Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego will headline a “Latinos for Spanberger” rally Thursday in Alexandria as part of Spanberger’s 11-day statewide bus tour ahead of Election Day.
The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at a private location. Those interested in attending must register online to receive the address.
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]
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.
By STEVE PEOPLES and OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, said Monday that she would not oppose a push by the state’s Democratic-controlled legislature to redraw congressional districts ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Good Monday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 27, 2025.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Expect mostly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching near 57 degrees, accompanied by a northeast wind at 10 to 14 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. On Tuesday night, there is a 30% chance of showers primarily after 2am, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 45 degrees. The northeast wind will be around 9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Thanks for reading!
Join us for an evening of made-up-on-the-spot improv comedy! We'll be calling on you to give us suggestions for a totally unique show that'll never be seen again!
Show is 18+ recommended. We perform free shows for the Alexandria, VA and surrounding community. Donations help us rent space, supply drinks, and defray other costs!
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
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.
The notice of no trespass, dated Oct. 26, was filed by a petitioner and is addressed to “Benny’s, its agents, owners, employees” at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue.
Alexandria’s former sheriff and a retired principal from Alexandria City High School will be honored during a gala hosted by the Center for Alexandria’s Children this winter.
Retired sheriff Dana Lawhorne will receive CAC’s Champion for Children Award, while longtime educator John Porter will receive the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award at the nonprofit’s benefit concert in February.
The Alexandria City Council has canceled its town hall meeting previously scheduled for next Wednesday, Nov. 5.
No reason was provided for the cancellation, and the city said that the next meeting will be rescheduled for early 2026.
A new poll released Monday, published the same day lawmakers returned to Richmond for a special session that could reshape political maps just one week before voters head to the polls, shows Democrats holding narrow leads in Virginia’s governor and lieutenant governor races.
House Speaker calls Virginia lawmakers back to Richmond as possible redistricting fight brews
