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George Mason University

Former US Naval Research Lab Scientist From Fairfax Gets Prison Time For Enticing Kids: Feds Former US Naval Research Lab Scientist From Fairfax Gets Prison Time For Enticing Kids: Feds
Former US Naval Research Lab Scientist From Fairfax Gets Prison Time For Enticing Kids: Feds A former research scientist at the US Naval Research Laboratory and assistant professor at George Mason University is going to be trading his lab coat for a prison jumpsuit. Daniel Marc Lofaro, 40, of Fairfax, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and coercion and enticement of minors, federal authorities announced on Thursday. According to court documents, in November 2021, Lofaro posed as a 22 year old on social media while chatting with a 12 year old.  Lofaro "told the victim in graphic detail how he …
Popular Alexandria Dance Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas Dies At 38 Popular Alexandria Dance Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas Dies At 38
Popular Alexandria Dance Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas Dies At 38 He had charm. He had grace. He was a unique ray of light. This is how Johnathan Thomas, or Jeigh Tea, is being remembered. The 38-year-old Alexandria dance instructor died on May 30, 2024, according to his obituary on the Jefferson Funeral Chapel website. A GoFundMe launched for Jeigh Tea's loved ones had raised more than $7,600 as of press time. An innate performer, Jeigh Tea was "a trained dancer, a trusted coach, and an insightful, full person with an incredible sense of self and style," his obituary reads. "His love and his friendship was a privilege for those who knew him for it was …
Irvington Schools Select New Superintendent Irvington Schools Select New Superintendent
Irvington Schools Select New Superintendent A current assistant superintendent in Westchester has accepted the top post at a nearby district, officials announced.  In an announcement on Monday, May 13, the Irvington Union Free School District revealed it has selected Mara Ratesic as its new superintendent.  Ratesic, who will begin in the position on Monday, July 1, will be formally appointed to the role during a special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.  The current Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at the Bronxville Union Free School District, Ratesic was chosen …
Northern VA Soccer Community Mourns Loss Of Coaching Legend Ken Krieger, 69 Northern VA Soccer Community Mourns Loss Of Coaching Legend Ken Krieger, 69
Northern VA Soccer Community Mourns Loss Of Coaching Legend Ken Krieger, 69 The death of one of the region's most successful soccer coaches has left Northern Virginia grieving. Ken Krieger, of Manassas, died Monday, March 4. He was 69 years old. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Krieger (@alikrieger) Krieger's brother, Scott, said he died of Alzheimer's, "a dreaded disease that first robbed him of his mind, then proceeded to shut down his body. "He will missed not only by his family, but by the many students, players, coaches, teachers, colleagues and friends whose lives he touched," Scott said. …
Fairfax Dad Andrew Stowe Dies Suddenly On Valentine's Day, 51 Fairfax Dad Andrew Stowe Dies Suddenly On Valentine's Day, 51
Fairfax Dad Andrew Stowe Dies Suddenly On Valentine's Day, 51 Support is surging for the loved ones of a Fairfax County dad who died unexpectedly on Valentine's Day. (John) Andrew Stowe was being remembered in his obituary as "indispensable" in his role as senior director of government compliance at ICF International. He was 51 years old. More than $5,900 had been raised on a GoFundMe for his wife, Jessica Lydic Stowe, son (John) Oliver, 13, and daughter Vivienne Amelia (10). Born in Indiana, Andrew graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary in 1990, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from George Mason University in 1998, his obituary sa…
Alexandria IT Exec Dies After Being Knocked Out In DC Fight Alexandria IT Exec Dies After Being Knocked Out In DC Fight
Alexandria IT Exec Dies After Being Knocked Out In DC Fight A 41-year-old tech exec from Virginia died a week after being knocked out during a fight in Washington D.C. Vivek Taneja, of Alexandria, was knocked unconscious during a fight on Friday Feb. 2 around 2 a.m., on the 1100 block of 15th Street NW, DC police said. Congratulations to CEO Boardroom #GovCon member, Vick Taneja, and the entire Dynamo Technologies team for once again... Posted by CEO Boardroom on Thursday, August 16, 2018 Taneja was hospitalized in serious condition and died on Feb. 2. Police are working to identify the suspect, who was captured on surveillance.  NBC …
Speeding Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 27-Year-Old Engineer In Fairfax County Speeding Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 27-Year-Old Engineer In Fairfax County
Speeding Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 27-Year-Old Engineer In Fairfax County Charges have been filed against a 53-year-old driver who was speeding before a crash that killed a 27-year-old motorcyclist in Fairfax County, police said. Gael Cruchet, 53, of Ashburn was driving the 2016 Acura TLX well above the posted speed limit when they struck Zafeer Piracha, of Lorton, on Rt. 28 in Centreville on Friday, Nov. 27, police said. Piracha was ejected from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. Cruchet was taken to a local hospital with injuries considered not life-threatening, and on Friday, Dec. 15, was served a summons releasable charge for reckless driving – speed…
Motorcyclist, 27, Killed In Fairfax County Crash Just Started New Job As Engineer Motorcyclist, 27, Killed In Fairfax County Crash Just Started New Job As Engineer
Motorcyclist, 27, Killed In Fairfax County Crash Just Started New Job As Engineer A 27-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash on Rt. 28 Friday night, Nov. 17, police said. Zafeer Piracha, of Lorton was heading north on the roadway on a Kawasaki when he was struck by a 2016 Acura TLX, also heading north, at Westfields Boulevard in Centreville around 9 p.m., Fairfax County police said. Piracha was ejected from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. The Acura driver was taken to a local hospital with injuries considered not life-threatening. Detectives continue to investigate whether speed and/or alcohol were factors in the crash. Pirarcha's LinkedIn page shows he…
Financial Controller, Fairfax County Dad Victor Lee Dies, 37: 'Unforgettable Person' Financial Controller, Fairfax County Dad Victor Lee Dies, 37: 'Unforgettable Person'
Financial Controller, Fairfax County Dad Victor Lee Dies, 37: 'Unforgettable Person' Support is surging for the family of Victor Lien Chun Lee, a Fairfax County dad who died on Nov. 9. He was 37 years old. More than $23,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Victor's wife, Caitlyn, and children, James and Caroline, as of Saturday, Nov. 18. The campaign says Victor died after an 11-month battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. "Victor fought the hardest battle of his life and has left this world all too soon," Vanessa Roca writes.  "We are honored to have known him and thankful to be able to continue on his memory. Victor was a dedicated & loving husband a…
Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27 Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27
Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27 Mary Catherine Fannon of Alexandria died on Monday, Oct. 30 in her sleep, according to her obituary. She was 27 years old. Catherine played basketball and lacrosse at West Potomac High School and went to to earn her bachelor's degree in sociology from East Carolina University, her obituary reads. She had been working as an enhanced autism teacher at Belle View Elementary School in Fairfax County, simultaneously working toward her Masters in Special Education from George Mason University. Catherine is survived by her parents, Jack and Kelly; siblings Kristen Fannon, Matthew Fannon, Jak…
Fairfax County's Nicholas Hoy Dies Week Before Marrying College Sweetheart Fairfax County's Nicholas Hoy Dies Week Before Marrying College Sweetheart
Fairfax County's Nicholas Hoy Dies Week Before Marrying College Sweetheart Support is on the rise for a bride-to-be who lost her Fairfax County husband a week before their wedding. Nicholas Robert Hoy, of Vienna, died Sunday, Sept. 10, due to a medical emergency, according to his obituary and a GoFundMe page. A GoFundMe for Nick's fiance, Haley Benetti, said the cause of death was an unexplained medical emergency. The campaign had raised more than $12,800 as of Thursday, Sept. 14. Nick was a standout athlete growing up, having won the Northern Virginia Regional Championship in wrestling and played lacrosse for the Virginia State Championship.  He went …
College Grad Helps Parents Reopen Shuttered Fairfax County Deli College Grad Helps Parents Reopen Shuttered Fairfax County Deli
College Grad Helps Parents Reopen Shuttered Fairfax County Deli A Northern Virginia family has reopened their deli that closed during COVID with a whole new look in a whole new spot. Veloce Deli, owned by Raj and Sarah Kapoor, held a soft opening earlier this week at 1900 Campus Commons Drive in Reston. The Kapoor's 24-year-old daughter, Neha Kapoor, is pitching in. Neha graduated George Mason University in 2021 with a degree in business management. While she works full-time as a government contractor, she's been helping her parents as the creative director at Veloce Deli. Veloce DeliCourtesy of Neha Kapoor PANINO ⭐️ Our hot, crispy, cheesy p…
Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Teen Girl, Hospitalized More In Fairfax County Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Teen Girl, Hospitalized More In Fairfax County
Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Teen Girl, Hospitalized More In Fairfax County A 42-year-old man has been charged in a crash that left a 17-year-old girl dead and three other teens critical last month in Fairfax County. Jose Angel Zelaya, of Burke, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the crash that killed Rebekah "Bekah" Zarco on Burke Center Parkway on Tuesday, July 18, officials said. Zelaya was going nearly double the 40 mph speed limit just before the crash, that left Bekah's brother critical, and seriously injured two others. Bekah Zarco.GoFundMe photo Bekah's brother, David, a talented soccer player, was recovering in the ICU, …
Teen Killed In Fairfax County Crash Was Future Engineer; Soccer Player Bro Recovers In ICU Teen Killed In Fairfax County Crash Was Future Engineer; Soccer Player Bro Recovers In ICU
Teen Killed In Fairfax County Crash Was Future Engineer; Soccer Player Bro Recovers In ICU The parents of a 17-year-old girl killed in a Fairfax County crash this week have launched a campaign in hopes of garnering support. Meanwhile, their son is recovering with his two friends in the ICU. Rebekah "Bekah" Zarco had a bright future ahead, her dad, William Zarco, wrote on a GoFundMe campaign. The 17-year-old had just graduated from Robinson Secondary School and was set to start as a freshman engineering student at George Mason University in the fall. Bekah's plans were stolen from her on Tuesday night, July 18, in a car crash, William said. Her brother, David, a talente…
Real Life Peter Pan Spreads Magical Joy Across The DMV Real Life Peter Pan Spreads Magical Joy Across The DMV
Real Life Peter Pan Spreads Magical Joy Across The DMV The best magicians are the ones with Peter Pan syndrome, says Drew Kennerley. And he's the first to admit, he's no different. "The best magicians have to be a kid at heart," said 28-year-old Kennerley, who may be better known across northern Virginia as his stage name, Drew Blue Shoes. Drew has been making life magical with children's shows at libraries, carnivals and birthday parties since he was 15. And he wouldn't have it any other way. Armed with his trusty sidekick, Chicken Nugget — a rubber chicken — Drew dons a red bow tie, top hat, suit jacket, and of course, his hallmark blue sh…
Magician Persevered To Make Childhood Dream Come True — Now He Spreads Joy Across Northern VA Magician Persevered To Make Childhood Dream Come True — Now He Spreads Joy Across Northern VA
Magician Persevered To Make Childhood Dream Come True — Now He Spreads Joy Across Northern VA The best magicians are the ones with Peter Pan syndrome, says Drew Kennerley. And he's the first to admit, he's no different. "The best magicians have to be a kid at heart," said 28-year-old Kennerley, who may be better known across northern Virginia as his stage name, Drew Blue Shoes. Drew has been making life magical with children's shows at libraries, carnivals and birthday parties since he was 15. And he wouldn't have it any other way. Armed with his trusty sidekick, Chicken Nugget — a rubber chicken — Drew dons a red bow tie, top hat, suit jacket, and of course, his hallmark blue sh…
'Super Drunk' Fairfax County Supervising Attorney Captured Refusing To Leave Bar (VIDEO) 'Super Drunk' Fairfax County Supervising Attorney Captured Refusing To Leave Bar (VIDEO)
'Super Drunk' Fairfax County Supervising Attorney Captured Refusing To Leave Bar (Video) Police bodycam footage appears to show Fairfax County supervising attorney Ashleigh Landers Sutton refusing to leave a Manassas bar over the weekend (scroll for video). The incident involving Sutton, one of Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s top supervising attorneys, happened at Old Towne Sports Pub around 2 a.m. Saturday, June 10. A secretary for Descano's office declined comment to Daily Voice Thursday morning, June 15.  In the 911 call obtained by Daily Voice, a caller at the pub tells dispatcher he was "not having an emergency" but requested an officer for a woman refusing to le…
Patrick King, 45, Mourned As Pillar Of Prince William County Patrick King, 45, Mourned As Pillar Of Prince William County
Patrick King, 45, Mourned As Pillar Of Prince William County Patrick King, a pillar of the community in Prince William County, died at home alongside his life partner, Rebecca Barnes. He was 45 years old.  In a Facebook post, Barnes said: "The love of my life, Patrick King, passed unexpectedly in his sleep this morning [Wednesday, May 31]. The loss is unspeakable. I will post plans when we have them, but let me share that if he had known this was his last week on earth, he couldn't have planned a much better week.  "Disney World, visits with his brother, close friends, and family, motorcycle riding, drinking around the world at Epcot, stop…
Missing Virginia Man Found Dead Missing Virginia Man Found Dead
Missing Virginia Man Found Dead The search for Mateo Zevallos has come to a tragic end. The body of a man believed to be the missing 21-year-old George Mason University student was found in Shenandoah National Park on Sunday, May 21 around 12:15 p.m., according to Claire Comer, a spokeswoman for the park. Police did not say where in the park the body was found. The body is being transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for positive identification and determination of cause of death. Trails in the Overall Run area that were closed for search operations have been reopened.
Massive Search For Disappeared Student Closes Portion Of Shenandoah National Park (PHOTOS) Massive Search For Disappeared Student Closes Portion Of Shenandoah National Park (PHOTOS)
Massive Search For Disappeared Student Closes Portion Of Shenandoah National Park (Photos) A search for 21-year-old Mateo Cobo Zevallos, whose vehicle was found in a parking lot near Shenandoah National Park earlier this week, remains ongoing. Photos show a rappel team descending on the park Thursday, May 18, four days after the George Mason University student was reported missing. Search for Mateo Zevallos in Shenandoah National Park.Shenandoah National Park Search for Mateo Zevallos in Shenandoah National Park.Shenandoah National Park Following a hasty search Tuesday evening, Shenandoah activated a full-scale search operation early Wednesday. The following trails and adj…
Missing Student's Car Found At National Park, Massive Search Launched Missing Student's Car Found At National Park, Massive Search Launched
Missing Student's Car Found At National Park, Massive Search Launched The vehicle belonging to 21-year-old Mateo Luis Cobo Zevallos was found in a parking lot at Shenandoah National Park on Tuesday, May 16, officials confirmed. The George Mason University honors student was reported missing on Monday, May 15, according to Fairfax County and Virginia State Police. Virginia Department of Emergency Management and National Park Service Search and Rescue officers descended on the area in a search for Zevallos Wednesday and Thursday, according to NPS spokeswoman Claire Comer. Zevallos' Honda Civic 4-door sedan was discovered in the afternoon hours Tuesday, in a pa…
Sudden Death Of Northern Virginia Dad Ray Obregon Jr. Sends Shockwaves Through Community Sudden Death Of Northern Virginia Dad Ray Obregon Jr. Sends Shockwaves Through Community
Sudden Death Of Northern Virginia Dad Ray Obregon Jr. Sends Shockwaves Through Community A community is in shock after the sudden death of a young Fairfax father just days before Christmas, according to a GoFundMe created to help support his family. Raymond J. Obregon, Jr., 34, suddenly passed away on Monday, Dec. 19. He leaves behind a daughter, and numerous beloved family members, according to his obituary. "Raymond was a perpetual learner, a faithful follower of God, and a proud father", stated organizer Meghan Leatherwood. "His short time here on Earth has taught us many lessons about love, forgiveness, and faith. Raymond's legacy will live on forever, especially through hi…
Fairfax Police Officer Airlifted To Hospital After Motorcycle Crash Fairfax Police Officer Airlifted To Hospital After Motorcycle Crash
Fairfax Police Officer Airlifted To Hospital After Motorcycle Crash Lanes were blocked near George Mason University following a motorcycle crash involving a Fairfax police officer, authorities say. The crash happened at Braddock Road and Roanoke Road around 1 p.m., Friday, Dec, 9. The officer involved has been rushed to a hospital with serious injuries, according to Fairfax police. Braddock Road continues to be closed between Roanoke River Road and Route 123. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes of travel as the crash is investigated. Any other injuries in the collision are currently unknown. 
George Mason University Will Freeze Tuition For In-State Students: Report George Mason University Will Freeze Tuition For In-State Students: Report
George Mason University Will Freeze Tuition For In-State Students: Report George Mason University has become Virginia's last public college to freeze in-state tuition, according to Richmond.com. The Fairfax County school voted to comply with Gov. Glenn Youngkin's request, and mandate that all in-state students pay the same tuition every year, the website said.  GMU is Virginia's largest public school and charges in-state students $13,000 for tuition and fees, along with another $13,000 for room and board, Richmond.com said.  Click here for more on George Mason University's recent decision on tuition. 
George Mason Athletic Director To Assume New Role As CEO Of NFL Alumni George Mason Athletic Director To Assume New Role As CEO Of NFL Alumni
George Mason Athletic Director To Assume New Role As CEO Of NFL Alumni George Mason University's athletic director, who also serves as the school's assistant vice president, will soon take on a new role with NFL Alumni, WTOP said. After his eight-year tenure, Bradford Edwards will leave the Fairfax County school in October and become the CEO of the NFL's prestigious, nonprofit organization, the website said. Edwards, a former NFL player himself, said he is excited for the new gig, but will remember his time and work at GMU fondly, WTOP reported. Click here for more from WTOP.
These Virginia Colleges Ranked Among Best In America These Virginia Colleges Ranked Among Best In America
These Virginia Colleges Ranked Among Best In America Virginia is home to multiple prestigious colleges, many of which boast historical significance. Of all of the Commonwealth's institutions, 15 of them were ranked among the top 1,500 on the US News & World Report's 2022-2023 Best Colleges.  The University of Virginia was the highest ranking placing 25th overall, tieing with University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, New York University, and University of Southern California.  Here are the top eight best colleges in Virginia among the top 250 in the country: University of Virginia William and Mary Virginia Tech George Mas…
VA Resident Who Brought E-Sport Events To DMV Dead At 32 VA Resident Who Brought E-Sport Events To DMV Dead At 32
VA Resident Who Brought E-Sport Events To DMV Dead At 32 Ray Bulaclac used gaming as a way to bring people together. He passed away at the young age of 32 on August 19 in his Herndon home, his obituary said. The Virginia native was never far from home for too long, spending his younger years at Western Branch High School and George Mason University, the obituary said. Bulaclac, nicknamed "Babycakes" founded the organization, D.C. Esports, which brought avid e-gamers together in the Metro area, the obituary stated. "In his spare time, he loved bringing his friends together at concerts, restaurants, and whatever exciting event was next on th…
Community Rallies Around Fairfax County Mom Diagnosed With Rare Cancer Community Rallies Around Fairfax County Mom Diagnosed With Rare Cancer
Community Rallies Around Fairfax County Mom Diagnosed With Rare Cancer Family and friends of an Annandale mom are making sure she isn't facing her cancer diagnosis alone. They've started a GoFundMe to help her win the fight of her life.  Doctors diagnosed Catherine Ipsan with a rare and aggressive cancer earlier this year. Since then, the mom of a 5-year-old son splits her time between Annandale and New York City for treatments, according to a GoFundMe her sister set up to pay for the medical bills and travel expenses. The fundraiser hopes to raise $25,000. They've raised more than $21,000 so far from 132 donors.  That amount of travel has put a…
COVID-19: Many Kept Traveling Despite Showing Symptoms, Study Finds COVID-19: Many Kept Traveling Despite Showing Symptoms, Study Finds
Covid-19: Many Kept Traveling Despite Showing Symptoms, Study Finds Despite showing COVID-19 symptoms, many Americans continued to travel normally during the pandemic, according to a new study. Researchers from George Mason University reported that they found “no real change” in daily activity, travel, and contact with others during the pandemic, even from those who showed signs of potentially contracting the virus. A team from the university’s College of Health and Human Services tracked the movement patterns of nearly 200 volunteers who showed possible COVID-19 symptoms. Of those being evaluated, few did anything to limit their daily movements, even when …
30 Under 30: Meet Westchester Trailblazers Named To Prestigious Forbes List 30 Under 30: Meet Westchester Trailblazers Named To Prestigious Forbes List
30 Under 30: Meet Westchester Trailblazers Named To Prestigious Forbes List The future looks bright, according to Forbes' latest "30 Under 30" list. Among the 600 trailblazers and change-makers spanning 20 industries are Westchester residents: Adam James of New Rochelle, Eric Frieman of Scarsdale and Sammi Cannold of Bedford Corners. Adam James, 28 of New Rochelle: Founder of the Clean Energy Leadership Institute.  Here's what Forbes said about the dad of two: Adam James is chief of staff at Energy Impact Partners, which has $500 million under management, and is the cofounder of the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI), a non-profit dedicated to pre…
Details Emerge, Photos Released After Sisters From Saudi Arabia Found Dead In Hudson River Details Emerge, Photos Released After Sisters From Saudi Arabia Found Dead In Hudson River
Details Emerge, Photos Released After Sisters From Saudi Arabia Found Dead In Hudson River Police say they are "unraveling" what was going on in the lives of the two young sisters from Saudi Arabia who were found bound together last week after their bodies washed up on the shore of Manhattan's Upper West Side have been identified. The two have been identified as Tala Farea, 16, and her sister, Rotana Farea, 22, both of Fairfax, Virginia, the NYPD said. There were no obvious signs of trauma, and the NYPD said it believes the two were living before entering the river. The two were found wearing similar fur-trimmed jackets and black leggings with their waists and feet boun…