News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 7, 1900, the Alexandria Gazette reported that a four-legged chicken was residing in the city at the home of Washington Ewell, a 65-year-old African American farmer who resided at 1017 Cameron Street. Although the newspaper considered the unusual fowl a “queer freak of nature,” the amazing bird was also described as “perfectly formed and remarkably active.” Interestingly, it was further confirmed that the yellow-bellied curiosity walked on only two legs, carrying the other two about one inch above the ground.” [Historic Alexandria]

Gov. Spanberger Intervenes in Proposed Dominion Energy Merger Case — “As a Virginian, I am deeply skeptical about whether selling our primary, state-regulated utility to an out-of-state company is good for the commonwealth. I have serious questions about what this deal would mean for us. And as governor, I intend to get answers and be a voice for Virginians in the process.” [Washington Post op-ed]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 6, 1890, a report was issued indicating that the old Tidal Basin and lock of the Alexandria Canal adjacent to the Potomac River were deteriorating. A charter from Congress authorizing the canal had been passed just sixty years earlier, in response to a proposal by Alexandria merchants to build a canal linking Georgetown with the Alexandria seaport, to capitalize on the new Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Ultimately, when the canal was complete, there was a vertical drop of 38 feet achieved by the construction of four locks over the seven-mile course. The canal was abandoned in 1886, and the towpath through what is now Arlington was replaced by the electric railway to Mount Vernon. It would be nearly 90 years later for the Tidal Basin and lock to be restored as part of Alexandria’s Canal Center development.” [Historic Alexandria]

Primaries Set Up Competitive Fall Midterm Elections — “Voters this fall will consider candidates for all the state’s congressional seats, as well as a race for U.S. Senate. The battle for control of the U.S. House will turn on just a few dozen races nationwide, so every contest counts. House Republicans now have a 218-212 edge, with one independent and four seats currently unfilled.” [WTOP]

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 5, 1774, Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company was established as the Friendship Fire Company. Initially the company was provided space in the Market Square area, but over time, several moves ensued as the needs of the company grew. In 1855 the company moved to a new firehouse built on South Alfred Street, with was a tall pointed steeple that could be seen from miles away. During the Civil War the firehouse was neglected, and by 1871, the impact of wind and weather on the steeple was so devastating that the building was closed and rebuilt. The steeple was removed and replaced by the lower cupola still in place today.” [Historic Alexandria]

Inova Alexandria Hospital Ranked Among Top in Va. — Alexandria’s hospital ranked on the  new 2026-2027 Best Hospitals ranking from U.S. News and World Report. This year, the report added regional specialized rankings for cancer, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation. [Patch]