Politics

Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting

Should access to guns be limited or expanded?

Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.

Immigrant Experience Guides Success

Delegate Mark L. Keam

Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.

Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Going Casual for a Cause

Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.

Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.

Business Matters

Two Alexandria landlords are vying for their properties to become the new home of the National Science Foundation, a prize the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has identified as valuable goal for the city.

Council Notebook

They fought like cats and dogs. They pounded their fists of the dais at City Hall. On several occasions, they raised their voices at each other.

Herdon Teen's Death May Lead to Legislation Targeting Texting While Driving

Bill targets drivers using handheld device for something other than verbal communication.

Kyle Rowley was on his way home on a Sunday night in 2011 when he ran out of gas near the border between Loudoun County and Fairfax County.

Historic Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary Rises from the Ashes

Seminary reaches compromise with neighbors to retain ruins of historic chapel.

When God appears to Moses in the Book of Exodus, a bush is described to be on fire yet not consumed by flames. The same could be said for Immanuel Chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary.

Upcoming Zoning Decision on Beauregard Pits Tenants Against Council

West End residents are 'frustrated and angry.'

As residents of the West End gathered this week to celebrate Human Rights Day, a spirit of defiance was in the air.

Crisis of Governance and Leadership

This is the third in a series of columns, coordinated by former council member Lonnie Rich, that includes other past city leaders writing on governance and politics. Alexandria’s reputation for good governance has been severely tarnished over the last few years in large part because there has been too little debate about issues of real concern to the community. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the situation will change for the better with the re-election of Mayor Euille and the election or re-election of six Democrats, the majority of whom seem to share Mr. Euille’s one-shoe-fits-all vision for Alexandria.

Arlington Officials and Army Leaders Negotiating Land Swap

Cemetery would get land to expand; county would get site for heritage center.

The ghosts of the Civil War are still haunting Arlington National Cemetery, where county government officials and the U.S. Army are negotiating a land swap that could save the long-planned Arlington Heritage Center.

Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia

Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.

The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.

Failing Alexandria School Waits for Turnaround

After years of failing test scores, Jefferson-Houston to select external turnaround partner.

More than a decade of failing test scores and a revolving door of administrators have taken their toll on Jefferson-Houston School, which the Virginia Department of Education was identified as a “priority school” back in August.

Should Fairfax County Create New Transportation Impact Fee?

Gridlock at Kings Crossing creates movement for solution.

Nowhere is the idea of a transportation impact fee more popular than the clogged Route 1 corridor, where the Wal-Mart at Kings Crossing has added to the gridlock that has long plagued the region.

Raw Politics: Alexandria Officials to Roll Out Sewer Master Plan

Proposal would fund fix to lingering problems as well as handle demands of development.

Lately, it seems that city officials have their minds in the gutter — literally.

The Connection