The Virginia Press Room - VPM & VPAP

Latest Episodes:

Legislative Priorities, Intra-Party Tensions, and Constitutional Amendments Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

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.

Budget Changes, Consolidated Government, and Redistricting Possibilities Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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.

The Blue Sweep, Youngkin's Legacy, and 2025 In Review Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

Student Journalism, Presidential Searches, and Scholarship Changes Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

The Revolutionary War, Jefferson's Legacy, and America's Semiquincentennial Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

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

Michael Kranish of the Washington Post, covering how the words on the Jefferson Memorial were doctored.

Dwayne Yancey of Cardinal News, covering the story of Black Loyalists who escaped slavery in Virginia to go to Nova Scotia.

Pam Cressey, Archaeologist for the City of Alexandria, covering how Alexandria was a hotbed for resistance and ideas during the Revolution.

Plus the truth behind the destruction of Norfolk, committees of correspondence, and the complex motivations of Virginia's Lord Dunmore.

Shutdown Calculus, Legislature Demographics, and the Republican Reaction Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Liz Crampton of Politico, covering how Virginia Republicans are reckoning with last week's crushing electoral loss.

Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering how Virginia's Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner handled voting to end the government shutdown.

Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering the gains in Latino representation in Virginia's legislature with this last election.

Plus RPS collective bargaining, VPAP's campaign insights, and Richmond's zoning overhaul.

Candidate Speeches, President Trump's Influence, and The Blue Tsunami Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News, covering the thirteen state House seats that Democrats flipped to give them a 64-36 majority.

Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering the waning influence of Donald Trump in Virginia's Republican turnout.

Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering the victory and concession speeches from Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears.

Plus special election dominoes, penned-in press areas, and theater kid energy.

Takeaways from the November Election Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of ⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by ⁠Jahd Khalil ⁠of VPM News, plus Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett and Republican strategist Jeff Ryer to break down this week's elections, which saw a Democratic sweep across races for statewide office and the General Assembly.

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.