Businesses Raise Concerns about City Hall Renovation’s Parking Impact — “Alexandria City Hall is getting a major makeover, but nearby businesses said the yearslong construction project is already affecting foot traffic, especially among customers who can no longer find convenient parking. Businesses in the 100 block of North Fairfax Street, including the Today’s Cargo jewelry store, said they have noticed changes in shopping habits since the City Hall renovation project began this year.” [WTOP]
City Council Special Meeting Tomorrow — “City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 29 to approve more investigation into the August 2025 death of a man in Alexandria Police Department custody. Earlier this month, the city’s Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) voted unanimously to send back an “incomplete” report on the death of Allan Tucker II.” [ALXnow]
Samuel W. Tucker Elementary Begins School Year — “While the rest of the division’s 22 schools begin Aug. 24, Tucker’s 712 students start today, July 27, as part of the school’s Extended Learning Time model, which provides roughly 20% more instructional time than a traditional school calendar through a longer school day and additional school days throughout the year.” [Alexandria Brief]
Del Ray Farmhouse Named Among Nation’s Most Charming Small Grocers — “It’s here on the corner of Howell Avenue that The Del Ray Farmhouse Market & Garden opened last year, with a flower-filled garden center adjacent to a white frame house. Inside this charming hybrid space, you’ll find a small selection of vegetables, dairy products, bread, and gourmet items sourced directly from local suppliers.” [Food and Wine]
AFD Works with Virginia Tech on EMT Simulations — “Innovation in training! AFD partnered with Virginia Tech’s Master of Engineering program to develop a 3D patient avatar that creates realistic, interactive EMT simulations. The technology enhances training, adapts to trainee actions in real time, and helps prepare responders for real emergencies.” [Alexandria Fire Department/Facebook]
Harry Potter-Inspired Apothecary Tours Return — “Step into the magical world of potions and plants during the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum’s specialty tour, A Magical Apothecary, offered on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, August 2, at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at the OHA Shop.” [Historic Alexandria]
Eco-City Academy Applications Due Aug. 12 — “Eco-City Academy is a free program held over two Saturdays in September. The academy will give you an inside look at the City’s climate, energy, and environmental goals. You’ll talk with City staff, learn about Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan, and pick up hands-on ways to help build a greener, more resilient community.” [City of Alexandria]
Wildfire Smoke Is Back — “For the most part, this bout of smoke is coming from the Pacific Northwest into western Canada, where massive fires are burning, particularly in Oregon and British Columbia. In similar fashion to the smoke outbreak from Ontario fires July 17-18, the plume is riding atop strong high pressure currently centered from the Rockies to the southern and central Plains. Partly because the origin is further away, air quality concerns at the ground are much lower than 10 days ago.” [Capital Weather]
New Law on Salary Transparency — “The new law, which took effect July 1, requires employers to include a good-faith wage or salary range in public and internal job postings for openings, promotions, transfers and other employment opportunities. It also bars employers from asking applicants about their salary history or using prior pay when making hiring and compensation decisions. Employers may also not retaliate against applicants or employees who decline to provide their salary history or ask how much a position pays.” [Virginia Mercury]
Study Breaks Down Cost to Raise Child to Age 18 in Virginia — “Raising a child to age 18 will now set you back a whopping $303,418 after factoring in tax breaks, according to a recent study. That 18-year cost breaks down to about $16,857 a year, and includes rent, food, infant day care, apparel, transportation and health insurance premiums. Maryland is the third most expensive state with costs reaching $326,360, followed by Virginia at No. 19 with $266,117.” [Fox5DC]
It’s Tuesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 a.m. and again after 2 p.m., with partly sunny skies and a high of 85°F. South winds will be 7 to 14 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. There’s a 70% chance of rain, with new rainfall between half and three-quarters of an inch possible. On Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11 p.m., followed by isolated showers until 2 a.m. The sky will be mostly cloudy, clearing gradually, with a low near 68°F. Winds will shift from southwest to northwest at 6 to 8 mph after midnight, and there is a 60% chance of precipitation, with new amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms. [NWS]
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