Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too
Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny
The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.
The Value of Intergenerational Relationships
The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.
Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.

Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan
Focuses resources in targeted areas
“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.
Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light
Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage
The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

Controlling Gun Violence
After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.
Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.

TSA Is Filling Up in Southern Springfield
Access improvements are still to come for this Federal facility.
TSA in Springfield

At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must
Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.
Scooping the Poop

Virginia Study of Plant Invaders Set
Del. Bulova’s resolution on control of invasive plant species unanimously passes both House and Senate by voice vote
Ecologists advise that invasive plant species grow at the expense of our ecosystem and our pocketbooks.

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.
West Springfield Rotary Club Recognizes Outstanding Teachers
At its virtual meeting Jan. 27, the West Springfield Rotary Club honored three outstanding teachers: Jen Shaddrix from Orange Hunt Elementary School, Lauren Ryan from Keene Mill Elementary School and Joanne Lewenhaupt from Nativity Elementary School.

Gas Explosion Rocks Springfield
A loud explosion broke the quiet in Springfield about noon on Feb. 3, when a gas line exploded on the 8500 block of Hooes Road near the historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse and the Sydenstricker Methodist Church.
Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”
Means what exactly?