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.

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.

Burke’s Brightest Seasonal Corner
Drivers traveling on Lee Chapel Road in Burke are reminded that Valentine’s Day is upon us, thanks to Larry Gould’s eye-catching red heart garden ornamentation.
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.
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.