Marcella Robertson
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DMV raised. Proud @GeorgeMasonU grad. Emmy award winning anchor/reporter @WUSA9. Story idea? mrobertson@wusa9.com
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Articles by Marcella Robertson
Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney defends record amid DOJ investigation Original
Steve Descano plans to lean on his record of low crime for large jurisdictions during testimony on Capitol Hill. FAIRFAX, Va. — Fairfax County's top prosecutor is set to testify on Capitol Hill to defend his record. Commonwealth's Attorney for Fairfax County Steve Descano is expected to face tough questions over crime and immigration policies. Last week, the Justice Department accused Descano's office of giving preferential treatment to undocumented defendants.
Fairfax County School Board set to vote on possible calendar changes
The school board is set to vote on proposed changes to the school's calendar Thursday. Board members say there are too many holidays and early-release days. FAIRFAX, Va. — The Fairfax County School Board is preparing for a vote on the school's calendar Thursday. Some parents and board members feel the current school calendar is too fragmented with too many holiday and too many early-release days. Several proposals on the table could change that.
Teen charged in deadly 2024 Hybla Valley hit-and-run
Fairfax County Police have charged a 16-year-old with manslaughter, felony hit-and-run, and receiving stolen property. Credit: Justin - stock.adobe.com ALEXANDRIA, Va. — After two years, Fairfax County Police have charged a teen in connection with a deadly Hybla Valley hit-and-run. The crash happened on March 10, 2024. A pedestrian, 63-year-old James Johnson from Hybla Valley, was hit and killed during the incident. Detectives say the teen suspect was driving a stolen vehicle in the crash.
Fairfax County students get hands-on lesson in financial literacy
Eighth graders in Fairfax County spent the day at Junior Achievement Finance Park to learn important life lessons on budgeting, taxes and much more. FAIRFAX, Va. — Managing money is a lesson many adults say they wish they learned sooner. Every year, 8th graders in Faifax County get that opportunity long before they enter the real world. From budgeting and credit scores, to taxes and housing, these students get a real life lesson to prepare them for life after graduation.
Family, police search for answers in 35 year old DC cold case
Eileen Robinson disappeared in January of 1991. She walked out of her family home in Northwest, DC and was never seen again. She left behind three young daughters. WASHINGTON — For 35 years, Myisha Wallace has held on to the few precious memories she has of her mother, especially her smile. "I don't remember a final hug, I don't remember a final kiss. The thing that keeps me fighting this fight is her smile," said Wallace.
Arlington Memorial Bridge repairs scheduled more than a year after deadly crash
In January 2025, two brothers were killed after their truck crashed through the bridge's barrier and into the Potomac River. Repairs are now scheduled for mid 2026. WASHINGTON — It's been more than a year since the driver of a pickup truck slammed into the Arlington Memorial Bridge’s railing, drove right through it and landed in the freezing water. Two brothers were killed. A year later, the bridge still has a gaping hole in the railing, only blocked by temporary concrete barriers.
Permanent memorial planned for site of former Slave Auction Block
After years of debate, the controversial slave auction block in downtown Fredericksburg was removed in 2020. Now there are plans for a permanent memorial. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — There are major plans underway for a once controversial corner in downtown Fredericksburg. A permanent memorial is planned for the site of the former slave auction block. Historians believe more than 350 African-Americans stood on that block and were sold into slavery. The 176-year-old stone was removed from downtown in 2020.
Local rabbi's family among victims in Australia mass shooting
DC's Rabbi Levi Shemtov tells WUSA9 multiple members of his family were at the Jewish celebration in Australia when two gunmen opened fire. WASHINGTON — Two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach Sunday, killing at least 11 people in what Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an act of antisemitism and terrorism.
This Prince George's County school counselor has made it her mission to feed students for nearly a decade
We first met Veronica Scarborough in 2017. At the time she was delivering meals to families after school. Eight years later, her mission has grown. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — In 2017, Veronica Scarborough was a school secretary at Waldon Woods Elementary in Clinton, Maryland. She told us she was on a mission. “It’s an assignment. And when the Good Lord gives you an assignment, it’s important that you do it,” she said. That assignment was making sure her students had enough to eat.
Mother says DC teacher's aide was fired after 'mishandling' student with autism
Martinique White says surveillance video shows what happened, including the aide grabbing the student by the wrist. WASHINGTON — A D.C. mother is looking for accountability and justice after she says her son was assaulted by a teacher's aide at the school. Martinique White's 6-year-old son Jojo attends Bridges Public Charter School in Northeast, D.C. Jojo has autism and limited verbal abilities.
Maryland, Virginia senators introduce bill to pause mortgage payments for federal workers during shutdown
The Federal Worker Mortgage Forbearance Act would require 90 days of mortgage forbearance for federal workers and contractors. Credit: J. Scott Applewhite / AP Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md on Thursday (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON — Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the Federal Worker Mortgage Forbearance Act Friday. The proposal comes amid the longest shutdown in U.S. History.
Family searching for answers in two disappearances, decades apart
Decades before her daughter Chyna Crawford disappeared, Elisa Crawford's sister also vanished in DC. WASHINGTON — It has been two years since anyone has seen or heard from 25-year-old Chyna Crawford. The DC woman was last seen in the 1600 block of Good Hope Road SE, according to authorities. Her family reported her missing October 26, 2023 after she failed to respond to calls and text messages. After her disappearance, Crawford's family searched for answers.
Police searching for hit-and-run driver who plowed into a child's birthday party in Maryland, injuring 11
Seven children, ranging from two to nine years old, were transported to Children's Hospital. BLADENSBURG, Md. — A hit-and-run at a children's birthday in Maryland on Saturday left 11 people -- including seven children -- injured, according to the Bladensburg Police Department.
Virginia's attorney general candidates set to debate Thursday night
This is the first and only debate scheduled in the Commonwealth's race for attorney general. RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia's attorney general candidates, Republican incumbent Jason Miyares and Democratic former Del. Jay Jones, are set to debate in Richmond on Thursday night. This comes as the statewide race continues to permeate the national political spotlight amid a text message controversy surrounding Jones.
EXCLUSIVE: 'I just said we're on our way.' DC firefighters recount call for help from one of their own
An off-duty DC firefighter was shot during an armed robbery Saturday night. He couldn't get through to a 911 operator, so he called his fire station for help. WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Gary Dziekan, who goes by "Zeek," says he was on the ground bleeding near the corner of C and Eighth streets in northeast Saturday night after being shot. Even though the off-duty firefighter called 911, he says his call went unanswered for several minutes. His next call was to his fire station crew at Engine 18.
Plans underway to redevelop Terminal 1 at Reagan National Airport
The Metropolitan Airports Authority Board of Directors is set to discuss plans to redevelop the original terminal at its meeting Wednesday. Credit: MWAA DCA is in the early plans to redevelop the original airport terminal ARLINGTON, Va. — Reagan National Airport is in the early stages of plans to redevelop Terminal 1. The Metropolitan Airports Authority Board of Directors is set to discuss plans for the new terminal at its meeting Wednesday.
Charlie Kirk dead: Maryland, Virginia lawmakers respond to deadly shooting
Kirk, a popular conservative political influence and media personality, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. WASHINGTON — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in what the governor called a political assassination carried out from a rooftop.
Professional organizer shares budget friendly tips for a successful school year
Katherine Picott is the owner of Tidy Milso. She shares some of her top back to school tips and must have items under $50. WASHINGTON — Decluttering and organizing can help the whole family get in the proper headspace before returning back to the classroom. Experts say clearing your space opens you up to being more creative, more energized and more productive. And that is important heading into a new school year. Katherine Picott is the owner of Tidy Milso, a professional organizing business.
Crash leaves tractor-trailer dangling off a bridge on I-495 in Maryland
The Beltway outer loop is closed between Old Georgetown Road and the I-270 spur due to the crash. Credit: Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Tractor trailer crashes off of overpass BETHESDA, Md. — An early Thursday morning crash is causing delays on I-495 in Bethesda. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, a tractor-trailer carrying refrigerated mushrooms is dangling off a bridge on the Beltway between Old Georgetown Road the the I-270 Spur after a collision.
Crash, car fire shuts down portion of Beltway in Prince George's County
This incident will impact your Thursday morning commute. Officials say an extended closure is expected. Credit: TheaDesign - stock.adobe.com Police lights PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Commuters on the Capital Beltway will see major delays Thursday morning after multiple vehicles crashed and caught fire. All travel lanes are blocked on the outer loop of I-495 before Exit 7 to MD-5. The incident is causing major delays to the Thursday morning commute. Emergency response crews are on scene.
The cost of parenting: These baby products will get more expensive due to tariffs
The owner of Three Littles, a children's store in DC says prices on some baby products are jumping anywhere from $50 to $300. WASHINGTON — The cost of living is rising, especially for parents raising small children right now. A recent report from LendingTree shows the annual cost associated with raising a small child is about $29,000. That's a 35% increase from the previous study. Now, parents can expect to pay even more with the impact of tariffs.
Pregnant and at Risk: The Black Maternal Health Crisis
The summit brings together advocates and others looking to change policies around Black maternal health. WASHINGTON — Black women in the U.S. are more than three time more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than their white counterparts. Recent data shows maternal deaths have dropped nationwide, for everyone except Black women. For Black women those numbers have gone up.
There's an influx of federal workers looking for jobs. Experts say scammers are watching
WASHINGTON — Thousands of laid off federal workers are searching for new jobs amid President Trump's efforts to shrink the federal workforce. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are out there waiting to take advantage. "We know scammers are following the news. They see that there's going to be an influx of people looking for a job," said Kelsey Coleman with the BBB. Fraudulent employment listings are nothing new, but experts say they are becoming more sophisticated.
Better Business Bureau warns of fake job postings as federal works flood into job market Original
Employment scams were among the riskiest scam types in 2024 with a median dollar loss $1,500, according to the Better Business Bureau. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser launched a new career hub to help fired workers. WASHINGTON — Thousands of laid off federal workers are searching for new jobs amid President Trump's efforts to shrink the federal workforce. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are out there waiting to take advantage. "We know scammers are following the news.
Secret Service shoot suicidal man parked near White House
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Secret Service shoot suicidal man parked near White House
Officials say the man was taken to a local hospital. His condition is unknown right now. Credit: Jacqueline Quynh Following the incident Sunday morning with Secret Service, officers remove the Indiana man's vehicle. WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating an early Sunday morning incident where Secret Service agents shot an armed man, according to officials.
Navy Yard traffic nightmare continues for federal employees after in-person work mandate
Nearly 17,000 employees returned to work in person at the Navy Yard after President Trump directed federal agencies to bring employees back to the office. Federal workers at Washington Navy Yard have been called to return to office full-time amid limited parking spots. WASHINGTON — Gridlock continues in Southeast D.C. more than two weeks after thousands of federal workers returned to the office in Navy Yard.
DC's Go-Go Museum officially opens its doors to the public
WASHINGTON — The doors to the Go-Go Museum and Cafe in historic Anacosita officially opens its doors to the public on Wednesday. The museum, dedicated to the official music of the District, has been a long time in the making. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other community leaders cut the ribbon on the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum and Cafe in historic Anacostia in November. Since that soft-opening, the museum was available for private and group tours.
Judge denies bond for husband charged in double homicide, alleged plot with au pair
"Now, 570 days late, we know the deaths of Joseph Ryan and Christine Banfield are both in fact murders," Fairfax County Police Chief Keith Davis said Monday. FAIRFAX, Va. — A judge denied bond Friday for the husband accused of murdering his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man, Joseph Ryan inside a Fairfax County home. Brendan Banfield, 39, appeared in person Friday morning inside a Fairfax County courtroom.
After years of controversy, the new Spotsylvania County Schools Superintendent is optimistic about the upcoming school year
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. — Spotsylvania County Public School students head back to the classroom Monday. School leaders hope that under new leadership, this school year will serve as a fresh start for the district. For years, the school district has been embroiled in controversy. From issues like controversial book bans, staff shortages, budget constraints, and contentious school board meetings. Dr. Clint M. Mitchell officially started as the new superintendent last week.
National Harbor Black History Month event will celebrate local Black brewers Original
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Craft beer is a booming, billion-dollar industry. Even during a tough year, small craft brewers contributed $62.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020, according to the Brewers Association. There are nearly 9,000 craft breweries in the country, but less than 1% are Black-owned. At an upcoming event at National Harbor, you can meet some of the people behind local Black owned beer brands.
Black History Month event at National Harbor will highlight local Black brewers
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Craft beer is a booming, billion-dollar industry. Even during a tough year, small craft brewers contributed $62.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020, according to the Brewers Association. There are nearly 9,000 craft breweries in the country, but less than 1% are Black-owned. At an upcoming event at National Harbor, you can meet some of the people behind local Black owned beer brands.
'There is no where else to cut' | Virginia school district faces $46 million budget gap
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. — The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors and School Board met Tuesday to discuss the 2025 fiscal budget for the school system. The School Board approved a budget earlier this month, sending the proposal to fund the schools to the Board of Supervisors with a $46 million budget shortfall. Last year, we saw a contentious battle play out in Spotsylvania County with the budget negotiations.
Preliminary report details moments before small plane made emergency landing on Loudoun County Parkway Original
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report is offering new details on the moments before a small commercial plane made an emergency landing on the Loudoun County Parkway in January. The emergency landing happened at 12:47 p.m. on Jan. 19 near Dulles International Airport. Seven people were aboard the single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan when it made a hard landing on the parkway, according to the FAA. No one was injured.
Push to expand speed cameras in Virginia put on hold in General Assembly Original
RICHMOND, Va. — The push to expand speed cameras in Virginia has been put on hold until 2025. The proposed bill did not make it out of a recent House Transportation Subcommittee. The hearing on the bill was combined with other similar speed camera bills. A large show of supporters testified before lawmakers about problems with speeding across the Commonwealth. Several local leaders from the Northern Virginia also traveled to Richmond to testify in support of this effort.
Alexandria neighbors sound off on arena plan in final virtual meeting
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Thursday night was the last of four virtual discussion sessions in Alexandria about a plan to bring a massive sports complex to the area. Key people involved discussed how the arena project would impact the community, small businesses and transportation. The proposed project would bring about 30,000 jobs to the area and another 10,000 construction jobs. All those people need a place to park.
Gov. Moore orders flags at half-staff to honor fallen Navy SEAL and Maryland native
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore ordered the Maryland flag to be lowered to half-staff Saturday, in honor of the life of Special Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers. Chambers was one of two Navy SEALs who died during an operation near Somalia on Jan. 11. Chambers, 37, of Maryland, enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and graduated from SEAL training in 2014. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C” and three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
More speed cameras in Virginia? New bill aims for more coverage
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia drivers could soon see more speed cameras throughout the Commonwealth. Delegate-elect, Michael Jones (D-Richmond) introduced a bill that would expand where speed cameras can go up. Right now, Virginia law only allows cities and counties to put cameras in school or construction zones. Jones said this bill would give jurisdictions the power to strategically place these cameras on dangerous roads where they are needed the most.
Local nonprofit offers support for families dealing with infant loss
WASHINGTON — Jan. 23 is Maternal Health Awareness Day. It is an effort to improve the outcomes for mothers and babies. Liz O'Donnell's daughter, Aaliyah, was born still in 2020. Today she advocates for other families through her nonprofit, Aaliyah in Action, started in honor of her daughter. Aaliyah in Action works to improve ways society treats women who lose a child, by fighting for legislative change, offering resources and a community to support grieving mothers.
Financial expert shares tips for early tax preps, keeping your money resolutions
WASHINGTON — As we head into tax season, experts are sharing their tips to ensure you have the information you need to file successfully. Xavier Epps is a financial analyst in the DMV. Epps tells WUSA9 the most important thing you can do right now is to get organized. Epps recommends putting all of your tax documents in one folder as you get them. Getting Ahead for the Upcoming Tax Season REVIEW TAX LAW CHANGES!: Stay informed about any updates or changes in tax laws that might impact your filing.
Financial expert shares tips for early tax preps, keeping your money resolutions
WASHINGTON — As we head into tax season, experts are sharing their tips to ensure you have the information you need to file successfully. Xavier Epps is a financial analyst in the DMV. Epps tells WUSA9 the most important thing you can do right now is to get organized. Epps recommends putting all of your tax documents in one folder as you get them. Getting Ahead for the Upcoming Tax Season REVIEW TAX LAW CHANGES!: Stay informed about any updates or changes in tax laws that might impact your filing.
US airstrikes on Yemen protested outside White House
WASHINGTON — For about two hours late Thursday night, about 100 protesters gathered outside the White House condemning United States airstrikes in Yemen. The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, several U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
Deputies say a man killed his estranged wife in a Maryland grocery store parking lot
URBANA, Md. — The Frederick County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly shooting in the parking lot of an Urbana grocery store. Deputies say a woman was killed by her estranged husband Saturday night. At approximately 11:11 p.m. on Saturday, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Giant grocery store located at 3530 Sugarloaf Parkway for reports of a shooting. According to investigators, the victim was identified as 33-year-old Tenisha Butler.
A George Mason walk-on was surprised with a full basketball scholarship. His teammates had a priceless reaction
FAIRFAX, Va. — The George Mason University men's basketball team celebrated a big win Saturday inside EagleBank Arena over North Carolina A&T. The team reached 11 non-league victories for the second time ever in the last 40 years. But it's what happened after the game that has a lot of people talking. Kam Johnson, a walk-on player, scored his first career 3-pointer yesterday. Postgame, Head Coach Tony Skinn had a special message for Johnson in the locker room in front of the entire team.
A George Mason walk-on was surprised with a full basketball scholarship. His teammates had a priceless reaction
FAIRFAX, Va. — The George Mason University men's basketball team celebrated a big win Saturday inside EagleBank Arena over North Carolina A&T. The team reached 11 non-league victories for the second time ever in the last 40 years. But it's what happened after the game that has a lot of people talking. Kam Johnson, a walk-on player, scored his first career 3-pointer yesterday. Postgame, Head Coach Tony Skinn had a special message for Johnson in the locker room in front of the entire team.
'A heartfelt thank you' Maryland community rallies around closing brewery amid owner's cancer diagnosis
FREDERICK, Md. — There was a huge outpouring of community support at Thanksgiving Farms in Adamstown, Md. Saturday. That's the site of the now former 'Mad Science Brewing Company.' The brewery closed its doors Saturday night for good. The decision to close the brewery came after the owner, Brian Roberts, was diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer over the summer. The cancer has not been responding to treatment.
'I think you should always give to the world' | Virginia 6th graders deliver special gift to kids in the hospital Original
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. — Dozens of students at Chancellor Middle School have been busy working on a special assignment. During that time, the sixth graders in Mr. Jonathan Alsheimer's class had a special lesson in kindness. Students assembled more than 300 care packages Thursday. The boxes were filled with toys, blankets, stuffed animals and other special gifts, all purchased with money they raised themselves. It's part of a special project called 'Rae of Hope,' spearheaded by Mr. Alsheimer.
Project to fix chronic slow downs on I-95 in Virginia set to wrap in time for Thanksgiving travel rush
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — For years, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has worked to fix one of the worst bottlenecks on the east coast. According to VDOT, approximately 150,000 cars travel over the Rappahannock River portion of I-95 every day. That gridlock, especially during rush hour, has frustrated drivers for years. In 2018, crews first broke ground on the Rappahannock River Crossing Project. In 2021, three new southbound lanes and a new bridge opened for drivers.
DEA: Fentanyl seizures in Virginia have tripled since last year
WASHINGTON — The Drug Enforcement Administration is working to combat the fentanyl problem across the country, including in the DMV. Officials blame the cartel, saying the dangerous drugs are coming across the border from Mexico, and landing in the hands of many children. On Wednesday, Loudoun County Schools announced there have been 10 student overdoses impacting six schools, just a little more than two months into the school year.
Herndon au pair charged with murder denied bond Original
HERNDON, Va. — A judge determined a Brazilian woman living in Virginia charged with murder should remain in jail pending trial, citing concerns over a newly obtained passport. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 23-year-old au pair for a family in Herndon is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 39-year-old Joseph Nathan Ryan. She made her first court appearance Friday. Just before 8 a.m. on Feb. 24, police were called to the 13200 block of Stable Brook Way.
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