Loud Boom Heard in N. Va. Explained — “The National Weather Service says a powerful lightning strike combined with unique atmospheric conditions caused Friday night’s widespread loud boom and bright flash across Northern Virginia.” [Inside NoVA]
Cherry Blossoms Progress Toward Peak Bloom — The Yoshino cherry trees reached stage four of six in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which had its opening ceremony Saturday night. [DC News Now]
Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Mar 20, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 66 degrees and a gentle north wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 48 degrees, and winds shifting from the east to south at 6 mph after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs
We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!
A bill that would make it easier for churches to pursue affordable housing development on their properties is on its way to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D). An Alexandria church leader whose church brought affordable housing to its property says the bill would help churches that have faced greater challenges with getting local approval.
The “Faith in Housing” bill would remove the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt organizations seeking to develop housing on their land. Under the bill, the developments must be at least 60 percent affordable units for a minimum of 30 years. Church-based developments would be subject to property tax unless the locality chooses to exempt them.
Take the next step in your hospitality career with Wood & Iron Gameday. We are hiring an Operating Partner to help lead and grow our brand at our newly opened location in Virginia Square, Arlington, VA.
This role requires hospitality management experience, a commitment to team development, and a hands-on leadership style. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including PTO, healthcare, 401K, and profit sharing, along with strong growth potential.
Alexandria is warning residents against scammers impersonating city officials and asking for payments for outstanding fees.
The city issued a security alert on its website to permit applicants and property owners, although no scams have been reported within the city. Ebony Fleming, the city’s communications director, said the FBI sent out an initial alert and that the city’s warning is a precautionary measure.
Raise a glass to culture and camaraderie at the 2026 whisky tasting event. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enable you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights. VIP ticket holders will receive two additional exclusive samples of rare whiskies. All attendees will take home a souvenir Glencairn glass, perfect for continuing their whisky journey. Tickets are $100 for VIP or $75 for general admission (listed as a separate event on Alexandriava.gov/Shop), with hors d’oeuvres included. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for non-whisky drinkers. A raffle will also be held with prizes, with tickets available for cash purchase at the event. Minimum age: 21. All proceeds support the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and its mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden.
Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.
The Twig organization has committed to giving $2 million toward the new medical campus at Inova Alexandria Hospital at Landmark.
Inova representatives say the hospital is on track to open by the end of 2028 and will name its conference center in honor of The Twig for the contribution. Since 1933, the nonprofit has served as the Junior Auxiliary of Alexandria Hospital and has provided more than $7 million to the hospital through its thrift shop at 106 N. Columbus Street and other fundraising efforts.
Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates, strength training or cardio, there is no shortage of options around Alexandria to find gyms and fitness studios.
Here are the nominees for “Best Fitness Studio/Gym in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your go-to gym spot? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for the Best Burger Spot in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Pediatrician Serving Alexandria. The results are now official:
Meet Niko, a dog who has a zest for life and a love for all things people and outdoors.
This 1-year-old dog has a black coat with white markings and weighs 52 pounds. The pup is eager to continue his training — with treats as a reward.
A 22-year-old Woodbridge man faces a felony charge for a drive-by shooting in the Arlandria neighborhood, according to an Alexandria Police Department affidavit.
Reinaldo Reyes Bustillo has been held without bond since his arrest on the same day as the incident (Sunday, Feb. 22). The victim told police that he got into a fight with Reyes Bustillo outside a nightclub in Herndon, and afterward returned to Alexandria with three friends in a black Tesla.
Governor Appoints AlexRenew CEO to Commission — “Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed AlexRenew General Manager and CEO Justin Carl to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). The interstate advisory body works across state lines to protect the waters of the Potomac River Basin and its resources upon which six million people depend.” [AlexRenew]
ACPS Hosts Essential Workers Appreciation Event — At the event, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt thanked health care providers, sanitation workers, bus drivers, teachers, police officers and other essential workers as the heartbeat of the school system. “Across our 18 schools, essential workers support students in countless ways,” Kay-Wyatt said. “They transport students safely, prepared nutritious meals, provide health and counseling services, maintain welcoming learning environments and help ensure every school remains safe and supportive.” [ALXnow/ACPS]
