling stopped short of invalidating Section 2 altogether, but critics across Virginia say it represents the most consequential rollback of federal voting rights protections since Shelby County v. Holder, the 2013 ruling that eliminated the federal preclearance system requiring states with histories of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing election laws.” [Virginia Mercury]
Installation on National Mall Directs Criticism at Trump, Iran War — “Placed prominently at the D.C. War Memorial, the latest installation focuses on another known association and criticism of the Trump administration: the Iran war. Three arcade-style video games contain themes around the Iran war. According to the organization, the game features backhanded quests such as tweet battles against Iranian schoolgirls, as well as opponents such as DEI efforts and the pope.” [DC News Now]
Founding Farmers Adds BBQ to Alexandria Location — “Co-owner Michael Vucurevich and Chef/Managing Partner for Culinary, Joe Goetze, have spent years learning from the best and studying the science and soul of authentic BBQ — perfecting every rub, sauce, and smoking technique. Great BBQ is personal and requires commitment to quality meats, proper wood selection, lots of practice, and the patient art of time and temperature. Founding Farmers BBQ is crafted with care at their Maryland smoke shack.” [Founding Farmers news release]
Fatal Stabbing at Huntington Condo Complex — Officers responded to the Farrington Place condominiums in the 2200 block of Farrington Avenue around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday (May 9) for the reported stabbing. The adult man was pronounced dead at the scene. [FFXnow]
Maternal Wellness Brand Thrives in Alexandria — “Since 1984, Lansinoh has paved the way for women to nurse on their own terms. Today, the trusted parenting company sells products ranging from breast pumps to baby bottles in over 60 countries, supporting mothers through prenatal care, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and toddlerhood.” [Alexandria Economic Development Partnership]
Signal Work Continues — “Our team continues installing adaptive signal control technology to help traffic flow more efficiently. The work locations for the week of May 11 are Duke/Wheeler and Duke/Sweeley.” [Alexandria T&ES/X]
Nearly 900 Use D.C. Area’s SoberRide During Cinco de Mayo — “WRAP’s 2026 Cinco de Mayo SoberRide® campaign began at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 5th and continued until 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6th as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this high-risk period.” [Washington Regional Alcohol Program news release]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies today with a high near 71°F, accompanied by a light north wind that will become variable. Tonight will see increasing cloud cover, with temperatures dropping to around 55°F. Winds will shift to the south at 6 to 11 mph, and gusts could reach up to 21 mph. [NWS]
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