These are extraordinary times. Virginia stands at the intersection of extraordinary responsibility and extraordinary opportunity. What happens next will help determine whether this nation retreats from democracy — or rebuilds it.
This week, Friday Power Lunch welcomes Lauren Victoria Burke (Black Virginia News) and Michael Lee Pope (VPM) for a timely and candid conversation about the forces shaping Virginia politics right now. As veteran journalists and trusted storytellers, Burke and Pope bring clarity to the headlines, context to the chaos, and insight into how media, power, and public narrative intersect in this critical moment.
The discussion will explore what’s unfolding across the Commonwealth, how journalism is navigating mounting pressure, the essential role of Black media and truth-telling, and why democracy is not theoretical — it is on the ballot.
The show will also spotlight the Vote YES campaign and the grassroots organizing underway to protect fair elections in Virginia.