The author has just finished reading a news story by Markus Schmidt, the prolific journalist who writes for the Virginian-Pilot. This was a reprinting of an article that Mr. Schmidt had written for the Virginia Mercury, his employer.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, consisting of Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Mike Turner of the Ashburn District, Kristen Umstattd of Leesburg, Juli Briskman of Algonkian approved the measure as part of Virginia's statewide authorization for localities to implement such fees.
The tax, permitted under Virginia state law, requires retailers to charge 5 cents per plastic bag, with proceeds earmarked for environmental cleanup, litter mitigation, and reusable bag distribution to low-income programs.
Opponents, led by Loudoun Republicans, contend that the tax is anything but voluntary, as Chair Randall has described it. Residents point out that such fees inevitably get passed on to consumers, adding to the cost of everyday shopping at a time when inflation has made groceries unaffordable for many hardworking families.
**By Johnathan Hale, Virginia Conservative Correspondent**RICHMOND, VA – New analysis of gun-related homicide rates across Virginia's urban centers paints a stark picture: Democrat-controlled cities...
Last night, Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his final State of the Commonwealth Address. It was more than just a goodbye. The speech was a rebuttal of the Thomas Jefferson Institute's claim that conservative pro-growth governance cannot produce tangible results.
As the Virginia General Assembly gears up for its 2026 session starting January 14, Loudoun County finds itself at the epicenter of a heated debate over housing policies that could undermine property rights and economic vitality. With average rents surging 43% from $1,618 in 2020 to $2,310 in 2025, Democratic leaders on the Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Phyllis Randall, are aggressively advocating for rent stabilization measures.
First Colonial High School, in Virginia Beach, is the latest battlefield for extremists to target Turning Point USA groups. Public records requests reveal activists trying to silence students who oppose their views. Even TPUSA's teacher sponsor gets doxxed for being a Christian on social media.
In a refreshing turn for Loudoun County families, the newly elected school board has wasted no time in putting students first by approving a comprehensive cell phone ban and emphasizing resources for special education programs.
Governor Glenn Youngkin today joined local, state, and federal leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Puller Veterans Care Center (PVCC) in Warrenton - a state-of-the-art facility built to serve Virginia veterans in need of long-term care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation care in Northern Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth.Â
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is highlighting Virginia’s debate on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He portrays his decision to leave the group as a move to promote affordability. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has stated her intention to rejoin.
The author has just finished reading a news story by Markus Schmidt, the prolific journalist who writes for the Virginian-Pilot. This was a reprinting of an article that Mr. Schmidt had written for the Virginia Mercury, his employer.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, consisting of Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Mike Turner of the Ashburn District, Kristen Umstattd of Leesburg, Juli Briskman of Algonkian approved the measure as part of Virginia's statewide authorization for localities to implement such fees.
The tax, permitted under Virginia state law, requires retailers to charge 5 cents per plastic bag, with proceeds earmarked for environmental cleanup, litter mitigation, and reusable bag distribution to low-income programs.
Opponents, led by Loudoun Republicans, contend that the tax is anything but voluntary, as Chair Randall has described it. Residents point out that such fees inevitably get passed on to consumers, adding to the cost of everyday shopping at a time when inflation has made groceries unaffordable for many hardworking families.
Last night, Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his final State of the Commonwealth Address. It was more than just a goodbye. The speech was a rebuttal of the Thomas Jefferson Institute's claim that conservative pro-growth governance cannot produce tangible results.
As the Virginia General Assembly gears up for its 2026 session starting January 14, Loudoun County finds itself at the epicenter of a heated debate over housing policies that could undermine property rights and economic vitality. With average rents surging 43% from $1,618 in 2020 to $2,310 in 2025, Democratic leaders on the Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Phyllis Randall, are aggressively advocating for rent stabilization measures.
First Colonial High School, in Virginia Beach, is the latest battlefield for extremists to target Turning Point USA groups. Public records requests reveal activists trying to silence students who oppose their views. Even TPUSA's teacher sponsor gets doxxed for being a Christian on social media.
In a refreshing turn for Loudoun County families, the newly elected school board has wasted no time in putting students first by approving a comprehensive cell phone ban and emphasizing resources for special education programs.
Governor Glenn Youngkin today joined local, state, and federal leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Puller Veterans Care Center (PVCC) in Warrenton - a state-of-the-art facility built to serve Virginia veterans in need of long-term care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation care in Northern Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth.Â
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is highlighting Virginia’s debate on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He portrays his decision to leave the group as a move to promote affordability. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has stated her intention to rejoin.
Northern Virginia drivers, who have been lining up for more than 40 years, have had their vehicles inspected every two-years (in addition to the safety inspections that are required in Virginia), for emission testing. This mandate only applied to Northern Virginia localities and was passed in 1982 as part of the 1970 Clean Air Act. It was an appropriate response to the air pollution crisis at the time.
If John McAuliff wins the Virginia House of Delegates District 30 race in November, Virginians can expect their energy bills to rise and the power to go out.
Virginia Democrat Attorney-General candidate Jay Jones portrays himself as a defender for the working poor. But his career and political background tell a very different story. He is a lawyer and politician who has consistently put corporate giants before the individual or the underprivileged.
President Trump signed a directive on April 23 directing public school districts to develop policies for student discipline that do not take race or ethnicity into consideration. According to the order, "The Federal Government won't tolerate risks that are known to exist for children's safety or well-being when school discipline is based on a discriminatory and illegal 'equity ideology'."
Virginia voters, ratepayers, and taxpayers should be aware that if Abigail Spanberger is elected as their next governor, their energy bills will increase and their everyday purchases will also go up.
As soon as President Trump took office, he issued an executive Order to protect civil rights and end discriminatory diversity equity and inclusion (DEI), policies within the federal government.
The American educational landscape is changing. The Federal Department of Education may dissolve, giving states a unique opportunity to rethink the way education dollars are spent. Virginia should take the lead and design an approach that puts flexibility, choice and long-term student benefits first, rather than waiting for national solutions which may not materialize.
Governor Glenn Youngkin today highlighted the ongoing strength of Virginia's labor market, as evidenced by the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data release.
After failing to pass legislation last year that would have made breakfast and lunch free for all public school students regardless of income (at a staggering cost of $201.5 million),