Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Do you ever have one of those weeks that feels like it lasts a year? That’s how the past nine days have felt over in this little corner of the world. Last week was a doozy. My son got sick over the weekend, one of our cats had an emergency vet visit Monday night, and then we got hit with a shocking $458 water bill the next day. Then, on the international level, all of the news surrounding Iran and Israel and the US and such is so, so stressful. 

It’s felt like a lot, all at once. But, springtime’s coming—and today, even if for a brief moment, I invite you to set aside your worries and stressors and envision the little buds of joy that’ll soon grace our commonwealth. That’s right, it’s almost cherry blossom season, and we’ve got all you need to know below. I’m so glad you’re here. 

Prunus “Okame” cherry trees bloom in Columbarium Court 9 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, March 18, 2025. (Elizabeth Fraser/Arlington National Cemetery)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: Found in diverse settings, from historic estates to botanical gardens to charming downtown districts, it’s easy to enjoy cherry blossoms no matter what part of the commonwealth you’re in.

Our top picks:

• Arlington National Cemetery is perhaps the best place to go in all of Northern Virginia to experience cherry blossoms, given that 417 cherry trees can be found throughout the 624-acre site. If you can’t make it to the cemetery in spring, you’ll be relieved to learn that one species of cherry blossom provides a second blooming in November. 

• The Cherry Tree Walk at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond meanders along a path that features a lake, numerous gardens, a meadow, and a constructed wetland. If you can’t make it in person, you can still go on a virtual tour of the walk by watching this video.

• The streets through the downtown area of the quaint town of Buchanan come alive each spring with tons of cherry blossoms. While the highest concentration of flowers can be found along Lowe Street, Main Street, Boyd Street, and the Town Park also have a fair share of them.

Want to experience the blooms? We’ve got info on these and more Virginia locations at the link below. 

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) that are operating in support of the war in Iran, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (US Navy via AP)

By Michael O’Connor

The response in Virginia to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran is dividing along partisan lines.

Virginia Democrats are attacking Trump for launching a war with a country that posed no immediate threat to America. And Virginia Republicans are cheering on a war that’s already resulted in the killing of hundreds of Iranian school girls and American soldiers. 

US Sen. Tim Kaine criticized Trump for campaigning as a peace president only to launch a new war in the Middle East. US Sen. Mark Warner says Iran posed no “imminent threat” to the US. Warner says Trump needs to explain what the goals are for a war where Americans are dying. 

Republican US Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia’s 2nd congressional district said Trump’s war in Iran that included a strike against a school in Iran resulting in the deaths of about 180 young children is making the world safer. 

Ralph Sampson became the first center to demonstrate all-court versatility. (AP Photo/John Swart)

By Aila Boyd

Ralph Sampson, born in Harrisonburg in 1960, played for the University of Virginia before being drafted into the NBA as a center in 1983. The following year, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. 

Playing with teams like the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and the Houston Rockets, he was named an NBA All-Star four times. Sampson is credited as the first center to demonstrate all-court versatility, which manifested in his speed, rebounding, and shooting abilities. 

His career ended in 1992 after playing 456 games. His average points per game statistic is 15.4. In 2012, he was honored in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

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