Lee Statue, Sailor's Death, Threat Against Governor: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Virginia and Washington, DC, on Wednesday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of some of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

• Man Threatens To Blow Up Police Car, Burn Down Places Of Worship
• Ex-Commander Faces Charges For Collision Killing Virginia Sailor
• FBI Joins Search For Missing Mount Vernon Teen

Removal Of Lee Statue In DC Sought By Alexandria Legislator

Every state can have two statues in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection. For Virginia, one of these is Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, and an Alexandria legislator wants to change that.

Tide Pod Challenge: Police In Stafford Issue Warning

As a pre-emptive warning to residents about a bizarre and potentially deadly social media phenomenon known as "The Tide Pod Challenge," the Stafford County Sheriff's Office wants parents to talk to their kids about it, and youths to take note of the dangers.

How To Keep Pipes From Freezing In NoVa Big Chill

With wind chills that will feel like the teens the next two nights in DC and Northern Virginia, and overnight lows headed into the 20s, it's crucial to know what you can do to prevent your home's water pipes from freezing. If you have a pipe that bursts, AAA Mid-Atlantic offers these tips to help you file and manage insurance claims.

DC Area Restaurant Week To Include Alexandria Eateries

Even before Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week on Jan. 26-Feb. 4, 2018, there will be a larger event for DC and the surrounding area. Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week runs Jan. 22-28, and at least 10 restaurants have signed on to participate.

Virginia Cat Owner Convicted In Vigilante Dog Killing

A Virginia man was convicted Tuesday in the vigilante killing of two Labrador retriever dogs he said chased and killed his cat, Jeffrey, last November. Stephen Nichols Cook, 68, plans an appeal of the misdemeanor charges, according to media reports.

Dozens Forced Out Of Apartments In Tysons Fire

A massive fire has forced out residents into the snow at a Tysons apartment building Wednesday morning. Dozens of residents are without a home after the fire.

Contribute your own content to Patch by signing up for an account and clicking the "Post on Patch" button at the top right of the site.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Burke Student To Compete In National Video Competition
• Man Attacked While Working On Car In Burke
• Mount Vernon Estate Slashes Price During Renovations
• 3 People Shot In DC, Woman 'Unresponsive': Report
• VA GOP Member Quits, Rips Party For Anti-Immigrant Stance: Report
• DC Snowfall Was A Total, Complete Bust - Here's Why
• 2 Men Raiding Cars In Reston: Police

Across America

• 9 Face Hazing Charges In FSU Frat Pledge Death
• Hotel Throws Weed Away, Angry Pot Owner Opens Fire
• Sword-Shaped Umbrella Shuts Down WA Hospital

The Virginia and Washington DC Patch community platform serves more than 40 communities in the region. Thank you for reading!

Image of Robert E. Lee statue via U.S. Capitol