Cop Busted For Shoplifting | Metro Fare Hike | School Officer Saves Student: VA Top News

On the weekend, we review the top stories and headlines from across Virginia. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Arlington County Sues To Block Trump's Triumphal Arch Near National Cemetery

The Arlington County Board has sued the Trump administration to block construction of a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, warning that the massive monument could create traffic problems, delay emergency responders and threaten public safety.

Fairfax County Police Officer Charged With Shoplifting At 2 Target Stores

A Fairfax County police officer has been charged with shoplifting at two Target stores on the same day, including one incident in which he was on duty and wearing his police uniform, authorities said.

Arlington Teacher Sues School Board, Claiming Religious Discrimination, Retaliation

A former Wakefield High School teacher is suing the Arlington County School Board, claiming he was subjected to religious discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation before being assigned to a warehouse where Black employees were allegedly forced to perform hazardous manual labor.

Loudoun County Master Detective Named VA Homicide Investigator Of The Year

The Virginia Homicide Investigators Association named a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office detective Investigator of the Year, LCSO announced Monday.

$25M Wrongful Death Suit Against Former Commanders Players Resolved: Report

A wrongful death lawsuit against several former Washington Commanders players has been resolved, according to a new report.

Spotsylvania School Security Officer Honored After Saving Choking Student

A Spotsylvania County school security officer was honored after authorities said his quick response helped save a choking student's life.

New Video Shows Aftermath Of 1st-Grader Shooting VA Teacher

Newly released police body camera footage shows a 6-year-old boy admitting he took his mother's gun and shouting profanities at officers moments after shooting his first-grade teacher at a Virginia elementary school.

Prosecutors Raise Bloody Saw, Bloody Home, Changing Stories As Manassas Park Man's Murder Trial Begins

Prosecutors previewed forensic evidence, witnesses took the stand and the defense argued that ultimately, the case against Naresh Bhatt will be a “truly gruesome” story that will leave too many unanswered questions to convict him.

Record El Niño Forecast To Have A Big Effect On VA Snowfall This Winter

Virginia has watched El Niño strengthen for months, and the latest 2026-27 winter forecasts confirm what others have said about the potentially record-setting climate pattern.

Prince William County Prostitution Bust Leads To 3 Arrests, 6 Massage Parlor Closures

Manassas police announced three arrests and the seizure of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a major operation against alleged prostitution in the city.

Metro Eyes Fare Hike That Could See Prices Jump By 11%: What To Know

Metro is considering raising fares and offering free rides to riders 18 and under, according to materials the public transportation agency will present to the WMATA Board of Directors Finance and Capital Committee on Thursday.

Good News

• Paisano’s Expands Free Pizza Slice Program To Anyone In Need
• 'It's A Wonderful Life' Star To Be Honored At Reston Film Festival
• Free Halloween Celebration Returns To Tysons With Trick-Or-Treating, Magic Shows
• Arlington Afterschool Celebration To Feature STEM, Debate, Live Music
• Fredericksburg's Historic Market Square Gets $17K State Grant

Police & Fire

• 13-Year-Old Driver Loses Control, Crashes Car Into Power Pole In Fairfax County: Police
• Loudoun Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison For Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Involving Infants
• Man Charged In String Of Fairfax County Medical Office Burglaries
• Man Attacked With Machete On Alexandria Street: Report
• 93-Year-Old Fairfax County Man Dies After Crash In Burke Intersection: Police

Schools

• Manassas Public Schools Improve In VA Assessment, None Earn Highest Rating
• Meet Alexandria City Public Schools' New Superintendent
• Number Of Prince William Public Schools Earning State's Highest Rating Doubled Since 2025
• Prince William County Public Schools Presents 3 Calendar Options For 2027-2028 School Year
• James Madison University Launches New Program Offering Free Training, Networking For Unemployed Grads
• New Theater, Major Arts Renovations Planned At University Of Mary Washington

City & Goverment

• Reston Association Seeks New Board Member After Matthew Mullenix Resigns
• 3 Manassas City Council Members Seek Appointment As Interim Mayor
• Affordable Housing Towers Proposed By Greensboro Metro: Report