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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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Students Protest VDOE’s Policies

Flash point awaits as some schools balk at implementing policies.

Policies

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Great Falls Author Unravels an Eight-Generation Truth

"The Politzer Saga" tells the story of a remarkable family whose history was shrouded in secrecy when they came to the U.S.

Author

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Learning Outside the Classroom

Students raise funds to build schoolhouse in Africa.

School house

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FCPS First Day of School 2023

New strategic plan, expanded bus pass, and Metrobus program.

School Starts

Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Exit from RGGI

Legal action calls for Virginia to remain in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and continue participation; challenging Youngkin administration action.

Greenhouse gas

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Bandaid Approaches to Food Insecurity

School system extends summer food program at public school sites.

School food program

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FCPS Responds to State Policies for Trans Students

Reactions and concerns

Trans students

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Does FCPS Have Enough Air Purifiers?

Deadline passed for more free help for classroom air.

Air purifiers

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Programs Assist Seniors and Others with Home Repairs

Help is on the way, one way or another.

Home repair

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Executive Director of Police Review Panel to Resign.

Richardson served less than 18 months in the newly created position.

Resignation

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PERF: FCPD Lacked Crisis, Decision Making Training

5 of 7 police shooting incidents involved mental health crises, but training for such situations has been lacking for years.

Police training

Action Deferred on Reston Comp Plan Study

Public hearing testimony fraught with details, one-offs and major issues.

When the Fairfax County Planning Commission convened for its meeting on Wednesday, June 14, it granted unanimous approval to defer action on the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study application PA 2020-III-UP1 Hunter Mill, until June 28. Additionally, the commission approved keeping the record open for written comments through June 28.

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Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund Breaks Fundraising Records

All-volunteer organization raises $100,000; learn how.

The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund reached new fundraising heights last month. The organization's spring fundraiser, Miami Vice, raised over $100,000, shattering previous records. As the board and the event committee put in many hours of preparation. They raised $53,000 more than they did the year before.

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Significant Uptick in FCPD Officer-Involved Shootings

PERF review of FCPD policy and shooting incidents

Police Shootings

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Herndon Festival Returns After Four Years

Final attendance expected to break 30,000.

Final attendance expected to break 30,000.

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Final Visioning Presentation for Lake Anne

Streetsense and county staff conduct community meeting; Phase 2 in the works

Streetsense and county staff conduct community meeting; Phase 2 in the works

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Last Minute Concerns Erupt Over Reston Comprehensive Plan

Planning commissioner hosts event one week before public hearing.

Why the urgency? The Planning Commission Public Hearing is June 14, Planning Commission Action is June 28, and the Public Hearing and Final Approval by the Board of Supervisors is July 25.

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Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Remembering those who served, and welcoming summer.

Remembering those who served, and welcoming summer.

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State Highways with Confederate Names Officially Renamed

State decision snagged a month ago.

Street names

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Reimagining Lake Anne in Two Directions

Neighborhood draw or regional appeal?

Neighborhood draw or regional appeal?

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Tephra ICA Arts Festival 2023

Launches 50th anniversary celebration

Launches 50th anniversary celebration

GFCA Board Introduces Its Nominated Board Slate

Additional nominations accepted May 31.

Additional nominations accepted May 31.

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McLean Day 2023

A festival for welcoming, inclusive community

New MCC Board announced.

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Great Falls Rotary Club Donates for Cornerstones Youth

Great Falls Rotary Club Donates for Cornerstones Youth

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Community Matrix: Path to More Equitable Policing in Fairfax County

Police Reform Matrix Working Group shares recommendations at public safety committee meeting.

Police

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School Board Candidates Answer Tough Questions from NAACP

Endorsements matter for non-partisan candidates.

School Board

Democratic Primary June 20; Early Voting Starts May 5

Could new faces, new districts alter the political landscape?

Election

Grand Jury Fails to Indict for Johnson’s Death

Former FCPD Sgt. Wesley Shifflett won’t face criminal charges, at least now.

Shooting verdict

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Calling Leaders to Action in Wake of Police Shooting

Ecumenical Service links 60th anniversary of MLK’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” with call to action about police use of force.

Police shooting

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Rebuilding zMOD

Jenga-like collapse follows Virginia Supreme Court ruling; reconstruction starts with public hearings.

zMOD

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Public Hearings Coming on County Budget

The voices of McLean Citizens Association and SEIU

Budget

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TJ Team: NASA TechRise Winners

Proposed experiment to launch into stratosphere.

Proposed experiment to launch into stratosphere.

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NAACP Rally for Justice

Demanding inclusive and equitable police practices.

NAACP Rally

Submissions Sought for Fairfax County History Commission Award Programs

Submissions Sought for Fairfax County History Commission Award Programs

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Video Shows Fatal Police Shooting of Unarmed Suspect

Police body camera video shocks; reactions come in.

Police shooting video

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2023 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County

Twenty-seven individuals and groups work for peace.

Peace Awards

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Marking Black History

County students learn about African American contributions and History; six new historical markers to tell the stories.

Black History

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Wegmans, Reston Opens: Anchor for Halley Rise

“Caring company with a passion for food.”

Wegmans, Reston Opens: Anchor for Halley Rise

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Rise Against Hunger

Local Rotary and Interact clubs pack meals.

Local Rotary and Interact clubs pack meals.

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What’s Up With the Bus in NoVa?

Plans for more and improved connections, BRT, The One

Buses

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A Roll Model With a Crown and Sash

Miss Virginia visits a Reston elementary.

Miss Virginia visits a Reston elementary.

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Teacher Wants to Erase Student Meal Debt

VA Bill H-1967: School meals; availability at no cost to the student

Student meals

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Vienna Wants to Boost Its Tree Canopy

Protecting and increasing canopy a top 2023 council priority after losing 163 acres of trees in 10 years.

Protecting and increasing canopy a top 2023 council priority after losing 163 acres of trees in 10 years.