Emily Leayman has been a local editor with Patch since March 2017. She leads coverage for the Northern Virginia communities of Alexandria, Ashburn, Manassas, Woodbridge and Vienna. At Patch, Emily was named to the Virginia School Boards Association Media Honor Roll in 2023 for her coverage of local schools.
Before joining Patch, Emily reported on education news for Watchdog.org in Washington, DC. Her coverage focused on the impact of school choice and Washington, DC's public charter school system.
Emily graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a degree in professional writing and minors in public relations and Spanish. During her time at college, Emily freelanced for the Berks-Mont Newspapers, covering local news in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She was an editor at the university's student newspaper, The Keystone, for four years, including two as editor-in-chief.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Emily lives in Loudoun County, Virginia. Contact Emily with story ideas at emily.leayman@patch.com and follow her on Twitter @emilyleayman.
The new hospital campus on the former Landmark Mall property is being constructed as Inova prepares to open another Alexandria facility.
A man was sentenced in Loudoun County for a shooting related to high-end shoes that killed his acquaintance.
Vienna Presbyterian Church is seeking supply kits to help residents devastated by Hurricane Helene in hard-hit areas.
An unknown group of men approached a woman during the carjacking at the Potomac Mills mall, according to police.
Police seized two dogs, which were running loose and attacked three people. One dog was grazed by a bullet fired by officers.
An Alexandria school is closed for several days and issued health department guidance on testing to check for lead.
The 50th anniversary celebration of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail continues with an event at the Vienna train depot.
The community will get to taste potential school menu recipes created by chefs and vendors at the new food show.
Niche's latest rankings of school districts include many Northern Virginia districts in the top 25.
Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and challenger Xiao-Yin "Tang" Byrom will participate in a candidate forum.
Prince William County car owners will have more time to pay the personal property tax this year due to an extended deadline.
Health inspectors found foods that may not be from an approved source, mold in the ice machine and more violations during August.
The Town of Vienna is continuing work on intersection upgrades, including the Nutley Street and Maple Avenue intersection.
Alexandria Police found two juveniles with gunshot wounds in a vehicle, and one was in critical condition at the hospital.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe is using pumpkin patch sales to support Madison High School student programs.
The Live4Lane 5K and foundation continue to honor the late 15-year-old Dominion High School student through scholarships and advocacy.
There are nine candidates for Alexandria City Council in the November general election, including Celianna Gunderson.
Visit Alexandria introduced its new leader and shared record visitor-related revenues as it plans for next steps for tourism.
Women's boutique Studio Luxe Boutique is one of the upcoming ribbon cuttings around Manassas.
Weekend happenings in DC, NoVA include the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, opening of some fall festivals, Latino Festival, Beer Festival and more.
