IN THE NEWS:

1. After failing to pass a budget before they left town, the General Assembly returned for a special session last week to strike a deal. No new taxes, skill games remain unresolved, and several Democratic priorities were cut--but both sides call it a win. 

2. On last week's game show, Senator Scott Surovell pointed out that the General Assembly never really adjourned, so we're in a sort of neverending special session--a common practice to prevent the Governor from being able to appoint judges.

3. This month is the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v Board. And so it’s worth remembering how Virginia responded.

At the Watercooler:

• Senator Lucas' observation that the Washington Post's endorsements in the 7th and 10th district oppose the 13 total women and minority candidates for both races

• The controversy over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's upside-down American flag stunt--and journalistic confusion when it comes to Fairfax County and Alexandria