Most Recent Articles by
Caroline Chu
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
September 9, 2025 Special Election: Walkinshaw & Whitson
James Walkinshaw is a public servant and lifelong Northern Virginian who is currently serving as the Braddock District Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board...
News
2025 Statewide Candidates: Democratic Primary
The 2025 statewide Democratic primary features a diverse group of candidates competing for various key offices, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, and seats in the state legislatures. Fairfax City residents will be voting for Lt. Governor and Attorney General candidates in the Democratic primary.
Community
What is Earth Day? Our Power, Our Planet
Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day is celebrated with the kickoff of thousands of green programs, activities, and community events around the globe.
Community
Easter: Gratitude, Reflection & Remembrance
Easter is an annual Christian celebration that takes place on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon (the first full moon following the vernal equinox). It commemorates the resurrection of religious figure Jesus Christ. After the solemn observance of events in Christ’s life during the majority of the Holy Week, joy and celebration culminate on its final day, Easter Sunday. Every year, millions of Christians celebrate with feasts, communion with friends and family, and their own unique traditions.
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Passover & The Feast of Unleavened Bread
As winter winds down and spring returns to Northern Virginia, millions of Jews around the world will soon be celebrating Passover (Peseach), an annual Jewish holiday of great cultural and religious importance. Spanning 7 days for those in Israel and 8 for the rest of the world, Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from their ancient Egyptian oppressors, as told in the Biblical book of Exodus. The holiday espouses values of freedom, redemption, and justice that are still significant for Jewish communities.
Business
New Business Opening Ribbon Cutting
Romp n’ Roll Romp n’ Roll, a kids gym and enrichment center, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting this past January at Fairfax City...
News
Governor’s pardon of Tyson’s shooter
On Feb. 22 2023, police sergeant Wesley Shifflett shot and killed Timothy McCree Johnson in an incident that has since sparked extensive controversy and debate around the use of deadly force by law enforcement. Johnson had reportedly fled after being caught shoplifting two pairs of sunglasses from the Nordstrom inside Tysons Corner Center. Police confronted him in a poorly-lit wooded area following a short foot pursuit. After issuing two commands to get on the ground, Shifflett fired two rounds at Johnson, striking him in the chest. He was pronounced dead 44 minutes later at Fairfax Hospital.
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Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be: It’s Our Little City, If We Can Keep It
To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship
and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation
worse.
Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July sounds simple until you realize that it falls right in the middle of pool party, BBQ, and cookout season, where all plates and cups seem to come in plastic. What was once known as the most common month for plastic use, is now turning into a global reminder to rethink everyday habits, even when summer makes that harder than it sounds.
Summer Travel 2026: Americans Embrace Shorter Getaways, Bigger Adventures
Summer travel is heating up in 2026, but travelers are approaching vacations differently than in years past. While Americans remain eager to explore, rising costs, crowded airports, and limited flexibility across the travel industry are reshaping how—and where—they spend their vacation dollars.
Three Candidates Certified for Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary
RICHMOND, VA - The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party's Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3.
The Mayor’s Chair Is Not Broken — It Requires Leadership
Op-Ed by former City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer and Mayor Steve Stombres (June 14, 2026) As former mayors of the City of Fairfax, we have followed with concern recent public discussion suggesting that the office of mayor cannot be effective under the city’s current charter. We respectfully disagree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the grave of a veteran. Some might think that the city pays someone to place flags, or that...
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.