All results / Stories / Michael Lee Pope
Great Resignation Hits the Classroom
Pay penalty for teachers in Virginia is the worst in the country.
The Great Resignation is hitting classrooms across Virginia, worrying school administrators about what happens when fall arrives and schools are forced to deal with a teacher shortage.
Scoop on Chickens in Arlington
Do backyard hens pose threat to public health in Arlington?
Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county. This week, members of the Urban Agriculture Task force will conduct their first meeting. In the next year, the newly created group is expected to craft a resolution for the County Board on what kind of zoning changes — if any — should take place to ease restrictions on backyard hens.
How Much Money Does Your School Administrator Make?
Alexandria school system has some of the highest paid administrators in the region.
The administrator in the corner office at your local school is sitting pretty with a six-figure paycheck.
Athenaeum Wants Your Vote to Fund Restoration in Online Contest
Leaders at the Old Town landmark suggest voting early and often.
Do you love the Athenaeum? If the answer is yes, executive director Catherine Aselford is asking for your vote.
Old Dominion Boat Club Settles With Feds, Continues to Fend Off City Hall
40-year old lawsuit comes to an end as city officials make plans for parking lot.
It’s been almost 40 years since the Richard Nixon administration filed a series of lawsuits against property owners along the waterfront.
A Capital Debate on Streetcars
Controversy over streetcar to dominate discussion of capital improvement plan.
Members of the Arlington County Board are preparing for weeks of heated debate about the streetcar proposal on Columbia Pike, a project that continues to increase in price and opposition. Although the project has enjoyed support from previous elected officials, the board's two newest members are raising new questions about where the money comes from and how it's spent.
Prosecutor's Report Clears Officers of Criminal Wrongdoing in February Shooting
Unlike Fairfax and Arlington authorities, Alexandria prosecutor shares report with public.
Seven different officers shot 37 rounds at Alexandria man Taft Sellers last February during a standoff in the city's West End, hitting him five times.
Three Republicans Running for Virginia Governor Offer Dueling Tax Plans
Cut taxes or raise taxes? GOP primary debate offers an unusual array of options.
Essential Leave
Advocates for paid sick days try to build support among Virginia Senate Democrats
Before the pandemic hit, Senate Democrats stopped a proposal requiring businesses to offer paid sick days. During the pandemic, they rejected it again during a special session. Now as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session, advocates are hoping they've finally got a strategy to persuade reluctant Senate Democrats to approve a new law increasing the number of workers in Virginia who have access to paid sick days.
Home Sick in Alexandria
Outdated apartment complexes gush greenhouse gas emissions.
Apartments outdated
Why a Regional Wage in Virginia?
Effort to raise minimum wage hits snag on Senate floor, leading to regional approach.
It’s shortly after 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night, and state Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36) is working the Senate chamber to save the minimum wage increase. This particular Tuesday isn’t just any day of the week. It’s the final deadline for Senate bills to cross over to the House, so the pressure is building as the clock winds down. Senators are tired and cranky, and they will be working past midnight.
Public Interest Vs. Absolute Discretion
Lack of transparency forces some to consider lawsuits just to get information.
Brook Besha is at his wit’s end. It’s been almost four years since the Fairfax County Police Department shot and killed his son. But even today, he still does not have access to the investigation conducted by the Arlington County Police Department.
Arlington and Alexandria Fighting for Limited Pool of Federal Funds
One wants federal money for Columbia Pike, the other wants funds for Potomac Yard.
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are each vying for an increasingly limited amount of federal transportation funding, leading to a conflict between the neighboring jurisdictions.
Should Jefferson-Houston Become a Charter School?
Alexandria's failing school is in crossfire of political debate.
Politicians love to talk about failing schools. As an abstract concept, they are an easy target. But when an actual school is identified as a failing school, the reality become a bit more complicated.
Voters to Determine Direction of City
Republican Annetta Catchings challenges incumbent Democrat Justin Wilson for mayor.
The race for mayor comes down to a simple question: Are Alexandria voters happy with the direction of the city or not?
Will the Arena Create 30,000 Jobs?
Secretive calculations raise questions about proposal.
Jobs from Arena
Week in Alexandria
This week marked the first day of school at Mount Vernon Community School, which has about 100 more students than last year. It was also the first day of school at Tucker Elementary School, which has about 100 more students than last year. When the rest of the city’s schools open after Labor Day, Alexandria is preparing for a massive crunch.
From Medicaid to Broadband, Northern Virginia Lawmakers Prepare for Raucous Session
Democrats plan to use new numbers to accomplish wide-ranging agenda.
This year’s General Assembly will be like no other. For starters, members walking the halls of the Capitol will look different. The crop of freshman includes the first transgender woman to serve in the Virginia General Assembly, the first lesbian, the first Asian-American women and the first two Latinas. Gone are the 12 Republican members who were unseated, all white males. Also gone are the three members who got out before the bloodbath that flipped their seats from red to blue, also all white males. In their place is a diverse and young group of new members who are eager to make their mark on the commonwealth.
Ballot Question: Authorizing an Authority in Arlington
Arlington County voters to determine fate of housing and redevelopment authority.
Should Arlington County have a housing authority?
On the Campaign Trail
Politicians are always squeamish about raising their own salaries, especially when the budget season is closely tied to an election.