Community Corner

Smaller IKEA, Pickleball War, Board Pay Hike, Best Places: Top VA News

Top VA news includes Missing Middle Housing approval, cop fired over shooting of accused shoplifter, jail inmates dig out with toothbrush.

VIRGINIA — From the approval of Missing Middle Housing zoning changes to a county board approving pay raises for the future board, we're taking a look back at the top stories in Northern Virginia in the last week.

Top news stories in Northern Virginia included a police officer fired after the fatal shooting of an accused shoplifter, Arlington County's approval of the Missing Middle Housing proposal, inmates accused of using a toothbrush to escape, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' pay to increase in 2024, a smaller format IKEA store is planned, local "Pickleball War" featured on Stephen Colbert segment, Metro boosting service amid the cherry blossom peak, 14 Virginia communities named among the 2023 Best Places to Live in America, and more.

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Fairfax Co. Police Officer Fired After Fatal Shooting At Tysons Corner

One of the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of suspected shoplifter Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center on Feb. 22 has been fired from the Fairfax County Police Department, police announced Thursday.

As Cherry Blossoms Peak Arrives, Metro Boosts Train Service

The cherry blossom peak is likely to arrive this week in Washington, D.C., as spring officially begins. Metro will boost its train service just in time for the popular season for visitors wanting an up-close look at the Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms.

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Missing Middle Housing Proposal Approved By Arlington County Board

The Arlington County Board voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the Missing Middle Housing proposal, a decision that will allow developers to build multifamily dwellings in areas of the county currently zoned for single-family homes.

30% Pay Raise For Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors Approved, 8-2

Following a lengthy public hearing on Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a measure on an 8-2 vote to raise the salary of board members by 30 percent.

Video Shows Sheriff's Deputies Pile On Black Man Before His Death

In surveillance video from Central State Hospital that was obtained by the Washington Post before prosecutors released it Tuesday, as many as ten sheriff's deputies can be seen piling on top of 28-year-old Irvo Otieno in an encounter that proved deadly.

Murder-Suicide Suspected In Death Of 2 Found On Reston Trail: Police

A preliminary investigation by Fairfax County Police detectives into the death of two people in Reston on Wednesday has determined that the incident appears to be a domestic-related murder-suicide, according a post on the department's official Twitter account.

Arlington Vows Action On Pickleball War After Stephen Colbert Segment

The Arlington County Board vowed to take action on the “The great Pickleball War” of Arlington after comedian Stephen Colbert highlighted the debate on a recent episode of his late-night talk show.

2 Inmates Dig Out Of VA Jail With Toothbrush, Go To IHOP: Sheriff

Two Newport News Jail Annex inmates accused of escaping Monday using a toothbrush to dig themselves out were found at an IHOP in the next town over, according to the Newport News Sheriff's Office.

'I Thought I Had Died': VA Teacher Recounts Classroom Shooting

A Virginia first-grade teacher who police said was shot and seriously injured by a 6-year-old student in January shared harrowing details of the shooting in an exclusive interview with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie that aired on "Today" Tuesday morning.

Arlington Condemns Former Key Bridge Marriott, Begins Clearing People

The former Key Bridge Marriott in Rosslyn has been condemned due to safety and health concerns, Arlington County officials said Friday, and police and other county personnel are working to clear the building of the unhoused people who have been staying at the abandoned hotel without permission.

Update: Third Eaglet Hatches At Dulles Greenway Nest

A third baby eagle hatched over the weekend in a nest along the Dulles Greenway, the roadway operators announced. The adult eagles, Rosa and Martin, have become local celebrities since the greenway started its Eagle Cam livestream program.

IKEA To Open Smaller Format Store In NoVA Dedicated To Design Advice

IKEA will be opening a new "plan and order point" store in Pentagon City in Arlington this summer, the first IKEA store of its kind in the Washington, D.C., area.

Baby's Fatal Fentanyl Overdose In Groveton Prompts Charges For Parents

The fatal fentanyl overdose of an 11-month-old baby in a Groveton residence has led to an indictment against the parents.

Midsize Banks Seek 2-Year FDIC Guarantee: What It Means For VA Banks

A coalition of midsize banks across the country, whose members include several in Virginia, has asked federal regulators to fully insure all deposits for the next two years, Bloomberg reported.

14 VA Places Among Top 100 Best To Live In U.S.: New Report

Fourteen Virginia communities were named in the top 100 nationally of the 2023 Best Places to Live in America, with one placing at No. 2 on the list, according to a ranking released Monday by Niche.

Emerging Fungal Infection Spreading At Alarming Rate: See VA Data

A drug-resistant, potentially deadly fungus has been spreading at a troubling rate in U.S. health care facilities, including some in Virginia, according to a new government study.

NoVA Adults Choosing To Age In Place After 65 Face Challenges: Report

More older Northern Virginia residents are choosing to remain in the area and age in place, according to a new report from the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia. This presents challenges for the region’s leaders as its aging population continues to grow and needs help with finances, caregiving and housing.

Active Listings Build Up, Sales Slow: Loudoun Real Estate Report

Houses are staying on the market longer in Loudoun County, according to February's market report from the Dulles Area Association of Realtors. The report also noted that prices are slightly increasing and the number of new listings is dropping.

Alexandria Named A Best Place To Travel In 2023: Money

Alexandria continues to receive recognition as a top travel destination as part of Money magazine's Best Places to Travel in 2023 list.

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