Au Pair Murder | Threat To Muslims | Driverless Car Test: 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.

Bomb, Death Threats Lead Muslim Group To Cancel Event At VA Hotel

An annual banquet planned by a prominent Muslim civil rights organization for Saturday was not held at an Arlington hotel after the hotel received bomb and death threats. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) was scheduled to host its 29th annual banquet at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington. The Marriott hotel told CAIR that it had received anonymous calls from people who are threatening to plant bombs in the hotel’s parking garage, kill specific hotel staff in their homes, and storm the hotel in a repeat of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol if CAIR was allowed to hold the event.

Drunk Driver Hit Parents Pushing Stroller In Stafford County: Police

A drunk driver hit a family of four pedestrians, according to authorities. The family, which included two adults and their two children, suffered minor injuries.

Driverless Vehicles Tested On Express Lanes

Crash avoidance demonstrations using driverless vehicles were conducted on the Interstate 395 Express Lanes last week to see how the vehicles would respond to the presence of first responders and traffic incidents on the highway.

In Double Homicide, Family's Au Pair Charged In 1 Killing

A family's au pair has been charged in one of two homicides at a home in February, according to police.

20 MPH Speed Limits Coming To Many Residential Streets

After City Council approved lowering the speed limit on many residential streets, the new 20 mph speed limit will soon be in place.

Mars Headquarters Expansion Plan Recommended For Approval

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 11 to recommend approval of Mars Inc.'s application to expand its headquarters.

Bunnyman Brewing Co-Owner In John Carpenter's Bunny Man TV Feature

Those who have grown up in the local area have heard some version of the Bunny Man story, stemming from reported sightings around Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. The urban legend is revisited in an episode of horror legend John Carpenter's new "Suburban Screams" series.

Virginia's Newest State Park Officially Open

A county's first state park is now open after an official dedication by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Sweet Run State Park had a soft opening in May before its official dedication this month.

Judge Rules Against County, Lets Missing Middle Suit Move Forward

A judge ruled Thursday that a lawsuit filed by a group of homeowners against the county's Missing Middle zoning ordinance can move forward to trial, rejecting arguments by the county that the case should be thrown out.

Child Rapist Sentenced After Nearly 20 Years On The Run: Prosecutors

A man convicted of raping a child in 2001 was sentenced to 50 years in prison, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney said last week.

Middle School Shooter Threat Found To Be Prank

A report of an active shooter at a middle school was determined to be a prank call.

Restaurant's Outdoor Area With Smoker OK'd Despite Complaints

A Tex-Mex barbecue concept that drew smoke and noise complaints got approval Saturday for its after-the-fact outdoor expansion. City Council gave unanimous approval to the Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ proposal.

Attempted Car Theft Near Amazon HQ2 Leads To Charges Against 2 Men

Two 18-year-old men were taken into custody near Amazon’s headquarters and charged with attempted grand larceny, according to police.

Crossbow Injures Pedestrian: Police

According to police, a man walking on the sidewalk was struck with an arrow in his backpack. The arrow continued into the man's back.

Students Safe After Threat Discovered At High School

School staff members said the threatening message was discovered in a bathroom on Tuesday morning. Students remained in their classrooms as police officers investigated.

35,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized After Mistaken Delivery: Cops

Authorities seized 35,000 fentanyl pills after some of the drugs were delivered to the wrong address.

GameStop Employee Stabbed Customer At Mall: Police

A GameStop employee stabbed a customer during an argument at the store in the mall, according to police.

Virginia 2023 Sales Tax Holiday: Dates, What Items Qualify

While Virginia's sales tax holiday has happened in August in recent years, this year's three-day event is set for this weekend.