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The Alexandria Brief: Monday, January 5

Wonder food hall opens Friday; flu cases surge; and two months of The Alexandria Brief

,   and  Ryan Belmore
6 min read

Table of Contents

Good morning, Alexandria. A $7 billion food hall startup opens in Potomac Yard this week, flu season is hitting hard, and it’s a busy week for the city government. Plus, I’m marking two months since launch.

On this day in 1874, the old George’s Tavern on the northwest corner of Cameron and North Royal streets caught fire and was severely damaged. The building, also known as the Old English House, can be seen in the background of Civil War-era photos of Union soldiers in front of Gadsby’s Tavern.

Civil War era photo of Gadsby's Tavern, with the old George's Tavern in the background. (Historic Alexandria)

Here’s what you need to know today.

~ Ryan Belmore | Founder and Publisher, The Alexandria Brief

1️⃣ What’s happening today in Alexandria

It will be mostly cloudy today, with a high near 45 degrees. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight, with a low around 36 degrees. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m., and the sun will set at 5 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 33 minutes of sun.

Events

Live Music & Entertainment

City

City Government: Open | Flag Status: Full Staff | Trash Collection: On Time | Recycling Collection: On Time | Yard Waste Collection: On Time

Schools

2️⃣ City meetings: Duke Street plan, green building policy and City Hall renovation on tap this week

It’s a busy week for city government. The Planning Commission meets Tuesday for a work session on the draft Duke Street Land Use Plan, then holds a public hearing with votes on a new Green Building Plan and a zoning change that would make it easier to convert office buildings to housing.

Over at ACPS, the Operational Excellence Committee meets Tuesday to work on the facility naming process after last month’s vote to name four facilities. And if you want to know how the City Hall and Market Square renovation will affect parking and traffic, there’s a virtual pre-construction meeting Thursday night.

Here’s your weekly guide to public meetings in Alexandria — what’s happening, what matters, and how to participate.

On the Docket: A weekly preview of city and school board meetings (January 5–10)
Here’s your weekly guide to public meetings in Alexandria — what’s happening, what matters, and how to participate.
The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

3️⃣ Business: Wonder food hall opening in Potomac Yard; Del Ray 7-Eleven sells $1M lottery ticket

Wonder, the $7 billion food hall startup, opens its Potomac Yard location at 3615 Richmond Highway on Friday. The concept lets customers order from more than two dozen restaurant brands in a single transaction, including Bobby Flay Steak and José Andrés’ Jota.

In other news, a Del Ray 7-Eleven sold one of five $1 million winning tickets in Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle. Burke & Herbert is acquiring a Pennsylvania bank for $354 million, and Mudhouse Coffee is getting closer to opening on King Street.

Here’s the latest in Alexandria business news.

Business Brief: Wonder opening in Potomac Yard; Del Ray 7-Eleven sells $1M lottery ticket; and more
A $7 billion food hall startup is opening in Potomac Yard next week, and a Del Ray convenience store sold a million-dollar winning lottery ticket.
The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

4️⃣ Flu cases surge in Alexandria as new strain spreads

Flu season is hitting Alexandria hard. Emergency department visits for flu more than tripled over the last two weeks of December, with 107 visits during the week ending Dec. 27 — about 11% of all ED visits.

A strain called subclade K is driving much of the illness, and while it wasn’t included in this year’s vaccine, health officials say the shot still protects against severe illness. The health department is urging residents to get vaccinated, wash hands regularly and stay home if sick.

Flu cases surge in Alexandria as new strain spreads
Flu-related emergency department visits in Alexandria more than tripled over the last two weeks of December, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

5️⃣ The Alexandria Brief: Two months in

Yesterday marked two months since I launched The Alexandria Brief. Here’s a look at how we’re doing:

  • 335 articles published (about 5.4 stories a day).
  • 675 subscribers (about 10.88 a day).
  • 44 readers have become paid supporters (about 0.66 per day).

The Alexandria Brief is free for everyone — no paywall, no advertising, no corporate ownership. Just independent, community-powered journalism covering the city I call home. These decisions affect me too; I’m a taxpayer and resident, just like you.

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed, shared our stories and supported our work. This news operation is funded entirely by voluntary donations from readers like you. If you haven’t already, consider adding your name to the list of supporters.

Become A Member

I’ll continue to provide an update like this around the 4th of each month.

Extra Extra!

Alexandria Police Department officers will join law enforcement from across Virginia in the inaugural parade for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Saturday, Jan. 17, continuing a series of connections between the city and the incoming administration. (The Alexandria Brief)

A Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper was hurt in a crash after trying to stop a car for reckless driving in Alexandria on Sunday. (DC News Now)

The City of Alexandria has updated its list of affordable rental housing opportunities. (City of Alexandria)

Starting Saturday, the Old Town Farmers' Market will move to Tavern Square and N. Royal St. during City Hall and Market Square renovations. Market Square Garage will be closed by January 17. After this time, visitors are encouraged to use the Tavern Square garage, which will offer free parking on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. There is also parking at nearby Courthouse Square. (City of Alexandria)

ICYMI: Taqueria Poblano in Del Ray has announced that they will now be open on Tuesdays. The restaurant shared on social media, “This just in…The 25-year Taqueria Poblano Tuesday Taco embargo has been lifted effective 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6! We’ll now be open every Tuesday, 5 p.m. -9 p.m.”

From Capitol Hill:

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