The Virginia Press Room - VPM & VPAP

Latest Episodes:

Attorney General Debate, Right to Work, and the Election Countdown Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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

Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering last week's debate for Attorney General.

Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering the gubernatorial candidates' addresses at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Conference.

Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering the gubernatorial candidates on guns, trans issues, and campaign enthusiasm.

Plus dam safety, casino revenues, and a 32-bit Richmond.

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.

Collective Bargaining, University Funding, and Debate Reactions Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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

Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering Richmond educators' accusations of union-busting from the district

Teo Armus of the Washington Post, covering the lead-up to the Lieutenant Governor's debate, and how the campaigns are handling Jay Jones' leaked text messages.

Nathaniel Cline of the Virginia Mercury, covering Senate Democrats warning UVA leaders about the proposed funding agreement with the Trump Administration.

Plus public housing, Richmond's registrar, and Danny Avula announceing his reelection run on RVA's Got Issues.

Takeaways from the Virginia Governor's Debate Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of ⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠, Michael Pope is joined by Jahd Khalil of VPM News and Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press to break down Thursday night's gubernatorial debate between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears; the issues, the strategies, and key takeaways in the lead-up to Election Day.

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.

Pink-Slime Journalism, October Surprises, and a Clean Energy Summit Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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

Karri Peifer of the Axios Richmond, covering partisan papers arriving in Richmond mailboxes.

Charles Paullin of Inside Climate News, covering the clean energy summit held in Richmond last week.

Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering the legal fight between Virginia's Attorney General and a pro-Palestinian nonprofit.

Plus fake job postings, October Surprises, and a virtual Edgar Allan Poe.

Federal Pressure, Disaster Recovery, and the Nearing Election Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury, covering how Southwest Virginia is adapting in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Luca Powell of Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering the ouster of U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert after pressure from President Trump.

Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering the MAGA turn for Virginia's Republican candidates as the election nears.

Plus walk-out music, a clean energy summit, and Data Center Alley.

Campaign Fundraising, Polling Accuracy, and the Car Tax Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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

Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering the Virginia Value Pack 27 fundraiser for Virginia Democrats in red districts.

Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering an influx of spending for the Republican Governors Association in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder.

Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering Michelle Maldonado's opponent in the 20th House District dropping out of the race after losing his job to federal cuts.

Plus daylight savings, bipartisan trade conversations, and a car tax reality check.