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 journa...
Competitive House Races, Voting Rights Restoration, and the Republican Primary for Governor
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:
Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Amanda Chase and Dave LaRock's entry into the Republican primary race for Governor.
Brandon Jarvis of Virginia Scope, covering three competitive state House races--Republican seats that Kamala Harris won last year.
Dean Mirshahi of VPM, covering the drop in the number of people whose voting rights are being restored by the Governor.
Plus, the race to replace Susan Swecker as chair of the state Democratic party, sign-in requirements for reporters bringing their phones to court, and rising thresholds for standardized test scores.
--
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.
--------
31:29
Stalled FOIA Reform, Federal Worker Anxiety, and A Visual Dispatch
In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by:
Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the last-minute stalling of a FOIA reform bill.
Shaban Athuman of VPM, showcasing a visual dispatch from the 2025 General Assembly.
Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering Governor Youngkin's acknowledgement of the anxiety among federal workers in Virginia.
Plus a surprising seat opening, veto-watch, and health care uncertainty amid sweeping federal changes.
--
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.
--------
33:46
Sales Tax Surcharge, Residency Issues, and the Latest Casino Bill
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.
--------
30:10
Free Clinics, Immigration Enforcement, and Animal Rights
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.
--
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.
--------
29:24
Child Care Subsidies, Offshore Wind, and the 2025 Race for Governor
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.
--
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 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.
USA