The Virginia Press Room

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:

Jeff Schapiro of Virginia Public Radio, covering the official inauguration of Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering some of Governor Spanberger's first executive orders.

Patrick Larsen of VPM News, covering data center reform bills in the General Assembly.

Plus the right to repair, affordability, and the who's who of the inauguration ceremony.

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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, covering the issues that Democrats will be tackling during the first few days of the General Assembly.

Chris Saxman of Virginia Free, covering tensions between Democrats at the state and local level.

Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering the proposed constitutional amendment on voting rights restoration.

Plus university Boards of Visitors, conflicts with the federal government, and mid-decade redistricting.

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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 effort to reduce Virginia's SNAP error rate. 

Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering how far Virginia Democrats will go with consolidated government in the upcoming legislative session.

Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering the likely winners and losers of the revenue and budget changes this year.

Plus redistricting possibilities, a state energy czar, and Glenn Youngkin's political future.

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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 open questions about the state's Homeland Security Task Force.

Marcus Schmidt of the Virginia Mercury, covering the purple caucus in this year's General Assembly.

Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering the blue sweep in the 2025 election.

Plus cannabis legislation, animal stories, and Governor Youngkin's legacy.

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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:

Julia Gwin of Theogony, covering policy-violating patdowns at ACPS football games.

Ford McCracken of the Cavalier Daily, covering the conflict between UVA's presidential search committee and governor-elect Spanberger.

Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering VCU's altered scholarships for descendants of enslaved people following DEI cuts.

Plus FOIA scoops, blue books, and a government simulation.

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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.