Michael is an award-winning journalist who started covering Virginia news in 2013 with reporting stints at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia Business, and Richmond BizSense. A graduate of William & Mary and Northern Virginia Community College, he also covered financial news for S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Michael O’Connor
Latest from Michael O’Connor
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Virginia advocates, lawmakers look to address high Black maternal mortality rate
Black Americans face a US health care system still impaired by structural racism and implicit bias. The situation is especially dire for Black people going through pregnancies.
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Virginia inmates are burning themselves to get transferred from a state prison
A number of inmates at a western Virginia state prison have intentionally burned themselves in response to alleged abuse, prompting state lawmakers to call for immediate action and an investigation.
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What to watch on reproductive rights in Virginia’s 2025 legislative session
For this year’s upcoming General Assembly session in Virginia, there will be a lot of focus on advancing an abortion-care state constitutional amendment, but legislators are also working on bills to bolster women’s reproductive rights in other ways.
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Judge: Youngkin did not have authority to remove Virginia from climate change program
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin did not have the authority to end Virginia’s participation in a regional effort to fight climate change, according to a judge’s ruling Wednesday that was celebrated by environmental advocates.
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Virginia AG Miyares will run for re-election, not governor in 2025
The move sets up an easier path for Winsome Earle-Sears to become the Republican nominee for governor next year.
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Democrats, Republicans nominate candidates in Northern Virginia special election
The outcome of the high-stakes race in Loudoun County will determine control of the narrowly divided Virginia Senate.
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‘Shocking and disturbing’: New report on Virginia Department of Health highlights years of financial mismanagement
The report by a state watchdog included 31 recommendations to help the health agency get its finances in order and address staffing challenges.
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Virginians one step closer to voting on abortion, voting rights, and gay marriage constitutional amendments
Virginia House committee advances three constitutional amendments on abortion, voting rights, and marriage equality.
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Jay Jones makes Virginia attorney general run official
The former Norfolk state delegate’s official entry into the race marks his second attempt to win the Democratic nomination for Virginia attorney general.
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Special elections to be held to replace two Virginia state Senators elected to Congress
The outcomes of the races will help determine the balance of power in Virginia’s narrowly divided state Senate.
