Reminder on Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration — “The Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration is set for Saturday, July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street). This year’s event celebrates Alexandria’s 277th birthday and America’s 250th. The free party includes music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Decades Band, remarks by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso, local vendors, cupcakes distributed by City Council members and a grand finale fireworks display over the Potomac River.” [ALXnow]
Virginia Returns to No. 3 on Top States for Business Ranking — “Virginia has been named the country’s top state for business a record six times, most recently in 2024 — before dropping to fourth in 2025, its worst showing since 2018. CNBC tied much of that slide, and Virginia’s still-middling economy score, to the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal workforce — layoffs concentrated in Arlington and the rest of Northern Virginia. Virginia ranked 23rd for its economy this year and 26th for cost of doing business.” [ARLnow]
A Story from Historic Alexandria’s Market Square Study — “Every market day, Sophia Browning Bell walked to Alexandria to sell her vegetables. She was enslaved. But according to the testimony in a newly published Historic Alexandria study, Bell had what was known as a market garden — likely a small plot she was permitted to cultivate while enslaved — and she carried vegetables to the Alexandria market on market days. Over time, she saved $400 without her owner’s knowledge and entrusted the money to a Methodist preacher, who used it in 1801 to purchase her husband George Bell’s freedom.” [The Zebra]
Pause on Assault Weapon Ban Applies Statewide — “The legal battle over Virginia’s new assault weapons law continues after a judge clarified that his injunction blocking enforcement of the law applies statewide. A Washington County Circuit judge ruled that the temporary injunction blocking enforcement of Virginia’s assault weapons sales ban will apply across the state, not just to the plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit.” [WJLA]
Olympian’s Not Guilty Plea in Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case — “U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday in connection with alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn was arraigned in D.C. Superior Court following a grand jury indictment on a single count of destruction of property after he was accused of causing more than $1,000 in damage to the pool.” [NBC Washington]
Another Review for Triumphal Arch — “The National Capital Planning Commission is meeting Thursday to give further consideration to the Republican president’s proposed 250-foot (76-meter) arch. In a report, the agency’s staff recommends that the commission approve the preliminary site and building plans for the arch. But the staff also recommends that the design be tweaked to comply with a federal law that limits building heights in downtown Washington to preserve the city’s famous skyline.” [The Associated Press]
ACPS Summer Meal Service Continues — “ACPS is helping ensure children and teens ages 18 and younger have access to free breakfast and lunch through July 16. Meals are served Monday through Thursday and must be eaten on-site.” [ACPS/Facebook]
Communities Signed Up for National Night Out — “National Night Out is almost here, and communities across Alexandria are already signing up to take part. If your neighborhood, apartment community, business, church, or civic association hasn’t registered yet, now’s the time. Registration closes July 21.” [Alexandria Police Department/Facebook]
Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies Tour Saturday at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum — “Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.” [City of Alexandria]
It’s Friday — There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 90°F. There will be a west wind at 5 to 7 mph. Overnight, there’s a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, with isolated showers possible afterward. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 71°F and a light west wind. [NWS]
