On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 15, 1870, the Alexandria Police Department was formally organized by an act of the Board of Alderman and Common Council. The act sated that each ‘policeman and officer shall wear a badge in the form of a star, made of block tin, not less than two and a half inches in diameter.'” [Historic Alexandria]
Board of Architectural Review Meets Today — The Board of Architectural Review will have its public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 to consider requests for alterations in the city’s historic districts. [City of Alexandria]
Spotlight on 8th Congressional District Primary After Federal Layoffs — “In the district closest to Capitol Hill, four former and current government employees are running to unseat six-term U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat, as they put forward different visions on how to help the area recover from Trump’s cuts. Their campaigns address government ethics, big money in politics and concerns about the state of American democracy.” [Virginia Mercury]
First Summer Grown-Up Field Trip This Weekend — “Looking for a hands-on way to experience Alexandria’s history this summer? Join Historic Alexandria for its popular Grown-Up Field Trip series, where adults can explore local history through engaging conversations, primary sources, and interactive activities. Two programs are offered this summer, including one taking place this Sunday, July 19.” [Historic Alexandria]
Update on Bus Rapid Transit South of the City — “Fairfax County will receive less regional funding than desired for its planned Richmond Highway (Route 1) Bus Rapid Transit system, but a top elected official says that won’t derail the nearly billion-dollar effort. The county government submitted a request for $463 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) to support the proposal. But the funding package approved by the NVTA board of directors on July 9 included only $116.3 million for the Route 1 project as part of the authority’s Fiscal Years 2026-31 Six Year Program.” [FFXnow]
Pushback on Autonomous Vehicles in D.C. — “An hourslong D.C. Council hearing on a bill that would allow the commercial use of autonomous vehicles in the District included testimony from rideshare drivers concerned about their livelihoods if robotaxis join them on the streets, and disability advocates who said the vehicles represent independence and safety.” [WTOP]
Rocket Launch Creates ‘Space Jellyfish’ Effect in Sky — “Early morning skywatchers were treated to quite a spectacle as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral and streaked northeast across the predawn sky. The launch occurred at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday and was visible throughout the Mid-Atlantic thanks to clear skies. As the rocket climbed higher, its sunlit exhaust plume created the appearance of a glowing “space jellyfish” against the still-dark sky.” [Capital Weather]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny and hot weather, with temperatures reaching a high of around 101°F and a west wind blowing at 7 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to about 79°F and a west wind ranging from 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]
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