Gun At Mall | Transgender Vet Runs For Congress | New Casino Push: VA News

On the weekend, we present a review of the top stories and headlines from across Virginia. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

$100K VA Lottery Raffle Ticket Bought At Grocery Store

Although Leigh Nordike knew that she hadn't won the top prize in the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle, she was surprised to learn that the raffle ticket she bought at a grocery store in Manassas was one of the seven worth $100,000, according to the Virginia Lottery.

Assault Weapons Ban Bill Introduced By Fairfax Legislator

A bill that would ban assault weapons in Virginia starting July 1 was introduced Wednesday by State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim.

IRS Agent Husband Had Bloody Hands On Wife's Neck: Murder Trial

Testimony in the murder trial of Brendan Banfield, the Herndon husband and Virginia IRS agent accused of plotting to kill his wife and another man, focused on blood evidence at the scene. The first police officer to the family home captured bodycam video that reportedly showed Brendan with his hands on his wife's neck and blood on both sides of his hands.

Transgender Space Force Officer Ousted By Trump Running For Congress

Bree Fram, a retired U.S. Space Force colonel who was pushed out of the service by the Trump administration, declared her candidacy Tuesday for the 11th District Congressional seat in the Nov. 3 election.

MD Man Charged After Gun Seen At Springfield Mall

Maryland man was charged after a gun was brandished during a domestic incident Saturday night at Springfield Town Center.

17 DC Restaurants, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists

Three Virginia and 17 Washington, D.C., restaurants and chefs were named 2026 James Beard semifinalists, the top honor in the food industry.

New VA Casino Bill Draws Criticism From Fairfax Leaders

Sen. Scott Surovell made good on his pre-legislative session promise of reintroducing the Tysons casino referendum bill in the Virginia Senate, despite objections from residents of the McLean area and Fairfax County at large.

• Tysons Casino Bill Voted On By VA Senate Subcommittee
• GOP Delegate Behind First Casino Bill Co-Patron On 2026 Legislation

Potential For Ice, Power Outages Climbs Ahead Of VA Winter Storm

Parts of Northern Virginia could see more ice accumulation than originally anticipated when a massive winter storm hits the state later this weekend, forecasters said Friday. The storm is also predicted to bring bitterly cold temperatures and several inches of snow to the D.C. region, placing the Commonwealth under a state of emergency.

• Threat Of Major Winter Storm Increases For VA: Latest Forecast
• Winter Storm Targets Arlington: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare
• Winter Storm Targets Reston: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare
• Winter Storm Targets McLean: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare
• Winter Storm Targets Fairfax City: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare
• Potential For Ice, Power Outages Climbs Ahead Of VA Winter Storm
• Arlington Hardware Store Helps Residents Prepare For Winter Storm
• How To Prepare, Safety Tips For VA Weekend Winter Storm
• Fredericksburg Hardware Store Helps Residents Prepare For Winter Storm
• Fairfax County Residents Prepare For Winter Storm
• Fairfax City Residents Prepare For Winter Storm

More News Headlines:

• Murder Conviction In 2021 Fatal Shooting At Falls Church ATM
• New Measles Exposure In Prince William, Fairfax Counties
• K9 Officer Apprehends Fredericksburg Robbery Suspect
• Assault Suspect Failed To Register As Sex Offender: ACPD
• Man Cited On Concealed Weapon Charge: Arlington Police
• Alexandria Driver Killed In Fairfax County Crash
• 2 Assault On Law Enforcement Charges Levied Against Fredericksburg Man: Sheriff
• Fredericksburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Traffic Stop, Sheriff Says
• Measles At 33-Year High: See Risk Level In Virginia