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.

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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.