The Virginia Press Room

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The Virginia Press Room

The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration between VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope, and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the Commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Education Cuts, Unemployment Claims, and Signature Submissions

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering how cuts to the federal Department of Education will impact Virginia's students. Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering rising unemployment claims in Virginia as President Trump cuts the federal workforce. Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering the signature submissions for Virginia's statewide candidate to appear on ballots. Plus counterintuitive history, Virginia's voter purge lawsuit, and tonight's deadline for the Governor to sign, amend, and veto the bills from the General Assembly session. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps.The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    38 min

  2. MAR 17

    Leadership Changes, Attack Ads, and Education Politics

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering leadership changes in both of Virginia's major political parties. Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering how cuts to the federal Department of Education impact Virginia's schools and upcoming elections. Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering Winsome Earle-Sears' first attack ad, which ignores her Republican primary opponents and instead targets Abigail Spanberger directly. Plus workhorse versus show horse candidates, continued controversy around VMI, and the history of concealed weapons in the General Assembly. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps.The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    36 min

  3. MAR 10

    Library Funding, GreenCity Development, and the Governor's Pardon

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering Governor Youngkin's pardon of a former police officer convicted of reckless firearm use. Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering Warren County stripping funding for Samuels Public Library. Lyndon German of VPM News, covering the stalling of Henrico County's GreenCity development. Plus executive orders on ICE, uncertainty in state and local budgets, and the political dynamics and familiar names as the campaigns for Governor ramps up. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    33 min

  4. MAR 3

    Competitive House Races, Voting Rights Restoration, and the Republican Primary for Governor

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Amanda Chase and Dave LaRock's entry into the Republican primary race for Governor. Brandon Jarvis of Virginia Scope, covering three competitive state House races--Republican seats that Kamala Harris won last year. Dean Mirshahi of VPM, covering the drop in the number of people whose voting rights are being restored by the Governor. Plus, the race to replace Susan Swecker as chair of the state Democratic party, sign-in requirements for reporters bringing their phones to court, and rising thresholds for standardized test scores. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    31 min

  5. FEB 24

    Stalled FOIA Reform, Federal Worker Anxiety, and A Visual Dispatch

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the last-minute stalling of a FOIA reform bill. Shaban Athuman of VPM, showcasing a visual dispatch from the 2025 General Assembly. Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering Governor Youngkin's acknowledgement of the anxiety among federal workers in Virginia. Plus a surprising seat opening, veto-watch, and health care uncertainty amid sweeping federal changes. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    34 min

  6. FEB 17

    Sales Tax Surcharge, Residency Issues, and the Latest Casino Bill

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Dave Ress of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering bills to establish a legal cannabis market and to impose a sales tax surcharge to pay for schools. Rich Meagher, political science professor at Randolph-Macon College and the host of VPM's "VA's Got Issues," following Natalie Anderson's reporting on the residency of Senator Christie New Craig. Nathaniel Cline of the Virginia Mercury, covering the controversial tabling of the latest casino bill. Plus the key role of interns in Virginia's legislature, the upcoming veto session, and the efforts to help young people transition out of foster care. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    30 min

  7. FEB 10

    Free Clinics, Immigration Enforcement, and Animal Rights

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering Richmond Public Schools' official resolution on immigration enforcement on school grounds. Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering Virginia's free clinics and the possibility of cuts to federal Medicaid funding. Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a bill to reduce penalties for people with developmental disorders who assault police officers. Plus FOIA fees, animal-rights bills, and the future of Virginia's detention centers.  -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    29 min

  8. FEB 3

    Child Care Subsidies, Offshore Wind, and the 2025 Race for Governor

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering how the upcoming election is affecting the current General Assembly session. Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering the waitlist for Virginia's child care subsidy program. Brad Kutner, Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, who discusses the tension around the Trump administration and Virginia's planned offshore wind farm. Plus looking ahead to Crossover, a child-care stipend for lawmakers, and long lines for the elevators in the General Assembly building. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    43 min

  9. JAN 27

    School Choice, Sourcing Stories, and What President Trump Means for Virginia

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, with the potential consequences for Virginians if the federal government rescinds Medicaid expansion  Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering the Republican push for school choice in the legislature Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Governor Youngkin's reaction to President Trump's actions on federal workers Plus the optics game in the General Assembly and following up on last year's voter roll purge.--The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    43 min

  10. JAN 20

    Constitutional Amendments, Data Center Regulation, and the State of the Commonwealth

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of Virginia Mercury, with the latest on the proposed amendments to Virginia's Constitution Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering Governor Youngkin's State of the Commonwealth address Patrick Larsen of VPM News, who talks about the latest efforts to regulate data centers in the state Plus the fallout from Richmond's water crisis, invasive species legislation, and the future of maternal health in the state. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    47 min

  11. JAN 13

    Richmond Water Crisis, Race for Governor, and a Death in Prison

    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch with the latest on Richmond's water crisis Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, who talks about the latest poll for the 2025 Governor's race Dave Cantor of VPM News, who talks about the death of a man incarcerated at Red Onion prison in December Plus Virginia's proposed abortion amendment, the latest on the car tax, the cultural history of water pumps in Richmond. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    29 min

  12. JAN 6

    Red Onion Prison, Hampton Roads Investment, and Riggleman's Potential Run

    In this inaugural episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Laura Vozzella of The Washington Post, who talks about Denver Riggleman's potential run for statewide office Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Del. Michael Jones' (D-Richmond) unannounced visit to the Red Onion prison Markus Schmidt of Virginia Mercury, who talks about Hampton Roads Ventures' lack of investments in local projects Plus:  Rep. John McGuire's publicized visit to President-elect Trump's Mar-a-Lago Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will both be guest speakers at the upcoming Virginia Capitol Correspondents' Association Gala Governor Glenn Youngkin's passion for a commercial fusion power plant And looking ahead to special elections in Loudoun County and Central Virginia, morning speeches on the General Assembly floor, and Governor Youngkin's plans for tax cuts to help cement his legacy. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration by VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

    29 min
  • 12 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in collaboration between VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project, the series is hosted by journalist and author, Michael Pope, and features a rotating cast of reporters from the Virginia press corps. The Virginia Press Room offers a behind-the-scenes look at state politics, policy and the issues shaping communities across the Commonwealth from the people who know it best, helping listeners stay informed about what’s happening in their state from the halls of the Capitol to their local neighborhoods.

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