Michael O'Connor

Virginia home care workers fight for collective bargaining rights A bill that would lift Virginia’s ban on public sector bargaining may exclude underpaid and in-demand home care workers. They’re fighting back.

A bill that would lift Virginia’s ban on public sector bargaining may exclude underpaid and in-demand home care workers. They’re fighting back. vadogwood.com/2026/02/24/v...

Virginians share concerns about data centers at Ashburn town hall Elected officials and residents in Loudoun County are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to data centers, expressing concerns about their potential health impacts.

“They’re building these data centers, they’re building the power infrastructure through our homes, and they don’t seem to care,” Subramanyam said.

Progressive Dem eyes Virginia congressional bid amid possible redistricting State Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke says he supports Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and an end to US military support for Israel.

Here's my Q&A with Del. Rasoul about his possible congressional bid, redistricting, and his take on the future for Democrats: vadogwood.com/2025/12/09/p...

I tried asking @samrasoul.bsky.social about his legislative accomplishments. Most politicians take the opportunity to brag. Rarely do I get this kind of response: "The reality is no matter how much we've accomplished, it always feels like we've never done enough."

More to come in a Q&A

Excited about my new planner

Wondering what makes more sense: declaring a candidacy for a district that may/likely will be redrawn or forming an exploratory committee to announce if and when the new districts come out

A Mysterious Company Came to Town With a $165 Billion Idea

Kind of interesting that New Mexico data centers can build their own power plants but these so-called "microgrids" are exempt from the state's clean energy standards www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/b...

Cancelled Spotify

Best books I read this year

The tree is aglow in Manassas

Virginians share concerns about data centers at Ashburn town hall Elected officials and residents in Loudoun County are becoming increasingly vocal about their opposition to data centers, expressing concerns about their potential health impacts.

My coverage of a data center town hall held in Ashburn last night: vadogwood.com/2025/12/05/v...

Evictions are on the rise in Virginia. Lawmakers are trying to address the crisis Tens of thousands of Virginians are kicked out of their homes every year.

Evictions are on the rise in Virginia. Can lawmakers reverse the trend? vadogwood.com/2025/12/04/e...

Some local electeds out for Spanberger and Obama

A person wearing a blanket with Obama images on it in Norfolk

Waiting for Obama and Spanberger rally to kick off in Norfolk

Let me be clear:

I’m going to Norfolk.

Spanberger rallies Latino voters in Alexandria amid growing distrust of government, deportation fears The impacts of the Trump administration’s mass deportation program mean fewer Latinos are showing up to their jobs while those who do risk being assaulted at work.

And here's my story: vadogwood.com/2025/10/30/s...

Event was hyped. US Sen. Ruben Gallego gave some remarks before heading back to Washington for a vote. Labor icon Dolores Huerta was there leading chants of “Sí, se puede.” Spanberger spoke at length in what I’m told was good Spanish. Buttons are from a vendor outside.

One of my biggest weaknesses as a reporter is showing up early to an event, getting a good spot, and then politely shuffling aside so other people can take my spot

. @victorforvirginia.bsky.social also in the house

Spotted at this Latinos for Spanberger event in Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria: @lopez4va.bsky.social and @ebpforva.bsky.social

"Every administration, Republican and Democratic, has made sure families keep food on the table during a shutdown. This administration is breaking that precedent and putting politics ahead of basic decency and the law," Kaine and Warner say in joint statement.

Inbox: Kaine and Warner join colleagues introducing legislation to keep SNAP and WIC funded for rest of the fiscal year and to reimburse states like Virginia that plan to cover SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

"The Trump Administration is choosing to let kids go hungry. It is choosing not to feed seniors, single mothers, and veterans. It has the legal authority to do so. It has the moral responsibility to do so. But it is not."

Inbox: The six Democratic Virginia members of the US House send letter to AG Miyares urging him to join legal fight against Trump administration on SNAP crisis.

"It is your responsibility to challenge the actions of the Trump Administration when they harm Virginians."

More than 300,000 Virginians to see health care premiums rise as open enrollment begins Republicans in Washington have refused to extend subsidies to prevent drastic cost increases for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in 2026.

Republicans in Washington have refused to extend subsidies to prevent drastic cost increases for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in 2026. I'm one of the millions of Americans facing the consequences. (story via @oconnor-reports.bsky.social @vadogwoodnews.bsky.social)

Split screen at the capitol in Richmond this morning: Virginia Republicans bash Dems for fighting back on redistricting while protestors call out Trump cuts to health care assistance

Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears plans to hold a press conference in Richmond today ahead of the special session and a protest against her support for Trump administration health care policies is planned at the same time

Virginia’s economy slowing amid Trump-fueled uncertainty The Trump administration’s mass federal layoffs are hurting Virginia’s economic growth.

Latest from me: vadogwood.com/2025/10/21/v...