Panda Update, School Threat, 'Bumblee' Surprise: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia 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.

• Guilty Plea In 2018 Shooting Death Of Centreville Teen: Report
• Hiring Underway For Chick-fil-A Location
• Occoquan Looking For Spooks, Goblins For Halloween Maze

Snapchat Threat To Schools Is Hoax: Police

A threat appearing on social media Tuesday night of shootings at schools in the Ashburn area has been determined to be a hoax, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.

Watch: Young Alexandria Cancer Survivor Gets Birthday Surprise

Whitaker Weinburger has been battling cancer for most of his life and his parents wanted to make his fourth birthday one he wouldn't forget. With help from the Alexandria Sheriff's Office, the family put out a call for anyone with yellow vehicles to surprise Whitaker on his route to preschool.

PenFed Leaders Recall 9/11 Attack On Pentagon, Remember Victims

Employees at PenFed Credit Union, which has its signature branch inside the Pentagon, held a moment of silence at the Tysons headquarters Wednesday in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Bad News For Giant Panda Mei Xiang At National Zoo

The Smithsonian has just announced that Mei Xiang, who had been exhibiting signs of pregnancy in recent months, is not pregnant after all.

The Chain Stores Revamping Or Closing In NoVA, DC In 2019

The number of brick-and-mortar businesses in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., continues to fluctuate as iconic chains dwindle and newer companies retrench in a bid to survive. Several national retailers announced store closings this summer, with plans to carry out those closings by the end of the year.

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Also Worth A Look Today

• Robbers At Large After Late-Night Holdup: Police
• Burke Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
• National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Named From Falls Church
• Students Evacuate High School For Odor: Fire Department
• Man Dies In Springfield Crash Involving Motorcycle: Police
• Fitness Studio For Rowing Workouts Opens

Across America

• 9/11 Flight 93 Hero's Mother Lobbying Feds
• Police Search For 'Walter White' Lookalike In IL
• Ex-Anthrax Singer Arrested In Attack On Man, 74