Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Tuesday, July 29, the 210th day of 2025. There are 155 days left in the year.
☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees. Heat index values as high as 104. Light and variable wind. Partly cloudy tonight, with a low around 77 degrees. Light south wind.
🚨 You need to know
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on homelessness during an appearance on NPR’s Morning Edition Monday, calling the directive “cruel” and warning it could undermine successful local programs.
The executive order, signed last week, aims to remove homeless people from streets by committing them to mental health institutions or drug treatment centers without their consent. It also directs federal agencies to prioritize funding for cities that crack down on open drug use and encampments, moving away from the “housing first” approach that has had bipartisan support for two decades.
Gaskins, who has experience managing affordable housing programs, said the order “uses a callous command and control approach” that “requires states and cities like mine to demonstrate aggressive enforcement.” She expressed particular concern that Alexandria could lose federal and state funding that currently supports housing-first initiatives, which have helped reduce homelessness in the city by 11%.
“It doesn’t create housing, it doesn’t treat illness, it doesn’t make streets safer, and it doesn’t get at the root of the problem, which is the need for more housing,” Gaskins told NPR’s A Martínez. She argued that forced treatment is often unsustainable, while housing-first models provide the stability needed for successful long-term interventions.
The mayor warned that if the order goes into effect, Alexandria may lose funding for programs that are “actually working in our community” and that homeless individuals the city has been building relationships with “could potentially be arrested.”
The full NPR interview is available at: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/28/nx-s1-5479839/trump-homelessness-executive-order-alexandria-va-mayor
Here’s what else you should know
🗓️ On this day in 1952, witnesses reported UFO sightings across Northern Virginia. According to Historic Alexandria, The Alexandria Gazette said, “Flying saucers circled the Northern Virginia area again this morning.” A week and a half earlier, an Alexandria man reported seeing “a red cigar-shaped object” over his house, which he estimated to be about the same size as a DC-7 airplane.
⚾ The Bethesda Big Train defeated the Alexandria Aces 15-3 Monday night at Frank Mann Field to sweep the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series and claim their third consecutive title.
👏 Alexandria Library Director Rose T. Dawson received the prestigious Trailblazers Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association at the organization’s annual conference in Philadelphia last month.
☀️ Alexandria residents interested in installing solar panels have less than five months remaining to take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit before it expires at the end of 2025.
🚒 The Friendship Fire Company will mark its 251st anniversary with its annual community festival this Saturday!
🗓️ This week in Alexandria is packed with events, live music, and summer fun. Here’s a look at what’s happening this week and weekend!
📈 Monday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for July 28, 2025.
- Notes: Congress members condemn USDA relocation plan affecting Alexandria
- Woman charged after allegedly using pricey Old Town Airbnb for prostitution
- From Tax-Free Shopping to Glow Paddling: Alexandria’s week packed with events, live music, and summer fun
- Federal investigation concludes Alexandria schools violated Title IX civil rights law
- Alexandria City High School Dean of Students Tiffany Barner dies
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s happening today in Alexandria, as per our event calendar.
Things To Do
- 10:15 a.m.: The Rope Warrior at Mount Vernon Recreational Center
- 1 p.m.: DIY Teens – Terracotta Planter Painting at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 6:30 p.m.: Eagles Run at Market Square
- 7 p.m.: BeerYoga at Port City Brewing Company
- 219 Restaurant: Holly Montgomery at 9 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
- Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Heather Lloyd at 6 p.m.
- Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m., Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Three Dog Night at 7:30 p.m.
- The Garden: Trivia at 7 p.m.
City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings
