Racist Email To Coach, Baseball Bat Attack, Black Bear: Top VA News

VIRGINIA — From a baseball attack on a congressman's staff to a new Metro station, we're looking at the top stories of the last week.

Top news stories in Northern Virginia included a baseball bat attack against two staffers of Rep. Gerry Connolly, an I-66 crash into a state trooper, Metro's newest station opens, MS-13 member sentences, an anonymous email with racist language sent to a school coach, an elementary school student wins Virginia's Doodle for Google, metal detector introduction produces line at school, and a speed limit reduction on a major roadway.

Thanks for reading Patch! If you would like to share your own local news or events on Patch, sign up here.

Baseball Bat Attacker Charged In Congressional Staffer Assault: Police

A staffer and new intern of Rep. Gerry Connolly were attacked Monday by someone wielding a baseball bat in his City of Fairfax district office. The suspect was identified and charged by police, but a motive for the assault remains unknown.

• What To Know About Baseball Bat Suspect In Attack On Connolly Staff

Potomac Yard Metro Station Opens In Alexandria

Fifteen years ago, Mayor Justin Wilson, then a City Councilmember, partnered with then-Councilmember Rob Krupicka on a memo seeking to take action on opening the Potomac Yard Metro. It was only fitting that Wilson and Krupicka were there to ride the first train just after 5 a.m. on Friday.

Bristow Woman Crashes Into Trooper On I-66 In Fairfax: Police

A woman from Bristow crashed into a state trooper on I-66 in Fairfax County on Monday afternoon, state police officials said.

Fairfax Co. Police Conduct Traffic Campaign After Officer Close Call

Fairfax County police conducted a “50 Means 50” speed enforcement campaign on the Fairfax County Parkway last week after a police officer was nearly killed during a traffic stop on May 1.

'Racist, Hateful' Email Sent To Fairfax County Cheer Coach: District

Officials with Fairfax County Public Schools are searching for answers after an anonymous email containing racist and hate-filled language was sent to Oakton High School's cheerleading coach.

Pedestrian Killed In Crash On I-95 In Spotsylvania County: Police

A pedestrian was struck and killed on northbound I-95 in Spotsylvania County around 3 a.m. on Friday morning, Virginia State Police said.

MS-13 Members From Prince William Sentenced For Murder Attempts

Four MS-13 gang members were sentenced to prison on Wednesday for their role in two attempted murders and a drug distribution scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

DC Cop Indicted For Leaking Info To Proud Boys Leader: DOJ

A Washington, D.C. police lieutenant was indicted Friday after authorities said he obstructed an investigation into the destruction of a Black Lives Matter banner and tipped off former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio about his arrest warrant in connection with the incident.

Arlington Student Named VA State Winner In Doodle For Google Contest

An Arlington elementary school student was selected as the Virginia state winner of the 15th annual Doodle for Google contest, a competition that attracted tens of thousands of submissions from students across the country.

Black Bear Caught Hanging Out In Stafford County Tree

A black bear spent some time hanging out in a tree along Garrisonville Road in Stafford County on Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office said. Deputies said they saw the bear cross the busy road before climbing the tree.

Naming Contest To Select Names For Dulles Greenway Eaglets

The public will help name the three eaglets who were born in a nest along the Dulles Greenway this spring. The naming contest is being hosted by the Dulles Greenway and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, who operate a live camera near the eagles' nest.

Reagan National Awarded $5M In Federal Funding For New Airport Taxiway

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $5 million to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for the construction of a new taxiway, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced Tuesday.

Metal Detectors At Alexandria High School Take 75 Minutes On First Day

Metal detector technology to screen for weapons launched at Alexandria high schools and middle schools this week, and it created a long wait for students at one campus.

Spread Of Abortion Restrictions In South Puts Pressure On Virginia

As more Southern states pass new restrictions on abortion, Virginia is poised to become an outlier in the region for its relatively permissive laws, setting up the state as a destination for women seeking abortions and raising questions about providers' capacity to meet demand.

Richmond Highway Speed Limit To Be Reduced To 35 Mph Over 7 Miles

After a speed limit study, the speed limit on a large section of Richmond Highway will be reduced on Tuesday, May 23.

Triple Homicide Victims In Woodbridge Identified As Son, Parents: Cops

Authorities have identified the three family members who died on Tuesday at a home in Woodbridge. Two of the dead suffered fatal bayonet wounds.