PodcastsGovernmentThe Virginia Press Room

The Virginia Press Room

VPM & VPAP
The Virginia Press Room
Latest episode

81 episodes

  • The Virginia Press Room

    Cannabis Corrections, House Subpoenas, and the Proposed Dominion Energy Merger

    07/13/2026 | 31 mins.
    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 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

    Data Center Deals, Defamation Lawsuits, and Reflecting On Virginia Politics

    07/06/2026 | 31 mins.
    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 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

    Semiquincentennial Special: Lessons From 250 Years of American History

    06/29/2026 | 35 mins.
    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 phrase "all men are created equal."

    --

    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

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

    06/15/2026 | 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

    06/08/2026 | 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.
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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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