The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement
Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.
Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.
Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer
"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."
Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards
The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.
Inspiring Young People in Creative Learning Activities
Fairfax Symphony named a Dominion ArtStar
With more than five decades as an honored symphony, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) adds 2021 Dominion Energy ArtStar to its accolades.
Leveling the Playing Field in School
Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities
When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.
‘The Victims Don’t Choose that Lifestyle’
Local police detectives discuss human trafficking
When it comes to human trafficking, no part of the U.S. is immune to it – even Fairfax County.
Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”
Means what exactly?
Black History and Regional Parks
In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.
New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean
Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog
A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.
Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
‘A Much-Needed Project’ to Relieve Traffic in Centreville
Plans for Route 28 widening are moving along.
Eventually, the pandemic will subside, and rush-hour traffic – with all its headaches and frustration – will resume on Route 28 in Centreville.
‘The County’s in Dire Need of these Kinds of Facilities’
Affordable senior apartments proposed for Centreville
There’s good news on the horizon for local senior citizens looking for affordable housing.
2021 Virtual Fairfax County Teen Job and Opportunity Fairs: Signup Begins Feb. 1
For the past few years, Supervisor Pat Herrity’s office, Fairfax County Public Schools and Connection Newspapers, along with Supervisors’ offices, businesses, and community organizations, including our local chambers, have hosted very successful teen job fairs and career-building workshops.
Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19
Coping with separation and uncertainty
For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.
Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE
Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status
Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).
Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning
Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.
Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.
Sealing the Record
House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.
For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Abolish the Death Penalty
On behalf of the Virginia Justice and Witness Action Network (of the Central Atlantic Conference, United Church of Christ), we write to urge support for legislation to abolish the death penalty in Virginia.
Opinion: Column: Progress, I Guess?
I received in the mail today what, in the sales/marketing world, we'd call a "pre-approach" letter.
Regional Travel Survey Shows Benefits of Walkable, Transit-Oriented Places
Coalition for Smarter Grown shares Council of Government’s report highlights on walkable, transit-oriented places like Alexandria and Arlington.
Biking and Walking: “Among the key findings of the survey has been the growth in biking and walking in the core jurisdictions of DC, Arlington, and Alexandria. It has also indicated that activity centers with a focused mix of jobs and housing also have higher rates of walking and biking,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.