Thursday, July 30
Progressive Prosecutors Lobby for Justice
Commonwealth’s Attorneys from Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax join forces to press for reform.
As lawmakers prepare to return to Richmond for a special session on criminal justice reform, this group of likeminded prosecutors known as the Progressive Prosecutors for Justice will be pushing for a package of criminal-justice reform bills that does not have the backing of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys.
Wednesday, July 29
Ponds are Popular in Backyards Around the Area
Sometimes a water garden provides the natural setting for fish, frogs, butterflies and birds.
Backyard Ponds
Redevelopment Plans Under Microscope for Belle View Shopping Center
Mount Vernon Task Force delays decision on recommendation.
Belle View Shopping Center
Saturday, July 25
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church Dedicates ‘Black Lives Matter’ Signs
About 25 members of Mount Vernon Unitarian Church (MVUC) — masked and socially distanced — joined Pastor Kate Walker the morning of July 7 to dedicate three Black Lives Matter signs, one at the drive to the church on Windmill Lane and two on Fort Hunt Road under the directional signs to the church.
Opinion: Commentary: Ongoing Unemployment Crisis in the Commonwealth
I wrote here in May that perhaps the most challenging aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that was not health related remains the ongoing unemployment crisis throughout the Commonwealth.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: It’s Not Too Late — Or Is It?
Regarding the presumed presidential candidates. we Americans can do better. The parties have better, they can do better. America — the World — needs better.
Continuing Social-Emotional Learning at Home this Summer
Grace Episcopal School may officially be on summer break, but this summer is unlike all of the others.
Robert Bloom Dies in Fatal Crash in Huntington
Detectives from Fairfax County Police Department Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal car crash that occurred Monday morning in Huntington in the Mount Vernon Police District.
Thursday, July 23
At the Crossroads
Lawmakers to slash the state budget and consider criminal-justice reforms.
The threadbare Franklin and Armfield office on Duke Street stands at the crossroads between racial injustice and economic crisis. It’s a ramshackle building now, but it was once the headquarters for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States, present at the creation of the systemic racism that plagues Virginia cops and courts. It’s also the city’s latest acquisition, and the state budget was to include $2.5 million to help transform it into the Freedom House Museum. But then the pandemic hit, and the governor hit the pause button on that line item as well as all the other spending priorities of the new Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.
Fairfax County Pivots Back to Virtual Learning
Superintendent sought Board consensus.
Members of the Fairfax County School Board reached a consensus during its July 21 Work Session and accepted Superintendent Scott Brabrand's recommendation to begin the 2020-21 school year 100 percent virtually.
Wednesday, July 22
Groundbreaking Scheduled for North Hill
Affordable housing project expected to be in tune with the housing needs and EMBARK Richmond Highway project.
North Hill
Combat Reporting Lands Local Resident Marine Corps Award
Jefferson Manor resident was embedded with Marines in Afghanistan.
Local resident gets USMC award
Virginia Adopts First-in-the-Nation Workplace Safety Standards for COVID-19 Pandemic
Gov. Ralph Northam announced statewide emergency workplace safety standards in response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Fairfax County Teachers Push for Virtual Start to School Year
Union says it is unrealistic to open school with a hybrid plan.
Two days after the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) July 15, 11:59 p.m. deadline passed for students, teachers and school based technology specialists (SBTS) to respond to two Instruction Options for the 2020-21 school year, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT, AFT 2401) sent a letter to FCPS officials urging them to switch to 100 percent virtual learning.
Opinion: Column: Growing Pains
After more than six months away from the infusion center, due to the treatment for my papillary thyroid cancer stage II, I make my return on Wednesday, July 22.
Discarded Electronic Equipment Helps Seniors in Need
Handheld devices keep the elderly in contact with healthcare providers, family and friends.
On a recent summer morning, a group of college students gathered in Chantilly to sort and sanitize handheld devices ranging from smartphones to tablets.
Sunday, July 19
Dyke Marsh Is Lush and Dotted with Colors in Summer
At the height of summer, many stout, six-or-so-inch green spikes poke out of the water in Dyke Marsh and sport violet-blue, funnel-shaped flowers that clump around the central stem amid the plant’s lance-shaped leaves.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Confront Hate When We See It and Hear It
The accompanying photograph is of the vandalized memorial to Bijan Ghaisar who was murdered by the United States Park Police (USPP), in November of 2017
Saturday, July 18
Opinion: Commentary: Finally, Respect for Native Americans
This week, the Washington NFL team made an historic announcement that the franchise will finally retire its racist name and logo.
Unsung Heroes
Rotary project raises $16k for local nonprofits.
The Rotary Club of Alexandria raised $16,000 for local nonprofits through its third annual Flags for Heroes program, a display of 200 flags along the George Washington Parkway at Cedar Knoll Restaurant.
Thursday, July 16
Area Targeted for Improvements to Include Janna Lee Avenue
Rec center and tech incubator could be the start of more opportunity.
Stabbing on Janna Lee
Wednesday, July 15
Opinion: Commentary: Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys Voicing Support for Criminal Justice Reform
We are a group of Commonwealth’s Attorneys who represent and are responsible for the safety of over 40 percent of the population of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Opinion: Column: It's a Twofer
And not just Tuesday, either. All week in fact, I'll be waiting to hear the music.
Tuesday, July 14
Five Fairfax County Graduates Named 2020 National Merit Scholarship Winners
Five Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2020 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Revolutionary Measures in Police Reform in Fairfax County
Calls to 911 could be dispatched differently from the start.
Only 40% of Fairfax County Police officers are currently trained in crisis intervention techniques.
Opinion: Commentary: A Teacher’s Take on the Reopening of Schools
I teach high school English in Fairfax County Public Schools. A number of teachers from across the county suggested I share the following concerns with the community about the plan for reopening schools next month.
Coalition Pleads for Removal of Fairfax County SROs
NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition proposes redirecting of funding to hire counselors.
"While schools' primary role is to serve as an institution for learning, it must also remain a suitable place for young people to mature and sometimes err, without being subjected to the unquestionably perilous path of the criminal justice system," wrote members of the NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition in a July 6 letter to Fairfax County Public Schools Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Randolph-Macon Academy Fully Opening for Fall 2020 Semester
Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia will open for on-campus operations for all students and staff for the Fall 2020 semester. All classes will be held in-person with full course schedules and teacher instruction.
A COVID-19 Summer Gives Time for Reading
From current events to mysteries, books can fill time and lead to lively family conversations.
During a recent 12-hour car ride to their summer home in Michigan, the Leland family finished two books, “Bridge To Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Saturday, July 11
Early Morning Shooting Injures Five in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Police District officers responded to an apartment complex in the 7900 block of Janna Lee Avenue in Mount Vernon at 1 a.m. July 7 for a shooting.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Racism Must Force Us as Individuals to Act
Over a century ago African-American educator and activist, W.E.B DuBois argued the dilemma, "Am I an American or am I a Negro ... does my black blood place upon me any more obligation to assert my nationality than German, Irish or Italian blood would."
Opinion: Commentary: Protecting Our Planet
I hope your Fourth of July holiday was restful and enjoyable, and that you are staying safe wearing your mask in public and exercising prudence through social distancing and good hygiene.
17 Companies Join Fairfax County EDA Virtual Career Fair
July 14 event for tech professionals
Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and 15 other leading tech companies in Northern Virginia are bringing recruiters to a virtual career fair that the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is presenting July 14 to help mid-career tech professionals find jobs.
Masked George and Martha at Mount Vernon
At the visitor’s entrance of Mount Vernon, George and family are appropriately masked.
Health Care Heroes in Mount Vernon
#CAREavanChallenge visits assisted living facilities.
The gauntlet was thrown. ElderTree Care Management Services challenged care providers to get creative and show appreciation for health care aides at local assisted living facilities.
Friday, July 10
Economic Confidence Survey of the Mount Vernon-Lee Business Community
Taking the temperature of the local business community, Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce surveyed its members to find out how local businesses are reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thursday, July 9
Lightning Strike Causes Mount Vernon Hotel Fire
More than 100 hotel guests were in the Woodlawn Court building in Mount Vernon on Tuesday around 1 a.m., but one guest who was outside alerted management to fire on the roof.
Wednesday, July 8
Tuesday, July 7
Q&A on Back to School for Fairfax County
Superintendent takes questions at Virtual Town Hall.
FCPS hosted a virtual Town Hall Meeting on July 6, to answer questions about its two Return to School Plans: Full-time Online Instruction or In-Person Instruction with Social Distancing.
Send Photos for the Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of July, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Thursday, July 23.
Data Proves Black People Treated Differently in Fairfax County
Arrests of Black people disproportional in every police district in the county.
Of all arrests made by police officers in the county, Black people are arrested 38.54 percent of the time. Black people are targets of police use of force 45.63 percent of the time in the county. Black people make up less than 10 percent of the population.
Opinion: Column: Questions and “Canswers”
"Very interesting," to quote Artie Johnson from "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," that "crazy-kooky" comedy show from the 70s.
A Summer Oasis
Pool house evolved into a space that incorporates the beauty of the outdoors into the interior design.
Transforming the expansive backyard into a summer oasis by designing a pool and adjacent pool house.
Saturday, July 4
‘Flags for Heroes’ in Mount Vernon
Hundreds of flags on display through July 11.
A lone bagpiper stood among hundreds of American flags as the strains of Amazing Grace wafted through the air during the opening ceremony of the 3rd annual Flags for Heroes display June 28 at Cedar Knoll Restaurant along the George Washington Parkway.
Mount Vernon High School Hires Basketball Coach
Mount Vernon High School hired a new head boys basketball coach, Dennis Murphy.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Not Above the Law
I applaud the effort of the 12 local state politicians to put the United States Park Police (USPP) on notice that they are not above the law.
Opinion: Commentary: Preventing the Callous in Young Black America
Growing up in Birmingham, AL, I recall playing in the basement of 16th Street Baptist Church. The same church that was bombed in 1963 by the KKK, killing four young Black girls and injuring dozens.
Opinion: Commentary: Virginia State Legislature Will Vote on Policing Reforms
The events of the last 60 days have been troubling for America and our community.
Friday, July 3
Opinion: Commentary: New Laws Coming This Week
This week, on July 1st, the Commonwealth will see a host of new legislative changes, over 1000 new laws, as a majority of the bills that the General Assembly passed during the historic 2020 legislative session go into effect for the first time.
Thursday, July 2
Opinion: Commentary: Moving Forward: The Anatomy of Racism in our Everyday Lives
In the past few weeks, many people, especially African Americans, have had to reconcile what they have seen in witnessing the murder of George Floyd and that of their own experience. I am no exception.
Opinion: Commentary: Public Demands Changes, Not Studies and Delays
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Police Reform and Criminal Justice Equity Plan
The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor has awoken Americans and Virginians to long standing problems in policing in America.
Wednesday, July 1
Plans for Old Mount Vernon High School
Virtual meeting puts educational uses on the forefront for the 1939 building.
Old Mount Vernon High School plans.
The Work of Bees, Birds and Butterflies Officially Recognized
National Pollinator Week notes the importance of pollination to the food chain.
Pollinator week
USDA Coronavirus Program Feeds Many in Springfield
Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Journey Church make it happen.
Food distribution in Springfield