State Sen. Bennett-Parker Pushes for More Diaper Changing Tables — “Virginia’s Board of Housing and Community Development voted Monday to approve Bennett-Parker’s proposal to require diaper changing tables in new buildings that are open to the public. The policy would apply to each floor containing public restrooms in new assembly, business, educational, and mercantile occupancy buildings, Group R-1 hotels and motels, and highway rest stops.” [ARLnow]
9-Year-Old Leukemia Patient Inspires Blood Drive — “It was all smiles as 9-year-old Taylor McLeod arrived at the blood drive she organized through Children’s National Hospital, surrounded by her parents, grandmother, and younger brothers, all wearing matching hot pink lightning-bolt T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase: ‘Tough Like Taylor.'” [The Zebra]
Former Power Plant Development Proposal Heads to Planning Commission — “If the Planning Commission approves the four DSUPs – which make up Phase I of the redevelopment – the city will use $70 million in tax increment financing to support Phase I. After Phase I, the city will decide whether or not to support Phase II and its associated permits with $65 million more in tax increment financing.” [Alexandria Times]
New Exhibit Examines D.C. Sniper Shootings — “A new exhibit at the National Law Enforcement Museum examines the 2002 D.C. area sniper attacks with displays of items never before on public display in the DMV. The exhibit, which opened last week and runs through December 2027 to mark the 25th anniversary, traces what organizers call the ’22 days of terror,’ when shootings across Maryland, Virginia and the District left residents on edge.” [WJLA]
Union Condemns WMATA GM for Reserving Bus Fare Evasion Policy — “ATU Local 689 condemned the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Randy Clarke for his despicable and callous decision to force bus operators to quote the bus fare at all passengers, including fare evaders, reversing a long-standing policy that has drastically reduced bus operator assaults. In place since 2017, the current policy is supported by data and has been reinforced by WMATA’s ‘Safety Risk Reduction Plan’ from last year. Fare disputes are one of the largest causes of operator assaults, something that WMATA routinely acknowledges.” [ATU Local 689 news release]
Fairfax Prosecutor, Sheriff Testify to Congress — “Republican lawmakers during a congressional hearing on Thursday accused Fairfax County’s chief prosecutor of endangering the lives of local residents by not fully cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which he and the county sheriff forcefully denied.” [WTOP]
Student-Athletes Make All-State Team — “Congratulations to the 5 Outstanding Alexandria City High School Girls Rowers selected to the All-State Team! 🚣♀️👏: Caroline Schofield, Elleree Elkins, Sara Glade, Maddi Keum, and Harper Owens.” [Alexandria City High School Athletics/X]
Bike to Work Day Road Closure — The 100 block of N. Royal Street will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 15 for Bike to Work Day. [Alexandria Police Department/Facebook]
Civil War Music Concert at Fort Ward Museum Saturday — “Celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2026 by enjoying a special outdoor concert of Civil War-era music on the lawn of Fort Ward Museum. The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, a historical ensemble sponsored by George Mason University, will perform a variety of popular songs of the Civil War on authentic 19th-century instruments.” [City of Alexandria]
It’s Friday — The weather will be sunny with a high of around 71°F and northwest winds blowing at 10 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low near 53°F and calm winds. [NWS]
