The Alexandria Brief — AM | Friday, Feb. 6
High wind warning, cold weather advisory this weekend; board member proposes snow days; council filing deadline tonight
Good morning, Alexandria.
Another round of dangerous weather is on the way — a high wind warning takes effect tomorrow morning with gusts up to 60 mph, followed by wind chills as low as 13 below zero through Sunday. The city has extended shelter hours and opened warming centers.
Meanwhile, the School Board is being asked to reconsider its virtual-only approach to snow days after the ice storm stretched families thin. And tonight's the deadline to file for the Democratic council primary — will all five announced candidates make it official? Will anyone else jump in?
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ High wind warning, cold weather advisory in effect this weekend
Another round of dangerous weather is heading to Alexandria — just as the city wraps up its response to the Jan. 25 ice storm. A high wind warning takes effect at 4 a.m. Saturday, with gusts up to 60 mph expected through the evening, followed by a cold weather advisory through Sunday morning as wind chills plunge to 13 below zero. The National Weather Service is warning of widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
Before the cold arrives, scattered snow showers are possible this afternoon, mainly after 3 p.m. Temperatures drop to 15 tonight as winds shift northwest and gust to 34 mph, then Saturday’s high reaches only 21 with wind chills as low as minus 7. Conditions improve Sunday with a high near 24.
As of Thursday, all high-traffic trails were clear, and crews had shifted focus to Old Town parking. The storm — the worst in 30 years — kept students out of buildings for 11 days and required more than 5,000 truckloads of snow to be hauled out of the city.
Read more: Extreme cold watch issued for Alexandria as another Arctic blast approaches | Mayor: 100% of high-traffic trails clear; crews target Old Town parking
2️⃣ Board member asks ACPS to consider adding snow days to future calendars
Just hours after Alexandria schools returned to normal operations on Thursday, board member Ryan Reyna asked district leadership to reconsider its approach to inclement weather, suggesting the district add traditional snow days to future calendars instead of relying solely on virtual learning.
Reyna acknowledged the stress the ice storm placed on families, particularly those who can’t work from home. Five consecutive days of virtual learning meant some parents faced lost wages and child care challenges. “Our teachers teach best, and our students learn best when they’re physically together in a classroom,” Reyna said, citing learning loss documented during the pandemic.
He proposed either extending the school year beyond the state’s 180-day minimum to bank snow days or adding flexibility around winter break. Chair Michelle Rief said she would work with Reyna to schedule the discussion for a future meeting. The district’s current policy states that the calendar does not allow for traditional snow days and that families should be prepared for virtual learning when schools close.
The board also approved a $360,455 change order for ceiling and lighting repairs at the Hammond Middle School auditorium after demolition uncovered hidden structural damage.
Read more: ACPS board member asks district to add snow days to future calendars after ice storm
3️⃣ Students urge ACPS board to preserve language programs
Alexandria City High School student representatives have sent a formal letter to the School Board asking for alternatives to proposed cuts to middle school Latin and Chinese programs, backed by a petition with more than 120 signatures from students, parents, and staff.
“We earnestly hope that the School Board and Central Office will consider alternative solutions that can address budgetary constraints without sacrificing these valuable language programs,” the letter reads. The students said they understand the district’s financial challenges but feel obligated to advocate for programs their peers value.
Four speakers addressed the board Thursday in support of the programs — continuing a pattern from recent meetings. Daniella MacArthur, an ACHS senior who studied abroad in China last summer, urged the board to focus on building enrollment rather than cutting classes. Chinese teacher Yan Huang, who has taught for 16 years, argued that enrollment data alone is insufficient to evaluate a program. “Our voices matter,” she said.
The proposed FY 2027 budget would eliminate two Latin positions and one Chinese position at the district’s two middle schools, shifting Latin entirely online and Chinese to a hybrid model.
4️⃣ Weekend guide: Restaurant Week wraps up, Super Bowl Sunday
Despite the cold, there’s plenty happening. The extended Winter Restaurant Week wraps up Sunday, so there’s still time to take advantage of special menus across the city. Bargain hunters will want to brave the chill for the Alexandria Warehouse Sale in Old Town on Saturday and Sunday. Port City Brewing celebrates its 15th anniversary Saturday, and Hops N Shine marks seven years.
A few things to keep in mind: Saturday is the last day to vote early in person for the Feb. 10 special election — polls close at 5 p.m. at 132 N. Royal St. And if you’re watching the big game Sunday, check in with your favorite bar or restaurant to see what watch parties they have planned.
Read more: Weekend Guide: What’s happening in Alexandria Feb. 6-8 | Election Day is Tuesday: What Alexandria voters need to know
5️⃣ Five candidates in race for council seat; filing deadline tonight
Five Democrats are vying for the City Council seat being vacated by Councilman Kirk McPike, with the filing deadline set for tonight.
Former ADC chair Sandy Marks, Tim Laderach, Roberto Gomez, Cesar Madison Tapia, and Charles Costen-Sumpter have announced bids.
Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and a $750 fee between 4 and 7 p.m. today at the Alexandria Democratic Committee office at 2101A Mount Vernon Ave. The firehouse primary is Feb. 21.
Will all five who have announced file tonight? Will anyone else jump in? We’ll know by 7 p.m.
Read more: Democrats set Feb. 21 firehouse primary for Council seat
📰 In brief
Virginia Democrats release 10-1 congressional map. After missing a self-imposed deadline, legislative leaders unveiled a proposed redistricting plan Thursday that would tilt 10 of Virginia's 11 U.S. House districts toward Democrats. The most visible changes are in Northern Virginia, where the 8th, 10th, and 11th districts are reconfigured. The maps would take effect only if voters approve a constitutional amendment in an April 21 referendum — but a court challenge could derail the process. Virginia Mercury
King Arthur Baking Company to open permanent Old Town location. The Vermont-based baking company announced it will open a store with a baking school in Alexandria at the end of the summer, only the second location to include both. The company also extended its Fairfax Corner pop-up through June. Northern Virginia Magazine
Former CIA officer enters crowded primary to challenge Beyer. Adam Dunigan, a former CIA case officer and Marine combat veteran, announced his candidacy for Congress in Virginia's 8th District on Wednesday. He said he resigned from the agency because he could no longer serve an administration he believes is undermining American democracy. Dunigan is one of five Democrats challenging the seven-term incumbent in the June 16 primary. The Alexandria Brief
House Democrats pass sweeping gun control package. The Virginia House passed more than half a dozen gun safety bills Thursday, including an assault weapons ban, expanded gun industry liability and new storage rules. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, sponsored a measure tightening rules around firearm transfers by individuals subject to protective orders. The bills now head to the Senate. Virginia Mercury
Warner draws Nixon parallels, warns of threat to Virginia elections. Sen. Mark Warner blasted DNI Tulsi Gabbard's role in an FBI raid on voting machines in Georgia, calling it "right out of the Nixon era." He warned that ICE operations in Minneapolis "could happen in Richmond, could happen in Norfolk, could happen in Fairfax County" — and said sending agents to polling places would intimidate American citizens. The Alexandria Brief
Health department warns of new measles exposure sites in northern Virginia. Officials identified five locations — including an apartment complex, restaurants, and retail stores in Herndon, Reston, and Fairfax — where the public may have been exposed to a confirmed case between Jan. 23 and Jan. 31. Anyone who was present is asked to fill out a survey for the Fairfax County Health Department. The Alexandria Brief
'Housing near jobs' bills clear Virginia House and Senate. Proposals to allow by-right zoning for apartments, townhomes, and mixed-use developments in certain commercial corridors are headed to Gov. Spanberger's desk. Sponsors say the bills could help teachers, firefighters, and service workers afford to live near where they work — and reduce traffic by making neighborhoods more walkable. Virginia Mercury
Warner and Kaine slam rule making it easier to fire federal workers. The senators criticized a final rule from the Office of Personnel Management that would allow the Trump administration to reclassify and fire federal employees without cause or appeals rights. "If we want to continue to lead the world, then we must have a federal workforce based on merit, not politics," they said in a joint statement. Kaine
Free “Still We Rise” concert Sunday at the Lyceum. Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of spirituals, poetry, ring shouts, and storytelling exploring freedom, resistance, and resilience from the Civil War to today. 3 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum. Free tickets. City of Alexandria
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🗓️ Today in Alexandria
Scattered snow showers are possible this afternoon, mainly after 3 p.m., before temperatures plunge overnight. A high wind warning takes effect at 4 a.m. Saturday, with gusts up to 60 mph expected through the evening, followed by a cold weather advisory through Sunday morning as wind chills drop to minus 7. Saturday’s high reaches only 21 degrees. Conditions ease Sunday — high near 24 — just in time for the Super Bowl.
Sunrise: 7:08 a.m. | Sunset: 5:35 p.m.
Things To Do
All Day: Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week throughout Alexandria
6 p.m.: A Galentine’s Polymer Clay Earring Workshop at Shop Made in VA
6:30 p.m.: Tech on Tap: The Nikki Giovanni Immersive Experience at Torpedo Factory Arts Center
Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Sol Roots at 9 p.m.
Aslin ALX: Comedy Show at 8 p.m.
Blackwall Hitch: Merlon Devine at 9 p.m.
Daniel O’Connell’s: Rook Richards at 9:30 p.m.
Del Ray Pizzeria: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
Evening Star Cafe: Reagan Lady at 8:30 p.m.
Hops N Shine: Daniel Mensh at 6 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
Murphy’s Pub: Pat Garvey at 9 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Mardi Gras Party with Kingpin at 9 p.m.
Pork Barrell BBQ: DM Shift Live at 8:30 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
St. Elmo’s Del Ray: Poetry Open Mic Night at 7 p.m.
The Birchmere: Laurel Canyon at 7:30 p.m.
The Light Horse: Buckshot at 9:30 p.m.
The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria
Government: Open | Flag: Full Staff | Trash & Waste Collection: On Time
6:00 AM: Chinquapin Open at Chinquapin
9:30 AM: Alexandria Electoral Board Meeting
5:30 PM: Legislative Subcommittee Meeting (virtual)
Alexandria City Public Schools
All public schools: On time and normal schedules.
No meetings or events are scheduled.
Find the ACHS sports calendar here.
Alexandria Library
All Day: International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station at Beatley Central Library
All Day: American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive at Beatley Central Library
All Day: A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program at Local History/Special Collections
10:15 a.m.: Baby Storytime at Burke Branch Library
2:00 p.m.: Musical Movement at Burke Branch Library
3:30 p.m.: Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión at Burke Branch Library
3:30 p.m.: Lego Competition at Duncan Branch Library