Gun Found In Child's Backpack | Data Center Thwarted | Bearded Dragon Rescued: 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.

VA Search And Rescue Task Force Returns From Venezuela After Earthquake Recovery Deployment

Virginia Task Force 1, sponsored by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, is returning from Venezuela after more than a week of working in partnership with local services to find and rescue survivors of two devastating earthquakes.

Massive PWC Data Center Project Thwarted After Final Developer Drops Supreme Court Appeal

The massive Digital Gateway data center project planned for western Prince William County is officially dead, after the last developer withdrew its appeal to Virginia’s Supreme Court, according to multiple reports.

Alexandria Child Found With Gun In Backpack After School Was Left At VA Airport By Mom: Report

A child who was found to have a loaded gun in his backpack after school in March had been left by his mother at Reagan National Airport the day earlier, according to a new report.

Vienna Sisters Launch Initiative To Fight Hunger In Cuba

Two sisters from Vienna have raised thousands of dollars to send food directly to families in Cuba through their humanitarian initiative, Plates Without Politics.

Manassas Officer Rescues Bearded Dragon From Hot Asphalt

In an inverted fairy tale, a Manassas police officer on Monday saved a dragon in distress. Luckily, no princesses were slain in the process.

VA Cheese Recall Grows Amid Ongoing Listeria Outbreak

Another company has recalled cheese products sold and distributed in Virginia as the fallout from a listeria outbreak linked to a Maryland dairy farm continues to expand.

Teen Girl Groped Inside Pentagon City Business, Police Say

A teenage girl was groped by a man inside a Pentagon City business on Monday, according to Arlington County police, and authorities are searching for the suspect.

Loudoun County Schools DEI Chief On Administrative Leave: Report

Loudoun County Public Schools’ assistant superintendent for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is on administrative leave.

More Top Headlines:

• Driver Arrested, VA Trooper Hospitalized After Crash On I-395
• 4 More People, 2 Minors, Charged In Shooting Death Of 18-Year-Old Manassas Man
• Loudoun Assistant Fire Chief Appointed To VA Fire Services Board
• Vienna Community Groups, Local Business Raise $4k For Venezuela Earthquake Victims
• Major Ashburn House Fire Caused By Discarded Fireworks
• Spotsylvania Sheriff's Lt. Edward Griffith Selected For National Criminal Justice Command College
• Loudoun County Man Charged Over July 4 Homicide
• Woodbridge Man Arrested After Brandishing Firearm At Neighbors Lighting Fireworks: Police
• Arlington Man Charged In Sex Offenses Case; Police Seek Possible Additional Victims
• Alexandria Man Wanted In Connection With PWC Drug Bust: Police
• Maryland Man Charged For Killing Gosling In Fairfax: Police
• Fairfax Is Changing: 5 Takeaways From The County's Latest Demographics Report
• Alexandria Again Ranked Among Best US Cities
• Loudoun Health Authorities Warn Public After Rabid Cat Brought To County Vet
• Young Eagle Rescued From PWC Waste Tank