Plant That Burns, Car Into River, Immigrant Probe: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., on Friday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of some of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

• Vehicle Plunges Into Potomac River Outside Pentagon
• MS-13 Members Charged In Teens' Murders In Fairfax County
• Drug Dealer Flees Cops: Police

Protesters Gather Outside Secretary Nielsen's Home

Protesters were outside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's home in Old Town Alexandria Friday morning to criticize the Trump administration's immigration policy. Protesters had signs reading "child snatcher," played audio of children separated from their families and yelled chants calling for Nielsen's resignation.

Mom Gets Prison Time For Cruelty To Kids

An Alexandria mom has been sentenced for cruelty to her three children. Patricia Gamble, 46, was convicted of three counts of felony cruelty to children; prosecutors say her kids ages 12, 5, and 1, had been found alone in a dirty, dark basement for three days.

Invasive Plant Causing Burns, Blindness, Found In Alexandria

Hogweed, an invasive plant with sap that can cause third-degree burns and blindness, has been found in Alexandria, according to a homeowners association.

Va Governor Orders Probe Into Alleged Immigrant Abuse At Facility

As the controversy over the treatment of immigrant families intensifies, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered a stated investigation into allegations that immigrant teens are being beaten and tortured at a Virginia detention facility.

'Black Panther' Costume Coming To African-American Museum

The 2018 smash hit Black Panther is already one of the most popular movies of all time, having made $1.35 billion worldwide as of this week, and it has been incredibly important to the African-American community. And soon, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. will be displaying the original costume from the film.

Alarming Increase In Phone Scams Target Elderly: VA State Police

An alarming increase recently in phone scams is targeting the elderly and convicted sex offenders, warn Virginia State Police. The consistent theme among the scams has been callers threatening people into paying hundreds of dollars in gift cards to the caller.

Man Flashes Shoppers Outside Wegmans: Police

A Woodbridge man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after allegedly exposing himself and making an obscene gesture in a Wegmans parking lot at 14801 Dining Way, according to Prince William County Police.

Also Worth A Look Today

• Vienna Vintner's New Location Has Historic Roots
• Missing Man Last Seen In Alexandria
• 2 People Rescued From Overturned Car In Burke
• Man Sexually Assaults, Films Child: Authorities
• Man Rapes Child: Police
• 8 Homes Made For Pure Relaxation In Virginia, DC
• City Winery Adds New Summer Shows: Matisyahu, Joanne Shaw Taylor
• 2 Burglaries Reported In Williamsburg Neighborhood
• Wawa Opening Store In Georgetown: Report

Across America

• Bourbon Distillery Collapses In Kentucky
• Huntingtown Woman Dies In Dog Attack: Reports
• Facility For Immigrant Kids Forced Drugs: Report
• April The Giraffe Might Be Pregnant... Again
• 10 Private Islands You Can Buy Right Now

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Image via Virginia Tech