Kids Left In Hot Car While Mom Shops: Police | Patch PM

Yet another look at traffic in Northern Virginia confirms what we already know: Commutes in NoVA are a nightmare. Plus experts up the number of tornadoes and damage tally from recent storms. Here are the top local news stories worth reading and talking and knowing about on Friday, April 21, as pulled from our Virginia and Washington, D.C., Patch sites.

Northern Virginia Commutes: Long But Short in Distance

Northern Virginia commuters already know traffic is bad, but data shows drivers are going some of the shortest distances but spend the most time behind the wheel in Virginia. While the average travel distance was less than 10 miles, the average commute is a half-hour or more.

Washington Redskins 2017 Schedule: Who Will They Play This NFL Season?

The 2017 NFL season brings a first for the Washington Redskins: The team will host a Thanksgiving Day game. While this year will mark the 10th time the Redskins have played on Thanksgiving, it's the first time in franchise history that Washington has played host on the holiday.

Kids Left Alone in Hot Vehicle in Ashburn

Two small children were left alone inside a hot vehicle Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of the Junction Plaza shopping center, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Rescue personnel evaluated the children, who turned out to be OK. Police found the children's mother inside a store in the shopping center.

Movies Out This Weekend: 'Born in China,' 'Free Fire,' 'The Promise' And 'Unforgettable'

It's between a panda family in Disneynature’s “Born in China” and two Oscar winners this weekend. Find out which flick to see.

More Virginia/DC news:

• Man Dies in Arlington County Jail
• TLC Helps Prom Dreams Come True For DC Area Students
• 7 Arrested At Marijuana Rally Near U.S. Capitol: Police
• Arlington Tornado Struck the Pentagon, Followed I-395 Into DC: Report
• Herndon Tornado Plowed a 3-Mile Path Through Town: National Weather Service

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