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Another snow day tomorrow. ACPS just announced that buildings will stay closed on Thursday. Light snow is possible this evening, and wind chills are expected to drop to 9 below zero tonight.
Here’s a look at what I’ve published (and updated) since this morning’s newsletter.
Schools closed again Thursday. ACPS buildings remain closed and virtual learning continues as the district assesses conditions. Check Canvas or Clever by 8 a.m. for schedules. Free meals are available at Alexandria City High School and Charles Barrett Elementary from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Another closure on Richmond Highway. Just a day after Amazon Fresh announced it’s shutting down, the CVS at 2601 Richmond Highway has closed permanently too. Prescriptions have been transferred to the Monroe Avenue location. It’s part of a nationwide restructuring that has shuttered more than 900 stores since 2022—with 270 more planned for 2025.
VRE ridership surged 48% last year and the agency has started its $129 million King Street station overhaul. The new Manassas line train saw a 251% jump.
Potomac Yard Metro now costs $385 million. Council approved a final $35 million Tuesday night to close out the project and settle all outstanding claims.
Council heads to Richmond Thursday for Lobby Day. Federal workforce impacts, housing, and transit top the city’s agenda as the General Assembly session enters its third week.
Council streamlines budget transfer process. Mayor Gaskins addressed what she called “inaccurate reporting” about the routine fiscal practice grounded in the City Charter.
Storm recovery continues, but another system looms. Primary and secondary roads are clear; residential streets 57% passable. Crews are still working around the clock. Light snow possible this evening could make untreated roads slippery for the commute, and wind chills drop to 9 below zero tonight. Forecasters are watching another potential storm this weekend.
Black History Month kicks off with the city’s 30th annual poster exhibit, plus museum and library programs throughout February.
Restaurant Week extended through Feb. 8. The winter storm cut into dining plans, so Visit Alexandria added seven days—now spanning 17 days and three weekends. Nearly 80 restaurants are participating.
What’s new in Alexandria in 2026? Visit Alexandria previews America’s 250th celebrations, waterfront experiences, public art installations, and dozens of new restaurants.
Publisher’s note: Believing that everyone is doing their best. Including you, I hope. It’s been a hard week. City crews are on hour 14 of 12-hour shifts. Teachers pivoted to virtual on a day’s notice. Before you post that angry comment, ask yourself: is this accountability, or is this cruelty?
New experiment: an evening roundup on busy news days. Hit reply and tell me what you think.
