Vienna, VA|News|
Fairfax County Meals Tax To Begin In 2026: 5 Things To Know
Fairfax County will start collecting a meals tax for the first time. Here's what diners need to know.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
- Ashburn, VA
Emily Leayman has been a local editor with Patch since March 2017. She leads coverage for the Northern Virginia communities of Alexandria, Ashburn, Manassas, Woodbridge and Vienna. At Patch, Emily was named to the Virginia School Boards Association Media Honor Roll in 2023 for her coverage of local schools.
Before joining Patch, Emily reported on education news for Watchdog.org in Washington, DC. Her coverage focused on the impact of school choice and Washington, DC's public charter school system.
Emily graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a degree in professional writing and minors in public relations and Spanish. During her time at college, Emily freelanced for the Berks-Mont Newspapers, covering local news in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She was an editor at the university's student newspaper, The Keystone, for four years, including two as editor-in-chief.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Emily lives in Loudoun County, Virginia. Contact Emily with story ideas at emily.leayman@patch.com and follow her on Twitter @emilyleayman.
Posting Activity
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Stolen Vehicle Chase In Alexandria Leads To State Trooper Injury
State police say a state trooper vehicle struck a guardrail when a stolen vehicle driver rammed into it during a chase.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
New Year's Eve 2025 In Alexandria: Fireworks, Performances, More Events
Here's what events are happening around Alexandria to help ring in 2026, including the big First Night Alexandria with fireworks.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
New Hotel Opens Near NOVA Live Campus In Manassas
Tempo by Hilton opened as part of a partnership with NOVA Live's restaurant group.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
Top News Of 2025: Plane Crash Victims, Home Explosion Conviction, Data Center Zoning
Top news of 2025: conviction locker room investigation, new school board members elected, by-right data center approval removed, toll hike.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
$3 Million Copper Theft Ring Leads To Bust In Loudoun County
Thefts of copper wire collectively valued at $3 million have led to three arrests, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Manassas After 2025 Holidays
Recycling at several locations is one way Manassas residents can get rid of Christmas trees.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Prince William County After 2025 Holidays
Free recycling at several locations is one way Prince William County residents can get rid of Christmas trees.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Vienna, VA|News|
How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Vienna After 2025 Holidays
Residents will have curbside collection and self-hauling options for live Christmas trees around Vienna and Fairfax County.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Loudoun County After 2025 Holidays
Free recycling at several locations is one way Loudoun County residents can get rid of Christmas trees.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
8 Displaced By House Fire In Dale City Linked To Kitchen Stovetop
Prince William County Fire and Rescue said smoke alarms helped residents safely escape a house fire that started in the kitchen.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Online Child Solicitation Leads To Prince William County Man's Arrest
Police say a man soliciting minors online for inappropriate acts has been charged with production of child porn and other crimes.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Swastika Discovered At Woodbridge VRE Station: Police
Police are investigating a swastika and other spray-painted symbols at a VRE station.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Garrett McGuire Chosen As Democratic Nominee For 17th House District Special Election
Four candidates had sought the Democratic nomination for Del. Mark Sickles's Virginia House seat as he accepts a new state position.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
3-Year-Old Fatally Shot | Driver Returns To Body In Median | Road Rage Crash: VA News
$1M Lottery Winner | Slime Museum Plans | Delegate Named Finance Secretary | Fatal DUI Crash | $3.1M Given For Hunger Relief | Sale Shooting
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Christmas 2025 Grocery Store Hours In VA: Trader Joe's, Costco, Safeway, Giant
For last-minute holiday grocery runs, Aldi, Harris Teeter, Walmart, Wegmans, Whole Foods and more stores have schedule changes.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Retired Federal Employee, Library Trustee Enters 17th House District Race
A candidate has been announced for the 17th House District special election, called after Del. Mark Sickles was named Secretary of Finance.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
1 Dead In Crash On I-66 In Manassas Area: State Police
State police say two vehicles were involved in the fatal crash on the morning of Christmas Eve.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Killing Of 3-Year-Old, Shooting Of 4 Others Leads To Guilty Plea
A man has taken a plea agreement for some charges in the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old that injured four other people.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
Fatal DUI Crash In Brambleton Prompts New Charge For Driver
A single-vehicle crash that killed a passenger led to two charges for the driver, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
