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The Virginia Press Room

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
80 reviews
This podcast has
93 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
VPM & VPAP
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/01/23
Latest episode
2026/10/05
Average duration
34 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

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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Check latest episodes from The Virginia Press Room podcast


House Races, Diesel Prices, and the State Energy Plan
2026/10/05
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch⁠, covering three Virginia House races appearing to shift in favor of Democrats. Patrick Larsen of VPM News, covering the details of Governor Spanberger's newly-unveiled state energy plan. Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering ⁠how high diesel prices are hitting Virginia's school districts. Plus the cost of living, high-speed rail, and the proposed Triumphal Arch. ⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠ -- 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.
Fuel Prices, Social Media Limits, and a Cannabis Marketplace
2026/09/28
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Haley Sandlow of the Daily Progress, covering Rep. John McGuire's claim that the Iran war is not to blame for high fuel prices. Andrew Kerley of the Virginia Free Press⁠, covering Virginia's restrictions on Instagram and Facebook for children. Zara Norman of the Washington Sun, covering ⁠panic among DC cannabis sellers as Virginia moves to open its own marketplace. Plus wine coverage, FOIA tricks, and the Virginia Folklore Society. ⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠ -- 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.
Cancelled Debates, Luxury Towers, and Amendment Fundraising
2026/09/21
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering NextEra's promise of a luxury tower to sweeten the merger with Dominion Energy. Dutchie Jessee of the Cardinal News Podcast, covering incumbent candidates avoiding debates. Aaryan Balu of the Virginia Press Room, covering VPAP's analysis of financial support for the proposed constitutional amendments. Plus: a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting in Virginia politics. -- 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.
Data Center Backlash, Debate Challenges, and an Energy Cost Listening Tour
2026/09/14
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of ⁠Axios Richmond, covering data center backlash spilling into the midterms. Ethan Hunt of the Roanoke Times, covering a debate challenge in the 9th District that's unlikely to happen. Drew Wilder of NBC4, covering Lt. Governor Hashmi's listening tour on energy costs. Plus psilocybin legislation, metro funding, and Flock cameras. -- 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.
Flock Cameras, PFAS Concerns, and the Proposed Dominion Energy Merger
2026/09/07
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, covering concerns over forever chemicals in the Richmond airport's stormwater discharge. Tyler Englander of WRIC,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the growing debates over Flock cameras Virginia. Dave Ress of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Dominion Energy across the headlines this week. Plus landfill issues, early voting enthusiasm, and data center pushback. -- 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.
Energy Policy, Amazon Drones, and Marriage Equality
2026/08/31
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Karri Peifer of ⁠Axios Richmond, covering the plan for Amazon drones to come to Virginia. Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the controversy surrounding a Virginina Congressman owning shares in the energy company proposing to merge with Dominion Energy. Jahd Khalil of ⁠VPM News⁠,⁠ covering the constitutional amendment on marriage equality that will be coming before Virginia. Plus prehistoric animals, Confederate monuments, and pumpkin spice lattes. -- 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.
Confederate Renaming, Town Hall Troubles, and a Failed $52M IT Project
2026/08/24
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Lori D'Angelo of ⁠the Daily News Record⁠, covering frustration over the lack of town halls and lawmaker availability. Ryan Fitzmaurice of Northern Virginia Daily⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering the legal battle over renaming schools after Confederate generals. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News⁠, covering ⁠the revelation that Virginia spent $52 million dollars on a failed child support system project. Plus AI podcasts, demolishing the Richmond Coliseum, and the Rockingham Fair. -- 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.
Data Center Battles, Anti-Establishment Candidates, and Teacher Contract Negotiations
2026/08/17
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering a contract standoff leaving Richmond teachers without a new agreement as the school year begins. Marty Davis of the Virginia Free Press,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ covering how different Virginia localities are weighing on on a possible data center moratorium. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering ⁠ how democratic socialists are gaining ground across the country--but not in Virginia. Plus AI in the classroom, amending the state constitution, and arsonist snakes. -- 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.
License Plate Readers, Emergency Response Drones, and Primary Election Fallout
2026/08/10
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Eleanor Shaw of the Richmonder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, covering Chesterfield's decision to use drones as part of emergency responses, despite concerns over privacy. James Libresco of the Alexandria Times,⁠⁠⁠ covering accusations that the Virginia Democratic Party may me meddling in primary elections. Ford McCracken of the "What's McCracken" newsletter, covering ⁠left-wing candidates winning big around the country, but not in Virginia. Plus license-plate readers, bussing students, and Glenn Youngkin's presidential aspirations. -- 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.
Takeaways from the Virginia Primaries
2026/08/06
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by Politifact's Louis Jacobson and VPM's Rich Meagher to break down the August 5th primary elections, including Virginia's 1st, 2nd, and 5th Districts--where Democratic candidates are hoping to flip Congressional seats in November--and Mark Warner's race to defend his Senate seat statewide. -- 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.
Previewing Virginia's Primary Elections
2026/08/03
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Jen Kiggans. Nathaniel Cline of the Virginia Mercury,⁠⁠⁠ covering the Republican primary for the 7th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Eugene Vindman. Hannah Davis-Reid of ⁠VPM News⁠, covering the candidates on both sides of the aisle running in the 5th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. John McGuire. Plus ferry services, surge pricing, and Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. -- 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.
Data Centers, Toxic Waste, and Off-Year Elections
2026/07/27
In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠, covering how data centers building their own gas turbines could skirt renewable energy laws. Brandon Jarvis of the Virginia Scope,⁠ covering the latest in a defamation lawsuit between the Governor's Chief of Staff and a Democratic operative. Billy Shields of VPM News, covering toxic waste at the former Shoosmith Landfill. Plus the Dominion Energy merger, off-year elections, and vending machine chili dogs. -- 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.
Rural Voters, Crowded Primaries, and Statewide Legal Battles
2026/07/20
In this episode of ⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Zernike of the New York Times⁠⁠, covering the difficulty Democratic candidates are having with converting rural voters. Lyndon German of VPM News⁠, covering the Democratic race to challenge Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering the lawsuits that could stop 3 major laws, including the state assault weapons ban. Plus rent increases, AI answering non-emergency calls, and Hanover County tomatoes. -- 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.
Cannabis Corrections, House Subpoenas, and the Proposed Dominion Energy Merger
2026/07/13
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.
Data Center Deals, Defamation Lawsuits, and Reflecting On Virginia Politics
2026/07/06
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.

Podcast reviews

Read The Virginia Press Room podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
80 reviews
★★★★★
Jbrown4 2026/07/27
Quality source of Virginia political news
This is the first podcast I listen to every Monday morning. Michael Pope uses this platform to shine a spot light on a variety of talented journalists...
★★★★★
Meg Lindholm 2026/04/30
Another Buy
This podcast is my weekly go-to for Virginia state news and issues. I like hearing from journalists who really know their communities. I also like bot...
★★★★★
Mention It All 2026/04/03
Usually enjoyable
Look forward to this show every week. Most recent ep included a diatribe by a guest encouraging grace for those accused of sexual assault or inappropr...
★★★★★
JcB2017 2026/03/30
Love the VPR!
I thoroughly enjoy this podcast and I’ve listened for weeks. However I wish you would only include journalists. I didn’t enjoy hearing John Reid in th...
★★★★★
DWchk 2026/03/23
Highly recommend
I look forward to this podcast every Monday. Podcast hosts and contributors always offer, relevant, smart analysis and some humor along the way.
★★★★★
Capitol Bill 2026/03/16
Best coverage of Va state politics
Keeping up with state politics couldn’t be more fun. Michael Pope brings a wealth of historical knowledge and just the right amount of levity to this ...
★★★★★
JLJLovesRVA 2026/02/24
Any pod that finds a way to mention Joe Morrissey's many legal humiliations...
...gets 5/5 stars. It is what it is!
★★★★★
GirlsGirl73 2026/02/16
The best!!
Informative with the perfect amount of humor.
★★★★★
qwewqsa 2026/02/16
Love this show
I love this show because it is very informative and its ad lib unedited style conveys the mundane aspects of how journalists do their work . I’m conf...
★★★★★
Jeffrey DC 2026/02/03
God I’m old.
Loved the show. Love the young bloods. Definitely going back and listening to old episodes.
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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