Author: ALXnow.com

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]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On June 17, 1899, druggist John Janney closed the pharmacy he had operated at the northwest corner of King and Washington Streets, and left Alexandria to open a new drugstore in Newport News. It was the first time in over 50 years that Alexandrians could remember the store being closed and vacant. The store subsequently was acquired by Ernest Allen, and in 1906 became Timbermann’s Drug Store, which operated at the prominent corner until moving one building north in 1950.” [Historic Alexandria]

35 Years of Van Dorn Street Metro — “Cheers to 35 years! 🎉 Since its opening on June 15, 1991, Van Dorn St station has served as a connection between Alexandria and Fairfax County, and last year it served 1 million trips! Here’s to beating that record in 2026.” [WMATA/Bluesky]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On June 16, 1809, the Virginia General Assembly was petitioned to construct a new turnpike linking Alexandria with Fredericksburg about 50 miles away. Construction began soon after on a causeway across the Great Hunting Creek and a road through the rural wilderness of eastern Fairfax County, passing the Huntley meadows, Mount Vernon, Woodlawn and the town of Woodbridge, eventually becoming part of U.S. Route 1 stretching from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida. That same year, a new turnpike was built north of Alexandria (now Powhatan Street) extending from the northern dead-end of Washington Street to connect with the Long Bridge across the Potomac River. This new turnpike would finally provide a direct road connection between Alexandria and Washington Counties, the original two counties that made up the District of Columbia.” [Historic Alexandria]

Differences Between New Virginia House, Senate Budget Proposals — “The data center sales and use tax exemption remains the biggest bottle neck on state budget negotiations.. The state currently forgoes an average of $1.6 billion annually by allowing the industry to not pay the 5.3% state tax on their computer equipment and server racks.” [Virginia Mercury]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On June 15, 1775, one day after the Second Continental Congress authorized a Continental Army, Alexandria’s favorite son George Washington, was appointed its Commander in Chief by a unanimous vote of the Congress. Washington accepted the post, and served throughout the war without compensation.” [Historic Alexandria]

Mayor on Last Week’s Power Outages — Mayor Alyia Gaskins noted a peak of 9,910 Dominion Energy customers were without power on Thursday following storms. Storm responses typically activate various city departments to respond to the storm and field calls. For example, police and fire respond to emergencies during the storm, and the city arborist monitors downed trees. Gaskins said the fastest way for residents to get a response to concerns on their properties is through 311. [Mayor Alyia Gaskins/Facebook]

Prepare for Sails on the Potomac — “Sails on the Potomac and Alexandria Jazz Fest kicks off this Friday! The more you know ahead of time, the more fun you’ll have. Read the full FAQ on alexandriava.gov/Sails250.” [City of Alexandria/Bluesky]

Alexandria Resident Dies in Springfield Crash — The 49-year-old resident of Alexandria, was driving a Toyota Camry Old Keene Mill Road when the car veered off the road and hit a guardrail, the Fairfax County Police Department said. [FFXnow]

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]