Family Loses Home, Pets In Fire | Au Pair Affair Trial | Boy Pulled From Storm Drain: VA News

On the weekend, we present a review of 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.

Judge Weighing Release Of DC Pipe Bomb Suspect From Jail

A judge is considering whether to release the Northern Virginia man accused of placing two pipe bombs at the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol from jail ahead of his trial.

$1M Raffle Ticket Purchased At Burke Grocery Store

A retired service member from Burke claimed one of the five $1 million prizes in the Virginia Lottery's New Year's Millionaire Raffle.

Boy Trapped In McLean Storm Drain Rescued: Report

An 8-year-old boy who was trapped in a McLean storm drain was rescued by Fairfax County fire and rescue personnel. The boy was digging a tunnel through the snow outside his home in McLean when he suddenly slid into the drain and was stuck.

Dog Rescued After Sliding Down Ice-Covered Embankment In PW County

A family's dog was rescued by Prince William County firefighters after she slid down an icy embankment near her home in Dumfries. The 10-year-old black Lab named Shelby slid several hundred feet and became trapped.

GoFundMe Started For Family Displaced By Fire

A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for a family of three who were displaced by a fire at a Fredericksburg apartment building. Not only did Dan and Cali Van Grouw lose all of their personal belongings, a dog named Bear and their cat perished in the fire.

Unions, NoVA Chamber Still Strongly Support Tysons Casino Bill

Despite opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and a majority of county residents, union leaders and business advocates continue to support legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons.

Jury Deliberating Brendan Banfield's Fate In Au Pair Affair Murder Trial

The jury went into deliberations on Friday afternoon in the trial of Brendan Banfield, the Herndon husband and IRS agent accused of killing his wife and another man in a sprawling scheme involving his former au pair lover.

More News Headlines:

• 2 Pets Die In Fredericksburg Apartment Fire
• Woodbridge Man Found Asleep At Wheel Cited For DUI
• VA Man Faces 6 Child Porn Possession Charges
• Man Faces 22 Criminal Charges In 11 Thefts: ACPD
• 6 Displaced By Fredericksburg House Fire
• Judge Finds Virginia Democrats' Redistricting Resolution Illegal
• Immigrant Food Invites You To 'Drink What You're Thinking'
• Manassas Park Man Arrested On I-495 Faces DWI Charge: FCPD
• Man Fatally Shot, Teen Wounded In Alexandria Shootings: Police
• New Fees For VA Travelers Without REAL ID Start Feb. 1