Confederate Statue Removal, School Officer Controversy: Patch PM

Here are the share-worthy stories from Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia Patches to talk about tonight:

Video: Herndon Officer Accused Of Filing False Report

Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard strongly defended one of her officers who is being accused of racial profiling and filing a false police report in connection with a September 2019 altercation on a Fairfax County Public Schools bus.

• Fairfax NAACP Calls Herndon Chief's Remarks 'Inflammatory'

Richmond Mayor Orders Removal Of Confederate Statues

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney ordered the immediate removal of city-owned Confederate statues Wednesday, citing emergency powers. The removal comes as a new state law took effect, allowing localities to start the process of removing, relocating, contextualizing, or covering war memorials or monuments.

Fireworks, Military Flyovers Planned For DC July 4th Celebration

The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled its plans Wednesday for President Trump's Salute to America celebration on the Fourth of July. The plans include a fireworks display in the evening and military flyovers of the National Mall in D.C. The event will go on despite the District still being under a public health emergency due to the new coronavirus.

FredNats To Hold July 4 Fireworks Show At New Baseball Stadium

The Fredericksburg Nationals are hosting a Fourth of July fireworks show at their new baseball stadium on Carl D. Silver Parkway near the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. The public will be able to view the fireworks show, which is scheduled to begin around 9 p.m. Saturday, from their cars in the Central Park area.

Alexandria Police Officer Charged, Use-Of-Force Incident Revealed

An Alexandria police officer dismissed for a use-of-force incident is facing a charge, the city announced Tuesday.

416 New Cases As VA's Phase 3 Starts, Caution Urged For July 4

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, residents are urged to remain cautious about the virus. According to a Virginia Department of Health news release, "larger increases can occur following close gatherings of crowds, travel to COVID-19 hot spots, and simply due to people in close contact in smaller groups and not wearing masks."

Also Worth a Look Today

• Potomac High Seniors: 'Time To Think Positive And Test Negative'
• Fredericksburg Museum To Hold History, Archeology Summer Camps
• Fredericksburg Police Officer, Marine Veteran Named Hometown Hero
• Woman Injured In Shooting At Fredericksburg Hotel: Police
• Nonprofit Loudoun Farm Seeks Volunteers Under Phase 3 Expansion
• 42 Falls Church Businesses, Non-Profits Get Second Round Grants
• Buffalo-Style Pizzeria Baddpizza Opens In McLean
• New Vienna Mayor, Council To Be Sworn In On July 6
• The Closet Donates $45K In Scholarships To Area Graduates
• Greater Reston Chamber Elects, Installs New Board
• Arlington Enters Phase 3; Latest Coronavirus Data
• DC Coronavirus Update: 2 New Deaths; 38 Additional Cases
• Over 300 Alexandria Businesses To Receive Back To Business Grants
• Dogs And Fireworks Don’t Mix: Safety Tips For Ashburn Dog Owners
• Dogs And Fireworks Don't Mix: Safety Tips For Fairfax Dog Owners
• Fredericksburg Area Libraries Resume Holds, Returns On Materials
• DC Man Charged In Reston With Receiving Stolen Property
• 4th Of July 2020: What's Open, Closed In DC
• 4th Of July 2020: What's Open, Closed In Reston
• 4th Of July 2020: What's Open, Closed In Herndon
• What's Open, Closed In Fredericksburg For Independence Day 2020

Across America

• Pennsylvania Expands Mask-Wearing Requirements
• Colorado Sees Record-Breaking State Primary Voter Turnout
• CA Dials Back Openings On Beaches, Restaurants, Theaters & More
• July 4 Fireworks Frighten Dogs, And Coronavirus Makes It Worse