Explore more Articles in
People
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.
School
City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Jeff Platenberg Announces Retirement After 40 Years of Public Service
After a remarkable 40-year career in public education, City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Jeff Platenberg has announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2025. Platenberg made the announcement during the School Board meeting on May 5, sharing his deep reflections on a career filled with significant achievements and community impact.
Community
The Only Candidate Who’s Done the Work
What makes you uniquely qualified for this position? As the only candidate currently with a job and a small business owner, I am deeply committed to the economic development of our Commonwealth. In Prince William County, we've been able to increase education investment by the county government every year I've been on the school board while keeping taxes relatively low, even reducing taxes this year.
Community
Planet Virginia 2025: A Good Day For The Planet
Planet Virginia 2025 took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The...
Enviroment
Forest Bathing: Rediscovering Nature’s Quiet Healing
In an age marked by relentless stress and daily digital bombardment, the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, emerges as a vital counterbalance. Originating...
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.
Business
Kader’s Barbershop: Fairfax City’s Trusted Grooming Destination
Kader’s Barbershop has been a cornerstone of the Fairfax City community, offering exceptional men's grooming services with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction....