The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has charged Alexandria resident Bisrat Shaga, 35, with first-degree murder after stabbing a man in a fatal Del Ray church stabbing last month.
Shaga reportedly killed Centreville resident Emmanuel Negatu, 38, in the One God In Christ Apostolic Church (2707 Dewitt Avenue) on Nov. 12
While the Proclamation Recognizing December as Human Rights Month isn’t typically a contentious topic, at the City Council meeting last night (Tuesday), some locals expressed frustration that the proclamation didn’t include a reference to Palestinians suffering in the Israel-Hamas war.
Five people sat in the second row of the City Council chambers, silently holding up signs that said “Palestinians have human rights too!”
Before the pandemic, I ran a Reddit forum that brought people together for local happy hours. It became a great outlet for an in-person social life: you could get out, get to know people nearby, and have a familiar group to spend time with. I enjoyed being the person who helped make that happen.
Getting people together became harder after the pandemic. Friends moved away, had kids, or settled into different routines, and organizing a night out took more effort. I still wanted that camaraderie, but having people to invite didn’t necessarily mean we could get something on the calendar.
I’m in my late 30s and live in Old Town. About a year ago, I joined Choros, a local membership community that helps guys build friendships through small-group activities. Since then, I’ve been to close to 50 hangouts, and it’s given me a regular group of guys to do things with around Alexandria and beyond.
I host board game nights and help host a monthly happy hour at the Commodore in Old Town. I’ve done escape rooms on King Street, trivia, food festivals in Del Ray, movie discussions, and Dungeons & Dragons (which can be especially tricky to get going as an adult with a busy schedule). Having that variety means I can find something that fits my mood and schedule, and there are usually familiar faces when I get there.
One of my favorite things, though, is getting on my bike, picking a destination, and making a day of it. Through Choros, I’ve found a consistent crew to ride with almost every month. That’s the kind of thing I wanted more of: people who enjoy the same stuff and make time to get out and do it together.
I still like hosting and bringing people together. What makes Choros useful is having a community to draw from, so every plan doesn’t depend on the same few friends being available. Other guys suggest and host things too, which gives me plenty of opportunities to join something without organizing it myself.
Over time, seeing the same guys at different activities builds familiarity. You have conversations to pick back up and another reason to make plans together. That’s how it’s become a circle of friends for me.
If you’re in Alexandria, check out Choros and come to one of our monthly happy hours at the Commodore. I’d be happy to meet a few more neighbors, whether you’re into board games, bike rides, or just getting out for a drink. There’s plenty happening here, along with activities throughout the rest of the D.C. area.
Earlier today, officials announced plans to bring the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards to a new arena in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.
The new $2 billion arena, leased to Monumental Sports & Entertainment, is scheduled to break ground in 2025 and open sometime in late 2028, a press release from the governor’s office said.
Got a list for Santa? There’s a Christmas-red mailbox in Alexandria that sends letters to the North Pole, and Santa is responding.
It’s the second straight year that Bill and Stephanie Pastewait have used their influence with Jolly Old Saint Nick by planting the mailbox in front of their home at 3103 Russell Road in Warwick Village. Bill said that about 50 kids posted letters last year.
Explore preschool & kindergarten options in Alexandria! Meet schools, ask questions & find the best match for your child’s early education.
Welcome to the Alexandria Preschool and Kindergarten Fair! Join us for a fun-filled event where parents can explore various preschool and kindergarten options for their little ones. Meet with representatives from different schools, ask questions, and gather information to make the best choice for your child's education. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the perfect match for your family! The fair is free to attend but advance registration is encouraged.
Updated 3/27/2024 — The Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards are not, in fact, coming to Potomac Yard
It’s official: the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards are moving to Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.
Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Expect mostly sunny skies during the day, with temperatures reaching a high of about 46 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind of 6 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 27 degrees, and a northwest wind of 6 to 8 mph.
Updated at 8:35 a.m. — It’s official.
Earlier: A big announcement about the Potomac Yard sports arena — possibly a new home to the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards — could come tomorrow morning.
S. Pickett Street runs from Duke Street down past S. Van Dorn Street, and some of that road may soon have new bike lanes.
From Edsall Road up to Duke Street, past the West End Village shopping center and a series of condominiums, the city is considering bike lanes on the four-lane road.
Alexandria restaurant Thompson Italian, which also has a location in Falls Church, was voted as the second-best restaurant in Virginia by Washingtonian readers.
Thompson Italian took over 1024 King Street in 2022, formerly Hank’s Oyster Bar. The restaurant features a variety of dishes, from squid ink bucatini to crispy brussel sprouts.
