Government

Governor Youngkin delivers an optimistic State of the Commonwealth address

January 29, 2025

By Katie Northcott Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered his 2025 State of the Commonwealth address on Jan. 13, offering a glowing review of Virginia’s growth over the past year. This address is Youngkin’s final address of his term. He delivered the address later than planned because of weather concerns. He highlighted Virginia’s growing population as a…

Public comment debate over war in Gaza continues into the new year

January 29, 2025

By Katie Northcott Since April, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meetings have become increasingly flooded with comments about the war in Gaza. A statement posted by Vice Chair Juli Briskman (D-Algonkian) on April 4, 2024 catalyzed the debate. Briskman posted a statement titled “Statement on Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza” on X supporting an immediate ceasefire…

Council rescinds December appointment to Planning Commission and more

January 29, 2025

By Valerie Cury On Jan. 8, the new Purcellville Town Council voted 4-3 to rescind the Dec. 10 decision regarding Committees, Commissions, and Boards. In December, then Vice Mayor Erin Rayner, and Council Members Kevin Wright, Mary Jane Williams, and Caleb Stought had voted to appoint then-Mayor Stan Milan—who had just lost his reelection bid—to…

Council majority takes the reigns, rejects Valley Commerce Center annexation

January 29, 2025

By Valerie Cury Wasting no time, the new Purcellville Town Council majority voted 4-3 to reject the Valley Commerce Center annexation request. At their Jan. 8 Special Meeting Mayor Chris Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett, who had just been appointed Vice Mayor, and Council Members Carol Luke and Susan Khalil voted to deny the annexation…

Purcellville’s bold leadership shift: Fraser takes the helm as interim town manager

January 29, 2025

By Valerie Cury At the Jan. 8 Purcellville Town Council Special Meeting, a major shift in leadership occurred as the newly elected council majority voted to end the tenure of Town Manager Rick Bremseth’s employment and appoint former four-term mayor Kwasi Fraser as interim town manager. The decision, which underscores the at-will nature of the…

“It’s not free money” — Chair Phyllis Randall 

January 29, 2025

Amidst FY2024 unassigned funds discussion, BOS approves recommended uses By Sophia Clifton On Jan. 7 the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors discussed agenda item 3a “FGOEDC Report-FY24 Uses of Unassigned General Fund Balance” and approved (9-0) several recommended uses for these funds proposed by the FGOEDC. The Board also voted 9-0 to approve an additional…

Leesburg to hold career expo on Tuesday, Feb. 25

January 25, 2025

The Leesburg Youth Career Expo will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Loudoun County High School, 415 Dry Mill Road, SW, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by the Town of Leesburg’s Department of Economic Development, this event provides job seekers with the chance to connect directly with local businesses across various industries, including…

Loudoun Board reduces motor vehicle licensing fee to zero

January 25, 2025

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted on Jan. 22, to reduce from $25 to zero the annual licensing fee for motor vehicles, motorcycles and trucks located in the county. The change follows a recommendation the Loudoun County Treasurer’s office made in October. The Board approved the amendment to Chapter 852 of the Codified Ordinances…

Public input meeting on Rt. 50 Safety and Operational Study Feb. 3

January 23, 2025

Loudoun County is hosting a meeting Feb. 3, to gain input from the public on the Route 50 corridor as part of the Route 50 Safety and Operational Study. The study corridor is approximately 14 miles of Route 50 from Northstar Boulevard to the Fauquier County line. The study will identify safety and operational issues…

Spence presents FY26 budget

January 16, 2025

Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, presented his FY26 Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs (SEON) to the School Board on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the LCPS Administrative Offices. The proposed $1.95 billion operating budget represents a 7.2% increase from the current fiscal year—an additional $131.7 million investment to address the evolving needs of students and…