Topic: Northern Virginia

Swedish environmental lessons

With help from a climate-conscious nordic town, four U.S. families lessen their carbon footprint.

Homegrown terrorism a growing concern for US intelligence

Homegrown terrorism is a growing threat, US intelligence chief Dennis Blair said this week. But the number of American Muslims engaged in extremist activity remain small and still largely focused overseas.

Will Yemen air strike change view of Fort Hood shooting?

Yemen’s air strike on Al Qaeda Thursday reportedly targeted Anwar al-Awlaki, the radical cleric linked to the Fort Hood shooter. If true, it could alter Americans' understanding of the Fort Hood rampage.

Why is Obama at Home Depot? To get cash for caulkers going.

President Obama's stop at Home Depot shows that if 'cash for caulkers' is going to get off the ground, the government has to get at least three groups to buy in.

Five Americans arrested in Pakistan don't fit typical profile

The five American Muslims arrested came from middle-class homes and were educated and assimilated – unlike other Americans arrested on terrorist-related charges.

The Monitor's View: On Veterans Day, student vets deserve backup

Hundreds of thousands of veterans are taking advantage of the new GI Bill. They need the support of the VA and educators.

Election results show Obama's political coalition unraveling

Election results show defection of independents, plus the low turnout among young and black voters, hurting Democrats.

Gardening makes a tough year better

When everything goes wrong in life, a garden can provide comfort.

Terrorist plots uncovered in the US since 9/11

At least 21 plots to launch attacks on American soil have been thwarted. Here's a chronology.

Cutting gardens: Where bouquets are born

Once there was a time when people routinely set aside a part of the yard to raise flowers for the vase.

The error in 'era'

The Monitor's language columnist considers how a particular term for measuring time has been hard at work lately.

McDonnell's graduate thesis roils Virginia governor race

The controversy over Bob McDonnell's 1989 graduate thesis has put the GOP candidate on the defense. But Democratic voter fatigue may keep his rival from getting ahead.

The reshaping of the GOP

The most fertile ground for Republicans is the growing ranks of independents. And efforts to rebrand the party from the inside are prompting a stir within a new generation of young politicians.

Opinion: The problem with conservative echo chambers

Separate spaces such as A Conservative Cafe in Indiana lead us further from a united America.

GOP weakened by demographic, political forces

Experts say changing geographic and demographic trends are further endangering an already-beleaguered Republican party.

Opinion: Religious bullying is a problem around the world

Vigilante enforcement of theocratic codes can crop up when a minority group doesn't conform.

Which US cities will recover first?

All-you-can-eat entertainment, all for the cost of an Internet connection

Column: Forget the movie theater. Forget cable. Your computer has all the movies and shows you need.

USA

Despite Steele’s rough start, many in GOP optimistic

The new party chair has been mired in internal feuds, but expectations for next elections are building.

Why Virginia may tilt to Obama

A long-time red state is now a tossup due to fast-growing exurbs.

How the 2008 electoral map has changed

Virginia could be a bellwether in a year that is likely to see a few more battleground states.

Palin pick jolts GOP ranks ahead of convention

Socially conservative and telegenic, Alaska's governor livens the ticket but is questioned on experience.

Profile of Mark Warner: Ivy Leaguer with rural NASCAR draw

As the Democratic keynote speaker, he has the down-home image his party needs to broaden its support.