E-Newsletter

The month of June is always a critical time of year for the U.S. Supreme Court. The terms of the justices begin on the first Monday of October and last until the summer recess of the following year, which usually starts in late June or early July.  The Court typically hears oral arguments on various cases between October and April. The justices then issue opinions before they… Read more »

Thursday, June 19th marks America’s celebration of Juneteenth. The national holiday is meant to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.  Interestingly, this date does not signify the official nationwide end to slavery. Slavery was a fairly common practice, even in the North, as the United States transitioned from its colonial period to its independence. In fact,… Read more »

Many families have prepared for the return of summer.  Plans include pool parties, barbecues and vacations. Some plans will account for summer heat. Air conditioning and other tools will be increasingly used to keep homes cool. This increased electricity demand means that our electric grid will be under greater stress. We are already hearing of potential breaking points this… Read more »

The U.S. Constitution is a revolutionary document which has inspired other nations in drafting their own Constitutions. Unbeknownst to some, the current Constitution wasn’t the first governing document of the United States after gaining independence. The Articles of Confederation served as the country’s first Constitution. Following ratification of the Articles in 1781, our young… Read more »

The “Butterfly Effect” is an interesting theory. What it basically says is that any small change or movement in one system, “the flapping of a butterfly’s wings”, inflicts a greater change or movement in another system. This greater change produces significant consequences that are felt my many. … Read more »

The U.S. Constitution outlines the three branches of government. The authority vested in Congress is derived from Article I. The Constitution then addresses the Executive Branch in Article II: “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.” Next, Article III details Judicial Branch powers. The top authority within the Judicial Branch is the U.S.… Read more »

National Police Week takes place from Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17. This is when Americans honor our law enforcement officers. It is estimated that there are more than 800,000 law enforcement professionals serving American communities. These professionals are responsible for policing dangerous criminal behavior and protecting innocent civilians. Additionally, law enforcement… Read more »

May 8, 2025, will mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Powers in World War II. Dubbed “Victory in Europe Day”, Nazi Germany could not sustain a two-front war. The United States endured great losses but overcame the Nazi war machine. We did so, in part, thanks to the American worker, who helped manufacture and produce equipment for… Read more »

Legislating spending by the Virginia legislature - never easy - was a lot less complicated than at the federal level. In Virginia, there is a single bill that determines what the state spends. At the federal level, however, you have a budget resolution, the potential for a reconciliation process and twelve appropriations acts, if things are going according to plan. Last year, things… Read more »

Prayer is a foundation of many households in our country and around the world. I respect people of all faiths and religious practices and recognize they have their own holidays. This year, Passover is April 12 to April 20. Ramadan began on February 28 and ended on March 29. Others have different faith traditions and holidays. But for me and my family, this time of year we celebrate… Read more »