The Virginia Press Room

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

Karen Graham of the Loudoun Times-Mirror,⁠ covering the Purcellville vice mayor's claim that he rejected a plea deal in a pending criminal trial.

Jaysun Silver of WHRO, covering a Winchester news website that appears to be owned by a local official.

Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering ⁠⁠Neil Young's $10 million lawsuit against President Trump for the use of his song at a rally.

Plus social media limits, FOIA fees, and sauna culture.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot,⁠ covering the latest on the indictment of State Senator Louise Lucas.

Joe Dashiell ofWDJB⁠, covering the hotly-contested races in Virginia's 5th and 6th Congressional Districts.

Jeff Schapiro of the UVA Center for Politics, covering ⁠⁠the possibility that Virginia's 1st District might flip blue.

Plus Susan Schar's retirement, costume parties, and the Lakeside Amusement Park .

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Greg Schneider of the Washington Post,⁠ covering ⁠Democrats' attempt to flip Virginia's 1st Congressional District.

Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering Richmond's plan to have ⁠AI handle most nonemergency calls.

Jahd Khalil of VPM News⁠, covering ⁠⁠how opponents of Virginia's marriage amendment are focusing on gender.

Plus slasher movies, pedestrian safety, and Glenn Youngkin's podcast appearances .

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering ⁠a strike at a Richmond childhood education center.

Luca Bailey of the Cavalier Daily⁠, covering rating changes to midterm races across Virginia.

Steve Weddle of the Virginia Press Association, covering ⁠⁠the details of a new a new law to seal certain court records.

Plus FOIA fees, religious freedom cases, and the UVA's compliance reports with the federal government.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠⁠⁠

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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 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.⁠⁠

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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 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.⁠

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 VPMand 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 special episode of The Virginia Press Room celebrating America's 250th birthday, Michael Pope is joined by:

Dr. Jatia Wrighten of VCU, discussing the complex relationships that marginalized groups have to the symbolic power of July 4th.
Dr. Cayce Myers of Virginia Tech, discussing the importance of broadsides as mass media during the age of the American Revolution.
Dr. Richard Bell of the University of Maryland, discussing the global legacy of American independence.

Plus Virginia and Maryland's convict labor, Marcus Garvey's "Back to Africa" movement, and the evolving meaning of the phrase "all men are created equal."

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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 VPMand 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.