I-66 Express Lanes Partially Open, New COVID Boosters: Top VA News

Patch has 32 sites in communities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week.

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Part Of I-66 Express Lanes Opening Toll-Free, Lane Closures Planned

The first section of the new I-66 Express Lanes outside the Beltway will open toll-free this weekend, while overnight lane closures and a weekend ramp closure are planned on other sections.

New COVID Boosters Available In Virginia: Health Department

Eligible Virginia residents can now get COVID-19 booster vaccine doses targeting subvariants of the omicron variant, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

More 7000-Series Metro Trains Returning To Service In Mid-September

With Metro's Yellow and Blue Line shutdowns set to begin on Sept. 10, the return of additional 7000-series will help Metro boost train service on Sept. 12.

• DC Metro Changing 5 Station Names In Virginia, Maryland

Black Bear Caught On Video Rummaging For Food In McLean Backyard

A black bear was spotted rummaging for food in a trash bin Sunday afternoon at a home near McLean Hamlet Park.

9/11-Themed Menu Sparks Backlash At Stafford Country Club

A manager at the Clubhouse at Aquia Harbour issued an apology this week after the country club posted a 9/11-themed menu.

Delegate Mark Keam To Resign, Take Biden Administration Role

Del. Mark Keam, the first Asian-born immigrant and first Korean American elected to state office in Virginia, has resigned to fill a Biden administration position.

Police Chief Honors Falls Church, Alexandria Officers With Award

Officers from police agencies in the cities of Falls Church and Alexandria were awarded the Falls Church Chief of Police Award at an event on Wednesday.

Homicide Over Stolen Ounce Of Marijuana Gets Alexandria Man Sentence

An Alexandria man received a prison sentence Wednesday in federal court related to a Fairfax County homicide over an ounce of marijuana.

Life Expectancy In Virginia Declined In 2020 With COVID-19 Deaths

Life expectancy in Virginia declined by 1.5 years in 2020 to 77.6 years, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics. The state ranked 18th in life expectancy.

2022 Fall Forecast: See What’s In Store For Virginia

As much of the country swelters through the dog days of summer, it’s hard to fathom that meteorological autumn is less than a month away. But forecasters are already releasing their predictions for when Virginia residents can expect weather perfect for hoodies and pumpkin spice everything.

Annandale Man Thought Lottery Prize Was $600, Wins $1 Million Instead

Jose Flores Velasquez of Annandale was happy with winning $600 when he went to redeem his lottery ticket at the Virginia Lottery center in Woodbridge. But it turns out the ticket was worth a lot more: $1 million.

Man Who Fled To Ethiopia Convicted Of 2016 Murder Of Woman In Burke

An Alexandria man was convicted of first-degree murder on Aug. 31 in connection with the December 2016 shooting death of a woman in the backyard of a Burke residence, according to officials.

Reston Farm Garden Market Gears Up For Fall Festival

The Reston Farm Garden Market's annual Fall Festival will return this year starting Friday, Sept, 24 through Oct. 30.