Mars Rover Named By NoVA Student Launches: Patch PM

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

Perseverance Mars Rover Named By Lake Braddock Student Launches

On Thursday, NASA sent its next rover to Mars, and it has a little piece of Burke, Virginia going with it. Earlier this year, Lake Braddock Secondary School student Alexander Mather was named as the winner to name the rover Perseverance.

DC School Year To Start With All-Virtual Classes

Although D.C. Public Schools students will be heading back to school on Aug. 31, they won't be returning to their school buildings until at least November at the earliest. DCPS officials confirmed Thursday the first term of the academic year would be conducted virtually.

Fredericksburg Police Adopt ‘8 Can’t Wait’ Reform Measures

The Fredericksburg Police Department is holding a series of community outreach events where its members will meet with the public to discuss enhancements and improvements to its policing efforts in response to demonstrations in the city calling for racial justice and the implementation of police reform measures.

3rd Arrest Made In Homicide Of 11-year-old Davon McNeal

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a third suspect in the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Davon McNeal following a July 4 Peace Cookout in Anacostia, according to a police release. Police are still looking for a fourth suspect wanted in this case.

Tropical Storm Isaias Could Be Headed Toward Virginia

Tropical Storm Isaias formed late Wednesday night in the Atlantic, threatening to deliver heavy rain to parts of Virginia by Tuesday morning. Strong winds in Florida are expected to begin this weekend.

Virginia's Coronavirus Hospitalization Count Trending Up

The Virginia Department of Health reported 911 additional coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 88,904. Virginia's cumulative total of deaths is 2,141 after 16 new deaths were reported Thursday.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Giving Circle of Hope Awards $45K To 3 NoVa Nonprofits
• $30K Donation Helps Loved Ones Visit Veterans In Hospice
• No Alexandria Restaurants Cited In Unannounced Inspections
• Town Manager To Host Discussion On Policing In Vienna
• Gadsby's Tavern Museum Will Be Second Alexandria Museum To Reopen
• 2020 Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week Adjusts With To-Go Format
• 32-Year-Old Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash In Nokesville: Police
• Barkada Opens In U Street NW Corridor Offering Intriguing Wines
• Indecent Exposure Suspect Sought In Clarendon Case: Police
• Brick Thrower Sought In Assault On Police Near Lafayette Park
• DC Coronavirus Update: Total COVID-19 Cases Top 12,000
• Arlington Coronavirus Update: 13 Days With No Additional Deaths
• B2G Matchmaking Conference & Expo Moves Online
• Unsolved Route 1 Corridor Homicides Listed On New Webpage

Across America

• Former Presidential Candidate Among 150,000+ Coronavirus Deaths
• Florida's Daily Coronavirus Death Record Shattered Again
• Herman Cain, 2012 GOP Presidential Candidate, Dies Of Coronavirus
• Tropical Storm Watch Issued For East Coast Of Florida
• Whitmer Orders Some Michigan Bars To Close For Indoor Service