The Virginia Press Room - VPM & VPAP

*/ ?>

Latest Episodes:

Sales Tax Surcharge, Residency Issues, and the Latest Casino Bill Feb 17, 2025

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

Dave Ress of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering bills to establish a legal cannabis market and to impose a sales tax surcharge to pay for schools.

Rich Meagher, political science professor at Randolph-Macon College and the host of VPM's "VA's Got Issues," following Natalie Anderson's reporting on the residency of Senator Christie New Craig.

Nathaniel Cline of the Virginia Mercury, covering the controversial tabling of the latest casino bill.

Plus the key role of interns in Virginia's legislature, the upcoming veto session, and the efforts to help young people transition out of foster care.

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.

Free Clinics, Immigration Enforcement, and Animal Rights Feb 10, 2025

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

Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering Richmond Public Schools' official resolution on immigration enforcement on school grounds.
Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering Virginia's free clinics and the possibility of cuts to federal Medicaid funding.
Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a bill to reduce penalties for people with developmental disorders who assault police officers.

Plus FOIA fees, animal-rights bills, and the future of Virginia's detention centers.

Child Care Subsidies, Offshore Wind, and the 2025 Race for Governor Feb 03, 2025

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

Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering how the upcoming election is affecting the current General Assembly session.
Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering the waitlist for Virginia's child care subsidy program.
Brad Kutner, Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, who discusses the tension around the Trump administration and Virginia's planned offshore wind farm.

Plus looking ahead to Crossover, a child-care stipend for lawmakers, and long lines for the elevators in the General Assembly building.

School Choice, Sourcing Stories, and What President Trump Means for Virginia Jan 27, 2025

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

Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, with the potential consequences for Virginians if the federal government rescinds Medicaid expansion
Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering the Republican push for school choice in the legislature
Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Governor Youngkin's reaction to President Trump's actions on federal workers

Plus the optics game in the General Assembly and following up on last year's voter roll purge.--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.

Constitutional Amendments, Data Center Regulation, and the State of the Commonwealth Jan 20, 2025

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

Charlotte Rene Woods of Virginia Mercury, with the latest on the proposed amendments to Virginia's Constitution
Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering Governor Youngkin's State of the Commonwealth address
Patrick Larsen of VPM News, who talks about the latest efforts to regulate data centers in the state

Plus the fallout from Richmond's water crisis, invasive species legislation, and the future of maternal health in the state.

Richmond Water Crisis, Race for Governor, and a Death in Prison Jan 13, 2025

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

Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch with the latest on Richmond's water crisis
Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, who talks about the latest poll for the 2025 Governor's race
Dave Cantor of VPM News, who talks about the death of a man incarcerated at Red Onion prison in December

Plus Virginia's proposed abortion amendment, the latest on the car tax, the cultural history of water pumps in Richmond.

Red Onion Prison, Hampton Roads Investment, and Riggleman's Potential Run Jan 06, 2025

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

Laura Vozzella of The Washington Post, who talks about Denver Riggleman's potential run for statewide office
Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Del. Michael Jones' (D-Richmond) unannounced visit to the Red Onion prison
Markus Schmidt of Virginia Mercury, who talks about Hampton Roads Ventures' lack of investments in local projects

Plus:

Rep. John McGuire's publicized visit to President-elect Trump's Mar-a-Lago
Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will both be guest speakers at the upcoming Virginia Capitol Correspondents' Association Gala
Governor Glenn Youngkin's passion for a commercial fusion power plant
And looking ahead to special elections in Loudoun County and Central Virginia, morning speeches on the General Assembly floor, and Governor Youngkin's plans for tax cuts to help cement his legacy.