Child Sexual Exploitation | Plane Near-Miss | Toll Hike Fight: 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.

Plane Aborts Landing In Near-Miss At Reagan Airport

Less than a month after a collision between a helicopter and a passenger jet arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport killed 67 people, an American Airlines plane arriving at the same airport on Tuesday discontinued its landing to avoid hitting another aircraft on the same runway, according to sources.

Congressman Seeks Reinstatement Of National Science Foundation Workers

Amid a wave of federal firings tied to the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, one of the mass firings last week affected the National Science Foundation. Now, the congressman representing Alexandria is demanding a reversal of the firings.

Agency Relocation Plans From DC Region Sought By Trump Administration

Along with rounds of sweeping layoffs to reduce the size of the federal workforce, the Trump administration could also be seeking a shift of more federal services away from the DC region.

Federal Worker Hiring Initiative, Resources Announced By Youngkin

As significant numbers of federal workers face layoffs under the Trump administration's federal reductions in workforce initiatives, Virginia has unveiled hiring efforts and resources for federal workers.

Selling Magic Mushroom Candy Bars Prompts Charges At School

Two teens are facing charges connected to selling candy bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms at Hylton High School, according to police.

Man Sentenced To Prison For Sexually Exploiting 3 Minor Girls

A man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for sexually exploiting three minors he met online, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.

School District Response To 'Racially Hostile' School Setting Inadequate: Feds

A report is shedding light on the federal investigation into race-based harassment incidents at a high school.

DC Cherry Blossoms To Hit Peak Bloom On These Dates

The National Park Service on Thursday announced the estimated peak bloom dates for D.C.'s famed Yoshino cherry blossoms.

After Dulles Greenway Toll Hikes Rejected, Lawsuit Sought: Report

After the State Corporation Commission denied the proposal for higher tolls for the Dulles Greenway, the toll road's owner is seeking a federal lawsuit.

$1.4M Cryptocurrency Scam Resolved By Sheriff's Office

With cryptocurrency becoming an increasingly popular form of investment, residents should be aware of scams. The Sheriff's Office believes it made the biggest seizure of its kind —$1.4 million — from a cryptocurrency scam known as "pig butchering."

Short-Term Rental Regulations Approved By City Council

Stricter guidelines are coming to short-term rentals after action by the City Council Saturday.

Indecent Exposure, Assault Charges Filed Against Man: Police

A 60-year-old man faces multiple charges after he exposed himself to two people and tried to force his way into a residence on Saturday, according to police.

Man, 43, Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Ramp To I-66: VA Police

A 43-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday as he attempted to enter the Interstate 66 westbound express lanes, according to Virginia State Police.

Guitar Theft Lands Man In Jail: Police

A 55-year-old man was arrested Monday in connection to the theft of a guitar from a music store, according to authorities.

Gunfire On School Grounds Investigated By Sheriff's Office

A gunfire report on a school campus on Sunday is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office.

Caught On Camera: Coyotes Provide Chorus Of Howls At Park

Despite the large presence of people living in the Northern Virginia region, wildlife is thriving — in fact, very vocally.

House Budget Plan Could Slash Medicaid: How VA Reps Voted

The Virginia delegation in the U.S. House split on a GOP budget blueprint Tuesday evening that calls for deep spending cuts, potentially including $880 billion to Medicaid, which more than 1.8 million of their constituents rely on for health coverage.

Fire Chief, Home Explosion Response Honored By Governor

The fire and rescue department has been recognized with Governor’s Fire Service Awards for the fire chief of the year, the response to the home explosion and for its fire service training.