Community Corner
$175K ATM Theft | Express Lanes Delay | Coach's Sexual Assault Accusations: VA News
Fire Chief Embezzlement | Car Strikes Cop | 29 Child Porn Charges | ChatGPT For Teachers | Struggles Of Income-Limited Families

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.
495 Express Lanes Extension Poised To Open In NoVA
The two-and-a-half-mile extension of new 495 Express Lanes spanning from near the Dulles Corridor Interchange to just before the American Legion Bridge and new connecting ramps are scheduled to be fully open and operational by mid-morning Saturday.
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
>> UPDATE:
- 495 Express Lanes Extension Delayed In Spite Of Celebratory Ribbon Cutting
Although the 495 Express Lanes Extension had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, rain is delaying the highway's public opening by one day.
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A 31-year-old man is facing an attempted second-degree murder after he fired intentionally at a group of four people early Sunday morning at an apartment complex, according to police.
An assistant coach is facing child sex crime charges related to a sexual assault of a juvenile athlete, police say.
Volunteer Fire Chief Faces Embezzlement Investigation
The chief of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is facing an embezzlement charge, according to the Sheriff's Office. The volunteer fire department provided details on the investigation in a responding statement.
29 Child Porn Charges Filed Against Man: Police
A 19-year-old man is facing 29 charges of possession of child pornography, according to authorities.
Detectives from the Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit are investigating a series of ATM thefts that resulted in $175,000 being stolen from a credit union last month, according to police. Investigators believe the thefts may be connected to an ATM jackpotting scheme.
Unconscious Person Rescued From High-Rise Fire
A person was rescued during a fire response Tuesday, according to the IAFF Local 2141 firefighters union.
Rail Project To Move Some VRE Final Stops To Station Starting In 2026
The King Street Metro and its adjacent Virginia Railway Express/Amtrak station will see busier activity starting in 2026 amid the Long Bridge Project.
Officer Struck By Driver Amid Stolen License Plate Investigation
A police officer was struck by a driver whose vehicle had a stolen license plate Monday, according to police.
'Trying To Make Ends Meet': Needs Increasing For Income-Limited Families
The county is often known as the wealthiest county based on the median household income. But for residents whose wages are not keeping up with the rising cost of living, making ends meet is a continuous challenge.
A man and dog died in a crash Wednesday morning, according to police.
ChatGPT For Teachers Coming To Classrooms
Two Northern Virginia districts will be among the school districts testing artificial intelligence use by teachers in the classrooms.
Four people were arrested in two separate incidents over the last week on what police described as "significant" drug and weapon charges.
House Fire Causing 2 Injuries Traced Back To Lithium-Ion Battery
A significant house fire causing more than $1 million in damages Saturday was traced back to a lithium-ion battery pack, according to Fire and Rescue. There were two reported injuries.
Dryer Lint Buildup Causes Fire In Home
Dryer lint was responsible for a house fire that displaced five residents on Sunday, according to Fire and Rescue.
Crime Solvers Tips Help Identify Burglary Suspects: Police
Police are crediting tips they received through Crime Solvers for helping detectives identify and arrest three suspects in connection to the Oct. 12 burglary at a business, according to authorities.
Court Upholds Injunction Stopping Youngkin Appointees From Serving On University Boards
The Supreme Court of Virginia upheld a preliminary injunction by the Fairfax County Circuit Court to prevent four appointees to the George Mason University Board of Visitors from participating in any activity, meeting, vote or decision as members of the board.
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