Stories for March 2025

Stories for March 2025

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Thursday, March 20

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Options Set for Real Estate, Meals Taxes

Advertised rates are a cap on options; actual rates can be less or equal but not more.

Advertised rates are a cap on options; actual rates can be less or equal but not more.

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How Far Will Dominion Energy Go?

Reactions to Clear-Cutting NOVA Parks W&OD Trail

Dominion

Wednesday, March 19

Hope Backs Changes in County Board

Bill could allow expansion up to 11 board members, and possible creation of districts.

Del. Patrick Hope is pushing legislation to change the current Arlington County governance structure which he says was set up in the 1930s to disenfranchise Blacks and when Arlington’s population was 25,000.

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‘Rest Easy, K9 Max,’ FCPD’s Got It From Here.

On March 10, the Fairfax County Police Department announced the death of K9 Max, who served the department for eight years, from 2012 to 2020.

Million Dollar Initiative To Help Recently Unemployed Federal Workers

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has launched NOVAnext, a $1 million initiative to help recently unemployed federal workers and contractors transition into new careers.

Turn Down the Lights to Help Migrating Birds

In Northern Virginia alone, an estimated 100 to 160 million birds migrate through our skies each spring and fall. Artificial lights can turn their journey into a confusing and dangerous trek.

6 Year Sentence for Tax Crimes, Wire Fraud

A Great Falls man was sentenced March 14 to six years and six months in prison for tax crimes and his wire fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.

McLean Project for the Arts’ Spring Solos Debut April 10

Featuring work by Jackie Hoysted, Emon Surakitkoson and Heidi Fowler

McLean Project for the Arts will open its spring solo exhibitions — Detrimorphose, by Heidi Fowler; Rudimental, by Jackie Hoysted; and Crossing Culture, by Emon Surakitkoson — on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

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Free Formal Dresses and Accessories for Students

RCC’s 23rd Annual Diva Central Giveaway

Reston Community Center announced it is hosting its 23rd Annual Diva Central Formal and Prom Dress Giveaway at RCC Lake Anne, 609-A Washington Plaza, on Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Draws Over 400 Students

Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) Hosts Event at Chantilly High

Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) hosted his second 2025 Teen Job Fair on Saturday, March 15.

Alexandrians Rank Biggest Health Issues, Strengths in New Community-Wide Health Survey Results

Alexandria Health Department released the results of the 2024 community-wide health survey, a component of the City’s ongoing Community Health Assessment.

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Expecting Governor Youngkin to Set a New Veto Record

As Governor Glenn Youngkin reviews the legislation we passed during the 2025 General Assembly session, Virginians should prepare for yet another round of partisan obstruction and record-setting vetoes.

ACPD Stands Firm on Immigration Policies

The Arlington immigrant community has reacted with fear of the unknown and the possibility of ICE arrests even when immigrants are in the country legally.

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Beavers Are a Native Keystone Species Here

Humane coexistence tactics can protect trees; beavers benefit. wildlife.

Beavers

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Illegally Passing School Buses About to Get Expensive

New cameras on school bus arms will catch violators; $250 fines start May 12.

Illegally Passing School Buses About to Get Expensive

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Fairfax County Man Ran Away to the Circus

The John Lewis High School alum found his calling with The Greatest Show on Earth

Step right up

Wednesday, March 5

Former FCPD Sergeant Sentenced to Five Years

Mother of fatal police shooting victim, Timothy McCree Johnson, speaks out.

Former Fairfax County Police Sergeant Wesley Shifflett was processed into the county jail Friday evening, Feb. 28. At his sentencing hearing earlier that day, Fairfax County Circuit Judge Randy I. Bellows sentenced Shifflett, 36, to five years in prison with two years suspended.

Youngkin Commutes Shifflett’s Sentence

Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Insult to all Virginians who value an untainted justice system.”

In a statement Sunday night, March 2, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) said he commuted the sentence of Wesley Shifflett.

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Restoring a Stream, Removing an Eyesore on U.S. 1

To most people whizzing by the desolate-looking property at 8800 Richmond Highway (U.S. 1) largely devoid of life, with a gravel parking lot and an empty roadside sign frame looming, it’s a mystery.

Mid-Winter Festival

The Mid-Winter Festival returns in a new location this month.

Come enjoy this free Folk Festival featuring musical performances, dance demonstrations, singing and instrument workshops, storytelling, family programming, and more.

Opinion: Oppose Release of PFAS in Virginia Waters

Join Wild Virginia for an online program this Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. to oppose permits drafted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that would allow releases of dangerous per- and polyfluoroalky substances (PFAS) to state waters.

Letter: Fairfax County CERT: Beacon of Resilience in Our Community

In times of crisis, the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) stands as a crucial pillar of strength and preparedness for our community.

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Immigrants Face New Fears Locally

Governor orders local ICE cooperation

The attention of northern Virginians has been captive to the uncertainties of agency dissolutions, federal employee terminations and layoffs impacting neighbors living here.

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Immigration Raids Evoke Horror in Fairfax County

Three so far this week; more expected.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids are sweeping across Northern Virginia this week.

Hispanic Community in Today’s Political Whirlwind

Alvaro Alacon lives in Fairfax City but has worked with Arlington youth for many years including the Second Chance program.

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’Flip the Script’ Pairs with Community Food Culture

The Rossana food trailer is parked in front of Thomas Jefferson Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 23 while Encore Stage and Studio’s “Flip the Script: Jamila’s Table” plays at the theatre inside.

General Assembly Proposed Budget Differs from Governor’s

End of session report

The 2025 General Assembly session concluded in February. We are scheduled to meet again on April 2 when we will reconvene to act on vetoes and amendments from the governor on legislation that we passed during our 46-day session.

Letter: Menhaden Study Fails to Advance in Virginia Budget

Despite mounting troubling signs about the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population, this legislative session Virginia lawmakers failed to approve three separate efforts to fund a study intended to answer long-standing questions about the Bay’s menhaden.

EcoAction Arlington Volunteer leadership Training

March 19, 6-8 p.m.

Help steward our environment in Arlington.

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‘It’s Going to Take All of Us’

The atmosphere in the packed Yorktown High School hall was intense. As people lined up to ask questions during Virginia Del. Patrick Hope’s Town Hall meeting on Saturday, they talked about not wanting their names used or a photo taken of a speaker who worked in the federal government.

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Arlington Philharmonic Exceeds Expectations

Guest soloist Akemi Takayama featured

I never paid much attention to the Arlington Philharmonic, oddly.

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New Butchery Opens in Mount Vernon: The Cut

The Mount Vernon area got a special valentine on Feb. 14 when The Cut, a new European-style butchery opened in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center.

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City Attorney Snow Retires

Snow served 33 years in CAO.

Assistant City Attorney Karen Snow was celebrated at a retirement reception in her honor following 33 years with the City Attorney’s Office Jan. 29 at Jula’s in Canal Center Plaza.

Tax Rate Stays the Same in FY 2026 Proposed Budget

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, City Manager James Parajon presented the proposed operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 to the Alexandria City Council.

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Community Eye Clinic

Exams, screenings help promote eye health.

More than 100 people turned out for the Community Eye Clinic held Feb. 1 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.

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Food for Neighbors Drive at North County Government Center

Ensuring local middle and high school students don’t go hungry

Ensuring local middle and high school students don’t go hungry

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‘Make No Mistake – Black History Is America’s History’

FCPS holds special event at Woodson High School.

FCPS holds special event at Woodson High School.

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GMU Professor Warns of Censorship.

‘Your Power Is In Curiosity, So Be Fearlessly Inquisitive’

‘Your Power Is In Curiosity, So Be Fearlessly Inquisitive’

Tuesday, March 4

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Board of Supervisors, School Board Joint Meeting

Given project revenue increases, FCPS reports a negative $149.62 million available balance for meeting FY 2026 requirements.

$149.62 million

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Two Woodson Students Share Their Thoughts

Taking pride in one’s heritage to create a better future.

Taking pride in one’s heritage to create a better future.

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Fairfax City’s Proposed FY 26 Budget Unveiled

Recommends a 9.5-cent, residential real-estate tax hike.

Recommends a 9.5-cent, residential real-estate tax hike.