Reminder on Alexandria Fireworks Date — “More fireworks? We got ’em! Celebrate Alexandria’s birthday with us with live music from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, cupcakes, and free fireworks next Saturday, July 11! Check out our party invite at alexandriava.gov/Birthday.” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]
DOJ Challenges Virginia Assault Weapon Ban — “The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, names the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Department of State Police as defendants. The DOJ is asking the court to declare portions of Senate Bill 749 unconstitutional and permanently block state officials from enforcing the law.” [13 News Now]
What to Know About July 4 in D.C. — “With the display being elevated to a National Security event, celebrating the holiday on the National Mall will look different this year. However, whether you are attending the Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks or not, you are likely to be impacted by Fourth of July traffic alerts, waterway restrictions and park closures.” [WUSA9]
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Show Part of July 4 Festivities — “Washington is gearing up for America’s big birthday. The celebrations include flyover demonstrations to honor the nation’s military on the Fourth of July. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are part of the mix.” [WTOP]
Gossypia Closing in Old Town —”After more than 56 years in Old Town retail, after decades of buying trips, textiles, folk art, silver jewelry, wedding dresses, loyal customers, vivid window displays, and one of the most recognizable storefronts in Alexandria, [Amanda] Lasker is closing Gossypia and retiring. The retirement sale runs July 1 through July 31 at Gossypia, 325 Cameron Street. Jewelry is 40 percent off. Everything else in the store is 70 percent off.” [The Zebra]
Endorsements for Rep. Beyer from State Legislators — Numerous Democratic state legislators in the 8th Congressional District endorsed Rep. Don Beyer’s reelection bid. Alexandria’s state Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Dels. Alfonso Lopez, Charniele Herring and Kirk McPike were among those endorsing the campaign. [Don Beyer for Congress release]
Fox 5 to Broadcast from World Cup Watch Party in Alexandria — “Taqueria Picoso, which has billed itself as ‘Alexandria’s World Cup HQ’ and shown every match of the tournament, will host a watch party Thursday for Croatia’s Round of 32 knockout match against Portugal. Fox 5 DC plans to air live coverage from the restaurant ahead of kickoff, adding a spotlight to what has already been one of the area’s busiest World Cup gathering spots.” [Alexandria Brief]
Tied Record for Alexandria Aces Mid-Season — “The Aces won 11 of their first 22 games, but the team played in a pattern-like fashion. After the first two games, the team looked to be an offensive juggernaut ready to wreak havoc on the other teams in the Cal Ripken Sr. College Baseball League.” [Alexandria Times]
Metro Prepares for Heat-Related Impacts — “With extreme heat like we’re currently experiencing, rail temperatures can soar above 135°F, which may cause bends in the rail due to thermal expansion. For years, Metro has monitored rail temps on “heat rides” to detect track issues before they happen. This year, we’re adding something new: applying reflective white paint to vulnerable segments, which lowers temps.” [WMATA/X]
Cooling Center Open During Heat Wave — “Need a cooling center? A DASH cooling bus is parked at 417 King St, from 7/1 at 8:30 a.m. through 7/5, at 4 p.m. This holiday weekend, Charles Houston & Patrick Henry Rec Centers will open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7/3 and 7/4 for heat relief. More info at alexandriava.gov/Alert.” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny and hot conditions with temperatures reaching around 102 degrees and heat index values climbing to 109. A gentle west wind will blow at 3 to 5 mph. Thursday night will be clear with temperatures dropping to about 80 degrees, accompanied by a light southwest wind. [NWS]
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