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.

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.

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.

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." -- 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: James Libresco of the Alexandria Times, covering controversy in Alexandria's teacher's union after a candidate for president was removed from the ballot. Mary Wadland of the Zebra Press, covering Alexandria's RiverRenew initiative to overhaul its plumbing infrastructure. Trever Baratko of Inside NoVA, covering a lawsuit against the Digital Gateway data center in Prince William County. Plus school board budget battles, student journalist censorship, and the Croatian national soccer team. -- 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: Elizabeth McGowan of WHRO, covering the potential merger between Dominion Energy and Florida's NextEra Energy. Hanna Pampaloni of LoudounNow, covering the suspension of Purcellville's Vice Mayor and Town Manager. Whitney Evans of VPM News, covering the latest on Virginia's voting rights restoration for people convicted of felonies. Plus hot mic moments, utility substations, and Colonial Beach's gambling history. -- 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: Victoria Ifatusin of the Richmonder, covering the Richmond Civilian Review Board's growing restlessness over a small caseload. Meghan Mangrum of Cardinal News, covering the Governor's firing of the head of Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors. Dean Mirshahi of VPM News, covering Governor Spanberger's veto of a retail marijuana market bill. Plus burning cash candles, AI regulation, and shifting school zones. -- 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: Emily Leayman of the ALXNow, covering controversy over Arlington House materials on Robert E. Lee. Tad Dickens of Cardinal News, covering the dismissal of a case to remove Martinsville's mayor. Joe Dashiell of WDBJ7, covering some of the legislation vetoed by Governor Spanberger. Plus phishing scams, broadband deployment, and the Cheesy Western. -- 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: Cat Pizzarello of the Collegiate Times, covering the hack of the learning management system, Canvas. Ford McCracken of ABC News, covering recent changes to Virginia's gun laws. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering the shuffle of Democratic candidates in the wake of the redistricting amendment being overruled.  Plus public salary data, graduation ceremonies, and avenues for print media. -- 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, covering the Virginia Supreme Court's nullification of the redistricting referendum. Mechelle Hankerson of WHRO, covering the FBI raid at the office and business of Senator Louise Lucas. Ethan Hunt of the Roanoke Times, covering the Montgomery County sheriff's race revolving around the issue of ICE cooperation. Plus squaring D.C., budget delays, and parking policies at Virginia Beach. -- 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.