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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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Fairfax County School Board Celebrates Class of 2020

Superintendent Scott Brabrand releases Board decisions.

Superintendent Scott Brabrand dashed any remaining hopes of summer in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020. After receiving results from high school students and parents on his Survey on Graduation Preferences, Brabrand said the School Board agreed on his recommended approach. They committed to celebrating the seniors "in the safest and most personalized manner possible."

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Fairfax County School Board Considers Fall 2020 Options

Three back-to-school scenarios presented.

What might school look like to children in Fairfax County Public Schools this fall — remote learning or social distance learning with masks and temperature checks? Which students would schools bring back first — the older ones or most vulnerable? And what might students face when they get there — a climb back to grade level or multi-age classes?

Fairfax County Supervisors Approve Budget Plan, Fairfax RISE

Highlights of May 12 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Some of the first words Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said at the May 12 Board of Supervisors meeting were for county families; in particular, those who lost loved ones or had family members hospitalized with the coronavirus. "If we could keep them and their entire families in our thoughts and prayers," McKay said. "As a reminder, our County flag continues to fly at half-staff, throughout the County at our facilities, in honor of the residents who sadly died as a result of COVID-19 and in recognition of our many essential workers who are responding to the pandemic," he said.

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Great Falls Helps with ‘Stuffing the Bus’ in Reston

Stepping up ‘Stuff the Bus’ COVID-19 style.

For nine years, the Stuff the Bus food drive served to fill the quickly emptying food pantry shelves of local Fairfax County nonprofits. On Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fairfax County Government and the community came together once again to support the biannual campaign.

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Hunkered Down to Opening Up in Virginia

Northern Virginia leaders urge regional approach to reopening state.

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Northern Virginia Reopening Should Occur When Metrics Met

Regional mayors and chairs send letter to Gov. Northam.

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‘Don't Forget About Us’ in Fairfax County

County supervisors hold public budget hearings.

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Bracing for Fairfax County’s Revised Budget Proposal

Supervisor John Foust presents a virtual town hall.

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Who Earned the F in Best Practices?

Distance Learning goes awry for FCPS.

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Covering Fairfax County Concerns

Twitter Q & A with Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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Revised Fairfax County Budget Reflects Pandemic Realities

County's updated budget proposal strikes millions in planned disbursements.

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Coalition to Fairfax County: Reduce Number of Inmates

County responds to NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition initiative.

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Amazon Gives $1 Million Locally to Fight the Impact of COVID-19

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Awards Block Grants.

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Global to Local: Coronavirus Defines Us

Week Two 03/15-03/21– feeding children is priority for FCPS.

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Opinion: Commentary: ‘Our Priority Is to Save Lives’

Governor Northam orders statewide closure of certain non-essential businesses: all public and private schools K-12 closed for the rest of the academic year.

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Fairfax County Supervisors Approve Issuance of Declaration of Emergency

Resolution empowers County Executive to make decisions.

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Global to Local: This Is Not a Test

Week one: 03/09-03/15: COVID-19 pandemic hits the area.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month 2020 in Fairfax County

Fairfax County Commission for Women honors “Valiant Women of the Vote.”

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“Invest in Fairfax,” Says Grassroots Coalition

Reaction to County Executive’s FY21 Advertised Budget

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Proactive Response to Opioid Abuse in Fairfax County

It could be your son or daughter, dad or mom, your spouse. It could be the secret you.

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Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County Presented

Senior and junior high school students honored.

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Opioids and Drug Abuse Escalate Locally

Part one of a two-part series: Three NOVA communities, six organizations host Public Forum – Operation Drug Prevention in Great Falls.

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K9 Doby – End of Watch: Feb. 22

Police canine served alongside law enforcement officers.

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Fairfax County Launches JET Task Force

Joint Environmental Task Force addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

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Tremendous Needs Still Not Funded in Fairfax County

School Board adopts $3.2 billion budget seeking $172.2 million increase.

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Focus on Social Justice at First Baptist Church of Vienna

Church hosts its fourth annual Justice and Legislative Sunday.

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Fairfax County Studies State Budget

Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee: Tracking items of interest to County against Governor's proposed budget and specific legislation.

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Fairfax County: Proclamations and Resolutions, Board Matters and Votes

It’s Day One; Take Action for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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Change in the Virginia Landscape

401st VA General Assembly reconvenes with a tsunami of filed legislation.

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Virginia Assembly – Week One

Highlights of some of the bills proposed.

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Environmental Benefits and Lower Electric Costs in Fairfax County

County awards solar power purchase agreement contracts.

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Leaving on a High Note: 31-Year Joy Ride

Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, retires.

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Environmental Priorities for Virginia

Virginia Conservation Network Hosts 2019 General Assembly Preview.

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‘The Greatest Humanitarian Crisis in the World’

Kicking off Blanket & Coat Drive for Syrian Refugees 2019

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First National Suffragist Memorial Breaks Ground

Site in Lorton to mark women’s struggle for right to vote.

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Horses Heal and Teach Life Skills

Equestrian program touches everyone involved.

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Hope and Hospitality in a Positive Environment in Falls Church

Ribbon-cutting for the new Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing.

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Celebrating Visionary Contribution in Fairfax County

ARTSFairfax 2019 Arts Awards

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No More Curbside Pickup for Glass in Northern Virginia

Residents will have to take their glass bottles and jars to a purple bin.

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Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Stations Host 2019 Open House

Plan and practice your fire escape.

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Building Community that Works for Everyone

Maj. Gen. Carl H. McNair Jr. receives community leadership award.

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Fairfax County Candidates Speak Out at Forum

Vying for county chairman and at large school board member.

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What’s Car-Loving NOVA To Do?

Not more lanes, not more tolls.

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Women Helping NOVA Women Succeed

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Scholarship Fund presents annual scholarships.

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Northern Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Awards Presented

Local police and special law enforcement agencies awarded for best traffic safety programs in the state.

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Children Shop with the Sheriff

Pride and positive interaction with law enforcement as students get needed gear.

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Suicide and Trauma Sound Alarm for First Responders

Fairfax County Chief of Police takes action to relieve stress and encourage officers to ask for help when needed.

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Youth-powered Community

In Fairfax County’s 71st 4-H Fair and Carnival, community’s young people shine.

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