
Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings
Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.
The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

Brief: Anne Gruner Appointed to the GMU Board of Visitors
Last week, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced appointments to five boards of visitors.
Fairfax County School Board Elects Ilryong Moon as Chairman
The Fairfax County School Board has elected Ilryong Moon (at-large) as chairman and Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) as vice chairman for a one-year term. The chair and vice chair assumed office at the July 11 school board meeting; they are elected by board members during the board’s annual organizational meeting.
Virginia Voters Get More Choices in 2013
Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.
While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade.

Virginia Voters Get More Choices in 2013
Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.
While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade.
Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign
Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.
The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.

Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital
Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.
Hybrid Outrage at the Department of Motor Vehicles
Two legislators vow to introduce effort to repeal new tax on hybrid vehicles.
Suzanne Cleary has owned a hybrid vehicle since 2006, making her an early adopter and a proselytizer to her friends and neighbors.
When a Bill Becomes a Law
On July 1, sales taxes go up for Fairfax County residents.
“We needed to at least make it clear that you risk a reckless driving offense if you text and drive.” —Del. David Bulova (D-37)
Cross County Trail Renamed After Gerry Connolly
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) says he is humbled by the Fairfax County Park Authority's decision to rename the 40-mile Cross County Trail the “Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail."
Virginia Lyme Disease Bill Signed
On June 25, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and other Northern Virginia lawmakers met at Claude Moore Park in Sterling for the ceremonial signing of the Lyme Disease Information Disclosure Act of 2013.
Wolf Announces Appointments to the Nation’s Service Academies
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2017 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.

Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.