The Virginia Press Room

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch with the latest on Richmond's water crisis Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, who talks about the latest poll for the 2025 Governor's race Dave Cantor of VPM News, who talks about the death of a man incarcerated at Red Onion prison in December Plus Virginia's proposed abortion amendment, the latest on the car tax, the cultural history of water pumps in 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.

In this inaugural episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Laura Vozzella of The Washington Post, who talks about Denver Riggleman's potential run for statewide office Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Del. Michael Jones' (D-Richmond) unannounced visit to the Red Onion prison Markus Schmidt of Virginia Mercury, who talks about Hampton Roads Ventures' lack of investments in local projects Plus:  Rep. John McGuire's publicized visit to President-elect Trump's Mar-a-Lago Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will both be guest speakers at the upcoming Virginia Capitol Correspondents' Association Gala Governor Glenn Youngkin's passion for a commercial fusion power plant And looking ahead to special elections in Loudoun County and Central Virginia, morning speeches on the General Assembly floor, and Governor Youngkin's plans for tax cuts to help cement his legacy. -- 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.