Virginia man charged in baseball bat attacks on three women, including congressional staffers
A northern Virginia man has been arraigned on charges involving baseball bat attacks on three women, including two staffers for Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Man in custody after baseball bat attack hurts 2, including intern, at congressman's Virginia office
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia says a man with a baseball bat walked into his Fairfax office, asked for him, and assaulted two of his workers.
WATCH: Virginia officer narrowly escapes being hit by vehicle - The Morning Sprint - May 3, 2023
Itโs Hump Day! Start your day with a smile with the Morning Sprint. At 8 a.m., weโll be going over trending stories in our region and across the country.
Fairfax County Police Chief fires officer, releases video of shooting death
A northern Virginia police officer has been fired after fatally shooting a shoplifting suspect last month following a foot chase at a busy shopping mall.
New mural painted in memory of LA's famed mountain lion
An artist has devoted a sweeping new street mural to the memory of one of Los Angelesโ most famous residents: P-22, the celebrated mountain lion who lived in the city and was recently euthanized amid worsening health and injuries likely caused by a car.
Heard to appeal $10M judgment in Depp defamation case
Amber Heard has notified a Virginia court that she intends to appeal the $10 million judgment she was ordered to pay ex-husband Johnny Depp during a high-profile defamation trial.
Johnny Depp wins libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard
A jury on Wednesday ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Depp before and during their brief marriage.
Amber Heard ends testimony asking Depp to 'leave me alone'
Amber Heard told jurors that a harassment campaign waged against her by ex-husband Johnny Depp has left her humiliated and scared for her life from multiple death threats, and said she just wants Depp to "leave me alone.โ.
Officers: No injuries on Amber Heard after fight with Depp
Los Angeles police officers who responded to a domestic violence call at the penthouse of actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard say they saw no marks on her face after a 2016 fight between the couple in which Heard says she was assaulted.
WATCH: 4 bodies found in Virginia are victims of โshopping cart killerโ
Police in Virginia say the discovery of four bodies at two different locations in the state are the work of a serial killer who used a shopping cart to transport his victims' bodies after meeting them on dating sites.
Two recounts appear likely in tight Virginia House races
Days after Democrats conceded control of the Virginia House of Delegates to Republicans, Democrats have walked back that concession since two races appear headed for recounts.
![Virginia lawmakers convene in person for special session](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/LaP2zEOPW9C-uVewsw70FF96gyA=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GPZ2THVYCNAFVBSROXSNTMQ34I.jpg)
Virginia lawmakers convene in person for special session
The entire General Assembly returned to the state Capitol for the first time in over a year Monday, kicking off a short special session to elect judges and adjust the state budget to account for billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief money.
![NRA's gun rights message not slowed by legal, money troubles](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/encTu9EKM_T4hxDNkFy2jnEHwjI=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FAX7HXJQSVEHNGS5F2TYF2NIQE.jpg)
NRA's gun rights message not slowed by legal, money troubles
The National Rifle Association has been embroiled in a legal and financial battle that liberals have cheered as the potential downfall of the powerful gun rights lobby, opening up a wide path for reform.
![Virginia democrats defend House incumbents before eyes turn to fall](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/yjohr1jHlle0SbwmtTMTNlkPEuQ=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7PI534DDVBDPBMA5576ERZNCXM.jpg)
Virginia democrats defend House incumbents before eyes turn to fall
Democrats who have transformed Virginia at whiplash speed over the past two years will be defending their full control of the statehouse this fall.
![Justin Fairfax's bid for governor has observers asking: Why?](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ReaQcTGA11_WjJkrjVSu2f6RM-U=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DFSVGGQMSJAFNEAZ626LCRXGPE.jpg)
Justin Fairfax's bid for governor has observers asking: Why?
Virginiaโs lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, has long had lofty political ambitions, and despite facing two unresolved allegations of sexual assault heโs pressing forward with a bid for governor.
![Film Academy Museum completes pre-fundraising goal](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/GZHNeTnvYWjffH-hj7rqGzS-Cno=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/I25XJHXZ4ZA4RAQAAIC632UNAM.jpg)
Film Academy Museum completes pre-fundraising goal
After 8 years and 13,000 donors including the likes of Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached and exceeded its pre-fundraising goal. Academy Museum director and president Bill Kramer said Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, that the new museum has raised $388 million. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)It took eight years and 13,000 donors including the likes of Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg, but the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached and exceeded its pre-fundraising goal. Academy Museum director and president Bill Kramer said Friday that the new museum has raised $388 million. Located in Los Angeles at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the Academy Museum is set to open on April 30, five days after the 93rd Academy Awards.
![Park Police officers indicted in shooting of unarmed driver](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bZ0T1e4ZT1IV8NYvUWnUWPRtIjM=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/N4XLF7PRPFFTVNCNKQRWOKJ4T4.jpg)
Park Police officers indicted in shooting of unarmed driver
FAIRFAX, Va. โ Two U.S. Park Police officers were indicted Thursday on manslaughter charges in the 2017 shooting death of an unarmed motorist who led officers on a stop-and-go chase outside Washington, capping nearly three years of inquiry into a case that caused an outcry over concerns of excessive force. With these charges we are reminded that, at least here in Fairfax County, Officers Alejandro Amaya and Lucas Vinyard are not above the law. Federal prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges against the officers last year, saying their actions did not rise to the level of criminality. He anticipates that the officers will seek to have the case removed to federal court because Amaya and Vinyard are federal officers. It shows the car driven by Ghaisar stopping twice during the chase, and officers approaching the car with guns drawn.
![Long lines accompany start of early voting in Northern Virginia](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/In8aJMeKYNtUSK1mLfI_fXAc9zA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/B3BB7SMYUBCIFCS7RSD6T5VTDE.jpg)
Long lines accompany start of early voting in Northern Virginia
All rights reserved)FAIRFAX, Va. โ Lines of voters stretched hundreds deep in northern Virginia and other parts of the state on the first day of early voting in the 2020 presidential election. Friday marked the first day of early voting across the commonwealth. In past presidential elections, Virginia voters needed a reason to cast an early ballot. Long lines were also evident in Virginia Beach, where voters waited in the rain. Early in-person voting continues through Oct. 31.
![Virginia lieutenant governor enters race for governor](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qExbCLE1XdViBZCV-YAKhzue_Jg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/EOVJEYWOT5F3VDLYJ2XJ65YQ6A.jpg)
Virginia lieutenant governor enters race for governor
FAIRFAX, Va. โ Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax formally kicked off his campaign for governor Saturday, a year after facing two allegations of sexual assault. Fairfax delivered a campaign speech at the Old Court House in Fairfax in northern Virginia. In February 2019, Fairfax faced calls for his resignation from fellow Democrats after two women publicly accused him of sexual assault. Fairfax has denied the allegations and accused the women of being part of a โsmear campaignโ to end his political career. Fairfax was elected Virginia's lieutenant governor in 2017.
![Northern Virginia school system hacked, data held for ransom](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/5v9Gu_bSAF2tRxJ5DQRNDqnqmMk=/1600x1065/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NVANBK2MJNCOLHYFXGOSRWV43Y.jpg)
Northern Virginia school system hacked, data held for ransom
FAIRFAX, Va. โ Virginiaโs largest school system has been hacked and the attackers are seeking a ransom payment to keep them from disclosing stolen personal information. WRC-TV in Washington reports that the internet hacking group Maze posted some of the data stolen from Fairfax County Public Schools, including student disciplinary records and grades, to prove its hack was successful. The school system confirmed the hack and said it is investigating and working with law enforcement.
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Virginia lawmakers push to expand police decertification law
FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2016, file photo, Del. Marcus Simon D-Fairfax, speaks during a meeting of the Privileges and Elections subcommittee at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. A bill making its way through the House would require police chiefs to notify the Criminal Justice Services Board or a civilian review panel if an officer has received three complaints of excessive force in the previous five years. Simon, the bill's chief sponsor, said three complaints would not automatically trigger a decertification hearing, but would act as an "early warning system" to detect a pattern that requires further investigation and could lead to decertification. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
![Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax announces bid for Virginia governor](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/D4Acq1Z3jlzgZnyg1dF5Peb0HJU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PYXSGZLQP5EUDPPCR2DCEWUNRI.jpg)
Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax announces bid for Virginia governor
RICHMOND, Va. โ Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is launching a run for governor despite facing two high-profile allegations of sexual assault he has strenuously denied. Fairfax is set to hold campaign kickoff events this weekend, joining a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls looking for their partyโs nomination to run for governor in 2021. The lieutenant governor position is a traditional launchpad for gubernatorial bids, and Fairfax would normally be considered a strong candidate. But unsettled allegations of sexual assault, made by two women last year when Virginia politics was at the center of the nationโs attention, will complicate his ability to raise money and build support.
![Virginia GOP renews call for hearing on Fairfax allegations](https://media.wsls.com/photo/2019/09/12/Lt_Gov_Fairfax_sues_CBS_for_400_million_after_it_aired_interviews_with_sexual_assault_accusers_1568309367275_22272002_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Virginia GOP renews call for hearing on Fairfax allegations
RICHMOND, Va. - Republican lawmakers in Virginia are renewing their push to hold a bipartisan hearing into sexual assault allegations two women have made against the state's Democratic lieutenant governor. Rob Bell pressed Democrats on Thursday to hold a hearing on Oct. 16. Two women earlier this year publicly accused Fairfax of sexual assault and said they want to testify before the legislature, but only if both political parties participate. Most House Democrats having opposed a public hearing, saying it would be little more than a political stunt. The GOP's renewed push comes after The Washington Post's editorial board said earlier this week that the legislature should move forward with a hearing.
![Lt. Gov. Fairfax sues CBS for $400 million after it aired interviews with sexual assault accusers](https://media.wsls.com/photo/2019/09/12/Lt_Gov_Fairfax_sues_CBS_for_400_million_after_it_aired_interviews_with_sexual_assault_accusers_1568309367275_22272002_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Lt. Gov. Fairfax sues CBS for $400 million after it aired interviews with sexual assault accusers
Justin Fairfax is suing the CBS TV network over its interviews with two women who've accused him of sexual assault. "That CBS chose to air these false claims of sexual assault is not surprising. Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch. As I cried and gagged, Mr. Fairfax forced me to perform oral sex on him. I consciously avoided Mr. Fairfax for the remainder of the Convention and I never spoke to him again."
![Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax resigns from law firm](https://media.wsls.com/photo/2019/04/01/Latest%20on%20sexual%20assault%20accusations%20against%20Lt%20Gov%20Justin%20Fairfax20190401221353.jpg_21659617_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax resigns from law firm
Justin Fairfax is resigning from the law firm Morrison & Foerster, where he has been on leave since February amid allegations of sexual assault. News outlets report Fairfax and the firm confirmed Monday that he's resigning as partner. While outside counsel conducted that investigation Justin voluntarily took a leave of absence. The investigation conducted by the firm found neither allegations nor evidence of any wrongdoing by Justin during his tenure at the firm. Republicans have called for hearings on the sexual allegations against Fairfax next week.
![On this day: June 28](https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2017/06/27/OTD%20June%2028%20-%20Istanbul%20Ataturk%20Airport%20attack.jpg_22036031_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
On this day: June 28
2010: U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., the longest-serving senator in the nation's history, dies in Fairfax, Virginia, at age 92. Byrd, who was born Cornelius Calvin Sale Jr. in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 1917, served as a U.S. representative from 1953 until 1959 and as a U.S. senator from 1959 to 2010. Besides being the longest-serving senator at the time of his death, he was also the longest-serving member of the U.S. Congress, but the latter record was surpassed by U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., in June 2013. Hide Caption