PodcastsGovernmentThe Virginia Press Room

The Virginia Press Room

VPM & VPAP
The Virginia Press Room
Latest episode

78 episodes

  • The Virginia Press Room

    Plumbing Overhauls, Data Center Lawsuits, and Teacher's Union Elections

    15/06/2026 | 31 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    James Libresco of the Alexandria Times, covering controversy in Alexandria's teacher's union after a candidate for president was removed from the ballot.

    Mary Wadland of the Zebra Press, covering Alexandria's RiverRenew initiative to overhaul its plumbing infrastructure.

    Trever Baratko of Inside NoVA, covering a lawsuit against the Digital Gateway data center in Prince William County.

    Plus school board budget battles, student journalist censorship, and the Croatian national soccer team.

    --

    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

    Energy Mergers, Voting Rights Restoration, and Purcellville Issues Continue

    08/06/2026 | 31 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Elizabeth McGowan of WHRO, covering the potential merger between Dominion Energy and Florida's NextEra Energy.

    Hanna Pampaloni of LoudounNow, covering the suspension of Purcellville's Vice Mayor and Town Manager.

    Whitney Evans of VPM News, covering the latest on Virginia's voting rights restoration for people convicted of felonies.

    Plus hot mic moments, utility substations, and Colonial Beach's gambling history.

    --

    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

    Civilian Review Boards, Shifting School Zones, and a Marijuana Bill Veto

    01/06/2026 | 31 mins.
    In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

    Victoria Ifatusin of the Richmonder, covering the Richmond Civilian Review Board's growing restlessness over a small caseload.

    Meghan Mangrum of Cardinal News, covering the Governor's firing of the head of Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors.

    Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering Governor Spanberger's veto of a retail marijuana market bill.

    Plus burning cash candles, AI regulation, and shifting school zones.

    --

    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

    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.
More Government podcasts
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.
Podcast website

Listen to The Virginia Press Room, Parliament Matters and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features