Banned Book Sanctuary | New Weekend Rail | Escaped Prisoner: 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.

Reward For Escaped VA Inmate Increased To $20K: U.S. Marshals

Federal and local authorities on Thursday continued to search for a 21-year-old Virginia Department of Corrections escapee wanted in connection with an armed carjacking last month.

Casino Developer Linked To Obscure Political Donation, Filings Show

Christopher Clemente, CEO of Comstock Holdings, appears to have used a different entity to make a donation to the campaign committee of a local candidate running for re-election, according to campaign finance filings.

Virginia Railway Express Weekend Service, Fare Increases Proposed

Virginia Railway Express could get weekend service for the first time under a budget proposal for the commuter rail. A proposed fare increase is also proposed in the budget.

County Declared Official 'Book Sanctuary' As Book Banning Surges

A Northern Virginia county has been declared an official “book sanctuary” as part of the county’s commitment to protecting banned and challenged books and the right of people to read books they choose without fear of suppression.

2 Charged With Fentanyl Distribution After Overdoses At High School

A 19-year-old and a juvenile were charged with distribution of fentanyl in connection with two student overdoses at a high school, according to police.

Child, 8, Hospitalized After Fall From State Fair Of Virginia Ride

A Virginia father wants accountability after his 8-year-old son was injured last week when he was thrown from a ride at the State Fair of Virginia, according to officials and reports.

Man Fatally Shot His 85-Year-Old Wife: Police

A man shot and killed his 85-year-old wife on Wednesday night, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said.

'Tiger King' Star Doc Antle Sentenced In VA For Wildlife Trafficking

Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, who starred in Netflix's hit series "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness," received a two-year suspended prison sentence this week after he was convicted of wildlife trafficking, according to the state attorney general's office.

Stolen Car Nearly Strikes State Trooper, 2 Arrested

A Virginia state trooper was nearly hit by a stolen vehicle in Old Town Alexandria Saturday, according to state police.

DOT Awards $100M Grant To Bypass Rail Project

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $100 million grant to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority in support of a project designed to speed up train service at a severely congested area between Fredericksburg and Washington, D.C.

Train Crashed Into Vehicle In County: Authorities

A passenger train crashed into a vehicle, causing serious injuries, according to fire and rescue.

County Supervisors Reallocate $500,000 To Combat Rising Evictions

Evictions are spiking in the county, according to a report presented at Tuesday's meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisors voted to reallocate $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help families facing eviction in the coming months.

Man Pepper Sprayed, Cut Teen During Fight At Walmart: Police

Police are looking for a man who cut and pepper sprayed a teenager during a fight at a Walmart.

Driver Will Not Face Charges After Hitting Child On Bicycle: Police

A driver will not face charges after hitting a child on a bicycle, according to police.

Haunted Houses 2023: Where To Find The Best Thrills Around Northern VA

The peak of Halloween season in October will get your heart racing with the opening of various haunted attractions. Northern Virginia has its share of haunted houses to visit this season.

• PWC Guide To Haunted Trails, Ghost Stories, And Other Spooky Delights
• Loudoun Guide To Haunted Trails, Spooky Skate Nights
• Ghost Tours, Parade, Bar Crawls, Other Halloween Frights In Alexandria

5 Billionaires From VA Among Richest Americans: New Forbes List

Billionaire Jacqueline Mars remains the wealthiest person in Virginia, according to The Forbes 400, an annual ranking of America’s super rich released Tuesday.