Sex Crimes Over Decade | $35K Tax Bill Spike | 23 Cats Seized: VA News

VIRGINIA— On the weekend, we present a week in 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.

Animal Cruelty Case Results In 23 Cats Seized From Home

An animal cruelty investigation involving a pet owner resulted in 23 cats being seized, according to police.

'Hotline' Between Pentagon, Reagan Airport Didn't Work For Years

A "hotline" used by controllers to coordinate air traffic between the Pentagon and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has not worked in more than three years, according to a report citing testimony given at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

5 Indecent Exposure Cases Over 10 Years Linked To Man: Police

An anonymous tip led investigators to charged a 57-year-old man in a string of indecent exposure incidents involving children dating back to 2015, according to authorities.

ICE Access To County Training Facility OK'd

An agreement to allow U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement access to a firearms training facility gained approval from the Board of County Supervisors Tuesday. An advocacy group for immigrants called the supervisors' decision a "betrayal."

Doctor's 'Pill Mill' Scheme Results In Prison Sentence

A doctor was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years in prison for running a pill mill scheme out of an urgent care center. The scheme was tied to multiple fatal drug overdoses, according to federal prosecutors.

Amid Digital Gateway Legal Battle, Homeowners See Tax Bill Spike

Homeowners whose land will become part of the Digital Gateway data center project face spikes in their tax bill of roughly $35,000 due to higher assessments after the rezoning. But lawsuits have delayed the project, leaving at least one couple struggling to pay their soaring taxes.

Inappropriate Actions With Child Lead To Arrest Of 80-Year-Old: Police

An 80-year-old man faces multiple charges after he tried to touch a child inappropriately Monday morning, according to police.

Federal Agency Faces Reductions To Workforce, Research Awards

The National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that awards science research funding, is planning worker reductions and a full return to office plan amid other changes. The agency has also been in the spotlight for ending some research grants under the Trump administration's direction.

Sexual Assault Of Child At Home Leads To Charges

Police have wrapped up an investigation of a sexual assault of a child under 13 and responded to other incidents in recent days.

Rape Of Child Offenses Leads To Sentence

A man has been sentenced in court on charges including rape of a child, the Commonwealth's Attorney's office said.

School Bus Arm Cameras Begin Enforcement With $250 Fines

Cameras on 50 of the school division's buses are starting to issue $250 fines for passing a stopped school bus as of Monday.

Disabilities Advocacy Group Backs New Blue Envelope Program

A group advocating for the rights of disabilities is voicing support for a new program to ease interactions between law enforcement and people with disabilities.

Boy's Body Found In VA Amid Flash Flood Threat

Authorities believe they have located the body of a child who was reported missing after being swept away in floodwaters.

RFK Jr, Grandchildren Take A Swim In Contaminated Creek

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent Mother's Day with his family by taking a dip in a creek where swimming is not allowed due to high bacteria levels and contamination.

Rate Of Inflation Drops To 4-Year Low: See How Prices In VA Compare

Grocery prices in Virginia remained about the same in April, according to a better-than-expected inflation report that shows President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs weren’t felt at checkout counters last month.

8 VA Hospitals At 'Immediate Risk' For Closure, New Analysis Says

Eight struggling Virginia rural hospitals are among 300 nationwide that are at “immediate risk of closure,” a new report says. The report comes as Medicaid changes are contemplated in the House Republican budget bill unveiled earlier this week.

VA House Candidate Reveals She's A Swinger Ahead Of Election

A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates revealed this week that she and her husband are in an "ethically non-monogamous" relationship, according to a statement shared on social media.

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