School Drug Searches | Stolen Ambulance | Kidnapped Driver: 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.

VA Couple Likely Dead After Yacht Hijacking In Caribbean: Police

An American couple whose catamaran was recently hijacked by three prisoner escapees were "disposed of" in the Caribbean waters, Royal Grenada Police Force Commissioner Don McKenzie said at a Monday news conference.

Funeral For Firefighter Killed In House Explosion To Be Livestreamed

Funeral services will be held Monday for firefighter Trevor Brown, a volunteer fire company firefighter who died in a Feb. 16 home explosion.

Detectives Track Down And Arrest Medical Transport Vehicle Thief

Detectives from our Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Unit arrested Rickey Lowe, 32, of Manassas for stealing a medical transport vehicle Monday night.

$455K In COVID Funding Spent By Man On Gambling, Investments

A business owner pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to defrauding the Small Business Administration out of approximately $455,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds.

Kidnapped At Gunpoint In DC; Man Forced To Drive To His Home

A man was kidnapped at gunpoint early Sunday morning and forced to drive to his home and another location in Maryland, according to police.

DC Cherry Blossoms To Hit Peak Bloom Early, Dates Announced

With a mild winter winding down in the Washington, D.C., region, the National Park Service said fans of D.C.'s famed Yoshino cherry blossoms will reach peak bloom early this year.

Random Scans For Drugs To Take Place In Loudoun County High Schools

In response to potential drug use by students and increase in community overdoses, a school division said high schools will get unannounced checks by canine teams.

$500 Real Estate Tax Hike In County's FY2025 Budget Proposal

If the County Board adopted the tax rate County Manager Mark Schwartz included in his Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Proposal, property owners would see an average increase of $500 in the their residential tax assessments next year.

• Real Estate Tax Bills Would Increase Under City's 2025 Budget
• Same Real Estate Tax Rate Proposed In City's 2025 Budget

Washington Commanders Plan Millions More In FedEx Field Upgrades

Aside from the Washington Commanders' performance on the field in recent years, the state of FedEx Field may remain one of the biggest pain points for the team's fans. And lawmakers are set to discuss the possible renovation of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., once the storied home of the Washington Redskins.

Transgender Lawmaker Danica Roem Misgendered, Lt. Governor Apologizes

After Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Sears misgendered state Sen. Danica Roem on the Senate floor, Roem left the room and prompted Democrats to seek a recess. Sears offered an apology after the incident.

Threats To Church Prompt Federal Charge For Man

A man who showed up to a church with weapons is facing charges in relation to threats against the church, according to a criminal complaint in federal court.

'Drone' Program Up And Running In County

After a long period of policy and training, a county's Unmanned Aircraft Systems program is up and running.

Teen's Murder By MS-13 Gang Leads To Prison Sentence

An Ms-13 gang member was sentenced to 25 years in prison in relation to the kidnapping and killing of a teen.

2 Men Shot In Store Parking Lot In Possible Hate Crime

Two men were shot in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.

Animal Protection Police May Merge With County's Animal Shelter

Ever since 2016, Animal Protection Police Officers have been under the authority of the police department, receiving the same training as the county's law enforcement officers. County leaders are considering a proposal to place APPOs under the authority of the Department of Animal Sheltering.

Hit-And-Run Victim's Loved Ones Seek Answers

The family and friends of the hit-and-run victim are seeking answers and support for her two daughters.