Michael O’Connell is a field editor with Patch in Northern Virginia. He was also the host and producer of the weekly It's All Journalism podcast and produced the Better News podcast for the American Press Institute.
Previously, Michael was a digital editor at Local News Now, a senior digital editor at Federal News Network, a producer of the National Governors Association's Meet the Threat podcast, and managing editor at The Connection Newspapers. For three years, Michael taught podcasting in the American University School of Communication’s Masters in Digital Storytelling program.
Besides speaking about podcasting at various journalism conferences, Michael is also the author of the textbook, Turn Up the Volume — A Down and Dirty Guide to Podcasting.
In June 2018, Michael traveled to Tajikistan on behalf of the U.S. State Department to teach young journalists how to podcast. Through that program, he also had the opportunity to speak to journalists remotely in Albania, Egypt, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Stafford deputies are searching for a missing, endangered man who may have a knife near Pepper Tree Lane and Regester Chapel Road.
The vote advances plans for a new Reston library, shelter, housing and Central Green. Individual buildings still need approval.
Fairfax supervisors paused new Flock cameras and ordered a privacy review. Arlington ended its county-leased program the same day.
Fairfax City Council member Rachel McQuillen prioritizes managing growth and rising costs while protecting quality of life.
Jeffrey Turner Taylor, who served at The Falls Church from 1990 to 2002, faces seven federal counts. The FBI seeks information.
ICE said officers arrested a 49-year-old man in Falls Church who is wanted in Colorado on felony charges involving a child.
A 58-year-old man with homes in Reston and San Jose faces five to 20 years in prison at sentencing in January.
Fairfax City Council candidate Steve Chang prioritizes city finances, manageable taxes and closer scrutiny of spending.
Reston Town Center will host music, dance, art and more than 60 vendors and community groups at the Sept. 19 festival.
Arlington will seek removal of 41 county-leased Flock cameras, citing resident concerns. A public update is set for Sept. 22.
Fairfax City Council candidate Susan Hartley Kuiler says managing growth while preserving the city's character is its biggest challenge.
Fairfax City Council candidate Jessica Lough says responsible fiscal management is the most pressing issue facing city voters.
Fairfax City Councilmember Stacy Hall says housing costs, taxes and everyday expenses make affordability the city's most pressing issue.
Fairfax supervisors approved $707,908 to restore crossing guards at 10 high schools after student crashes raised safety concerns.
A former Falls Church healthcare CEO faces 34 charges after police investigated reports of women and a teen being filmed in Tysons.
Fredericksburg police updated their response policy after a November 2025 incident shown in video circulating online.
More than 850 volunteers collected nearly 30,000 pounds of food for students as Food For Neighbors begins its 10th year.
Fairfax City Council candidate Kelly O’Brien calls development uncertainty voters’ top issue and wants zoning aligned with city plans.
Fairfax City Council candidate Sandi Slappey Brown says rising taxes and the cost of city services are key concerns for voters.
Fairfax City Council candidate Russell Jones names tax increases as his top issue and calls for spending restraint.
