Good morning, Alexandria!
As of today, June 13, 2025, the city is experiencing a mix of political developments and inclement weather patterns.
Today marks the 164th day of the year, with 201 days remaining.
Residents can expect showers and thunderstorms later in the day, particularly after 5 p.m.
The forecast predicts a high of near 89 degrees accompanied by mostly cloudy skies.
A calm wind is expected to shift to a southeast breeze of 5 to 7 mph throughout the morning.
There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with anticipated rainfall amounts ranging between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, although thunderstorms may produce higher amounts.
Additionally, a Flood Watch is in effect from June 13 at 6 p.m. until June 14 at 2 a.m.
Tonight’s weather will likely feature continued rain and thunderstorms, especially before 2 a.m., followed by areas of drizzle and additional thunderstorms after 5 a.m.
Patchy fog may also develop between 11 p.m. and midnight.
Temperatures are expected to dip to around 71 degrees, with an east wind of about 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
The likelihood of precipitation increases to 70%, with new rainfall amounts potentially reaching between 1 and 2 inches.
In political news, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for federal investigations into the mid-air collision that occurred on January 29, 2025, at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which resulted in the tragic deaths of 67 individuals.
Among those advocating for the investigation are Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine from Virginia, who have brought their concerns to the Inspectors General of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army.
Their letters request a comprehensive look into the policies and procedures that may have played a role in the incident.
The collision involved an American Airlines passenger plane and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
In correspondence to the Department of Transportation, the lawmakers are urging reviews of various aspects.
These include the FAA’s training and operational protocols within the National Capital Region as well as the coordination of helicopter routes and runway usage at DCA.
Safety incidents that occurred both before and after the crash are also of concern.
Moreover, the letter directed to the Army highlights the need for an assessment of military training activities, operational decision-making, and interagency communications.
In a parallel effort, Representatives Gabe Amo and Ron Estes have requested that the DOT’s Acting Inspector General, Mitch Behm, investigate the FAA’s oversight of airspace operations at DCA.
Congressmen Amo and Estes noted the critical role the FAA plays in managing the U.S. National Airspace System, which oversees over 45,000 daily flights in one of the most complex aviation networks in the world.
They emphasize that the recent crash raises significant questions about the efficacy of the FAA’s airspace management, communication processes, and deconfliction procedures in a region known for its busy and sensitive airways.
Their request seeks an audit of how the FAA manages airspace operations, particularly regarding military aircraft within civilian jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, local government activities continue to engage residents as the Alexandria School Board met last night to address several key issues, including redistricting.
ALXnow’s James Cullum is expected to report further on redistricting later today.
In brief highlights, the School Board has voted to proceed with Triangle 3 and Option E for middle school adjustments.
A slider map will provide insight into how these decisions impact different areas of the city.
Additionally, the board has extended the current School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for up to six months, allowing more time to examine proposed changes.
This decision follows a discussion within the City Council regarding potential modifications on Tuesday.
After a comprehensive year-long process, the School Board successfully adopted the final Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Combined Funds (CF) Budget, which totals $392.3 million.
Additionally, a significant event has taken place in Alexandria.
The Wall That Heals, a traveling three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, has recently opened for public viewing, as of June 12.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has relocated several of its annual commemorations from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, largely due to logistical concerns surrounding an upcoming military parade.
ALXnow’s Ryan Belmore covered the opening ceremony and will share detailed insights and a photo gallery of the event.
On a community engagement level, the Alexandria City Council conducted its second Town Hall meeting of the year last night, drawing an audience of approximately fifty residents to the Charles Houston Rec Center Gymnasium.
City Council members responded to questions submitted by attendees, both in person and virtually.
Topics of discussion included proposals for breaking the City Council into wards, the potential removal of train tracks in Old Town, enhancements to Winkler Botanical Preserve, adjustments relating to Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) at the Alate, and more.
Mayor Gaskins indicated to ALXnow’s Ryan Belmore that two additional Town Hall sessions are anticipated later this year in September and November.
In election-related news, a reminder to residents: the early in-person voting period for Tuesday’s Democratic Primary concludes tomorrow (Saturday).
For those interested, guides to early voting, polling locations, and ballot details can be accessed for assistance.
Looking at recent trends, Thursday’s most read articles on ALXnow for June 12, 2025, included a piece on “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s policies, which garnered 943 views, followed by a guide about the upcoming Alexandria Democratic Primary, with 497 views.
As for upcoming events in Alexandria, residents have a variety of options to choose from this weekend.
Today, June 13, features several events on the calendar, starting with The Wall That Heals on display at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial all day.
Additionally, at 3 p.m., Summerween festivities will take place at Hops N Shine, followed by the Four-Course Pairing Dinner: Whisky Cocktails at Trademark at 6 p.m.
The evening will also present opportunities for family fun at the pool from 5 p.m. onward, as well as Dance Lab sessions at Local Motion Project at 7 p.m.
Trivia Night at Historic Sites will occur at the Lee-Fendall House Museum also at 7 p.m., along with a Pride event at Torpedo Factory Art Center.
For those interested in live music, the Fat Chance band will perform at 9 p.m. at 219 Restaurant, and other acts include The New Dominion Band at Alexandria Bier Garden at 9:30 p.m. and John Cresswell at Blackwall Hitch at 9 p.m.
Daniel O’Connell’s will feature Duck Chuck Goose at 9:30 p.m., and various karaoke sessions will happen across several venues, including Flipside Speakeasy and Rock It Grill.
To wrap up, the Little Theatre of Alexandria will showcase The Play That Goes Wrong at 8 p.m. while live piano music will be performed at The Study at Morrison House starting at 6 p.m.
With all these events, Alexandria is set to be vibrant and engaging, but everyone should remain cautious and prepared for the changing weather conditions.
image source from:https://www.alxnow.com/2025/06/13/notes-senators-warner-and-kaine-push-for-probe-into-fatal-d-c-plane-crash/