Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress
Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.
While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.
Editorial: Unsung Heroes of Fairfax County Police Reform
Personal involvement of Culosi, Beltrante key to success of police commission.
The call for reform and transparency in Fairfax County Police began long before the shooting death of John Geer in August 2013.
Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2
Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….
Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Burke
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Fairfax
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Centreville
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Herndon
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Reston
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Great Falls
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in McLean
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Vienna
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Alexandria and Mount Vernon
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally in Chantilly and Centreville
Every day can be “small business day.”
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Every day in Potomac can be “small business day.”
Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally in Arlington
Every day can be “small business day.”
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Arlington Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
Give thanks and share locally.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.
Potomac Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.
Alexandria Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.
Fairfax County Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.
Coming: Children’s Connection 2016
Get creative and send art, poetry and more.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.
Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide
Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter
As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.
Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally
Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.
Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety
While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.
Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.
Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More
Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.
Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?
Editorial: Voting, for Former Felons and Others
In a Democracy, we’re best served by more voter participation.
Today, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear an expedited challenge to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) restoration of the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. The restoration of voting rights moves Virginia into the mainstream.
Editorial: Be Part of Our Annual Community Guide
Share tips in upcoming Newcomers and Community Guides.
The Connection’s annual Newcomers and Community Guides will publish Aug. 24 with a deadline of Aug. 17.
Editorial: Hungry in Summer
There are hungry children in Northern Virginia, more so in summertime.
Summer for most children in Northern Virginia is a time of fun and activities, camp and vacation, trips to the pool and possibly to the library.
Pet Connection and Connection Families
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 27, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 17.
Connection Families and Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 27, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 17.
Connection Families, Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 27, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 17.
Editorial: Getting Home Safely on Independence Day
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.
Editorial: Support for Police in Reforms
Police commission recommendations come to Board of Supervisors for approval, implementation.
In some ways, the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, brainchild of Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, was a bit of a miracle.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016
Observe a moment of silence.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.
Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue
Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.
The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.
Editorial: More Voters Might Not Mean Much More Voting
Governor’s action brings Virginia in line with 39 other states.
Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements.
Editorial: On the Guilty Plea of Adam Torres
Geer’s death exposed “obfuscation … and a lack of public accountability.”
Adam Torres, charged with murder in the death of Springfield resident John Geer, was the first Fairfax County Police officer in the history of the department to be charged in such a death.
Editorial: Award-Winning Connection Newspapers
Still striving to be the Connection to your community.
Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association for work done in 2015.
Editorial: Move Forward with Independent Oversight
While FCPD has embraced many critical changes, supervisors need to move forward with oversight.
Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department posted a list and progress report of 202 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, each currently labeled as one of: implemented, in progress or under review.
Editorial: Money to Treat Addiction, Mental Health Issues
Affordable Care Act could pay for help, better health for 100,000 uninsured people in Virginia with mental illness or addiction issues.
Poor people without health insurance in Virginia are being unnecessarily tortured, in some cases to death, by a General Assembly that refuses to expand Medicaid.
Editorial: Homelessness on Its Way Out in Fairfax
Homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring; 776 fewer homeless individuals in 2016 than in 2008.
Homelessness is down in Fairfax County in every major category, a fact confirmed on Jan. 28, 2016, the annual Point in Time Count.
Editorial: Making Good Choices on Saint Patrick’s Day
Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s Day SoberRide program, providing free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Thursday, March 17.
Editorial: Bringing Back the Electric Chair
In a world: Barbaric.
No doubt Virginia and Texas will be the last two states to continue with the death penalty until, inevitably, evolving standards of decency lead the U.S. Supreme Court to declare that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
Editorial: Bad Bills
General Assembly has potential to do lots of damage in a short period.
From pressing for use of a barbaric form of execution, the electric chair, to codifying discrimination, to stripping localities of the major tool for ensuring infrastructure is in place for new development, to hiding more and more critical public information from the public, the Virginia General Assembly is poised to do harm to the Commonwealth.
Editorial: Freedom of Information on Life Support in General Assembly?
Last week, the Assembly passed SB 202, which undid a major push eight years ago to ensure that all of our public spending was ‘online’ and searchable by ordinary citizens. This, of course, meant disclosing the salaries of public employees over a certain income level.
Editorial: Fairfax Presses Ahead with Diversion First
When police encounter someone in mental health crisis, they can transport them to Merrifield Crisis Response Center instead of jail.
Natasha McKenna died a little more than a year ago on Feb. 7, 2015.
Editorial: Limiting Local Authority
Assembly rushes bill limiting proffers without addressing who will pay for infrastructure.
In Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local governments have only the powers explicitly granted by the General Assembly. And what the assembly gives, the assembly can take away.
Another Opportunity to Talk About It
Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.
Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia
The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.
Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.