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Governor Debate, Cicada Photo Shoot, Teacher Lawsuit | Top News

Top VA, DC news includes COVID-19 remembrance ceremony, Reston's first homicide, school renamed for NASA pioneer, Good Samaritan helps grad.

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Scott Kanowitz and his children have used toys and other props to serve as a backdrop for cicadas found in their back yard.
Scott Kanowitz and his children have used toys and other props to serve as a backdrop for cicadas found in their back yard. (Photo courtesy of Scott Kanowitz)

Patch has 32 sites in communities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week related to the new coronavirus and other topics.

COVID-19 Remembrance Ceremony To Honor Those Who Died In NoVA

Northern Virginia public officials will be taking a moment next week to remember the lives lost across the region due to COVID-19, according to a Fairfax County blog post.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Make Final Pitches

With a week remaining before the June 8 Democratic gubernatorial primary election, the five candidates vying to go head-to-head with Republican Glenn Youngkin spent an hour Tuesday night debating issues of race, economy, and healthcare while all making their final pitches about why they should represent their party in the November general election.

Suspended Teacher Files Lawsuit Against Loudoun County Schools

A Loudoun County teacher who was placed on paid leave after disputing the school system's policy toward transgender students has filed a lawsuit. The teacher, Tanner Cross of Leesburg Elementary School, was placed on administrative leave last week after his comments at a school board meeting.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Systemic Racism Initiative Draws Lawsuit Against Loudoun Schools

A group of parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Loudoun County Public Schools. The parents claim that the school system's Student Equity Ambassador program — aimed at dismantling systemic racism — is discriminatory and a violation of students' freedom of speech.

Fairfax Father, Daughter, Son Make Cicadas The Star Of The Show

When Scott Kanowitz walked into his home recently with his shirt covered in cicadas, he wasn't surprised when his wife told him to immediately get out. What did shock him, however, was what came next.

14 Virginians Die In Memorial Day Weekend Accidents, 281 Arrested

As holiday weekend travel increased thanks to the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions, more traffic on Virginia highways also led to an uptick in fatal accidents across the state, state police officials announced Thursday.

Confederate Name Replaced With NASA Pioneer's At Fairfax School

History was made Friday morning in the City of Fairfax, when a group of students, administrators, educators, local officials, and honored guests cut the ribbon on the newly renamed Katherine Johnson Middle School.

Job Searches Again A Requirement to Receive Unemployment In VA

After more than a year of not having to list their search for work as part of applying for unemployment benefits, out-of-work Virginians are again required to do so as part of requirements that went into effect on Sunday.

Who Killed Gwen Ames? Reston's First Homicide Remains Unsolved

Gwen Ames, 17, was strangled to death 49 years ago this Friday, as she was walking home from a dance at Lake Anne Plaza.

Trump Organization Puts DC Hotel Lease On The Market: Report

Gwen Ames, 17, was strangled to death 49 years ago this Friday, as she was walking home from a dance at Lake Anne Plaza.

RNC Fireworks Caused $42K In Damage To National Mall, Group Says

A fireworks celebration that was hosted last July by the Republican National Convention and that took place at the prompting of then-President Donald Trump caused more than $42,000 damage at the National Mall, according to a letter obtained by a Democratic watchdog organization.

Good Samaritan Reunites Falls Church Grad With Lost Card And Cash

City of Fairfax Police helped a Good Samaritan Thursday reunite a high-school graduate with a congratulations card from his grandmother, according to a post on the department's official Twitter account.

'Knucklehead' Fan Banned From Capital One Arena For Rushing Floor

In a week when NBA fans have "taken liberties" in the way they have behaved at playoff games around the league, a spectator at Monday's Washington Wizards-Philadelphia 76ers game has been banned from Capital One Arena after rushing the floor as the Wizards staved off elimination.

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