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Mom, Kid Die In Crash | Snake Surprise | Sinkhole In Road: VA News

Runner's Olympic Disqualification | Stolen Cop Car | 111 MPH Fatal Crash | Student Phone Restrictions | Train Fare Hike | Invasive Insects

A four-foot snake was found in books at a Goodwill store in Stafford, the sheriff said. An officer charmed the reptile and released it. A species was not specified although it was likely local to the area; this is a photo of a Northern ringneck snake.
A four-foot snake was found in books at a Goodwill store in Stafford, the sheriff said. An officer charmed the reptile and released it. A species was not specified although it was likely local to the area; this is a photo of a Northern ringneck snake. (Shutterstock)

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.

4-Foot Snake Hides In Goodwill Store Books: Animal Control

A four-foot snake was found in books at a Goodwill store, the sheriff said in a social media post with a "Harry Potter" flavor. An officer charmed the reptile and released it.

Sinkhole To Cause Traffic Problems Into Weekend

Emergency work to fill a 14-foot-deep sinkhole began Thursday morning and may continue through Sunday, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

High School Grad Disqualified From Olympic Trials

While local graduate Noah Lyles is headed back to another Olympics, another sprinter didn't get the chance to make Team USA.

111 MPH Crash Killing Truck Driver Leads To Prison Sentence

A driver charged in a 111 mph crash that killed a semi-truck driverwas sentenced to prison time.

Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Man Who Stole Police Cruiser Near Mall Arrested: Officials

A man accused of stealing a Fairfax County police cruiser and leading officers on a chase has been arrested, along with two companions authorized said were involved.

I-66 Crash Kills Mother, Child In PWC As Family Returns From Vacation

Tragedy struck a Virginia family when a mother and child were killed in a crash on Interstate 66 last Friday, June 21. Three other people in the vehicle had injuries, including a 3-month-old infant, and two people in the striking vehicle were injured.

Virginia Railway Express Hikes Adult Fares, Offers Free Children Fares

Passengers stepping aboard Virginia's commuter rail to and from D.C. will see soon some fare changes. As of July 1, Virginia Railway Express will increase fares for adults and eliminate fares for children.

Stricter Cell Phone Policy For Students Approved At School District

Using a cell phone during the school day will become more difficult for a school district's students under a new policy taking effect in the next school year.

Airport Noise Notification Rule To Be Partially Suspended

In preparation for a new Virginia law, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors acted last week to partially suspend notification requirements to homebuyers affected by Dulles International Airport noise.

Scrape For The Grape Volunteers Honored As Repeat Event Eyed For 2025

As the invasive spotted lanternflies emerge from eggs and threaten the wine industry and other local agriculture, volunteers who made a dent in the insect's population received recognition.

County Board, School Board Forward Party Candidates Selected

Two Forward Party candidates qualified for a county's November ballot vying for the one vacant at-large seat on the county board and a seat on the school board in the Nov. 5 election.

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