Metro Repair Surge Latest Headache, Alarming Use of Force Statistics, Sales Tax Holiday Prep: News Nearby

Patch has 32 sites in communities in Va. and D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past 24 hours.

• Alarming Racial, Disciplinary Data in Use of Force Report
• Metro Repair Surge 5 Starts Wednesday, More Commuter Headaches
• Senior Navy Official Charged For Allegedly Pointing Gun at Group

When Is The Virginia Sales Tax Holiday?

It may just be a bit past the middle of July but Virginia's sales tax holiday for school supplies and the like is fast approaching.

This year's no sales tax weekend is Aug. 5-7, beginning the first Friday in August at 12:01 a.m. and ending the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m. >>> Read more.

Obama to Nation's Police: 'We Have Your Backs'
One day after the Republican National Convention opened to calls of "Make America Safe Again," President Barack Obama told the nation's law enforcement community, "We have your backs."

"Every day, you confront danger so it does not find our families, carry burdens so they do not fall to us, and courageously meet test after test to keep us safe," the president wrote in an open letter to the U.S. law enforcement community Tuesday. "Time and again, you make the split-second decisions that could mean life or death for you and many others in harm’s way. You endure the tense minutes and long hours over lifetimes of service.>>> Read more.

Share your local news, events and pics by clicking "+" at the top of any page.

• Arlington Businesses Try to Entice Pokemon Go Players
• It's Happening: Michelle Obama to Appear on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden
• Ken Cuccinelli Has Temper Tantrum at Republican National Convention
• Suspect Faces Multiple Charges After Chase: Police
• Spotted in Alexandria: Nats Pitcher Stephen Strasburg

• Fairfax Supervisors OK New Mixed-Use Development Near Metro
• Enjoy Wine and Fine Food in Georgetown -- For Free
• Starbucks to Move Into Reston Station This Fall
• AGGIO Set to Open in One Loudoun Aug. 10
• New BBQ Restaurant Now Open in Vienna Area