A Petersburg man who robbed businesses while wearing an ankle monitor is likely heading to prison. The Justice Department announced yesterday that Demario Fisher pled guilty to two armed robberies within a week last year. The 36-year-old robbed a Metro PCS store in Petersburg and the Miller Mart BP in Hopewell. In both incidents, Fisher was wearing an ankle monitor. He also pled guilty to robbing a BP gas station in Petersburg that same week. Fisher is due to be sentenced in February. He could get life in prison, but prosecutors say sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum.
People in Lynchburg are dealing with a Spotted Lanternfly boom.Preview: The U.S. Department of Education is honoring eight Virginia schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The agency announced the honor for more than 350 schools nationwide yesterday. Virginia schools recognized for academic achievement include Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in York County and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Fairfax County. Schools honored for narrowing achievement gaps between student groups include Central Academy Middle School in Fincastle, Gate City Middle School in Gate City, T. Clay Wood Elementary in Nokesville and Saltville Elementary in Saltville.