News
Budget
City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth
City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.
Budget
Fairfax City Budget Hearing Highlights Proposed Tax Increases and Spending Priorities
City officials have introduced a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $207.5 million, representing about a 4.5% increase over the current year. The proposal is driven largely by rising costs in education, debt service, and employee compensation.
City
City Ratifies Partnership with County: Approves $127.2M for Willard-Sherwood
FAIRFAX CITY, Va. — In a unanimous vote on April 28, the Fairfax City Council approved a partnership with Fairfax County to advance the long-planned Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, a major joint investment designed to expand access to health services, recreation, and community programming.
America
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Election
Virginia Redistricting: Bipartisan Reform Meets Mid-Decade Referendum Controversy
Richmond, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger added an emergency clause to the amendment, signed on February 6, 2026, making it effective immediately rather than waiting for the usual July 1 start date. This means the amendment is now officially in effect, though legal challenges may continue.
America
Washington Post Layoffs Hit Close to Home in Northern Virginia
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Post has begun sweeping layoffs that will eliminate roughly one-third of its workforce, a move that is reshaping one of the nation’s most influential newsrooms — and carrying direct consequences for Northern Virginia readers.
Latest
America
One Journey to Make Pride Celebrations Across Northern Virginia Within Reach
Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live authentically. It’s a time to recognize the progress that has been made toward equality, while also honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ people whose voices, stories, and advocacy continue to make our communities stronger.
Community
Bringing the World Home: Au Pair Program Charms Families in Northern Virginia
The au pair program, specifically through organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, is a cultural exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding between Americans and international participants that is facilitated by the US Department of State. Unlike traditional childcare, an au pair is a vetted young adult from another country who lives with a host family, providing personalized care while engaging in a deep cultural exchange, according to Cultural Care.
Budget
City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth
City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.
Budget
Fairfax County Adopts $5.7 Billion FY2027 Budget, Slightly Lowers Tax Rate
Fairfax County, VA - Fairfax County officials adopted a roughly $5.7 billion FY 2027 General Fund budget, maintaining spending across schools, public safety, transportation, health services, and infrastructure while navigating rising costs in staffing, healthcare, and long-term capital needs. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan in May, along with a quarter-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate to about $1.12 per $100 of assessed value.
Sports
Fairfax High School Sophomore steps on the World Stage this Summer
Drum Corps International (DCI), often described as the “Major League of Marching Band,” will welcome Fairfax High School sophomore Mickey Johnson to its World Class ranks this summer. Mickey has been selected to perform as a baritone player with Music City, a DCI World Class corps based in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 season.
America
A Labor of Love and Legacy: Val Morgan Honors City of Fairfax Veterans
On Memorial Day it isn't only flowers blooming in the City of Fairfax. On...
Business
Business
I’m only a gig worker. Can I retire on my gig income?
You Übered me to Sterling last Monday. You were the DoorDash guy who delivered my dinner order the other night. That package from eBay (or maybe Amazon), you left it at my door earlier today. Our HOA is sending you to rake leaves here in our Fairfax City subdivision. If you are one of these, you are a gig worker.
Sports
National Rugby Day In Fairfax City
Tonight, Mayor Catherine Read declared Nov. 25, 2025, as National Rugby Day in #FairfaxCity, encouraging the #FairfaxCity community to welcome Old Glory DC and to embrace the values of teamwork, respect, and community that rugby represents. Representatives from Old Glory DC , Fairfax City Economic Development and Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce received the proclamation.
Business
Form 1099-MISC threshold rises from $600 to $2,000
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, significantly changing taxes, especially for Northern Virginia's gig workers, contractors, and small business owners. The OBBBA makes permanent several 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax cuts and overhauls income reporting for contract work and digital payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Venmo).
Business
Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics: Fairfax City’s Spot for Food, Drinks, and Live Music
Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics is located at 3950 University Drive was up for approval on November 18, 2025! So we went over to chat with Josh Alexander, the illustrious owner who expressed great joy about moving on as a speakeasy dive to a place where people can create their own experiential events while enjoying fine dining. “There was no real signage outside, just if people knew that it was here. It was here, you know, a true speakeasy back from, you know, the 20s or whatever you had to, you know, whisper, you know, secret password,” shared Josh.
Community
America
One Journey to Make Pride Celebrations Across Northern Virginia Within Reach
Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live authentically. It’s a time to recognize the progress that has been made toward equality, while also honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ people whose voices, stories, and advocacy continue to make our communities stronger.
Community
Bringing the World Home: Au Pair Program Charms Families in Northern Virginia
The au pair program, specifically through organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, is a cultural exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding between Americans and international participants that is facilitated by the US Department of State. Unlike traditional childcare, an au pair is a vetted young adult from another country who lives with a host family, providing personalized care while engaging in a deep cultural exchange, according to Cultural Care.
America
A Labor of Love and Legacy: Val Morgan Honors City of Fairfax Veterans
On Memorial Day it isn't only flowers blooming in the City of Fairfax. On that day each year, the city's historic cemetery sprouts hundreds of American flags, each marking...
Budget
Fairfax City Budget Hearing Highlights Proposed Tax Increases and Spending Priorities
City officials have introduced a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $207.5 million, representing about a 4.5% increase over the current year. The proposal is driven largely by rising costs in education, debt service, and employee compensation.
Government
Budget
City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth
City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.
Budget
Fairfax County Adopts $5.7 Billion FY2027 Budget, Slightly Lowers Tax Rate
Fairfax County, VA - Fairfax County officials adopted a roughly $5.7 billion FY 2027 General Fund budget, maintaining spending across schools, public safety, transportation, health services, and infrastructure while navigating rising costs in staffing, healthcare, and long-term capital needs. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan in May, along with a quarter-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate to about $1.12 per $100 of assessed value.
Budget
Fairfax City Budget Hearing Highlights Proposed Tax Increases and Spending Priorities
City officials have introduced a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $207.5 million, representing about a 4.5% increase over the current year. The proposal is driven largely by rising costs in education, debt service, and employee compensation.
City
City Ratifies Partnership with County: Approves $127.2M for Willard-Sherwood
FAIRFAX CITY, Va. — In a unanimous vote on April 28, the Fairfax City Council approved a partnership with Fairfax County to advance the long-planned Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, a major joint investment designed to expand access to health services, recreation, and community programming.
Entertainment
Celebrate
Rise, Rejoice, and Renew: An Easter Celebration of New Beginnings
Families across Northern Virginia prepare for Easter, a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date, which falls between March 22 and April 25, is set for April 5 this year, marking a time of renewal and gathering.
Sports
GMU Gears Up for Homecoming: Be Brave! Be Bold!
From January 30 to February 7, 2026, George Mason University will host one of the most spirited traditions of the academic year — Homecoming Week. Packed with events that bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Fairfax community, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger and bolder than ever before.
Latest
Washington Monument Lighting Show
As America turns 250, the Washington Monument becomes the world’s tallest birthday candle. From December 31-January 5, each night the story of the discovery, expansion, independence, and future of our nation will be projected onto the Washington Monument. This will serve as a dazzling kickoff to the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Community
The Great Christmas Light Fight: Ashburn Family Shines
An Ashburn family has just taken the holiday spotlight by winning ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, bringing home the $50,000 grand prize and the coveted Light Fight trophy for their dazzling Christmas display. The Horn family, residents of 21260 Rosetta Place in Ashburn, out-lit competitors from across the country with a show that featured nearly 90,000 pixel lights synchronized to an original musical score created by the family — a first in the show’s history and a key element that impressed the judges.
Sports
Sports
Fairfax High School Sophomore steps on the World Stage this Summer
Drum Corps International (DCI), often described as the “Major League of Marching Band,” will welcome Fairfax High School sophomore Mickey Johnson to its World Class ranks this summer. Mickey has been selected to perform as a baritone player with Music City, a DCI World Class corps based in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 season.
Sports
Commanders Camp for Kids: A Summer of Football, Fun, and Team Spirit
This summer, the Commanders Camp for Kids offers young athletes in the D.C. area an exciting, non-competitive youth football experience inspired by the Washington Commanders. The camp, hosted in the greater D.C. region (including Northern Virginia), is instructional, blending skill development and physical activity with an emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a supportive, pressure-free environment.
City
Old Glory DC to Officially Open George Mason Stadium with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Organized by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on April 26 from 6:15 - 7:00 pm at George Mason Stadium, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Latest
Kickoff Excitement: 2026 NWSL Season
Soccer fans in Northern Virginia have plenty to cheer about this spring, as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicks off its 2026 season on March 13. The league, home to some of the world’s best female soccer talent, promises fast-paced action, intense rivalries, and plenty of opportunities for local fans to catch games in person or online.
Technology
America
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
America
NASA Rolls Artemis II Moon Rocket to Launch Pad Ahead of Historic Crewed Mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has taken a major step toward its first crewed mission to the Moon in more than half a century, rolling the towering Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center.
Technology
Goodbye Passwords: The Future of Safer, Simpler Logins
Passwords have long been the standard for digital security, but their flaws—weak choices, reuse, and frequent data breaches—have made them a growing liability. Now, tech giants are leading a shift toward a passwordless future, promising both better security and a smoother user experience.
Technology
Running Out of Space on Your iPhone or iPad? Here’s How to Free Up Storage
Low storage space on your iPhone/iPad can be annoying. From sluggish performance to failed app downloads, storage issues can disrupt your daily activities. This guide will help you understand how to manage and fix storage problems on your Apple devices while introducing Mr. Fix as your go-to solution for professional repair and optimization services.
Wellness
Celebrate
Rise, Rejoice, and Renew: An Easter Celebration of New Beginnings
Families across Northern Virginia prepare for Easter, a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date, which falls between March 22 and April 25, is set for April 5 this year, marking a time of renewal and gathering.
Community
Better Arguments Workshop Series
At a time when conversations too often turn into standoffs, many of us want to do better - but aren’t sure how. In response, I am hosting a free five-part Better Arguments workshop series.
Latest
Our Libraries Need Our Voices and Support
One-time infusions of money are no longer sufficient. To bring FCPL’s collection budget in line with comparable library systems, FCPL is requesting an increase of $8–$11 million over the next five years to permanently raise the base budget. This investment would benefit students, job seekers, families, seniors, and lifelong learners throughout Fairfax County.
Wellness
Where Virginians Should Begin Their Health Insurance Search
As open enrollment approaches, many Virginians once again have the annual opportunity of choosing a health insurance plan. With multiple providers, complex terminology, and a limited window to sign up, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, the Commonwealth now offers a streamlined starting point for all Virginians seeking affordable, comprehensive coverage by visiting Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace online at https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/. Unlike the federal exchange that previously served the state, Virginia now operates its own system dedicated to connecting residents with Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans.