News

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is investigating a sudden death on East Reed Avenue in the Lynhaven neighborhood.

East Reed Avenue was still closed as of 4 p.m. While scanner traffic indicated police were dispatched to a report that a 21-year-old man was shot, Alexandria Police spokesman Marcel Bassett said police could not currently confirm the cause of death.


News

It was another rough week for the Bradlee Shopping Center: earlier this week, a vehicle crashed through the front window of Tropical Smoothie Cafe ((3610-G King Street).

This afternoon (Friday), police responded to a report of a larceny in the shopping center. Alexandria Police spokesman Marcel Bassett told ALXnow the incident involved multiple juveniles and so far no arrest has been reported.


Sponsored

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.


News

A 21-year-old Arlington man faces multiple charges and is being held without bond after last Friday’s shooting in Arlandria.

Tyayre Reynolds was charged with malicious wounding, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to the Alexandria Police Department. He was arrested by the Arlington Police Department in Arlington, and APD will not disclose the date and time of his arrest.


Opinion

Earlier this week, Old Town Business debuted new plans for a Business Improvement District along King Street.

The new effort comes after multiple earlier efforts to get a BID launched for Old Town, but BID proponents highlighted at a meeting earlier this week that this effort will be different.


Event

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.


News

Alexandria City High School teachers are applauding increased wages and other recent changes to the Alexandria City Public Schools’ proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

The School Board approved the proposed $359.9 million fiscal year 2024 combined funds budget proposal on Thursday night. The budget is a 4% increase over last year’s approved budget and includes funding to develop an official ACPS plan and policy for collective bargaining with employees.


News

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

☔ Today’s weather: Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 66 and low of 27.
🌤 Tomorrow: Clear throughout the day. High of 47 and low of 27. Sunrise at 6:57 am and sunset at 5:49 pm.


News

Alexandria’s Duke Street transitway could have dedicated bus lanes, but it’s unlikely they’ll run the full length of the corridor.

At a presentation to the City Council on Monday, city staff offered a look at how plans for the Duke Street transitway plans are coming together.


News

Nearly half of Alexandria’s bus stops do not meet federal accessibility standards.

It’s been a good couple years for Alexandria bus service DASH, but a new report presented to the City Council at a meeting this week by Chairman David Kaplan highlighted areas where there’s still room to improve.