DC Vaccination Mandate For Dining, Testing Demand | 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.

DC To Require Proof Of Vaccination At Restaurants, Gyms: Bowser

People 12 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain businesses in the District of Columbia starting in mid-January, under new rules announced Wednesday.

Mask Mandate Reinstated For Indoor Public Spaces In DC

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday she will be reinstating a mask mandate and will be expanding access to rapid tests at public libraries and for D.C. Public Schools.

Fire Breaks Out At Former Governor Chuck Robb's McLean Home

A fire broke out late Tuesday at the home of former Virginia governor and senator Chuck Robb. Robb and his wife, Lynda, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Omicron Cases Explode In Virginia/DC: See Latest CDC Data

The omicron variant has overtaken the delta coronavirus variant, including in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, and is now dominant in the United States, accounting for 73 percent of new cases, federal health officials estimate.

COVID Tests In VA Are In Short Supply: Here's How To Get One

Locations across Virginia are running out COVID-19 test kits as the demand for tests increases from people who want to safely attend holiday gatherings.

Metro Stops Return Of 7000-Series Cars, Orders Nightly Inspections

Less than a week after Metro began reintroducing 7000-series railcars to service, Metro's General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld paused the process and ordered a new round of inspections.

DC Population Declines By Largest Percentage, Virginia Inches Up

The District of Columbia's population dropped by 2.9 percent over the last year, the largest percentage drop in population in the nation, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

Lead On Alleged Serial Killer Victim Pursued In Fairfax County

After police announced four victims of an alleged serial killer who is behind bars, one of the victims could be a missing woman from California.

No Evidence Of Hate Crime In Altercation At Fairfax High: Police

Fairfax City Police say there was no evidence that an altercation between two students at Fairfax High School was a hate crime, according a police release. The incident in question sparked a flurry of social media posts, an online petition and a student walkout at the school.

Third-Graders Told To Re-enact Holocaust At DC School: Report

An elementary school staff member in Washington, D.C., instructed third grade students to re-enact scenes from the Holocaust and, when asked by the children why the Germans committed the atrocities, the staff member said it was "because the Jews ruined Christmas," according to news reports.

Assault Charge Filed Against Stone Middle School Security Officer

A Fairfax County Public School security officer is facing an assault charge in connection with a Dec. 13 altercation with a student at Stone Middle School in Centreville, according to a police release.

First NHL Point For Herndon's Joe Snively In Debut For Capitals

It was a dream come true for Joe Snively of Herndon on Sunday. Not only did he make his National Hockey League (NHL) debut as a member of his hometown team, he scored his first point.

Youngkin Picks Consultant As Virginia's Next Education Secretary

Virginia Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin has selected Aimee Rogstad Guidera, a Minneapolis, Minnesota, area resident, to serve as his Secretary of Education, his transition office announced Monday.

New Year's Eve 2021 Watch Night Canceled In Falls Church

Falls Church's annual New Year's Eve event, Watch Night Falls Church, will not happen again this year due to concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the region.

• First Night Alexandria 2021 Activities Canceled, Fireworks On

Spotsylvania Deputy Set For Trial In Shooting Of Unarmed Man

A Spotsylvania County deputy was arraigned Wednesday on the charge of felony reckless handling of a firearm in the shooting of unarmed county resident Isiah Brown.

Sex Trafficking Ring Protected By Fairfax County Police: Lawsuit

Fairfax County Police Department and former Chief Ed Roessler were named in a civil rights lawsuit filed in federal court that accuses FCPD officers of protecting a sex trafficking ring in Northern Virginia, according to news reports.

Time Capsule From Robert E. Lee Statue Opened In Richmond

An 1887 time capsule discovered at the site of the former Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond was opened Wednesday and among its water-damaged contents were three books.

19 Child Solicitation Charges Filed Against 10 In Police Sting

Fairfax County Police Department filed 19 felony charges against 10 men ranging in age from 18 to 51 from Northern Virginia and Maryland over the last two weeks, according to a police blog post.

Team USA: Reston Speedskater Qualifies For 2022 Beijing Olympics

Short track speedskater Maame Biney of Reston earned a spot on Team USA over the weekend, finishing first in the 1,000-meter race and second in the 500, during the U.S. Olympic Trials in Salt Lake City. She'll join the four other women and two men representing the U.S. at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.