The Alexandria Brief: Thursday, January 8
One resignation, three races? Plus restaurant weeks and a farmers market on the move
Good morning, Alexandria. State Sen. Adam Ebbin’s departure to join Gov.-elect Spanberger’s administration has set off a scramble among Alexandria Democrats — and could send voters to the polls as many as four times this year. Plus, two restaurant weeks are on deck, and the farmers market is moving.
Here’s what you need to know today.
🗳️ Ebbin’s exit could spark cascade of special elections
State Sen. Adam Ebbin announced Wednesday on social media that he will resign from the Virginia Senate effective Feb. 18 to join Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration as a senior advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
Within hours, two Democrats announced they would seek the seat: Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and former Del. Mark Levine — setting up a rematch of their 2021 House of Delegates primary, which Bennett-Parker won.
Shortly after Ebbin’s announcement, Alexandria City Councilman R. Kirk McPike said on social media that he is “strongly considering” running for Bennett-Parker’s House seat should she win the Senate race — a move that could trigger a cascade of three special elections in Alexandria.
🍽️ Back-to-back restaurant weeks coming up
Diners in Alexandria will have two opportunities to enjoy prix fixe menus at local restaurants later this month as Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week and Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week both return.
🍓 Old Town Farmers' Market moves
The Old Town Farmers’ Market, which has operated continuously since 1753, will hold its first market at a temporary location this Saturday as City Hall and Market Square begin major renovations.
🎉 Alexandria Mentoring Partnership marks 20 years
The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month with a series of events aimed at recruiting volunteer mentors for the city’s young people.
📰 Extra Extra!
The city will host a virtual community meeting tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss the upcoming City Hall renovation project. (The Alexandria Brief)
The city’s Department of Planning & Zoning will hold a virtual community update tonight at 6 p.m. to discuss ongoing development projects and planning initiatives. (The Alexandria Brief)
The Alexandria City School Board will hold its first meeting of 2026 this evening, here’s a look at what’s on the docket. (The Alexandria Brief)
A driver was injured in a crash near the 4500 block of Seminary Road on Wednesday. APD says the driver sustained an apparent accidental gunshot wound & was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. (APD/X)
Police are investigating after an Amazon delivery truck was stolen Tuesday night in Alexandria. (DC News Now)
🗓️ Happening today in Alexandria
It will be mostly sunny today, with a high near 54 degrees. Calm wind. Mostly cloudy tonight, then becoming mostly clear toward daybreak, with a low around 39 degrees. Light south wind. The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m. and set at 5:03 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 36 minutes of sun.
Events & Things To Do
12 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Daytime Ice Skating at Cameron Run
6 p.m.: Murphy’s Customer Appreciation Party at Murphy’s Irish Pub
Live Music & Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Mike Kelley & Friends at 9 p.m.
Alexandria Bier Garden: Trivia at 7 p.m.
American Legion Post 24: Big Money Trivia Money Night at 6:30 p.m.
Aslin ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Kenny Kohlhaas at 7 p.m.
Evening Star Cafe: Little Ghost & The Final Spirits at 8 p.m.
Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Ken Kilpatrick Trio at 6 p.m.
Lena’s: Dave Manley and Mauricio Miranda at 6 p.m.
Lost Boy Cider: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Pub: Rocky Guttmann & Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: The Culp at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria
10 a.m.: APD Virtual Hiring Brief (virtual)
12 p.m.: APD Virtual Hiring Brief (virtual)
3 p.m.: Commission on Aging Health Committee Meeting (virtual)
4 p.m.: City Council Subcommittee on Personnel (virtual)
4:30 p.m.: Commission on Aging Meeting
6 p.m.: Planning & Zoning Virtual Community Update (virtual)
6:30 p.m.: Children, Youth & Families Collaborative Commission Executive Meeting (virtual)
6:30 p.m.: CSB Board Meeting at Pepper Community Resource Center
7 p.m.: City Hall Renovation Pre-Construction Meeting (virtual)
Alexandria City Public Schools
6 p.m.: School Board Meeting
Alexandria Library
10 a.m.: English Language Learning Workshop at Beatley Central Library
10 a.m.: One-on-One Application Assistance at Barrett Branch
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.: Stories and Songs at Duncan Branch
11 a.m.: Line Dancing 101 at Burke Branch
11 a.m.: Preschool Story Time at Barrett Branch
12 p.m.: Line Dancing 201 at Burke Branch
1:15 p.m.: Baby Bounce at Beatley Central Library
1:30 p.m.: Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion at Duncan Branch
2 p.m.: American Style Mahjong at Barrett Branch
2 p.m.: Art with Julie at Burke Branch
4 p.m.: Preschool Storytime at Beatley Central Library
5:30 p.m.: Tai Chi at Beatley Central Library
6 p.m.: Coding Game Night at Beatley Central Library
6 p.m.: Sit & Stitch at Burke Branch
6 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons at Barrett Branch
6 p.m.: Nerdy Knotters at Duncan Branch
7 p.m.: World Short Story Discussion Group (virtual)