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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

Candidate Connection: School Board At Large

Three open seats, zero incumbents, nine challengers

School Board

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Fairfax County NAACP Condemns Chief Davis’s Action

Chief rejects recommendations and measures to save lives.

Fairfax County police chased and killed Timothy Johnson during a foot pursuit seven months ago; he was suspected of stealing sunglasses. Community leaders, Fairfax NAACP, ACLU People Power, and faith leaders say Fairfax County must prioritize police reform before another death.

Can FCPD Drones See You?

Did the public have any input to county policies on use of drones?

Drones

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Chief to Present Foot Pursuit Policy to Supervisors

Oct. 3 Public Safety Committee meeting will bring some long awaited responses from FCPD.

Foot

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Students Protest VDOE’s Policies

Flash point awaits as some schools balk at implementing policies.

Policies

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Great Falls Author Unravels an Eight-Generation Truth

"The Politzer Saga" tells the story of a remarkable family whose history was shrouded in secrecy when they came to the U.S.

Author

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Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Gems

Faves of Fairfax County Supervisors

Hidden Gems

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Photo Journal 2023: New Countywide Strategic Plan Shapes North Fairfax

One of three parts covering the entire county.

Photo Journal 2023: New Countywide Strategic Plan Shapes Fairfax

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Learning Outside the Classroom

Students raise funds to build schoolhouse in Africa.

School house

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First for Fairfax County 9-1-1

Public Safety Day Open House from Fairfax County

9-1-1

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FCPS First Day of School 2023

New strategic plan, expanded bus pass, and Metrobus program.

School Starts

Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Exit from RGGI

Legal action calls for Virginia to remain in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and continue participation; challenging Youngkin administration action.

Greenhouse gas

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Fairfax County’s First Independent Police Auditor

Use of force policy, recommendations to FCPD, executive director vacancy on the Police Civilian Review Panel

Police Auditor

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Bandaid Approaches to Food Insecurity

School system extends summer food program at public school sites.

School food program

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Forty-four of the Nation’s Highest Poverty Schools in FCPS

These schools serve free breakfast and lunch to all students

Schools

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FCPS Responds to State Policies for Trans Students

Reactions and concerns

Trans students

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Does FCPS Have Enough Air Purifiers?

Deadline passed for more free help for classroom air.

Air purifiers

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Programs Assist Seniors and Others with Home Repairs

Help is on the way, one way or another.

Home repair

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Executive Director of Police Review Panel to Resign.

Richardson served less than 18 months in the newly created position.

Resignation

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PERF: FCPD Lacked Crisis, Decision Making Training

5 of 7 police shooting incidents involved mental health crises, but training for such situations has been lacking for years.

Police training

Action Deferred on Reston Comp Plan Study

Public hearing testimony fraught with details, one-offs and major issues.

When the Fairfax County Planning Commission convened for its meeting on Wednesday, June 14, it granted unanimous approval to defer action on the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study application PA 2020-III-UP1 Hunter Mill, until June 28. Additionally, the commission approved keeping the record open for written comments through June 28.

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Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund Breaks Fundraising Records

All-volunteer organization raises $100,000; learn how.

The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund reached new fundraising heights last month. The organization's spring fundraiser, Miami Vice, raised over $100,000, shattering previous records. As the board and the event committee put in many hours of preparation. They raised $53,000 more than they did the year before.

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Significant Uptick in FCPD Officer-Involved Shootings

PERF review of FCPD policy and shooting incidents

Police Shootings

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Final Visioning Presentation for Lake Anne

Streetsense and county staff conduct community meeting; Phase 2 in the works

Streetsense and county staff conduct community meeting; Phase 2 in the works

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Last Minute Concerns Erupt Over Reston Comprehensive Plan

Planning commissioner hosts event one week before public hearing.

Why the urgency? The Planning Commission Public Hearing is June 14, Planning Commission Action is June 28, and the Public Hearing and Final Approval by the Board of Supervisors is July 25.

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Herndon Festival Returns After Four Years

Final attendance expected to break 30,000.

Final attendance expected to break 30,000.

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Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Remembering those who served, and welcoming summer.

Remembering those who served, and welcoming summer.

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State Highways with Confederate Names Officially Renamed

State decision snagged a month ago.

Street names

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Reimagining Lake Anne in Two Directions

Neighborhood draw or regional appeal?

Neighborhood draw or regional appeal?

GFCA Board Introduces Its Nominated Board Slate

Additional nominations accepted May 31.

Additional nominations accepted May 31.

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McLean Day 2023

A festival for welcoming, inclusive community

New MCC Board announced.

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Great Falls Rotary Club Donates for Cornerstones Youth

Great Falls Rotary Club Donates for Cornerstones Youth

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Tephra ICA Arts Festival 2023

Launches 50th anniversary celebration

Launches 50th anniversary celebration

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Community Matrix: Path to More Equitable Policing in Fairfax County

Police Reform Matrix Working Group shares recommendations at public safety committee meeting.

Police

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NAACP School Board Forum

Hunter Mill school board candidates Melanie Meren and Paul Thomas answer tough questions.

School Board

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School Board Candidates Answer Tough Questions from NAACP

Endorsements matter for non-partisan candidates.

School Board

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Fairfax County NAACP Virtual School Board Candidate Forum

At-large school board candidates answer tough questions.

School Board

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Shoppers Welcome the Opening Days at County Farmers Markets 2023

Last night in the ground, next day on your plate.

Farmer's Markets

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Economic Vision for Lake Anne Coming to Life

Survey results presented at the workshop.

Lake Anne

Democratic Primary June 20; Early Voting Starts May 5

Could new faces, new districts alter the political landscape?

Election

Grand Jury Fails to Indict for Johnson’s Death

Former FCPD Sgt. Wesley Shifflett won’t face criminal charges, at least now.

Shooting verdict

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Calling Leaders to Action in Wake of Police Shooting

Ecumenical Service links 60th anniversary of MLK’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” with call to action about police use of force.

Police shooting