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Zak Failla

Assistant Managing Editor

zfailla@dailyvoice.com

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Equal parts Lois Lane, J. Jonah Jameson and Vicki Vale, Zak! has traveled from coast-to-coast covering small and big town community news in both in print and online for nearly a decade since his graduation from the award-winning Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in 2010.

Before settling into the Hudson Valley, Zak! previously spent time in the New York Daily News newsroom and worked for hyperlocal digital news outlets on Long Island. He wrote sports for The Ithacan and The Ithaca Journal before taking his talents to the Pacific Northwest, where he served as the sports editor at the Shoshone News-Press until heading back east to work with Daily Voice.

Zak Failla's Contributions

Police & Fire
Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says
Silver Spring Man Charged In Multi-Day Vehicle Theft Spree, Sheriff Says Too fast, too furious. A pair of car thieves were caught after a wild pre-dawn pursuit across Calvert County that ended with spike strips, K9 warnings, and a standoff in a stranger’s driveway, authorities said. Emmanuel Adjapong Mellish, 21, of Silver Spring, and Ryan Eveard Moses Lowe, 20, of Bowie, were arrested early Thursday morning, May 8, after allegedly leading deputies on a chase in a stolen SUV tied to a string of vehicle break-ins and thefts. It all started on May 4, when deputies were called to Wildfire Lane in Owings around 7 a.m. after a 2016 white Dodge Journey was stolen fro…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Gaithersburg High School, Police Say A teenager was busted with a loaded handgun on a Maryland high school campus Thursday afternoon, officials said. Police in Gaithersburg arrested a 15-year-old student after they say he brought a loaded, privately manufactured firearm — also known as a ghost gun — onto school grounds. The incident happened around 1:11 p.m. on May 8 at Gaithersburg High School, located on Education Boulevard, according to the Gaithersburg Police Department. Officers were called to the school after administrators raised concerns, officials said.  During their investigation, a Community Engagement Office…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican
New Pope Blasted Trump, Vance On X Before Election — And Now He’s In The Vatican President Trump welcomed the new pope — though Pope Leo XIV hasn’t always welcomed him. As recently as three weeks ago, Pope Leo XIV — formerly known as Chicago's Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69 — shared articles and news on social media critical of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and some of the administration's hard-line stances. Tweets condemning Trump date back to 2015, when he shared a story from the Washington Post about Trump's "anti-immigrant rhetoric."  In February, Prevost slammed Vance, stating that "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others," wi…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition ‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition
‘Big Brother’ Casting Call Coming To Virginia Casino: Here’s How To Audition If you’ve ever dreamed of life under the Big Brother lens, now’s your shot. An open audition for the popular CBS reality show is being held in Virginia, offering area residents the chance to try to become "Head of the Household."  Casting producers are coming to Rivers Casino Portsmouth on Friday, May 9, in search of standout personalities ready to compete on Season 27 of the long-running series.  The in-person open call runs from 10:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the casino’s location: 3630 Victory Blvd. in Portsmouth. The one-day event gives potential houseguests the chance to meet c…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot
Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot Burgers. Shakes. Fries. Repeat. Wayback Burgers is getting ready to flip its first patties in Newport News as the popular burger chain opens its third Virginia location on Friday, May 9, inside Patrick Henry Mall. The new eatery — located at 12300 Jefferson Ave — brings 25 new jobs to the city and marks another step in the brand’s sizzling expansion along the East Coast.  "Featuring a dedicated order counter and access to shared seating, this location is designed for quick, satisfying meals in a vibrant food court environment—perfect for guests on the go or those looking to enjoy a ca…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Veteran Arlington Firefighter Dies Suddenly: ‘He Made Everyone Around Him Better’ Veteran Arlington Firefighter Dies Suddenly: ‘He Made Everyone Around Him Better’
Veteran Arlington Firefighter Dies Suddenly: ‘He Made Everyone Around Him Better’ Firefighter Lloyd Edwards always showed up. On the job. In the gym. For his crew. For his friends. For his family. Now, they’re all showing up for him. The Arlington County Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own after the unexpected death of Edwards on Monday, May 5, leaving a deep void in the firehouse, and a community heartbroken. “Beloved by all, Firefighter Edwards was known for his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service,” department officials said. “He will be profoundly missed.” We’re heartbroken by the loss of Firefighter Lloyd Edwa…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Virginia Teen Assaulted Mom, Little Sister, Charged With Abduction: Police Virginia Teen Assaulted Mom, Little Sister, Charged With Abduction: Police
Virginia Teen Assaulted Mom, Little Sister, Charged With Abduction: Police A 14-year-old boy in Virginia is facing abduction and assault charges after police say he attacked his mother and younger sister inside their Woodbridge home. Officers with the Prince William County Police Department were called to a house on Home Guard Drive around 3:55 p.m. on Monday, May 5, for a reported domestic disturbance. The investigation found that the teen had been arguing with his 50-year-old mother and 10-year-old sister when the situation turned violent. According to police, he assaulted both before blocking them from leaving the room. At some point, the teen left briefly, on…

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by Zak Failla
News
Historic Gravestones Toppled In ‘Heartbreaking’ Vandalism At Fredericksburg Cemetery Historic Gravestones Toppled In ‘Heartbreaking’ Vandalism At Fredericksburg Cemetery
Historic Gravestones Toppled In ‘Heartbreaking’ Vandalism At Fredericksburg Cemetery Karma is coming for some suspects who defaced a historic Virginia cemetery.  Vandals damaged or toppled more than a dozen gravestones—some belonging to former Fredericksburg mayors and marked with religious symbols—in what officials are calling a “heartbreaking” act of destruction. The incident at Fredericksburg City Cemetery occurred during the night of Saturday, May 3 or early morning of May 4, according to cemetery officials.  More than 15 gravestones were damaged or knocked over, with repair costs estimated to exceed $20,000. Some of the costly damage at the Frederick…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Mercedes Stolen From Planet Fitness While Owner Worked Out In Silver Spring: Police Mercedes Stolen From Planet Fitness While Owner Worked Out In Silver Spring: Police
Mercedes Stolen From Planet Fitness While Owner Worked Out In Silver Spring: Police A wanted 21-year-old Maryland man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a Mercedes-Benz while the owner was working out at a Planet Fitness in Montgomery County, according to police. Jason Ronil Medrano Reyes, of Silver Spring, was arrested on Tuesday, May 6, in connection with the theft of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz, the Montgomery County Department of Police announced. Detectives say Medrano Reyes broke into a locker at the Planet Fitness on Randolph Road in Silver Spring on Sunday, May 4, while the victim was exercising.  He reportedly stole personal items, including the victim’s ca…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Stafford Mother Follows Student Onto School Bus, Attacks Her In Front Of Kids, Sheriff Says Stafford Mother Follows Student Onto School Bus, Attacks Her In Front Of Kids, Sheriff Says
Stafford Mother Follows Student Onto School Bus, Attacks Her In Front Of Kids, Sheriff Says A Virginia mother is facing criminal charges after deputies say she followed a young girl onto a school bus and assaulted her during a heated confrontation caught on camera. The incident happened around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at a bus stop near Winding Creek Elementary School, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. Google Maps street view School staff contacted law enforcement after learning about the incident, which reportedly began with an ongoing issue between two juveniles — one of whom was the daughter of the suspect. Instead of letting school officials or administr…

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by Zak Failla
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