On This Day in Alexandria History — “On May 17, 1860, the first passenger in the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad traveled from Alexandria to Leesburg. A year later, when the Civil War started, Union troops seized the AL&H rails, equipment and buildings, and converted the station at Princess and Fairfax into offices for the Quartermaster Department.” [Historic Alexandria]
Supreme Court Rejects Redistricting Appeal — “The Supreme Court on Friday rejected Virginia’s bid to restore a congressional map that would have given Democrats a chance to pick up four seats in the closely divided House of Representatives. The court’s order, issued without any noted dissent, is the latest twist in the nation’s mid-decade redistricting competition.” [ARLnow/AP]
Assault Weapons Ban, More Bills Signed by Spanberger — “The assault weapons measure, one of the session’s most contentious bills, is set to become law after Spanberger signed it without amendments she had previously proposed to narrow the legislation’s scope. Lawmakers rejected those changes during the reconvened session last month and returned the bill to the governor’s desk in its original form.” [Virginia Mercury]
Traffic and Parking Board Meeting Today — “The Traffic and Parking Board will hold its next public hearing on Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Docket materials have been posted for the upcoming meeting. At the public hearing, members of the public can weigh in on food truck vending locations on Eisenhower Ave and at Landover Park, relocating a drop-off zone on N. Lee St., and residential parking permit changes, among other topics.” [City of Alexandria]
Repaving Work Limited This Week — “Citywide street repaving work will not take place the week of May 18-22 due to contractor staffing levels and equipment availability … A limited number of street maintenance operations will continue as scheduled in the week of May 18-22, including: repaving work on the Richmond Highway/Route 1 Bus Rapid Transit lanes (from Glebe Road to Swann Avenue); concrete repair and maintenance work at multiple locations.” [Alexandria T&ES]
Alexandria Fire Department Marks EMS Week — “This #EMSWeek2026, we proudly recognize the dedicated paramedics, EMTs, and EMS professionals who answer the call every day to protect the health and safety of our community. This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together” highlights the collaboration that makes EMS possible.” [AFD/Facebook]
Alexandria Shop Sources Coffee from Volcano in Panama — “The scent hits first — fresh-roasted coffee from beans grown on the slopes of Panamá’s Barú Volcano. Then come the conversations. Regulars greeting one another. Baristas explaining flavor notes. Customers lingering long after their cups are empty.” [The Zebra]
Dan Snyder Home in Fort Hunt Back on Market — “Former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder will put his Alexandria ‘River View Estate’ mansion at 7979 E. Boulevard Dr. back on the market this week, according to a report by Mansion Global. The waterfront acreage was once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon land holdings.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Road Work Impact on I-395 Ramp — “The one-lane eastbound Edsall Road (Route 648) ramp to northbound I-395 will continue to be narrowed until Friday, May 22, for joint repairs along the bridge that carries the ramp over I-395, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]
It’s Monday — It will be sunny with a high of around 95 degrees, and winds will shift to the south at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Monday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 72 degrees and a south wind of around 8 mph. [NWS]
