Good News: Bao Bao, Battlefield Preservation, Cupcakes Prizes and Intelligent Communities

Plus, a police officer injured on the job receives a surprise birthday party.

Good News: Navy Yard Victim Support, Holiday Surprise, Robot Investment and Retiring Shop Owner Smiles at Road Ahead

Plus, a new business is a dream come true for ‘Lindsay the Barber.’

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

The Week's Best Good News: Man Finds $98K in Desk, Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Soldier

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Reunion: Inova Staff Reunite With Former Intensive Care Babies

Should Virginia Raise Public College Tuition?

Blog Roundup: All About Apples, and Why Reading is Fundamental

Each week, Patch brings you new and noteworthy blog posts from Northern Virginia Patch sites.

Blog Roundup: Aspiring Fashionistas Learn About Fashion in Fairfax, and A Trip Back in Time

Each week, Patch brings you Northern Virginia's best blogs.

Local VFW Posts Commemorate 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

You Know You Live in NoVA When...

Help us compile a list of things Northern Virginians love (and don’t).

Fairfax Bike Summit Planned for October

Event at GMU will draw regional, national biking experts

Remembering September 11 near Oakton

Where to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks this year

Hurricane Isaac: How You Can Help

Salvation Army, Red Cross helping residents in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and elsewhere prepare for and recover from Hurricane Isaac.

How to Make Oakton Patch Work For You

Have news or information to share with the community? Here are easy ways to use Oakton Patch.

Report: Extreme Rainstorms in Virginia Occurring More Frequently

New Environment Virginia report says extreme rain and snow storms are becoming more frequent.

Oakton Schoolhouse to Unveil Interpretive Markers

Ceremony will honor Oakton's education history Saturday