PodcastsGovernmentThe Virginia Press Room

The Virginia Press Room

VPM & VPAP
The Virginia Press Room
Latest episode

75 episodes

  • The Virginia Press Room

    Vetoed Legislation, Historical Education, and Martinsville Controversy

    25/05/2026 | 58 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Emily Leayman of the ALXNow, covering controversy over Arlington House materials on Robert E. Lee.

    Tad Dickens of Cardinal News, covering the dismissal of a case to remove Martinsville's mayor.

    Joe Dashiell of WDBJ7, covering some of the legislation vetoed by Governor Spanberger.

    Plus phishing scams, broadband deployment, and the Cheesy Western.

    --

    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.
  • The Virginia Press Room

    Redistricting Ruling Fallout, Cyberattack Impacts, and Gun Law Changes

    18/05/2026 | 46 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Cat Pizzarello of the Collegiate Times, covering the hack of the learning management system, Canvas.

    Ford McCracken of ABC News, covering recent changes to Virginia's gun laws.

    Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering the shuffle of Democratic candidates in the wake of the redistricting amendment being overruled. 

    Plus public salary data, graduation ceremonies, and avenues for print media.

    --

    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.
  • The Virginia Press Room

    FBI Raids, Sheriff Races, and the Redistricting Ruling

    11/05/2026 | 41 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering the Virginia Supreme Court's nullification of the redistricting referendum.

    Mechelle Hankerson of WHRO, covering the FBI raid at the office and business of Senator Louise Lucas.

    Ethan Hunt of the Roanoke Times, covering the Montgomery County sheriff's race revolving around the issue of ICE cooperation.

    Plus squaring D.C., budget delays, and parking policies at Virginia Beach.

    --

    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.
  • The Virginia Press Room

    Universal Pre-K, Public Housing Contracts, and the Virginia Supreme Court

    04/05/2026 | 48 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering what's been holding Virginia back from offering universal preschool.

    Ryan Murphy of WHRO, covering a no-bid contracts scandal Norfolk's public housing authority.

    Markus Schmidt of the Virginia Mercury, covering the redistricting cases before the Virginia Supreme Court.

    Plus rideshare safety laws, tensions over collective bargaining, and elected officials doing comedy.

    --

    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.
  • The Virginia Press Room

    Budget Negotiations, Redistricting Tactics, and the Special Session

    27/04/2026 | 42 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering the special session's focus on redistricting.

    Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the ongoing negotiations for a budget deal in the General Assembly.

    Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering the tactics used on both sides of the redistricting campaign.

    Plus data center debates, cameras in the courtroom, and Governor Spanberger's approach to vetoes.

    --

    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.
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About 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.
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