On This Day in Alexandria History — “On June 11, 1904, the two youngest children of Thomas Hayden found a shell filled with dynamite in a junk pile near their home on the south side of Duke Street, between Lee and Union. Not knowing what the shell contained, and ignorant of the danger, the children dragged the large shell back to the yard of their home and began to beat it with a hammer in hopes of separating the lead pieces. Without warning the shell suddenly exploded, sending fragments in every direction, blasting through nearby fences and sheds, and sending them skyward to land several blocks away. Amazingly, the Hayden children, both within close proximity to the lethal compound, escaped injury, and no other residents were hurt in the incident.” [Historic Alexandria]
Community Meeting on Proposed Parking Conversion to Park — “The City of Alexandria is proposing a new pocket park on Clifford Avenue in Del Ray by transforming an existing parking island into a welcoming neighborhood green space. The project aims to improve walkability, strengthen neighborhood connections, expand access to open space, and provide environmental benefits through added trees and green infrastructure. Join the community meeting to learn more and share your input on the park design and features.” [City of Alexandria]
Rep. Beyer Reintroduces AI Environmental Impacts Act — “The legislation would require artificial intelligence (AI) data centers to report on their environmental and energy-related impacts, with fines levied for those that fail to comply.” [Rep. Don Beyer news release]
Trimmed State Budget Floated as Last Resort — “With budget negotiations stalled once again in Richmond, Virginia Democrats are weighing a new method of avoiding a government shutdown. Some lawmakers have floated the idea of a continuing resolution, or a “skinny budget,” which would fund just the bare bones of government spending as the House of Delegates, State Senate, and Governor remain in a stalemate over whether to eliminate the sales tax exemption for data centers.” [NBC29]
More Potomac Interceptor Repairs Happening — “D.C. Water plans to begin emergency rehabilitation work on a deteriorating section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Potomac, Maryland, to protect drinking water intakes for WSSC Water and the Washington Aqueduct.” [WTOP]
Gun Background Check Law Blocked by Judge — “A judge has shot down Democrats’ attempt to implement universal background checks for gun purchases in Virginia. Virginia’s battle over gun violence prevention and gun control laws is as heated as it’s ever been now that the courts are hearing challenges to new laws passed by Democrats.” [NBC Washington]
Metro Records Busiest Wednesday Since 2020 — “Last Wednesday was a huge day for Metro Rail! 📈 With around 583k trips, it was our busiest Wednesday since 2020. Plus, we saw over 1 million customer trips on bus and rail combined for the first time since March. 🚇🚍 Thank you for riding with us!” [WMATA/Bluesky]
Recap of Best of the West — “We are tired but still smiling after yesterday’s incredible Best of the West End Festival! What started three years ago as a small indoor gathering turned into an unforgettable outdoor celebration at Ben Brenman Park Drive. And yes, we heard you! You all showed up with such a massive appetite that we actually ran out of food before the event ended! We love how much you supported our local participating restaurants, and we are already planning for significantly more food options at our next event.” [West End Business Association]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny weather with a high of 96°F and heat index values reaching 104°F. There’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 PM, with west winds at 5 to 8 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 73°F and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Winds will calm to 5 mph. [NWS]
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