The Virginia Press Room - VPM & VPAP

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**The Virginia Press Room – VPM & VPAP**

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.

Latest Episodes:

Worker Protections, Teen Takeovers, and The Latest in Purcellville Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

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 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 2026 General Assembly Wrap-Up Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by a whole host of voices from the Virginia press corps--including Michael Martz, Jahd Khalil, Andrew Kerley, Kate Seltzer, Joe Dodson, Charlie Paullin, Charlotte Rene Woods, Nathaniel Cline, and Shannon Heckt--to break down the headlines from 2026 General Assembly session: redistricting, data centers, affordable housing, solar energy, the state budget, and some takeaways from the Democratic trifecta.

Redistricting Referendum, Affordable Childcare, and Richmond Road Improvement Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering the differing state House and Senate bills to make childcare more affordable

Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering the start of early voting on the redistricting referendum.
Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering how state Democrats aligned on a 10-1 congressional map on the eve of the redistricting referendum.

Plus the winding-down of the General Assembly, Richmond's road-improvement strategy, oyster filtration, and the official state snack.

Redistricting Litigation, Data Center Tax Exemptions, and Early Childhood Education Funding Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering what the state House and Senate budget proposals mean for early childhood education funding.

Charlie Paullin of Inside Climate News, covering debate over ending a tax exemption for data centers.
Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering the litigation surrounding Virginia's proposed redistricting legislation.

Plus public employee collective bargaining, pesticide controversy, and expensive defamation lawsuits.

Redistricting Twists, Housing Policy, and Menhaden Fishing Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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

Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, covering recent funding for a study on menhaden fishing in the Bay.

Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering the twists and turns in the ongoing redistricting saga.
Billy Shields of VPM News, covering controversy over a 300-home housing development in Chesterfield that goes back 20 years.

Plus the State of the Union response, oyster filtration, and the new VPM News headquarters.

Housing Bills, Photojournalism Cuts, and VMI Governance Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering a rewritten bill to reshape the governance of the Virginia Military Institute.

Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the slew of housing bills making their way through the General Assembly.
Shaban Athuman of VPM News, covering how the Washington Post's recent job cuts eliminated all of its photojournalists.

Plus the 2026 VCCA Gala, the Seal of the Senate, and a doggy kissing booth.