First Omicron Variant Case, Threats Against Schools | 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.

First Case Of Omicron Variant Confirmed In Virginia

The first case of the coronavirus omicron variant has been confirmed in Virginia in a resident who lives in the Northwest region of the state, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Update: Student Accused Of Threatening Manassas Park Schools

Schools in the City of Manassas Park will pivot to remote asynchronous learning on Friday, the school system announced. A social media post threatened a shooting at a Manassas Park school on Friday, authorities said.

• Threat To Potomac View Elementary Came From Arlington Boy: Police
• Alexandria High School Threat: Minnie Howard Campus Evacuated
• Threats At Loudoun Middle School Lead to Charges For Fairfax Teen

Record Warmth, Then Strong Storms In VA/DC Weekend Forecast

A storm front is forecast to move through the Northern Virginia and D.C. area this weekend, bringing with it powerful winds, rain and the potential for more severe weather with thunderstorms.

COVID-19 Boosters For Teens Urged By Loudoun Health Department

COVID-19 boosters are now available for many teens in Loudoun County. As the county has high levels of community transmission, public health officials are urging eligible residents to get their booster shot.

• COVID Boosters Offered To 16, 17-Year-Olds In Fairfax County

VA Teachers To Get 10 Percent Pay Raise Under Northam Proposal

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam plans to propose a two-year state budget next week that includes a 10 percent pay raise for teachers, the governor announced Monday.

Former Paul VI Hoops Star Recovering From Brutal Attack In Cyprus

Family and friends of Corey Manigault are raising money to help the former Paul VI High School basketball standout who is recovering from injuries he received during a brutal attack last month in Cyprus.

Police, BLM Settle Excessive Force Case; No Wrongdoing Admitted

Nine protestors settled out of court to end a federal civil lawsuit against police in Fredericksburg and Stafford. The protestors claimed their civil rights were violated during demonstrations after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

Metro Slow To Evacuate Pentagon Station During August Emergency

An investigation into Metro's actions during the Aug. 3 stabbing incident at the Pentagon Transit Center determined that Metrorail failed to establish an on-scene command center and did not communicate effectively with its personnel at the Pentagon Station during the emergency.

New Names Approved For Routes 7 And 50 In Loudoun County

New names are coming to Route 7 and Route 50 in Loudoun County, the county board of supervisors announced.

Natural Immunity To Flu Among Virginians Might Be Lower This Year

With the omicron coronavirus variant spreading to more states, the COVID-19 pandemic has Virginians hoping the relatively high rate of vaccinations in the state will prevent hospitalizations and serious illness once the variant does reach the state. As the 2021-22 cold and flu season arrives, Virginians have another array of viruses to monitor and treat.

Owner Vows To Rebuild After Fire Guts 29 Diner's Kitchen

John Wood, owner of the 29 Diner, said on Tuesday that the dining room of the historic restaurant on Fairfax Boulevard was spared from significant damage from the Nov. 23 fire.

NoVA Public Health Officials Urge COVID Vigilance During Holidays

Public health leaders in Northern Virginia are once again encouraging residents to maintain their vigilance in curbing the spread of COVID-19 to minimize hospitalizations and deaths during the holiday season.

Christmas Lights 2021: Guide To Displays Around Northern Virginia

It's that time of year to head out with your family and drive by all of the dazzling holiday lights displays. Every year, we share a guide to holiday displays around Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg area.

Nude Man Shut Down I-95 When He Stripped After Crash: Police

Northbound Interstate 95 was shut down for 20 minutes on Friday morning after a man stripped in the roadway, police said. Authorities said a driver crashed into a construction site before stripping nude on the highway.

See How DC Area Prices Rose As US Inflation Hits 40-Year High

Inflation jumped to the highest level in nearly 40 years, new data released Friday showed, as supply chain disruptions, consumer demand and rising housing costs boosted prices in the Washington, D.C., area and across the nation.

Book Bans In VA, Across Nation Condemned By Authors, Publishers

Hundreds of authors, publishers, bookstore owners and advocacy groups Wednesday condemned the recent wave of book bans in public school libraries in Virginia and across the country.

Display Featuring 2 LGBTQ+ Books, Bible Removed At McLean Library

Two LBGTQ+ books that were the subject of scrutiny at public high schools were featured in a display with the Bible at McLean's Dolley Madison Library, according to media reports.

McLean Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years Of Service

It was 100 years ago that the McLean Volunteer Fire Department was first incorporated. Many things have changed since then, from development and population growth to fire and rescue technology and the involvement of career firefighters. But what hasn't wavered is the volunteer fire department's commitment to serve McLean and surrounding areas.

Fines To Be Eliminated For Most Items At Fairfax Libraries

On Wednesday, the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees approved the elimination of overdue fines for most library materials starting Jan. 1, 2022.