Good Friday morning, Alexandria! Today is Friday, July 4, the 185th day of 2025. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day.
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
🌦️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 87 degrees. North wind 3 to 7 mph. Clear tonight, with a low of around 66 degrees. Calm wind.
🚨 You need to know
A slate of new Virginia laws took effect on Tuesday, July 1, bringing changes that will directly impact Alexandria residents in areas ranging from education and housing to public safety and healthcare.
The legislation, passed during the 2025 General Assembly session and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, represents what officials call bipartisan efforts to improve daily life for Virginians.
Cell Phones Banned in Schools
One of the most visible changes affects local students. Public schools must now adopt policies restricting student phone use during school hours, including between classes. The “bell-to-bell” policy includes exceptions for health or learning needs, and importantly, students cannot be suspended or expelled solely for cell phone violations.
Governor Youngkin championed the measure, citing studies showing children who spend more than a few hours daily on social media have double the risk of poor mental health.
Housing Protections Expanded
Alexandria renters gained new protections under several housing measures. Landlords can no longer charge processing fees for rent payments unless they also offer a fee-free option. Additionally, victims of family abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, or trafficking can now break leases early with a protective order or related criminal warrant—an expansion from previous requirements that demanded permanent protective orders or convictions.
Landlords with more than four dwelling units must now provide written notice of non-renewal to tenants, and public housing authorities can no longer require tenants to pay maintenance or repair fees unless the repair stems from the tenant’s actions.
Healthcare Coverage Improvements
Health insurance providers must now fully cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, MRI, and ultrasounds. Medicaid will also cover up to 10 doula visits during pregnancy and six postpartum visits to support new parents.
Public Safety Measures
Several new criminal justice laws took effect, including expanded protective orders for repeat abuse cases—courts can now issue family abuse protective orders for up to four years if the respondent has a prior permanent protective order.
People who knowingly distribute fentanyl that leads to a fatal overdose can now be charged with involuntary manslaughter, part of ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
Transportation Changes
All adult passengers, including those in the back seats, must now wear seatbelts. Drivers face stronger penalties for failing to yield to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, with harsher consequences if the failure results in injury or death.
Exhibition driving—including drag racing, burnouts, and stunt driving—is now explicitly considered reckless driving, with potential six-month license suspensions and vehicle impoundment.
Environmental Impact
Large restaurants with more than 20 locations are now banned from using polystyrene (styrofoam) containers, with smaller businesses required to comply by 2026.
Other Notable Changes
Cocktails to-go, popular during the pandemic, are now permanently legal for restaurants and delivery services. People under 21 can no longer possess vaping products, and businesses must clearly disclose all mandatory fees in advertised prices to help consumers avoid surprise charges.
Delegate Charniele Herring, who represents Alexandria’s 4th District and serves as House Majority Leader, noted the legislation reflects priorities shared by constituents: “improving public safety, supporting families, protecting consumers, and ensuring healthier communities.”
The new laws represent a portion of the 720 bills Governor Youngkin signed during the 2025 session, with officials calling them part of ongoing efforts to make Virginia “the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
For a complete list of new laws that have gone into effect this July, visit this document from Virginia’s Department of Legislative Services.
Here’s what else you should know
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins sharply criticized the Trump administration’s decision to slash $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the next decade, calling the cuts to food benefits for working families, seniors and children “not just bad policy” but “cruel.”
Speaking of Mayor Gaskins. She was among the mayors featured in this recent story from The New York Times – 16 Mayors on What It’s Like to Run a U.S. City Now Under Trump.
The City of Alexandria is seeking input from residents and visitors on a pilot program that has temporarily transformed the 200 block of King Street into a pedestrian-only zone, as officials prepare to decide whether to make the change permanent.
Good news for Alexandria residents planning to celebrate Independence Day on the National Mall or those traveling. Today: Metro will offer free fares on all Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess services starting at 5 p.m. until the system closes at 2 a.m.
More free and safe transport options -> The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) announced that its 2025 Independence Day SoberRide® program will offer free Lyft transportation throughout the Washington metropolitan area, including the City of Alexandria.
📈 Thursday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for July 3, 2025.
- Man found in Holmes Run with duct tape around mouth died of ‘self-inflicted’ gunshot, APD says
- Alexandria daycare employee fired after months of alleged child abuse
- Alexandria wants your Opinion: Should the 200 block of King Street stay car-free?
- Driver strikes pedestrian with vehicle on Executive Avenue
- Alexandria taps federal policy veteran as its new Legislative Director
📅 Upcoming events
Here’s what’s happening today and this weekend in Alexandria, courtesy of our event calendar.
- 12:00 pm Saturday: Carlyle House Family Fun Day – July 4th Jamboree
Things To Do
- 11 a.m.: Lemon Radler with Ginger Release at Port City Brewing Company
- 6:30 p.m.: Friday Night O’Connell’s Run at Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant
- 219 Restaurant: Live music at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Broken Ground at 9:30 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Timmie Metz Band at 9 p.m.
- Flipside Speakeasy: Karaoke at 8 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Garvey at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessys Pub: Live music at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse: Practically Einstein at 9:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings
- All Day: City Offices Closed Independence Day Holiday
- All Day: RPCA Closure: Independence Day
