Toddler Abduction | Home Arson | Fines For Passing School Bus: 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.

Person Of Interest Says He Rescued Student Before Her Disappearance

New details have emerged about in the story of a Minnesota college student named a person of interest in the disappearance of college student Sudiksha Konanki from Loudoun County, who vanished at a resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

• Foul Play Investigation Sought In College Student's Disappearance
• FBI Joins Search For Missing Pitt Student From Virginia

Catholic Diocese To Serve Needy Amid Immigration Raid Threat

Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to allow immigration officials to enter houses of worship, leaders in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington remain committed to assist those in the community that needed help.

Man Arrested For Setting City Home On Fire: Investigators

A 32-year-old man faces a charge of burning a building in connection to a fire that occurred at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday in the city.

School Bus Passing Enforcement With Fines To Launch In County

Passing a school bus stopped for picking up or dropping off students will soon result in a citation in the mail.

‘I Don’t Like This Budget’ Supervisor Tells Town Hall Attendees

Supervisor Dalia Palchik didn’t mince words when asked about the Fairfax County Fiscal Year 2026 Budget proposal during Monday night’s Providence District Budget Town Hall meeting.

• Real Estate Tax Rate Increase Ruled Out For Alexandria Budget
• Higher Advertised Real Estate Tax Rate Adopted By Fairfax City Council

Higher Tax Rate Affecting Data Centers Considered In PWC

A higher tax on data center and other business equipment is being considered by county supervisors. At the same time, higher rates for the real estate tax and vehicle personal property tax were ruled out.

Woman Scammed Out Of $130K: Police

Two people are facing charges in a scam investigation that took $130,000 from a victim, according to police.

Child Abduction Leads To Arrest

An abduction of a 3-year-old child has led to an arrest, according to the sheriff's office.

Officer Not Charged For Fatal Shooting Of Man: Police

A criminal investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting of a man during a barricade has not resulted in charges for officers.

Manassas Line Purchase Secured For Virginia Railway Express: Report

The Virginia Railway Express owners are moving forward with an agreement to buy the Manassas Line of the commuter train service.

State Department Employee Shared National Defense Info: Prosecutors

A man who works for the State Department is charged in federal court in relation to unauthorized sharing of national defense information.

Driver's License-Scanning Technology Coming To County Landfill

The county's landfill will bolster verifications of county residency with new driver's license verification technology.

$5K Reward Offered In 2022 Missing Person’s Case: City Police

Police are asking the public’s help in locating Amanda L. Childess. She has not been heard from since she disappeared on March 6, 2022 under suspicious circumstances.

Travel Trends, Business Openings: Tourism Organization Shares 'What's New'

As the region monitors uncertainty from federal government downsizing affecting federal workers and contractors, the city's tourism industry continues to look for ways to boost visitors and tourism-related revenues to the city.

2 VA Colleges Could Face Antisemitism Penalties: Trump Administration

George Mason University and the University of Virginia are among 60 colleges and universities around the country warned by Education Secretary Linda McMahon Monday that they could face penalties under the Civil Rights Act if they fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.

VA Track Runner Injured After Opponent Hits Her With Baton: Reports

A Virginia high school track runner suffered a concussion and a possible skull fracture when another runner struck her in the head with a baton during a relay race at Liberty University last week, according to multiple reports.

Will IRS Layoffs Affect Tax Refund Timing? How To Track Status In VA

As Virginia taxpayers go to file their returns for 2024, they may be wondering if recent Internal Revenue Service layoffs will delay their refunds.