Michael O'Connor
@oconnor-reports.bsky.social
Subscribe to my newsletter Virginia Capital: https://vadogwood.com/va-capital-newsletter/
Pinned
Newsletter Virginia Capital
Michael is an award-winning journalist who started covering Virginia news in 2013 with reporting stints at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia Business, and
vadogwood.com
Looking for a newsletter focused on Virginia labor issues and economic policy? You can subscribe to my new one, Virginia Capital, coming soon from
@vadogwoodnews.bsky.social vadogwood.com/va-capital-n...
@vadogwoodnews.bsky.social vadogwood.com/va-capital-n...
Reposted by Michael O'Connor
“They’re building these data centers, they’re building the power infrastructure through our homes, and they don’t seem to care,” Subramanyam said.
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.
vadogwood.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:40 PM
“They’re building these data centers, they’re building the power infrastructure through our homes, and they don’t seem to care,” Subramanyam said.
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...
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.
vadogwood.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
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
More to come in a Q&A
December 9, 2025 at 4:34 PM
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
More to come in a Q&A
Excited about my new planner
December 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
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
December 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
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
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...
A Mysterious Company Came to Town With a $165 Billion Idea
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:42 PM
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
December 8, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Cancelled Spotify
Best books I read this year
December 8, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Best books I read this year
The tree is aglow in Manassas
December 5, 2025 at 11:49 PM
The tree is aglow in Manassas
My coverage of a data center town hall held in Ashburn last night: vadogwood.com/2025/12/05/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.
vadogwood.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:22 PM
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. Can lawmakers reverse the trend? vadogwood.com/2025/12/04/e...
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.
vadogwood.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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
November 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Some local electeds out for Spanberger and Obama
Waiting for Obama and Spanberger rally to kick off in Norfolk
November 1, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Waiting for Obama and Spanberger rally to kick off in Norfolk
Let me be clear:
I’m going to Norfolk.
I’m going to Norfolk.
November 1, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Let me be clear:
I’m going to Norfolk.
I’m going to Norfolk.
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
October 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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
Spotted at this Latinos for Spanberger event in Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria: @lopez4va.bsky.social and @ebpforva.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Spotted at this Latinos for Spanberger event in Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria: @lopez4va.bsky.social and @ebpforva.bsky.social
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.
October 30, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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.
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."
"It is your responsibility to challenge the actions of the Trump Administration when they harm Virginians."
October 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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."
"It is your responsibility to challenge the actions of the Trump Administration when they harm Virginians."
Reposted by Michael O'Connor
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)
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.
vadogwood.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:18 AM
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
October 27, 2025 at 8:14 PM
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
October 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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
Latest from me: vadogwood.com/2025/10/21/v...
Virginia’s economy slowing amid Trump-fueled uncertainty
The Trump administration’s mass federal layoffs are hurting Virginia’s economic growth.
vadogwood.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Latest from me: vadogwood.com/2025/10/21/v...
At Commission to End Hunger meeting yesterday, @pwcdanica.bsky.social said she plans to re-file legislation to require free breakfast in Virginia public schools.
Sen. Roem notes that Arkansas recently backed doing so
Sen. Roem notes that Arkansas recently backed doing so
October 23, 2025 at 11:20 AM
At Commission to End Hunger meeting yesterday, @pwcdanica.bsky.social said she plans to re-file legislation to require free breakfast in Virginia public schools.
Sen. Roem notes that Arkansas recently backed doing so
Sen. Roem notes that Arkansas recently backed doing so