
Play It Forward Reaches Out to Change Lives
When Nicole Kovar gave up her weekly piano lessons and dreaded practices after five years, she never would have guessed where she would be today as the owner of her own business, Piano and More.

Supervisors Reverse Proposed Real Estate Tax Increase
Some programs saved from proposed cuts; FCPS request not fully funded.
Facing a budget shortfall of $ 292.7 million, on Tuesday, May 6, in the next-to-final step of the annual budget process, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors eliminated the 1.5 percent tax increase as proposed in the advertised budget, and reduced the tax rate by an additional quarter of a penny, to $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value.

Censoring Students
School Board to consider policy that could shut down investigative reporting by student journalists.
All that news that's fit to censor. That might be the new policy at Alexandria City Public Schools, where members of the Alexandria School Board are considering a proposal that would allow the principal of Alexandria City High School to spike stories submitted by student journalists.

Ticket Sales and Donations Down for GLOBAL’s Annual AcceptAbility Gala May 21
NIH Funding Cuts Loom for Down syndrome research.
Michelle Sie Whitten, president and CEO of the non-profit organization Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL), fears the impact of two impending financial blows to the foundation.

Your Actions, Our Climate: Fairfax Needs You Now
Bold goals for Fairfax County: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Fairfax County. Extreme weather and high energy bills are hitting many households hard. From prolonged heatwaves to higher utility costs, it's becoming increasingly clear that climate change and economic strain are affecting us all.
Senior Living: “Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Get Your Fruit and Veggie Fix at FXCO Farmers Markets
Fairfax County Farmers Markets are opening; the Park Authority operates ten markets.
Farmers Markets

Two FCPD Officers Shot, Wounded
Traffic stop turns deadly as third officer shoots, kills driver.
Shooting

Tax Increases vs. Program Cuts
Fairfax County residents disagree; Day 1, Public Hearings.
Fairfax County residents testified passionately during the Tuesday, April 22 public hearings.

Fairfax County Public Hearings on FY26 Budget
Firefighters and paramedics warn cutting ambulances puts lives in danger.
Firefighters and paramedics warn cutting ambulances puts lives in danger.

FCPS Wants it All
Superintendent says she can’t cut $150M from her $4B budget.
Superintendent says she can’t cut $150M from her $4B budget.

Arts and Entertainment Calendar Starting April 17
See what's happening this week
Arts and Entertainment Calendar Starting April 17
Diehard Gardeners Brave the Elements at AHS Garden Market
It was a rainy, drippy slog that tested gardeners’ grit on April 11, the first of the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) two-day, annual, spring garden market in Mount Vernon.

Call for Artists
Sculpture sought for new Lorton facility
ArtsFairfax is issuing an open call seeking a professional artist or team to design, fabricate, and install a permanent sculpture on the grounds of the Lorton police station and animal shelter.

Virginia Ranks 14th State for Older Workers
A new study shows Virginia is the No. 14 best state for older workers based on the criteria chosen.
Letters to the Editor — Library: Freedom to Learn
Letters to the Editor
Arlington Historical Society Museum To Reopen May 3
The Arlington Historical Society Museum, closed last summer for preservation and renovation, will reopen on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
New Chief Medical Director Arlington Jail
Dr. Richard Malish, M.D. is the new Chief Medical Director, a newly created position at the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Arlington Woman Arrested for Protesting
Protestors demand USAID funding be restored, aid be restored.
Julie Hanson Swanson of Arlington was born in Winooski, Vermont.