Toddler Abandoned | Machete Road Rage | Casino Bill Advances: 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.

Casino Bill Advances To VA Senate Finance Committee

Despite letters from local officials and residents traveling to Richmond on Wednesday hoping to oppose Senate Bill 675, the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology approved the casino referendum bill on a vote of 10 to 4, with one abstention. The bill's next stop is the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee.

• Casino Developer Gave $51K To VA Senate Gaming Sub-Committee Members
• Letter Sent To Remind Marsden Of Alcorn's Opposition To Casino Bill
• Letter: Boysko, Salim Tell VA Lawmakers They Oppose Casino Bill
• Casino Backer Says No Opposition Exists; Citizens Groups Say Otherwise
• Anti-Casino Effort Joined by Sully, West Fairfax Community Groups
• Casino Bill: Reston Citizens Group Opposes With New Resolution

Arena Legislation Introduced In VA House, Senate

Legislation has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly to create a sports authority that would finance $1.4 billion toward the estimated $2 billion construction cost of the proposed Washington Capitals and Wizards arena and entertainment district.

Child Protective Services Has Toddler Left Alone: Police

After a toddler was abandoned Wednesday night, Child Protective Services has the child in custody and is speaking to family members with police.

Swatting Calls Cause Lockdown, Evacuation At Schools

Police determined the threats against several schools on Wednesday were swatting calls. Swatting calls are intentional false threats seeking an emergency response to a location.

Triple Murder Suspect Arrested In El Salvador: Police

A man wanted in connection with a triple homicide was arrested in El Salvador on Monday, according to police.

Commission For Military Families, Veterans Approved

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to create a Veterans and Military Families Commission that will focus on the needs of veterans and military families in the county.

Resident Dies After Rescue From House Fire

One female occupant was rescued and taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The department said she died from her injuries at the hospital.

VA Couple Convicted Of Forcing Cousin To Work At Gas Station

A jury convicted a couple of multiple charges this week after authorities said they forced a family member to work at their gas station, stole his immigration documents and subjected him to verbal and physical abuse.

Cut-Through Traffic Program, Ramps To Nowhere Concerns For Bierman

Bierman was actually two for two when it came to the pair of resolutions he introduced at Tuesday's meeting. One addressed the problem of cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods and the other decried the lack of coordination in the I-495 Next project.

Museum of Contemporary Art Opens Studio, Store At Amazon HQ2

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) on Wednesday opened its new Innovation Studio + Store at Amazon’s Metropolitan Park.

Machete-Wielding Man Charged In Road Rage Incident: Police

A man was arrested after a road rage incident on Sunday, police said. Authorities reported that the man pulled out a machete after stopping his vehicle.

4 Unlawful Machine Guns Result In Guilty Plea For Man: Court

A 67-year-old man pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of possessing an unlawful machine gun, according the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Robbers Smashed Register, Stole Phone At Gas Station: Cops

The robbers smashed a cash register and stole money and a phone from an employee.