Route 1 Dispatches: Tougher Texting-While-Driving Law Moves Through House

Each week, Patch brings you the top headlines from Greater Alexandria Patch and Mount Vernon Patch. Click on the headlines to read the entire story.

Tougher Texting-While-Driving Law Moves Through Virginia Legislature

State lawmakers passed House Bill 1907 on a 92-4 vote, increases the fine upon conviction to $250 — up from $20 — for the first texting-while-driving offense and $500 for each subsequent conviction. The bill makes texting while driving an aggravating circumstance to reckless driving, and so anyone convicted such would face a mandatory minimum $500 penalty if they were texting while they were driving recklessly.

West Potomac High School Athletes Commit to Play College Sports

West Potomac High School athletes committed to play college sports on National Signing Day Wednesday. Football player Chris Blewitt committed to Pitt. Baseball player Jayme Murray committed to play ball at George Mason University, and soccer player Lindsey Sawczuk committed to UPenn.

USO Opens Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir

The USO opened its Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir Tuesday. The $25 million 20,000 square-foot facility is the largest USO facility ever built, and is designed as a place to lift the spirits of injured and ill troops, as well as local active duty personnel in all of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Photos: Mount Vernon High School Girls Basketball Senior Night

MVHS Girls Basketball players celebrated senior night Tuesday night before their home game against Stuart. 

Email your news tips to Editor Jessie Biele at Jessie.Biele@Patch.com.