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.
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.
Opinion: Commentary: John Lewis Legacy
The body of John Lewis will be laid to rest this week, but the legacy of his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement will live on.
Two Men Injured in Reston Stabbing
Detectives from Major Crimes Bureau are asking for the public’s help as they continue to investigate after two men were found with stab wounds July 17 around 3:41 a.m. in the 12200 block of Laurel Glade Court.
Man Fatally Wounded in Reston Shooting
Detectives from Major Crimes Bureau are continuing to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred Friday night, July 10, in a Reston apartment community.
Controversy over Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston Erupts
Stakeholders and county supervisor speak out.
It is approaching three years since Connecticut-based real estate developer Wheelock Communities announced its acquisition of Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.
Opinion: Commentary: Next Steps: Virginia legislature must take significant next steps in the closing months of this year.
Readers of this column are certainly aware that on more than one occasion I have praised the work of the 2020 General Assembly session as being historic and transformative.
Opinion: Independent Progressive: Highlights and Lows in Reston’s First Half of 2020 Covid
Here we are in July, half way through 2020. Is it my imagination or have these six months been longer than most years?
The Closet Awards Scholarships
The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc. recently awarded $45,000 in college scholarships to 22 deserving high school graduates at five local high schools.
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.