Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Wednesday, July 16, the 197th day of 2025. There are 168 days left in the year.
⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm, with partly sunny skies and a high near 90. Heat index could reach up to 100, accompanied by a south wind at 5-9 mph. A 60% chance of precipitation brings potential rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, with higher possibilities during thunderstorms. Wednesday night’s forecast includes storms mainly before 8pm, mostly cloudy conditions, a low around 76, southwest wind at 7 mph, and similar precipitation chances and rainfall amounts.
🚨 You need to know
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence career platform yesterday, unveiling VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI during a visit to Google’s Reston office. The online AI Career Launch Pad, developed through a partnership between Virginia Works and Google’s Grow with Google program, aims to help working-age Virginians explore and prepare for AI-related job opportunities across multiple industries.
The platform offers curated learning opportunities, ranging from beginner-friendly AI fundamentals courses to boot camps and degree programs, provided by Virginia’s community colleges and universities. Virginia Works will provide Career Certificate scholarships to give residents free access to high-demand career and AI training programs, including Google AI Essentials Courses and Google Career Certificates in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management.
“AI is increasingly part of every aspect of work, and we’re excited to launch this opportunity for Virginians to take part in this future,” Youngkin said. The governor emphasized Virginia’s position as a national leader in AI job postings and innovation, positioning the launch pad as a tool to maintain the state’s competitive edge in attracting AI talent and companies.
According to Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater, Virginia has seen approximately 31,000 AI-related job postings, reflecting “rapid expansion and high employer demand” in the sector. The initiative builds on Virginia’s existing AI leadership in education, with Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera noting that the Commonwealth is “the only state in the nation with AI guidelines for K-12 through higher education.”
Google’s partnership brings proven results to the program, with 86% of AI Essentials course graduates globally reporting improved productivity and efficiency. Additionally, 70% of Google Career Certificate graduates experience positive career impacts, such as raises, new jobs, or promotions, within six months of completion.
Visit www.virginiahasjobs.com for more information about Virginia Has Jobs. For more information about Virginia Works and the full range of workforce services they offer, go to www.virginiaworks.gov.
What else you should know
📍 On this day in history, July 16, 1790, a site along the Potomac River was designated as the permanent seat of the United States government; the area became known as Washington, D.C.
🏘️ Alexandria has exceeded the 2030 regional goals for developing new affordable housing, and now the city is setting its sights on establishing a new benchmark for 2040. On July 30, the Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee will discuss housing affordability targets and other considerations going into the city’s Housing 2040 Master Plan.
♨️ Alexandria has some popular spots for classic barbecue, offering smoky specialties like pulled pork and brisket with satisfying sides. Here are the nominees for “Best Barbecue Restaurant in Alexandria” as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.
💰 Alexandria is fundraising for one of its historic crown jewels, which is undergoing renovation.
🍔 The City of Alexandria will wrap up its popular Community Cookout series this evening with a free event at The Acclaim Apartments on South Whiting Street.
🎶 From Port City Brewing’s Loading Dock Rock concerts to weekly trivia nights and historical tours, Alexandria’s calendar this week and weekend offers something for every taste.
📈 Tuesday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for July 15, 2025.
- End of an Era: Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar closing in Del Ray
- Poll: What’s the best barbecue restaurant in Alexandria?
- ‘HomeGrown: A Daytime Eatery’ opens August 11 in Old Town
- JUST IN: One person injured in storage shed fire at Hertz Car Rental on Richmond Highway
- Notes: New arcade bar prepares for “beta test” opening in Alexandria
📅 Upcoming events
Here’s what’s happening today in Alexandria.
Things To Do
- 3:30 p.m.: Burke Book Club – “Winesburg, Ohio” by Sherwood Anderson via Zoom
- 4 p.m.: My Reptile Guy at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 5 p.m.: Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 7 p.m.: Run Club at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- 219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Brew Feud at 7 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Esther Haynes at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Line Dancing at 6:30 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Kenny Kohlhaas at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Port City Brewing Company: Bluegrass Jam Night at 7 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings
- 6 p.m.: Community Cookout The Acclaim Apartments
- 6:30 p.m.: Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee Meeting
- 7 p.m.: Board of Architectural Review Public Hearing
- 7 p.m.: Alexandria Archaeological Commission Meeting
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
