News

This Day in Alexandria History: Submarine U.S.S. Sea Robin Docks in Alexandria — On Oct. 28, 1947, the submarine U.S.S. Sea Robin docked in Alexandria and received thousands of local visitors. The sub, a Balao-class submarine, was named for the reddish-brown, spiny-finned fish that uses its pectoral fins to walk along the sea floor. Sea Robin was constructed in 1944 at Kittery, Maine, and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Just five months before arriving in Alexandria, the submarine set out on a simulated war patrol around the South American continent, becoming the first U.S. sub to round Cape Horn. [Historic Alexandria]

Benny DiForza’s Pizza Served With Legal Notice Barring Access to Del Ray Location — Benny DiForza’s Pizza, which opened in Del Ray in February 2024, has been served with a legal notice barring access to its Mount Vernon Avenue location, according to signage posted on the restaurant’s door. [ALXnow]

With just one week before Election Day, Virginia lawmakers returned to the state Capitol Monday for a surprise special session that swiftly turned into a partisan clash over the future of the state’s congressional map — and, potentially, its balance of political power for years to come.

House Speaker calls Virginia lawmakers back to Richmond as possible redistricting fight brews

This Day in Alexandria History: Petition to Establish Town at Hunting Creek — On October 27, 1748, a group of citizens petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses “That a town may be established at Hunting Creek’s Warehouse on Potowmack River.” The legislature approved the request of the group, who soon became known as the town founders of Alexandria, and the new town held its first land auctions for property lots on July 14, 1749. One condition of the auction was that a structure had to be built on the property within two years of purchase. [Historic Alexandria]

Thousands Attend 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade — Thousands of superheroes, witches, princesses, and other costumed revelers attended the 29th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade along Mount Vernon Avenue Sunday afternoon. [ALXnow]