On This Day in Alexandria History — “On June 18, 1812, President James Madison declared war on England, in response to years of British harassment of American trading ships on the Atlantic, impressment of American seamen into British service, armed support of Native Americans and a possible Indian Confederacy in the Midwest, and aspirations to expand American territory into Canada. Thus began the War of 1812, considered by some to be America’s “Second War of Independence.” Although Alexandrians were quick to recognize the threat to their city and the nearby national capital, Secretary of War John Armstrong largely dismissed their concerns and financial offers to reinforce security in the Potomac River region. Two years later, Alexandrians found themselves in the crosshairs of the escalating conflict, and their premonition of defeat by a Naval force proved all too accurate.” [Historic Alexandria]
Early Voting Opens for Aug. 4 Primaries — “Early voting is set to begin Thursday, June 18 for 2026 congressional primary elections in Alexandria, according to the city’s Office of Voter Registration and Elections. The elections on Aug. 4 will include a Democratic primary for U.S. House of Representatives in the 8th Congressional District and a Republican primary to decide who will run against Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) for U.S. Senate.” [ALXnow]
New Virginia Senate Budget Proposal — “On Tuesday, the Virginia Senate released its latest budget proposal that preserves a sales and use tax exemption for the data center industry, the major hangup that has gummed up negotiations between both legislative chambers. The revamped proposal also adds a tiered tax for the industry that targets diesel generators and would generate $1.8 billion for the state, Senate leaders said.” [Virginia Mercury]
Ceremonial Signing of Bennett-Parker Gun Bill — “Alexandria’s own State Senator Elizabeth Bennett-Parker celebrated a major legislative victory Tuesday as Governor Abigail Spanberger signed HB93 into law, legislation Bennett-Parker says will help keep guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers.” [The Zebra]
Van Leeuwen Joins Ice Cream Shops in Old Town — “The New York City-based ice cream brand has announced it will hold a grand opening on Thursday, June 18 for its new shop at 400 King Street. Customers can receive celebratory $1 scoops from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on opening day, and the first 100 guests will get a branded tote bag.” [ALXnow]
America250 Concert at 7 p.m. Tonight — “Join us on June 18, at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, for Music of the American Revolution, a special concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence. Tickets are available now through the Historic Alexandria Shop. Presented in partnership with Alexandria Sister Cities, the program features renowned music historians David and Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria’s sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia.” [City of Alexandria]
July 4 Flight Impacts at DCA — “No flights are scheduled at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) after noon on July 4, airport officials announced Tuesday. Flights for part of July 3 and on a list of dates in June, July and August also may be affected.” [NBC Washington]
Self-Driving Robots in Arlington — “Self-driving delivery robots, which began exploring the sidewalks of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor back in April, will begin providing their services (Wednesday). From 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at participating restaurants, customers will be able to select whether to have a bot or a human courier deliver their food.” [ARLnow]
Affordable Homeownership Unit Available — “The City of Alexandria Office of Housing is marketing a resale-restricted condominium unit at 4 South Van Dorn Street, Unit 603, Alexandria, VA 22304. The one bedroom/one bath, 750 square foot unit is listed at a reduced price of $193,896 and is part of West End Condominiums. This unit includes a private balcony, granite countertops, and a spacious dining area. Amenities include swimming pool, laundry facilities, community center, fitness center and more.” [City of Alexandria]
It’s Thursday — Expect a high of 94°F and partly sunny skies, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. It will be breezy with south winds at 13-20 mph, gusting to 34 mph. Thursday night, there is a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly before 3 AM, with a low of 69°F and west winds at 5-10 mph, gusting to 20 mph. On Juneteenth, it will be mostly sunny with a high of 84°F, and northwest winds at 7-11 mph, gusting to 20 mph. [NWS]
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