April Showers: Big storms are in store for the D.C. metro area tonight, with a tornado watch in effect until 10 p.m. -1

Taking a Break: After saying he wouldn’t offer paid sick leave for his employees, the owner of Columbia Heights’ Meridian Pint has changed his mind and decided to offer it after all. That’s in contrast to D.C. Council candidate and former Meridian Pint co-owner Pat Mara, who opposes legislation mandating paid sick leave for restaurant workers. +2

The Lottery: A Maryland delegate is raffling off an AR-15 and an AK-47 assault rifle. -2

Party: Big weekend ahead for Georgetown University students, for whom a limit on the number of kegs allowed at on-campus parties is no more. +1

Thursday’s Needle rating: 68 Today’s score: +/-0 It’s Friday: +1 Today’s Needle rating: 69