Threat To Burn Car Dealer | Home Explodes | Bus Worker Strike: VA News

VIRGINIA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Northern Virginia and DC. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Naval Officer Charged With Espionage In VA, Japan

A naval officer is accused of committing espionage in Virginia and Japan, according to military documents. Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman Bryce S. Pedicini is accused of delivering information, some classified, to a citizen and employee of a foreign government while in the area of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

House Explosion: Firefighter Dead, 13 Injured

A firefighter has died and 11 were injured along with two residents during a house explosion.

• 'Real Heroes': Firefighters Find Support From Pub
• Explosion: Procession For Firefighter, Fundraisers

Worker Strike Shuts Down Bus System

A bus system's workers are on strike Thursday, shutting down the bus service as contract negotiations continue with Fairfax Connector's contractor Transdev.

Whose Idea Was It To Put A Casino In Tysons?

With a decline in commercial tax revenue looming, Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), the majority leader of the Virginia Senate, has been a strong advocate for building a casino in Tysons.

TJ Admissions Policy Challenge Halted By Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to review a challenge to the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, effectively allowing the policy to stay.

Middle School Student Strikes Adult In The Head: Police

Camera footage showed the student striking the adult in the head. A criminal complaint for assault and battery was filed against the student.

Angry Customer Threatens To Burn Down Dealership Over Car's Price

Staff at the car dealership told the deputy that a customer got angry at the price of a vehicle and threatened to “come back and burn this place down,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Sexual Assault In Neighborhood Investigated

The assault happened to an adult woman walking after midnight. Police say a stranger attacked and assaulted the victim. The woman is being treated at a hospital.

4 Workers Electrocuted At Construction Site

Police say four construction workers were injured by electric shock while working at the site.

Apprenticeship Center Stabbing Survivor Supported By Fundraiser

A stabbing that led to the fatal police shooting of the suspect at an apprenticeship center has prompted a fundraiser for the surviving victim.

4-Cent Increase To Real Estate Tax Rate In FY 2025 Budget Proposal

County Executive Bryan Hill submitted to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposal, which called for a 4-cent increase to the real estate rate. This would raise the average household tax bill by $524 next year if the new rate was adopted.

Same Real Estate Tax Rate Proposed In County Budget

The same tax rate is proposed in the next budget for county government, but property owners whose homes appreciated in value would see tax bills rise.

Thanks for reading Patch!