By Alan Lindsay: As we get closer to the May 19th Town of Vienna election, I’ve noticed a sharp uptick in mentions of candidates’ party affiliation in online discussions. Although these are nonpartisan elections, we know the value of knowing…
Chap Petersen was wrong — we shouldn’t hold elections in a pandemic
By Jay Swanson: I like Sen. Chap Petersen (D- 34) a lot. One of the first votes I ever cast when I turned 18 was for him. But he made the wrong decision when he sided with the Republicans to…
How to help in Fairfax County during the coronovirus crisis
By Grace Aspinall: Americans historically step up to help one another in times of public emergency.and Fairfax County is no exception. For those who want to help during the coronavirus pandemic, the county has set up several websites to coordinate…
Meet Vienna’s next Town Council members- new election date May 19
Ed. Note: We asked the seven candidates running for three council member positions in the Town of Vienna’s non-partisan town council race to submit answers to the same four questions. Here are their responses, in ballot order. Separately, we are…
Meet Vienna’s next mayor- new election date May 19
Ed. Note: We asked the three candidates running for mayor in the Town of Vienna’s non-partisan town council race to submit answers to the same four questions. Here are their responses, in ballot order. Separately, we are publishing the statements…
Trump and coronavirus in memes and his own words
By Karen Kirk: Donald Trump has finally met a foe that he can’t seem to spin. In fact, coronavirus Covid-19 has him spinning in circles, spewing out contradictions and politicking while tens of thousands of Americans die. In a new…
Is America on the verge of a class war?
Book review by Brandon Thurner: Political scientist Michael Lind warns of a new class war in America — between well-educated elites and a multiracial working class — in a new book that has garnered much attention, Lind paints an alarming…
Fairfax budget doesn’t budge, thanks to coronavirus
By Bob Leggett: In light of the pandemic, Fairfax County staff propose holding the budget for the upcoming fiscal year essentially flat, and keeping the real estate tax rate unchanged. The latest budget proposal from County Executive Bryan Hill calls…
Trafficking deeply rooted in No. VA, but education and new laws aid in fight
Last in a three-part series on human trafficking in our region. Click here to read Part I and here to read Part II By Wallicia Gill: Every high school in Fairfax County had at least one case of human trafficking…
Local businesses struck by coronavirus tell their stories via DemBiz
As businesses in our region stagger under the impact of coronavirus, the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia (“DemBiz”) has launched a series of short video interviews with business owners to share their experiences of dealing with the pandemic. The…
Report recalls positive picture of life in Fairfax County pre-pandemic
By Bob Leggett: As Fairfax County, and the world, struggle with the ravages of coronavirus, it may be reassuring to remind ourselves what a great place to live our county is, and will be again once the recovery takes hold.…
Coronavirus got your job? Here’s how to stay insured
By Rose Chu: As the unemployment rate climbs due to the coronovirus pandemic, it is important to know what options exist for continued healthcare coverage. Here are some insights from my experience as a health policy analyst, and a volunteer…
With Dems in lead, Virginia strengthens gun laws
By Grace Aspinall: Several important gun control measures, including universal background checks and a “red flag” law, were passed by the Virginia legislature in February 2020 as the Democratic majority installed in November signaled a shift away from traditionally lax…
Death penalty repeal is not just for Democrats
By Paul O’Shea: Abolishing the death penalty is usually thought of as a Democratic and liberal policy, but a Republican and a libertarian serve proudly alongside their progressive colleagues on the board of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.…