In this episode of ⁠⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠⁠, Michael Pope is joined by ⁠Jahd Khalil ⁠of VPM News, plus Democratic strategist Ben Tribbett and Republican strategist Jeff Ryer to break down this week's elections, which saw a Democratic sweep across races for statewide office and the General Assembly. -- 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: Karina Elwood of The Washington Post, covering the report that says allegations of school-assisted abortions in Fairfax County are likely false. Billy Shields of VPM News, covering the state-run emergency nutrition assistance program unveiled by Governor Youngkin. Trevor Baratko of InsideNOVA, covering Northern Virginia business leaders becoming more pessimistic about the economy. Plus where candidates will be on election night, off-year election challenges, and Daylight Saving Time. -- 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 NBC4, covering the impact of leaked Jay Jones texts on the upcoming election. Dwayne Yancey of Cardinal News, covering how President Trump has factored into the Virginia election. Jeff Schapiro of Virginia Public Radio, covering Winsome Earle-Sears' focus on transgender students in Virginia schools. Plus AI debates, mid-decade redistricting, and candidate inaccessibility -- 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 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.

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's reelection run. -- 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 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.

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. -- 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 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. -- 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 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. -- 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: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the gubernatorial candidates' positions on a variety of issues. Jared Serre of FFXNow, covering the landslide election of Democrat James Walkinshaw in Virginia's 11th District. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering Richmond's approval of restitution money for a wrongfully imprisoned man, Plus: state House races, steel slides, and RVA Pro Wrestling. -- 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: Margaret Barthel of WAMU, covering the special primary election in Fairfax County. Graham Moomaw of the Richmonder, covering former governor Doug Wilder's lawsuit against VCU. Ben Paviour, a freelance reporter based in Richmond, covering his profile of House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore. Plus: K9 attacks behind bars, Richmond drivers, and a proposed FOIA library. -- 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: Karina Elwood of the Washington Post, covering Virginia schools' struggle with learning loss on standardized tests. David Velasquez of the Daily Progress, covering Albemarle County's registrar resigning amid a police investigation. Trevor Baratko of Inside NoVa, covering the latest legal troubles for the planned Digital Gateway data center. Plus: teachers' unions, Quadzilla, and AI private schools. -- 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 how Richmond is quickly becoming America's data center hub. Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a federal court's rejection of a challenge to Virginia's voting rights restoration system. Andrew Cain of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears' targeting of transgender policies in Northern Virginia schools. Plus: campaign finance disclosures, social media true-crime panic, and the music that candidates are listening to between campaign stops. -- 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 emergency committee convened to study the impacts of cuts to the federal workforce and funding. Jeff Schapiro of UVA's Center for Politics, covering Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears’ campaign rebrand: "Operation Defend and Deliver." Jahd Khalil of VPM, covering takeaways from the money committees that met last week. Plus: the official sports teams of Virginia's reporters, the lack of gubernatorial debates, and Governor Glenn Youngkin's political future. -- 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: Luke Weir of the Roanoake Times, covering the fight over residential rezoning in Roanoake. Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering VCU's removal of race-related references from scholarship language under pressure from the Trump administration. Dan Egitto of ArlNow, covering pro-Palestinian protests targeting a house in Arlington. Plus: college Boards of Visitors, military language in campaign slogans, and invasive species on the Appalachian Trail. -- 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 rise in Virginia's minimum wage. Markus Schmidt of the Virginia Mercury,  covering the latest on Virginia's Homeland Security Task Force. Jonathan Martin of Politico, covering the latest on Virginia's gubernatorial election--including tensions on the Republican side and the lack of an endorsement from President Trump. Plus: the latest jobs numbers, Labubu fever, and momentum for Jason Miyares and Abigail Spanberger. -- 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: Princess Harrell of WJLA, covering Abigail Spanberger's "Growing Virginia Plan." Tyler Englander of WRIC,  covering disputes over the number of Virginians who will be affected by federal Medicaid changes. Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering the debate over whether Virginia's elections should remain off-year elections. Plus: split-ticket elections, Governor Wilder's predictions, and lowering the voting age. -- 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: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the status of Virginia's corrections ombudsman office, one year after its creation. Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering Google partnering with Governor Youngkin to offer AI training to Virginia job-seekers. Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering how ballot initiatives and recalls work in Virginia. Plus: federal cuts to public radio, the effect of the Big Beautiful Bill, and what candidates for statewide office are reading this summer. -- 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 Homeland Security Task Force's reported arrest of 2500 people. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering Senate Democrats considering blocking more of Governor Youngkin's university board. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering the continued delay of Richmond's civilian police review board. Plus: avoiding questions, withheld diplomas, and city council meeting woes. -- 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 Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering last week's Republican unity event--and whether it dispelled rumors of internal tensions. Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Virginians and upcoming elections. Rich Meagher of RVA's Got Issues, covering meetings in Richmond and Henrico County to create a regional approach to local water issues. Plus the summertime money crunch, campaign finance audits, and candidate walk-on music. -- 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.