The Virginia Press Room

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karina Elwood of the Washington Post, covering Virginia schools' struggle with learning loss on standardized tests. David Velasquez of the Daily Progress, covering Albemarle County's registrar resigning amid a police investigation. Trevor Baratko of Inside NoVa, covering the latest legal troubles for the planned Digital Gateway data center. Plus: teachers' unions, Quadzilla, and AI private schools. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering how Richmond is quickly becoming America's data center hub. Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a federal court's rejection of a challenge to Virginia's voting rights restoration system. Andrew Cain of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears' targeting of transgender policies in Northern Virginia schools. Plus: campaign finance disclosures, social media true-crime panic, and the music that candidates are listening to between campaign stops. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the emergency committee convened to study the impacts of cuts to the federal workforce and funding. Jeff Schapiro of UVA's Center for Politics, covering Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears’ campaign rebrand: "Operation Defend and Deliver." Jahd Khalil of VPM, covering takeaways from the money committees that met last week. Plus: the official sports teams of Virginia's reporters, the lack of gubernatorial debates, and Governor Glenn Youngkin's political future. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Luke Weir of the Roanoake Times, covering the fight over residential rezoning in Roanoake. Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering VCU's removal of race-related references from scholarship language under pressure from the Trump administration. Dan Egitto of ArlNow, covering pro-Palestinian protests targeting a house in Arlington. Plus: college Boards of Visitors, military language in campaign slogans, and invasive species on the Appalachian Trail. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karri Peifer of Axios Richmond, covering the rise in Virginia's minimum wage. Markus Schmidt of the Virginia Mercury,  covering the latest on Virginia's Homeland Security Task Force. Jonathan Martin of Politico, covering the latest on Virginia's gubernatorial election--including tensions on the Republican side and the lack of an endorsement from President Trump. Plus: the latest jobs numbers, Labubu fever, and momentum for Jason Miyares and Abigail Spanberger. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Princess Harrell of WJLA, covering Abigail Spanberger's "Growing Virginia Plan." Tyler Englander of WRIC,  covering disputes over the number of Virginians who will be affected by federal Medicaid changes. Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering the debate over whether Virginia's elections should remain off-year elections. Plus: split-ticket elections, Governor Wilder's predictions, and lowering the voting age. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the status of Virginia's corrections ombudsman office, one year after its creation. Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering Google partnering with Governor Youngkin to offer AI training to Virginia job-seekers. Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering how ballot initiatives and recalls work in Virginia. Plus: federal cuts to public radio, the effect of the Big Beautiful Bill, and what candidates for statewide office are reading this summer. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force's reported arrest of 2500 people. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering Senate Democrats considering blocking more of Governor Youngkin's university board. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering the continued delay of Richmond's civilian police review board. Plus: avoiding questions, withheld diplomas, and city council meeting woes. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering last week's Republican unity event--and whether it dispelled rumors of internal tensions. Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Virginians and upcoming elections. Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering meetings in Richmond and Henrico County to create a regional approach to local water issues. Plus the summertime money crunch, campaign finance audits, and candidate walk-on music. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Virginia's GOP ticket holding its first united rally of the campaign. Brandon Jarvis of the Virginia Scope, covering ICE agents operating out of the Chesterfield court house. Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering how the candidates for governor respond to an immigrant mother concerned about deportation. Plus: UVA President Jim Ryan's resignation, campaign mishaps for Winsome Earle-Sears, and the continuing battle between Clean Virginia and Dominion Energy. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury, covering Virginia's patchwork data center regulation policies. Graham Moomaw of the Richmonder, covering how Richmond voters overwhelmingly voted against their former mayor, Levar Stoney. Teo Armus of the Washington Post, covering some of the top takeaways from last week's primaries. Plus: man-on-the-street interviews, special primary elections, and using AI to inform voting decisions. -- 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.

In this episode of ⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠, Michael Pope is joined by political analyst Sam Shirazi to break down the results from Tuesday's primaries. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Margaret Barthel of WAMU, covering what the candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general have to say about policy issues. Ryan Murphy of WHRO, covering local primary races that are heating up in Hampton Roads. Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering how the candidates for lieutenant governor envision their job description.  Plus: a shift away from NoVA candidates, campaign yard signs, and Dominion Energy versus Clean Virginia. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering why Virginia is a hotspot for immigration enforcement. Michael O'Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, covering how federal Medicaid cuts will affect Virginians' coverage and home healthcare workers. Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering the continued uncertainty around President Trump's tariffs. Plus: difficulty covering campaigns, the cost of the Richmond water crisis, and whether the car tax is ever going away. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering the competition to decide the next U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Western District. Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering DHS' list of sanctuary cities, including several conservative Virginia counties. Chris Suarez of VPM News, covering Richmond's second water crisis. Plus: lingering tensions on the Republican ticket, a lack of FEMA money for flood-struck Virginians, and what it means to be the lieutenant governor. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karen Graham of the Loudoun Times-Mirror, covering recall petitions in Purcellville. Bill Atkinson of the Progress Index, covering internal strife and council meetings and financial distress in Hopewell. Ben Paviour of the New York Times, covering coal magnate-led development projects in Southwest Virginia. Plus: more budget battles, southern accents, and Virginia's judicial appointment process. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering the diversity of Virginia's Republican candidates against the backdrop of a federal crackdown on DEI. Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the Virginia House Clerk rejecting three of Governor Youngkin's vetoes. Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering some non-traditional candidates running for office this cycle. Plus: elevator conversations, housing policy, and looking ahead to primary season. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the ousting of Laura Hughes, former chairwoman for the Virginia Beach Republican Party. Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering accusations of fraud between the Youngkin administration and the Nansemond Indian Tribe over healthcare funding. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering how federal Americorps funding cuts have impacted Virginia volunteerism. Plus: award-winning hurricane coverage, Confederate statue removal, and some history of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Laura Vozzella of the Washington Post, covering controversy on the Republican ticket as Governor Youngkin tried to oust Lieutenant Governor John Reid. Dwayne Yancey of the Cardinal News, covering early voting for both statewide and local primaries around Virginia. Jeff Schapiro of Radio IQ, covering the state budget with spending cuts in the face of looming federal budget cuts. Plus: Jeff Schapiro's retirement from daily journalism, FOIAs and surveillance technology, and AG Miyares saving Laura Vozzella's life. -- 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.

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Hanna Pampaloni of Loudoun Now, covering the scandal surrounding a state police investigation of Purcellville's Vice Mayor. Luke Weir of the Roanoke Times, covering the Democratic debate for Lieutenant Governor, where all candidates voice support for ending Right-to-Work. Sean McGoey of VPM, covering the confusing facts and questions surrounding Tavares Floyd's campaign for Richmond City Council. Plus an ICE raid in an Albemarle County courthouse, campaign finance oversight, and upcoming budget deadlines for localities around 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.