
Fully Baked
Alexandria senator leads effort to legalize marijuana in Virginia.
The so-called "war on drugs" was a failure, locking up generations of Black men and tearing Black families apart. Now lawmakers in Richmond are finally coming around to realizing the damage that the prohibition against marijuana caused in minority communities. Last year members of the General Assembly approved legislation decriminalizing marijuana. This year, they may be on the verge of legalizing recreational use of marijuana — ending the failed war on drugs and adopting new equity measures to address some of the damage it caused.
Opinion: Column: Reoriented
Or to quote my high school baseball coach: "Reorientated."

Sorority Sisters Celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris
Joy, tears and hope about this historic moment in history
Wearing their sorority’s signature strand of pearls and clothing in shades of pink and green, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority members Martha Coleman and Shirley Dickerson Taylor were filled with awe and jubilation as they watched their sorority sister and fellow Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alum Kamala Harris, sworn in as Vice President of the United States.

Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database
Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.
With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.
Opinion: Editorial: We Still Need Your Help
Thank you to hundreds who have supported us financially, and with warm words of encouragement
In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a year-long journey of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, I have been fine.

‘Morale Boosters’ for the Local Herndon Community
Three new initiatives in the planning stages
During the early days of the pandemic, K Scarry set up Herndon Cares.org, of First Baptist Church of Herndon.
Upcoming Actions on Enhanced Gun Safety Legislation in Virginia
Del. Patrick Hope (D-47), who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, said after gun safety bills passed subcommittee today, that on Friday the full committee will be taking up legislation to continue to prevent gun violence.
Opinion: Column: Cancer and Covid...
…don't exactly go together like milk and cookies.
Blood Donations Needed
Since 1970, blood donors have been recognized in the month of January during National Blood Donor Month.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County
IT and supply problems worry residents.
“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Helping Children Navigate Anxiety
Sharing feelings, listening without judgement during current political turmoil
As communities cope with the shock of daunting images of the recent riot at the U.S. Capitol, the mental health toll on children and teens can be significant but go unnoticed, say local therapists.

Killing the Death Penalty
Lawmakers consider bill to abolish capital punishment in Virginia
Virginia has executed people longer than any other state, a tradition that stretches back into colonial days when Captain George Kendall was executed for treason. Over the years, the commonwealth has executed more than 1,300 people. Now, Virginia may be about to join 22 other states that have abolished the death penalty.
Food for Neighbors Kicks Off the Year with a New Record
Food For Neighbors received more than 18,000 pounds of food during its Jan. 9 Red Bag Program food collection event.
Herndon Council Hosts Housing Panel
State senators and legal counsel weigh in
Herndon Town Council hosted a Panel Discussion on Housing Tues., Jan. 5 to build proficiency and understanding in matters related to housing policy development.

Herndon Dancer Wins Irish Dance Competition
Five dancers from the McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance brought home first place trophies from the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) Southern Region Oireachtas, held in Orlando the first week of December.