'I Can't Breathe' | Sneaky Bear | $900M Indoor Waterpark: VA News

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

Candidate Disqualified From School Board Election

Less than two weeks before the general election, the Democratic-endorsed candidate for a district seat on the School Board, has been disqualified from the election, according to the county's Office of Elections.

VA Murder Suspect Captured After 7 Weeks On The Run: Reports

A man wanted for murder and who escaped police custody in Washington, D.C., nearly two months ago was captured on Thursday, according to multiple reports, citing police.

$900M Indoor Waterpark Slated For 2026 Opening In Spotsylvania County

Kalahari Resorts recently broke ground on a massive new indoor waterpark located off Interstate 95, according to a company news release.

Standoff Between Wanted Man, Cops Resolved With Drone: Police

Deputies used a drone to resolve a standoff with a wanted man, the sheriff's office reported.

Casino: Alcorn Seeks Answers On Authorization Process

Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn shared a letter with the other members of the Board of Supervisors that he sent to County Executive Bryan Hill asking several questions about the process it would take to authorize a casino in the county.

After Sneaking Up On Virginia Gardener, 'Scaredy Bear' Scampers Away

Say you’re casually watering your garden and a stealth bear sneaks up from behind. What would you do? You’re not supposed to show fear, but it’s a black bear, and black bears are about five times stronger than humans. They can knock over a 300-or-so-pound boulder with the swipe of a single paw. And their 2 1/2-inch-long teeth are nothing short of imposing.

'I Can't Breathe' Display In Police Cruiser Investigated

A display inside a police cruiser with a pig wearing an "I Can't Breathe" shirt has prompted a city investigation.

Bond Denied For Man Who Shot YouTube Prankster

The man who shot a YouTube prankster at a mall, claiming self-defense, was denied bond last week, court records showed.

Missing Middle To Help House Hunters With '6-Figure Income': Realtor

The primary purpose of the Missing Middle Housing ordinance was to increase the types of housing, not to create more affordable housing, speakers emphasized at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors’ webinar on the new housing ordinance.

Bank Fraud Used To Sell House Leads To Guilty Plea

A fraudulent short sale of a woman's home led to a guilty plea in federal court Wednesday.

Cruelty To Animals, Hit And Run Among Charges Against Man

Authorities have identified a suspect in a shooting that left one man injured earlier this month. The police department is still searching for the suspect.

Cat, Chickens Killed In Fire That Displaced 7: Authorities

A single-family home caught fire, displacing a family of seven, Fire and Rescue officials said.

Thrift Store Peeper Charged By Police

A thrift store bathroom peeping incident Monday led to charges for a man.

VA, 41 States Sue Meta Over 'Addictive' Features They Say Harm Kids

A lawsuit has been filed by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and 41 other states against Meta Platforms Inc., which owns and operates Facebook and Instagram, claiming that the social media platforms are purposefully addictive for children and teens. At the same time, Meta falsely assured the public these features are safe and suitable for young users, the lawsuit argues.

Firefighter Injured After Falling Through Floor During Blaze

A firefighter had to be rescued from a house fire on Tuesday morning, according to fire and rescue officials.

Former Army Doctor Convicted In Court Of Attacking Wife

A former Army doctor was convicted by a jury on Wednesday of abducting and attempting to sexually assault his wife inside their home.

Teen Threatened To Shoot Potomac High School: Police

A teen was arrested on Wednesday after authorities said he threatened to shoot Potomac High School.

Metro's New Building Opens Near Eisenhower Avenue Station

Metro's new technology hub was officially opened with a ribbon cutting Friday.

DC's Giant Pandas Leaving Smithsonian Zoo In November

After more than 50 years, the Smithsonian's National Zoo will be without giant pandas when Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their son, Xiao Qi Ji, return to China — and panda fans have only a handful of days left to say goodbye.