Hi there, Alexandria! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. âïžïž
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Bob Gibson Big Band Summer Concert and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? đ€ (Answer below!)
1. Alexandria intervenes in proposed Dominion Energy, NextEra merger case (alxnow.com) â Alexandria's government is formally intervening in the proposed $67 billion Dominion EnergyâNextEra merger, arguing before state regulators for reasonable rates and strong clean-energy commitments on behalf of residents and businesses. Mayor Alyia Gaskins says many Alexandrians already struggle with rising utility bills, and the city wants a say as hearings this fall shape whether one of the nation's largest utilities will control local power service.
  Â
2. NOW: Crash backs up traffic on southbound I-395 in Alexandria (alxnow.com) â Southbound I-395 traffic in Alexandria was heavily backed up Wednesday afternoon after a crash near the Duke Street/Little River Turnpike exit injured the driver of a Toyota sedan. Alexandria police and fire crews blocked two right lanes while responders treated the injured driver, leaving only the left lanes open and causing about 2.5 miles of delays, according to VDOT cameras.
  Â
3. The science of sewage: What wastewater reveals about PFAS in Alexandria (alextimes.com) â AlexRenew is digging into how PFAS "forever chemicals" are moving through Alexandria's wastewater system even after the massive RiverRenew tunnel project came online. New state rules now require PFAS testing in biosolids, while AlexRenew shifts toward using those solids for energy instead of farm fertilizer and researchers probe whether household products or tap water are driving contamination in Alexandria homes.
  Â
4. Rare Blue Tree Frog Draws Crowds To Alexandria Park: Report (patch.com) â A rare blue-hued American green tree frog is drawing steady crowds to Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, where wildlife lovers are flocking for a chance to spot and photograph it. Scientists say the frog's unusual color comes from a pigment condition called axanthism, and note that the D.C. region east of I-95 seems to have an unusually high number of these blue tree frogs, for reasons still unknown.
  Â
5. NoVA Leaders Debate Data Centers, Metro Funding And The Housing Crisis (patch.com) â Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins joined other Northern Virginia leaders to debate how data centers, Metro funding and housing policy will shape the region, spotlighting a proposed Fairfax data center just 1,000 feet from West End homes. She warned about health, noise and infrastructure impacts on some of Alexandria's most vulnerable neighborhoods, while also backing state-level tools to speed affordable housing and grappling with limited sales tax revenue for schools and transit.
  Â
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Â
Thank you đđđ to these businesses for making Alexandria PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! đ
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Alexandria! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Alexandria Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.