Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers before 2 p.m., transitioning into possible thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Patchy fog is anticipated until 11 a.m., with highs around 77 degrees. Winds will shift from the northeast at 6 mph to the south in the afternoon. A staggering 80% chance of precipitation will bring new rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch—heavier in thunderstorms.
Tonight: Anticipate more showers and potential thunderstorms before 11 p.m., followed by a chance of drizzling after 2 a.m. Patchy fog may develop, dipping temperatures to around 64 degrees. The chance of precipitation remains at 80%, with expected new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.
🚨 What You Need to Know
Local yarn and craft business fibre space (1319 Prince Street) is feeling the heat from escalating tariffs on critical imported goods. Owner Danielle Romanetti recently shared her story with Alexandria Stylebook, revealing how a $2,460 order of popular crafting tins and stitch markers—items not made in the U.S.—was hit with an unexpected tariff of $1,016. This stark increase in duties has resulted in unpredictable costs for the small business, which often discovers these exorbitant fees weeks after receiving inventory.
According to Romanetti, sustaining the business’s viability under this tariff burden has become an uphill battle. To absorb the dramatic increases, she reluctantly raised prices on certain items, though she still shoulders part of the cost. Disturbingly, this issue isn’t confined to just crafting tins; essential products, such as knitting needles sourced primarily from Asia, are also facing similar import pressures. As a result, local consumers can expect to see rising prices at shops that are grappling with these economic challenges, all while attempting to cushion the financial blow.
Other Noteworthy Updates
The Alexandria City Council took its first legislative step last night towards prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowers, citing significant environmental concerns.
Additionally, the Council celebrated 30 graduates from its Spring 2025 City Academy program during last night’s Legislative Meeting.
The Council also took a moment to honor its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers through a special proclamation in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week from May 18 to 24. The community is grateful for their unwavering service and support.
Our planned one-on-one interview with Mayor Alyia Gaskins, originally set for this morning, has been rescheduled to next Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Watch / Ask Questions.
Meanwhile, supporters are gathering outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia this morning, where Dr. Badar Khan Suri’s habeas case, alleging constitutional rights violations, will be heard. Learn more.
In more local news, the City has canceled tonight’s Community Cookout at The Acclaim due to weather issues.
We’re busy counting votes for the Best Mexican Restaurant in Alexandria and will reveal the results later today. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Alexandria!
Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) teamed up with 26 colleagues to introduce a resolution condemning the extravagant luxury aircraft gift worth $400 million that President Donald Trump announced he would receive from Qatar.
In education news, following the recent Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) redistricting meetings, concerned parents from Douglas MacArthur Elementary School have initiated the grassroots campaign “Don’t Separate Our Stars.” Their aim is to keep students from being split between different middle schools. They argue that such splits could hinder children’s social and emotional development after the numerous disruptions they’ve already faced during the pandemic. The group is actively gathering signatures and has launched a Facebook page to spread awareness.
📈 Most Read Articles of Tuesday
Check out the most-viewed 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’s what’s happening today in Alexandria:
Things To Do
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
