A new proposal to regulate beekeeping in Alexandria is creating some buzz as it heads to the Planning Commission tonight (May 5).

The Planning Commission is slated to consider new rules that would limit the number of hives allowed on properties, create 5-to-10-foot setbacks for those hives, and allow beekeeping equipment as accessory structures.


Though still up more than 50% from the final days of the Biden administration, the total number of Alexandria residents recorded as unemployed in February was the second lowest over the preceding year.

A total of 3,323 city residents were counted as seeking jobs in February data reported last week by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.


Cinco de Mayo in Alexandria — “At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. … Elsewhere in Alexandria, events will feature extended happy hour deals, live music and specials on food and drink, including all-day $3.50 tacos at Taqueria Picoso.” [ALXnow]

Thousands of Virginians to Regain Voting Rights — “A federal court ruled earlier this year that Virginia’s current disenfranchisement of anyone with felony convictions violates laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly-emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]


A new shuttle service will soon make it easier to travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate from the King Street Metro station in Old Town.

Starting this Friday, May 8, $10 roundtrip shuttle tickets will be available with service to Mount Vernon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June. Each shuttle departing the King Street Metro station can hold up to 20 passengers for an approximately 20-minute ride to the historic estate.


First responders transported a nine-year-old girl to the hospital as a precaution after a driver struck her in Del Ray early Friday evening (May 1).

The child did not sustain serious injuries, and the driver, who had a learner’s permit and was accompanied by a licensed driver, received a citation for failing to yield at a crosswalk, APD told ALXnow in an email.


Alexandria’s median apartment rent rose for the fourth consecutive month in April but stands 3% lower than at the same point in 2025, according to new data.

The median apartment rental rate was $2,224 for the month — $2,040 for one-bedroom units and $2,506 for two bedrooms — according to new data from Apartment List.


Lowered Flags Remember Dr. Cerina Fairfax — “Flags across Virginia will be lowered [today] to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence. Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered [Friday] that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to ‘helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.'” [FFXnow]

Citywide Repaving This Week — “Businesses and residents whose streets are scheduled for repaving receive advance notice – typically by displayed project signs and/or letters. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs will also be posted before work begins. Please be sure to observe these signs to avoid tickets and potential towing of vehicle.” Affected streets are on the City of Alexandria’s website. [City of Alexandria]


Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — May 1, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Road closures start today for VRE bridge replacement project at Alexandria Union Station (1038 views)
  2. Spring Maker’s Market and block party among May 2-3 weekend events in Alexandria (852 views)
  3. Morning Notes for May 1, 2026 (663 views)
  4. Crooked Beat Records closing this weekend in Del Ray as store plans new location (581 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Three arrested after teen stabbed in Alexandria’s West End (4539 views)
  2. No bond for Alexandria man charged with ex-girlfriend’s rape, strangulation (4491 views)
  3. Old Town’s Il Porto to celebrate rebrand with ‘Renaissance’ dinner tomorrow (3549 views)
  4. Alexandria paralegal spends weekends leading tours of local Korean cuisine (3456 views)
  5. Pride of Baltimore II to arrive in Alexandria, prompting Woodrow Wilson Bridge opening (3097 views)
  6. ‘Ridiculous,’ Mayor Gaskins calls GOP bill to return Alexandria and Arlington to D.C. (3095 views)
  7. ACPS seeks former proposed arena space in Potomac Yard for school bus parking lot (2522 views)
  8. City manager proposes $135M financing deal to develop former Old Town North power plant (2493 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌥️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of 61°F and a north wind blowing at 7 to 9 mph. By Saturday night, the weather will turn partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 43°F and a northwest wind at 6 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!


 

A new temporary art installation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was recently unveiled outside the Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town, featuring a reading of the document by prominent Alexandria women.


Road closures will begin tonight as the Virginia Railway Express replaces two bridges near Alexandria’s Union Station (110 Callahan Drive).

VRE is replacing two bridge spans on King Street and Commonwealth Avenue in a project that begins tonight (May 1) at 7 p.m. Between now and 10 p.m. Monday (May 4). King Street will be fully closed between Russell Road and Daingerfield Road, with traffic detoured to Duke Street, according to VRE.


House Passes Funding to End DHS Shutdown — “The House passed a bill funding DHS, minus dollars for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The measure passed by voice vote on what was the 76th day of the shutdown.” [NPR]

Seniors Advocate for Immigrant Caregivers in D.C. — “On Tuesday, April 28, residents from Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads joined care workers, advocacy groups, and lawmakers for a rally pointedly titled ‘Seniors Care for Caregivers.’ Organized by Care for Seniors and Care for America, the gathering came just one day before the Supreme Court of the United States was set to hear arguments on the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).” [The Zebra]


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