Preschooler Abuse | Confederate Names | Gun Brought To School: 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.

FBI Prefers Proximity To Quantico Site, MD Officials Ask Why

With a new site for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s headquarters still under consideration by the General Services Administration, FBI officials prepared a document in response to questions posed by Maryland lawmakers, who are concerned about the criteria being used in the decision-making process.

Lee Highway, Lee Jackson Highway To Be Renamed

Two major highways will drop their Confederate names, which will prompt address changes for residents and businesses

Amazon Celebrates Grand Opening Of HQ2's First Phase

Amazon celebrated the grand opening of the first phase of its second headquarters, or HQ2, on Thursday, with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and top local officials. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos did not attend.

Lego Discovery Center Sets Opening Date For Attraction

The new Lego Discovery Center will be opening in August, the company said Monday, giving families 32,000-square-feet of indoor space to play.

Father Charged After Child Brought A Gun To School: Police

A man faces criminal charges after police said his child brought a gun to a middle school last month. Authorities claimed the man left the .45 caliber pistol loaded and unsecured.

National Merit Report Sought By AG, School District Refuses

Privacy and harassment of staff were cited as reasons officials with Virginia's largest school system don't want to release the full report on delayed notifications to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's commended students.

Attempted Abduction Of Child Investigated

Police are investigating an attempted abduction of a 10-year-old near an elementary school.

Petersen Campaign Fund Tops $1M Compared To Challenger's $188K

Chap Petersen has raised more than $1 million in his bid to win reelection to the Virginia Senate in November. However, he still faces a challenge in the June 20 Democratic Party primary from newcomer Saddam Salim.

VA Preschool Teacher Indicted For Child Cruelty, Battery: Officials

A Virginia teacher was indicted recently on multiple charges after authorities accused her of abusing her preschool students, according to district officials and reports.

Nonprofit Center Gets $4M From Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

A nonprofit providing programs to youth and adults will be able to complete renovations and expand programs with a $4 million gift.

Rape Attempt At Bus Stop Leads To Arrest

A man is facing charges for an attempted rape and abduction Tuesday, according to Fairfax County Police.

Historical Society Reaches Goal To Save Ball-Sellers House

A historical society reached its fundraising goal of $6,000 to save the county's oldest structure from powderpost beetles.

Pandemic Fraud Scheme Leads To Jail Time For Fredericksburg Family

Four different family members have been sentenced for their role in a pandemic fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.

Prices Rise As Sales Slow In County's Real Estate Market

Homes are only getting more expensive in a Northern Virginia county, according to the May 2023 report from an association of realtors.

Affordable Housing, Townhouse Community Opens

A long-awaited project to bring affordable housing to vacant land is now complete.

VA Teacher Shot By Boy, 6, Won't Return To School District

The Virginia teacher who police say was shot by her first-grade student in January will not return to the school district, according to multiple reports.

• Mom Of Boy, 6, Who Shot Teacher Pleads Guilty To Gun Charges: Report

City Ranks Among Best Places For Families: Fortune

One Northern Virginia city has the qualities to make it one of America's best places for families to live, according to a new ranking from Fortune Magazine.

$32K Raised For Family Of Off-Duty Cop Killed In Crash

An off-duty cop died in a motorcycle crash on I-95. Two girls lost their father, a woman lost her husband, and police officers lost one of their brothers.

How VA Is Regulating Cancer-Linked 'Forever Chemicals' In Water

Multiple U.S. states, including Virginia, are moving to restrict the use of “forever chemicals” that have been linked to infertility, thyroid problems and several types of cancer.

Teen Killed At VA Graduation Didn't Attend School For 'Safety': Report

The 18-year-old killed when a gunman opened fire outside a graduation ceremony last week wasn't attending school in person before the shooting due to "safety reasons," according to a WRIC report.

VA Proud Boys Member Pleads Guilty To Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

A Virginia man and member of the far-right extremist group Proud Boys pleaded guilty to a felony charge this week related to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.