Podcast · News

The Virginia Press Room

by VPM & VPAP · English · News

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 au

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 36 minNew

Teacher Strikes, Midterm Shifts, and Sealing Court Records

In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering ⁠a strike at a Richmond childhood education center. Luca Bailey of the Cavalier Daily⁠, covering rating changes to midterm races across Virginia. Steve Weddle of the Virginia Press Association, covering ⁠⁠the details of a new a new law to seal certain court records. Plus FOIA fees, religious freedom cases, and the UVA's compliance reports with the federal government. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠⁠ -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E93 · 5 Oct 2026 · 36 min
House Races, Diesel Prices, and the State Energy Plan
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch⁠, covering three Virginia House races appearing to shift in favor of Democrats. Patrick Larsen of VPM News, covering the details of Governor Spanberger's newly-unveiled state energy plan. Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering ⁠how high diesel prices are hitting Virginia's school districts. Plus the cost of living, high-speed rail, and the proposed Triumphal Arch. ⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠ -- The Virginia Press Room is…
E92 · 28 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Fuel Prices, Social Media Limits, and a Cannabis Marketplace
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Haley Sandlow of the Daily Progress, covering Rep. John McGuire's claim that the Iran war is not to blame for high fuel prices. Andrew Kerley of the Virginia Free Press⁠, covering Virginia's restrictions on Instagram and Facebook for children. Zara Norman of the Washington Sun, covering ⁠panic among DC cannabis sellers as Virginia moves to open its own marketplace. Plus wine coverage, FOIA tricks, and the Virginia Folklore Society. ⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠ -- The Virginia Press…
E91 · 21 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Cancelled Debates, Luxury Towers, and Amendment Fundraising
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering NextEra's promise of a luxury tower to sweeten the merger with Dominion Energy. Dutchie Jessee of the Cardinal News Podcast, covering incumbent candidates avoiding debates. Aaryan Balu of the Virginia Press Room, covering VPAP's analysis of financial support for the proposed constitutional amendments. Plus: a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting in Virginia politics. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and…
E90 · 14 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Data Center Backlash, Debate Challenges, and an Energy Cost Listening Tour
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of ⁠Axios Richmond, covering data center backlash spilling into the midterms. Ethan Hunt of the Roanoke Times, covering a debate challenge in the 9th District that's unlikely to happen. Drew Wilder of NBC4, covering Lt. Governor Hashmi's listening tour on energy costs. Plus psilocybin legislation, metro funding, and Flock cameras. -- 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…
E89 · 7 Sep 2026 · 41 min
Flock Cameras, PFAS Concerns, and the Proposed Dominion Energy Merger
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, covering concerns over forever chemicals in the Richmond airport's stormwater discharge. Tyler Englander of WRIC,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the growing debates over Flock cameras Virginia. Dave Ress of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Dominion Energy across the headlines this week. Plus landfill issues, early voting enthusiasm, and data center pushback. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on…
E88 · 31 Aug 2026 · 28 min
Energy Policy, Amazon Drones, and Marriage Equality
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Karri Peifer of ⁠Axios Richmond, covering the plan for Amazon drones to come to Virginia. Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the controversy surrounding a Virginina Congressman owning shares in the energy company proposing to merge with Dominion Energy. Jahd Khalil of ⁠VPM News⁠,⁠ covering the constitutional amendment on marriage equality that will be coming before Virginia. Plus prehistoric animals, Confederate monuments, and pumpkin spice lattes. -- The Virginia Press Room is a…
E87 · 24 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Confederate Renaming, Town Hall Troubles, and a Failed $52M IT Project
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Lori D'Angelo of ⁠the Daily News Record⁠, covering frustration over the lack of town halls and lawmaker availability. Ryan Fitzmaurice of Northern Virginia Daily⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the legal battle over renaming schools after Confederate generals. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News⁠, covering ⁠the revelation that Virginia spent $52 million dollars on a failed child support system project. Plus AI podcasts, demolishing the Richmond Coliseum, and the Rockingham Fair. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that…
E86 · 17 Aug 2026 · 31 min
Data Center Battles, Anti-Establishment Candidates, and Teacher Contract Negotiations
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering a contract standoff leaving Richmond teachers without a new agreement as the school year begins. Marty Davis of the Virginia Free Press,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering how different Virginia localities are weighing on on a possible data center moratorium. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering ⁠ how democratic socialists are gaining ground across the country--but not in Virginia. Plus AI in the classroom, amending the state constitution, and arsonist snakes. -- The Virginia…
10 Aug 2026 · 36 min
License Plate Readers, Emergency Response Drones, and Primary Election Fallout
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Eleanor Shaw of the Richmonder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, covering Chesterfield's decision to use drones as part of emergency responses, despite concerns over privacy. James Libresco of the Alexandria Times,⁠⁠⁠ covering accusations that the Virginia Democratic Party may me meddling in primary elections. Ford McCracken of the "What's McCracken" newsletter, covering ⁠left-wing candidates winning big around the country, but not in Virginia. Plus license-plate readers, bussing students, and Glenn Youngkin's presidential aspirations. --…
6 Aug 2026 · 38 min
Takeaways from the Virginia Primaries
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by Politifact's Louis Jacobson and VPM's Rich Meagher to break down the August 5th primary elections, including Virginia's 1st, 2nd, and 5th Districts--where Democratic candidates are hoping to flip Congressional seats in November--and Mark Warner's race to defend his Senate seat statewide. -- 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…
3 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Previewing Virginia's Primary Elections
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Jen Kiggans. Nathaniel Cline of the Virginia Mercury,⁠⁠⁠ covering the Republican primary for the 7th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Eugene Vindman. Hannah Davis-Reid of ⁠VPM News⁠, covering the candidates on both sides of the aisle running in the 5th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. John McGuire. Plus ferry services, surge pricing, and Charlottesville's…
27 Jul 2026 · 31 min
Data Centers, Toxic Waste, and Off-Year Elections
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠, covering how data centers building their own gas turbines could skirt renewable energy laws. Brandon Jarvis of the Virginia Scope,⁠ covering the latest in a defamation lawsuit between the Governor's Chief of Staff and a Democratic operative. Billy Shields of VPM News, covering toxic waste at the former Shoosmith Landfill. Plus the Dominion Energy merger, off-year elections, and vending machine chili dogs. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners…
20 Jul 2026 · 31 min
Rural Voters, Crowded Primaries, and Statewide Legal Battles
In this episode of ⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Zernike of the New York Times⁠⁠, covering the difficulty Democratic candidates are having with converting rural voters. Lyndon German of VPM News⁠, covering the Democratic race to challenge Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering the lawsuits that could stop 3 major laws, including the state assault weapons ban. Plus rent increases, AI answering non-emergency calls, and Hanover County tomatoes. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings…
13 Jul 2026 · 31 min
Cannabis Corrections, House Subpoenas, and the Proposed Dominion Energy Merger
In this episode of ⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot⁠, covering the Virginia Code Commission's correction of some confusion over new cannabis legislation. Dan Egitto of ARLNow, covering the U.S. House subpoenaing Arlington's Commonwealth Attorney for closed-door testimony on immigration enforcement. Patrick Larsen of VPM News⁠, covering the conflict between the Lieutenant Governor and the General Assembly on the proposed Dominion merger. Plus ghost ships, bankrupt dump owners, and a lockout at the Clarendon post office. -- The Virginia…
6 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Data Center Deals, Defamation Lawsuits, and Reflecting On Virginia Politics
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Julie Carey of NBC 4, covering a million-dollar defamation lawsuit in Fairfax County. Tom Sherwood of WAMU, covering the General Assembly's data center deal, which combines a tax break with higher electricity fees. Jeff Schapiro of the UVA Center for Politics, covering how the budget negotiations appear to be a victory for Senator Louise Lucas over Governor Spanberger. Plus reflections on decades of Virginia politics, governors and the press, and what comes next for Julie Carey as she retires from journalism. -- The…
29 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Semiquincentennial Special: Lessons From 250 Years of American History
In this special episode of The Virginia Press Room celebrating America's 250th birthday, Michael Pope is joined by: Dr. Jatia Wrighten of VCU, discussing the complex relationships that marginalized groups have to the symbolic power of July 4th. Dr. Cayce Myers of Virginia Tech, discussing the importance of broadsides as mass media during the age of the American Revolution. Dr. Richard Bell of the University of Maryland, discussing the global legacy of American independence. Plus Virginia and Maryland's convict labor, Marcus Garvey's "Back to Africa" movement, and the evolving meaning of the…
15 Jun 2026 · 32 min
Plumbing Overhauls, Data Center Lawsuits, and Teacher's Union Elections
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…
8 Jun 2026 · 32 min
Energy Mergers, Voting Rights Restoration, and Purcellville Issues Continue
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…
1 Jun 2026 · 31 min
Civilian Review Boards, Shifting School Zones, and a Marijuana Bill Veto
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…
25 May 2026 · 58 min
Vetoed Legislation, Historical Education, and Martinsville Controversy
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…
18 May 2026 · 46 min
Redistricting Ruling Fallout, Cyberattack Impacts, and Gun Law Changes
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…
11 May 2026 · 42 min
FBI Raids, Sheriff Races, and the Redistricting Ruling
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…
4 May 2026 · 49 min
Universal Pre-K, Public Housing Contracts, and the Virginia Supreme Court
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…
27 Apr 2026 · 43 min
Budget Negotiations, Redistricting Tactics, and the Special Session
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…
20 Apr 2026 · 51 min
Fairfax Murder/Suicide, County Budget Debates, and Spanberger's Moderate Couse
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering Abigail Spanberger's policy positioning as a moderate. Tom Lappas of the Henrico Citizen, covering tensions in the Henrico County budget debate. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering the murder of Dr. Cerina Fairfax by her husband, former Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax. Plus CarMax Park, plagiarized AI journalism, and the upcoming reconvene session. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important…
13 Apr 2026 · 50 min
Tax Debates, Turning Points USA, and Thomas Jefferson's Birthday
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sandy Hausman of Radio IQ, covering the 283rd birthday of Thomas Jefferson. Nathan Alderman of C-ville Weekly, covering controversy over Turning Point USA's influence in Albemarle County. David Velasquez of the Daily Progress, covering Albemarle County's debate over raising taxes for housing. Plus tablets in prisons, UVA's new president, and hiking Old Rag. -- 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…
6 Apr 2026 · 50 min
Transmission Lines, Redistricting Mailers, and a Chief Energy Officer
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Lori D'Angelo of the Daily News Record, covering Democrats' plans to run in the proposed 6th district. Dan Egitto of ARLnow, covering outcry over misleading anti-redistricting mailers. Patrick Larsen of VPM News, covering a controversial transmission line in central Virginia. Plus valedictory addresses, a new Chief Energy Officer, and stone soup at the farmer's market. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from…
30 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
Redistricting Arguments, No Kings Rallies, and FOIA Transparency
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by Katherine White of Network NoVA, John Reid of The Reid Revolution, and Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, discussing a huge variety of hot topics in Virginia politics: the redistricting referendum, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, Richmond's FOIA transparency concerns, the No Kings rallies, casino bills, and upcoming primary races. -- 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…
23 Mar 2026 · 39 min
Worker Protections, Teen Takeovers, and The Latest in Purcellville
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karen Graham of the Loudoun Times-Mirror, covering the latest on the unfolding drama in Purcellville. Karri Peifer of Axios Richmond, covering some of the quirkiest bills that moved through the General Assembly this year. Michael O'Connor of Virginia Dogwood, covering several pro-worker bills in the General Assembly session. Plus teen takeovers, No Kings protests, and vape shop crackdowns. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important…

About The Virginia Press Room

The Virginia Press Room is a English news podcast from VPM & VPAP. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: VPM & VPAP
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1792288235

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