Author: ALXnow.com

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]

America250 Conversational Tours at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum — “Kick off the weekend with Conversational Tour: America250 – Who We Remember at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on Friday, July 10 and Friday, July 17, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. … This conversational tour uses the history of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to reflect on who we remember in history and why. Participants will build connections with each other as well as between past and present.” [Historic Alexandria]

Next Meeting on Taylor Run Stabilization Project — “Join us July 20, 6:30–8 p.m., at 2900 Business Center Drive or virtually for a presentation on the 60% design plans for the Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization Project. Learn about the proposed improvements and how the design has evolved.” [Alexandria T&ES/X]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 8, 1925, the National Fruit Product Company cider vinegar plant at North Henry and Pendleton was destroyed by fire. Several fire companies responded and city officials including the mayor assisted in putting the fire out. The intense fire attracted a large crowd of spectators and left more than a dozen firefighters in need of medical treatment.” [Historic Alexandria]

City Hall, Market Square, and Slavery Documentary Study Published — “In recognition of Alexandria’s dedication and drive to saving, sharing, and studying history in Virginia, Historic Alexandria received a Commonwealth History Fund grant from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) in February 2025 to produce an in-depth history of Alexandria’s Market Square. Dr. Greg A. Beaman conducted this major research project to better understand the history of this important and well-known space … The project’s findings will inform future efforts to interpret and share the complex history of this early urban center.” [Historic Alexandria]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “In July 1865, with the American Civil War officially over, Union troops began withdrawing from Alexandria, ending their four-year occupation of the city. On July 7 the War department abolished the position of military governor, as Gov. John Slough requested to be relieved so that he could leave Virginia to assume command of a territorial governorship in Colorado. With his departure, the Military District of Alexandria was dismantled, and city management returned to civilian control. Although the city witnessed no major battles during the Civil War, its strategic location made it a transportation, warehouse, medical and troop center throughout the war. and it was the longest occupied city in the nation. When the war over, the city was in tatters, its once prosperous economy in ruins, and population vastly diminished from pre-war levels.” [Historic Alexandria]

City Council Meetings on Pause Until Fall — “While we’re on recess for July and August, it means that the legislative meetings and public hearings that we have in order to pass laws and keep our city moving forward, those are on pause, but the day-to-day operations of departments like fire, parks and rec, police, Department of Community and Human Services, all of that still keeps moving as if it’s business as usual. The other thing you should know about recess is that many of our boards and commissions also take a recess.” [Mayor Alyia Gaskins/Bluesky]

Repaving Work in Alexandria This Week — City repaving will happen on King Street (night work from 30th Street to North Hampton Street) and the Mount Vernon Avenue/Arlington Ridge Road Bridge (night concrete pour work). [Alexandria T&ES]

Reminder on King Street Project Near Alexandria City High School — “Project work will begin on King Street between West Braddock Road and Chinquapin Drive starting Monday, July 6 as part of the King Street Access and Safety Improvements Project at Alexandria City High School. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to exercise caution in the work zone and obey all posted signs.” [Alexandria T&ES]

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]