Most Recent Articles by
Phillip Kim
Phillip graduated George Mason University with a degree in Media Production and Criticism. A proud Korean American and longtime Virginia resident, he hopes to use the power of journalism to celebrate and bring the local community together.
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.
City
Catherine S. Read’s Legacy As First Woman Mayor Of The City of Fairfax
Catherine S. Read was first elected Mayor of the City of Fairfax in November 2022. She was sworn in on January 1, 2023, becoming the first woman mayor in the city's history. She was subsequently reelected in 2024. Her election marked both a personal achievement and a symbolic step forward for women in public leadership across Northern Virginia. A reflection on her career tells the story of a woman who worked tirelessly for her neighbors and her values.
Traditions
Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool:A Christmas Story
Nothing says December in Northern Virginia like cruising Meadow Farms’ dazzling light show in Vienna, sipping hot cider at the Reston Town Center tree...
Community
Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia Hosts Bazaar on October 18
Fairfax City residents looking for a taste of authentic Korean culture, delicious food, and family fun will have the perfect opportunity on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when the Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia holds its first-ever Church Bazaar at its new Fairfax location from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m - 12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033
Business
The Auld Shebeen Celebrates 20 Years: “Thanks to the Community”
“Our pub here is really about family, community, and making relationships,” Keane said in his acceptance speech. “It’s been our absolute pleasure. I love our long-term relationships.”
Region
WorldPride DC Hosts Music Festivals, Sports Championships, and Art Exhibits
WorldPride 2025 comes to Washington, D.C., in celebration of its 50th anniversary between May 17 and June 8. Locals seeking exciting weekend activities can attend vibrant marquee events including electrifying music festivals, empowering marches, lively street parties, and cultural showcases.
Read Now
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.
Tigers, Burning Bright at Gandhi Memorial Center, Bethesda
Photographer Kunal Krishan Singh, whose photographic exhibition “Tigers of Ranthambhore” is currently on display at the Gandhi Memorial Center in Bethesda, clearly approaches the tigers which are the focus of his photography from a poetic view.
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 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.
Fairfax County Approves FY 2027 Budget: Lower Tax Rate Offers Limited Relief as Costs Rise
Fairfax County, VA — After months of deliberation, public hearings, and revisions, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, setting the county’s financial course for the year ahead while highlighting the ongoing tension between rising costs and taxpayer impact. The adopted...
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.