Michael Lee Pope is an award-winning journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria. He has reported for NPR, the New York Daily News and Northern Virginia Magazine. He has a master's degree in American Studies from Florida State University, and he is a former adjunct professor at Tallahassee Community College. Pope is the author of four books.
Recent Stories
Democratic Primary 2024
Voters to determine future of city politics in June 18 primary.
In recent years, Alexandria has been aggressively urbanist. Democrats who control all six seats on the City Council have supported increasing density and adding new transit options. That's created a backlash, and now the conflict will be resolved at the ballot box.
Turnover at City Hall
As the era of Justin Wilson draws to a close, what comes next?
The era of Mayor Justin Wilson is drawing to a dramatic finish, creating an open seat for mayor at City Hall for the first time in 20 years.
Zoned Out
City Council to determine future of single-family housing in Alexandria.
"We need to apply strict scrutiny on the zoning provisions we have and ensure that they do not have a disparate impact, particularly to ensure that some of the provisions are not segregating our communities." — Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson
Northern Virginia Poised to Lose Influence
Democratic primary might shift power to Hampton Roads.
Democratic primary might shift power to Hampton Roads.
Rolling the Dice on Casinos
Lawmakers to consider location of fifth and final casino.
Lawmakers to consider location of fifth and final casino.
Student Growth Outpaces Staffing
Number of new teachers hasn't kept pace with surge in enrollment.
Since 2008, Alexandria schools have added more than 4,000 new students. But a new report from the Commonwealth Institute shows staffing has not kept pace. City schools have added only 100 new teachers during that time, and the number of teacher aides has actually declined by 10 positions.
Reconsidering Marijuana
Pot is still legal, but the plan to regulate its sale is in jeopardy.
Marijuana
Republican Sweep
Democrats lose statewide for the first time since 2009.
Virginia has a long tradition of offering a counterpoint to presidential elections starting after the election of Democrat Jimmy Carter for president in 1976.