The National Weather Service has put out a severe thunderstorm watch for Alexandria and nearby areas, lasting until 10 p.m. tonight (Saturday)
The watch, which started at 4:37 p.m. today (Saturday), covers Washington D.C., parts of Maryland (11 counties), Virginia (20 counties), and one county in West Virginia.
Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!
🌥️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87 degrees. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm tonight before 2 a.m., then scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66 degrees. South wind 5 to 7 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday that it is “unacceptable” that two commercial aircraft had to abort landings at a Washington airport this week because of an Army Black Hawk helicopter that was flying to the Pentagon.
In addition to the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration investigating what happened Thursday afternoon at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Duffy said he plans to talk to the Department of Defense to determine why rules were “disregarded.”
After a firestorm of criticism from city leaders and student journalists over proposed oversight changes to Alexandria City High School’s student newspaper, Theogony, this morning (May 2), the Alexandria School Board’s Governance Committee returned to the drawing board.
From reporting on a transportation controversy to investigations into the School Board, transgender policies, or even lampooning metal detectors in cartoons, Theogony student journalists take their roles seriously. Now, with City Council members warning of potential “censorship” and “authoritarian” behavior from the school system, student journalists are alleging a concerted effort from the administration of Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt to suppress touchy or controversial stories from appearing in the monthly publication.
It’s been an intense week in Alexandria.
Here’s a look back on this week’s top stories. Our most-read post was on the shooting of three men in Arlandria on Sunday night (April 27). Police found the victims with gunshot wounds shortly after being called at around 9 p.m. They were transported to area hospitals, and no arrests have been announced. Witnesses heard a barrage of gunfire, and the Alexandria Police Department is asking for help in the investigation.
Karl W. Moritz, Alexandria’s Director of Planning & Zoning, is retiring after 16 years with the city, including 11 years in his current role.
City Manager James Parajon today announced the retirement, which marks the end of Moritz’s 40-year career in planning.
Alexandria can look forward to a warm, if breezy, start to the weekend, but umbrellas will be essential as chances for showers and thunderstorms increase Saturday afternoon and become highly likely throughout a cooler, soggy Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Expect highs near 88 degrees Saturday before widespread rain arrives Sunday, when temperatures will only reach the upper 70s and the chance of precipitation climbs to 90 percent.
City officials are preparing to showcase updated designs for the ongoing Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project at a series of public meetings scheduled throughout May and June.
Residents will have multiple opportunities to view and learn about the latest plans for protecting key areas, including Point Lumley Park, Waterfront Park, and the King Street waterfront area, starting with a presentation to the Board of Architectural Review on May 7th.
Alexandria is making waves in energy management, earning a 2025 Better Practice Award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative. The city’s Building Performance Program for City Facilities caught officials’ eyes, showcasing innovative energy efficiency approaches.
The award, presented in Washington, D.C. on May 1, highlights Alexandria’s commitment to smart energy practices. Jeremy McPike, Director of the Department of General Services, points out that the city has already cut energy use by about 16% in the last five years. This new program aims to build on that success, keeping Alexandria at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
🌥️ Today’s weather: Isolated showers before 8 a.m., then scattered showers after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87 degrees. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight – Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then isolated showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66 degrees. South wind 5 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
Virginia voters can begin casting ballots Friday, May 2, as early voting opens for the June 17 primary elections. These primaries will determine party nominees for key statewide offices and legislative seats ahead of the November general election, which could reshape the state’s political landscape.
While Virginia’s gubernatorial race between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is set, Democrats still have to settle their tickets for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
