Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m.. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. High near 77 degrees. Northeast wind is around 6 mph and becomes south in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Low around 64 degrees. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible.
🚨 You need to know
Local yarn and craft store, fibre space (1319 Prince Street), is feeling the direct pinch of escalating tariffs on essential imported goods, a challenge detailed by owner Danielle Romanetti in Alexandria Stylebook. Romanetti shared that a recent $2,460 order of popular crafting tins and stitch markers from a small Canadian supplier—items not manufactured in the U.S.—was slapped with an unexpected tariff bill of $1,016. This figure represents a dramatic jump from previous duties, creating unpredictable and significantly higher costs for the small business, which often only learns the full extent of these fees weeks after products arrive.
This tariff burden forces difficult decisions upon fibre space, as Romanetti explained to Alexandria Stylebook readers. Unable to absorb such a substantial increase without jeopardizing the business’s viability, she has had to raise prices on the affected items, though fibre space is still shouldering part of the increased cost. This situation is not isolated to just these notions; Romanetti noted that core products like knitting needles, primarily sourced from Asia, also face similar import cost pressures. The consequence for consumers is an inevitable rise in prices at local shops struggling to navigate these economic shifts while trying to cushion the blow.
Here’s what else you need to know
The Alexandria City Council took the first legislative step last night towards banning gas-powered leaf blowers, citing significant environmental and noise concerns.
Alexandria City Council celebrated 30 graduates from its Spring 2025 City Academy program at its Legislative Meeting last night.
Alexandria City Council honored its emergency medical services (EMS) providers at its Legislative Meeting last night with a special proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week, which runs from May 18 to 24.
Our one-on-one conversation with Mayor Alyia Gaskins, scheduled for this morning at 10 a.m., has been rescheduled to next Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Watch/Ask Questions
Dr. Badar Khan Suri’s habeas case, which alleges violations of his constitutional rights, will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia – Alexandria Division this morning. Supporters are expected to rally outside of the courthouse.
The City has canceled tonight’s Community Cookout at The Acclaim due to inclement weather.
We’re tallying up and verifying the votes for the Best Mexican Restaurant in Alexandria and will have the official results for you all later today. In the meantime, vote for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Alexandria.
On Tuesday, Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined 26 of his colleagues in introducing a resolution to condemn the gift of a luxury airplane, valued at $400 million, that President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar.
In the wake of recent Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) redistricting meetings, a group of concerned Douglas MacArthur Elementary School parents has launched a grassroots campaign, “Don’t Separate Our Stars,” to prevent the School Board from splitting their students into two different middle schools. These parents highlight the potential negative impact on children who have already faced significant disruptions, including remote learning and temporary school facilities due to the pandemic, arguing that another major change could further hinder their social and emotional well-being. The group is actively collecting signatures on a community sign-on letter and has established a Facebook page and website to raise awareness.
📈 Tuesday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for May 13, 2025.
- Poll: The best ice cream shop in Alexandria (1368 views)
- Alexandria man tracks down his stolen motorcycle on Facebook Marketplace (1230 views)
- Latin American wine bar and cafe opens in Old Town (513 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s happening today in Alexandria.
Things To Do
- 2 p.m.: Painternoon – A monthly painting club at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: Adventure Movie Series – All Alexandria Reads at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 5 p.m.: Spitfire Book Club – Kindergarten – 3rd Grade at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 6 p.m.: Literary Virginia Book Group – The Plinko Bounce by Martin Clark (virtual)
- 6:30 p.m.: Handmade Pasta Cooking Class at Aslin ALX
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Live music at 6 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Kenny Kohlhaas at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Piece Out Del Ray: Music Bingo at 6:30 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria
- 8 a.m.: Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
- 3 p.m.: Waterfront Commission Subcommittee Meeting
- 5 p.m.: Duke Street Land Use Plan Pop-Up
- 5:30 p.m.: Alexandria Transit Co. Board of Directors Meeting
- 5:30 p.m.: Child, Youth Fam. Coll. Comm. Retreat
- 6 p.m.: ACPD Awards Committee meeting
- 7 p.m.: Housing Affordability Advisory Committee
- 7 p.m.: VIRTUAL Community Meeting
- 7 p.m.: Stormwater Utility and Flood Mit. Advisory Group
- 7 p.m.: ACPD Monthly Meeting
