DC Mask Mandate To End, Metro Service Still Reduced | Top News

Patch has 32 sites in communities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week.

Indoor Mask Mandate In DC To Be Lifted In Most Public Places

The D.C. government will lift its indoor mask mandate on Monday, Nov. 22, although masks will still be required in schools and other settings, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday.

• Indoor Mask Mandate Ends Monday, Despite D.C. Council Objections

Loudoun Teen Pleads No Contest To 2nd Sexual Assault: Report

A teenaged boy from Loudoun County pleaded no contest on Monday after he was charged with sexually assaulting a girl at Broad Run High School in October, according to a report from WTOP. The same boy was previously found guilty of sexually assaulting a different student at Stone Bridge High School.

Librarians Warn Of Threat To Intellectual Freedom In VA Schools

Actions by school systems across Virginia to pull certain books from the shelves of their libraries — and calls in at least one school district to burn books — have set off alarm bells among librarians and anti-censorship groups.

VA House Leaders Of Both Parties Named With 2 Recounts Possible

Republicans have selected nominations for Virginia House of Delegates leadership after claiming victory for majority control in the Nov. 2 election. While it appears Republicans have gained the majority, two close House races may be eligible for a recount.

Lasting Effects Of Segregation In NoVA Detailed In New Report

Northern Virginia has a deep history of resistance to segregation, although many of the courageous acts in the region were overshadowed by other activists who became national icons, such as Rosa Parks who played a leadership role in the Montgomery bus boycott and James Meredith who fought to become the first Black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi.

Children Receive Wrong COVID-19 Vaccine Dosage At Lorton Pharmacy

A pharmacy in Lorton gave 25 children the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Fairfax County Health Department.

Wegmans Stores In Fairfax County To Eliminate Plastic Bags

One month before a new plastic bag tax takes effect, Wegmans grocery stores in Fairfax County will eliminate plastic bags.

Best Times To Get Out Of NoVA, DC For Thanksgiving 2021

If you traveled last Thanksgiving during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, traffic is going to look a lot different in Northern Virginia and D.C. this year, especially if you plan to make the trip by car. It's also likely to cost you more to get to your destination.

Metrorail's Reduced Service Extended To At Least Nov. 30

Although the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) said Wednesday it had improved service on a number of its Metrorail lines, customers should expect reduced service to continue at least until Nov. 30.

COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Alexandria, Northern VA

The health department directors in Alexandria and other Northern Virginia health districts are urging residents not to let up on COVID-19 precautions for the upcoming holidays.

• COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Loudoun County, NoVA
• COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Prince William County
• COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Fairfax City, NoVA
• COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Arlington, Northern VA
• COVID Precautions Urged For Holidays In Fairfax County, NoVA

Sexual Attraction To Children Isn't Immoral: VA College Professor

An assistant professor who teaches sociology and criminal justice at Old Dominion University is on administrative leave after saying it isn't necessarily immoral for adults to be sexually attracted to children.

DC's Annual Downtown Holiday Market Returns To Penn Quarter

Penn Quarter will be the scene of this year's Downtown Holiday Market from Nov. 19 through Dec. 23. The open-air market will fill up two blocks of F Street NW from 7th to 9th Streets NW.

New Zero Waste Store In Vienna Seeks To Change Shopper Habits

At one of Vienna's newest businesses, customers won't pick up products as traditionally sold in single-use packaging. Instead, they come with their own containers to fill up items like dry foods, spices and soaps. This type of shopping is part of the growing zero waste movement seeking to promote a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Now Vienna residents have this option with the opening of a zero waste store in the heart of town.

Fox Jumps On Fairfax Windowsill To Grab A Late-Night Snack: Video

The fox is a frequent visitor to the home, which is located north of Fairfax City. However, he has become much bolder in recent weeks, stealing metal bowls containing food for the neighborhood's feral cat, Popeye. This has forced the homeowners to put out paper bowls instead.

Best Christmas, Holiday Lights In Northern VA 2021: Submit Yours

For some families, Thanksgiving is the starting point for getting out the decorations and lights for the holiday season. Every year, Patch puts together a guide of Christmas and holiday displays around Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. If you've got an impressive display, we want to see it.