Sean McGoey
@seanmcgoey.com
current:
• web slinger/occasional mapmaker @vpm.org
former:
• data reporter @richmond.com
• pandora papers team @icij.org
• late-night rock'n'roll disc jockey @wtjuradio.bsky.social
nola ➡️ cville ➡️ dmv ➡️ rva
• web slinger/occasional mapmaker @vpm.org
former:
• data reporter @richmond.com
• pandora papers team @icij.org
• late-night rock'n'roll disc jockey @wtjuradio.bsky.social
nola ➡️ cville ➡️ dmv ➡️ rva
Pinned
Sean McGoey
@seanmcgoey.com
· Feb 6
i may not have a bigger wheelhouse than "nerds going deep on nerd shit"
Reposted by Sean McGoey
On this very special Halloween edition of Curious Commonwealth, @seanmcgoey.com asks: "I keep seeing houses in my neighborhood decked out with decorations every bit as insane for Halloween. Has Richmond always been like this?"
VPM News found the answer to be… no!
Read (and listen) if you dare 👻
VPM News found the answer to be… no!
Read (and listen) if you dare 👻
Curious Commonwealth asks: Has Richmond always been a Halloween town?
And is the answer a trick — or a treat?
www.vpm.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:28 PM
On this very special Halloween edition of Curious Commonwealth, @seanmcgoey.com asks: "I keep seeing houses in my neighborhood decked out with decorations every bit as insane for Halloween. Has Richmond always been like this?"
VPM News found the answer to be… no!
Read (and listen) if you dare 👻
VPM News found the answer to be… no!
Read (and listen) if you dare 👻
i'll let the text from my brother, who *took time out of his mini-honeymoon to send me this story late last night*, do the talking:
"this is an insane story factually and also phenomenal writing"
shoutout @annabower.bsky.social and @lawfaremedia.org
"this is an insane story factually and also phenomenal writing"
shoutout @annabower.bsky.social and @lawfaremedia.org
EXCLUSIVE: One Saturday afternoon in October, my phone lit up with a notification.
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
I glanced down at the message.
“Anna, Lindsey Halligan here,” it began.
So began my text exchange with the woman who is prosecuting the president's perceived political enemies.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
October 21, 2025 at 9:51 PM
i'll let the text from my brother, who *took time out of his mini-honeymoon to send me this story late last night*, do the talking:
"this is an insane story factually and also phenomenal writing"
shoutout @annabower.bsky.social and @lawfaremedia.org
"this is an insane story factually and also phenomenal writing"
shoutout @annabower.bsky.social and @lawfaremedia.org
@deanmirshahi.bsky.social and i are back on the tavares floyd beat for @vpm.org. why are we covering a former city council candidate, you ask? oh, no particular reason:
Tavares Floyd indicted on election fraud charges
A grand jury determined Monday that the case against Floyd could move forward.
www.vpm.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
@deanmirshahi.bsky.social and i are back on the tavares floyd beat for @vpm.org. why are we covering a former city council candidate, you ask? oh, no particular reason:
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Keep in mind re UVA's president being reportedly pushed out by feds: Youngkin's appointees now control the Board of Visitors, and they [eventually- it takes a while-] elect a successor. The Dem majority in the state senate says some BoV members are serving illegally
www.vpm.org/news/2025-06...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-06...
State Senate Democrats sue Youngkin officials in latest institutional push
The governor said that appointees would need to be rejected by Virginia House or Senate.
www.vpm.org
June 27, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Keep in mind re UVA's president being reportedly pushed out by feds: Youngkin's appointees now control the Board of Visitors, and they [eventually- it takes a while-] elect a successor. The Dem majority in the state senate says some BoV members are serving illegally
www.vpm.org/news/2025-06...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-06...
Reposted by Sean McGoey
@nytimes.com reported Friday that Ryan told UVA's board of visitors that he would step down amid pressure from the US Justice Department.
DOJ was reportedly pressuring Ryan to resign in as a condition to settle a civil rights investigation into UVA's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
DOJ was reportedly pressuring Ryan to resign in as a condition to settle a civil rights investigation into UVA's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
June 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
@nytimes.com reported Friday that Ryan told UVA's board of visitors that he would step down amid pressure from the US Justice Department.
DOJ was reportedly pressuring Ryan to resign in as a condition to settle a civil rights investigation into UVA's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
DOJ was reportedly pressuring Ryan to resign in as a condition to settle a civil rights investigation into UVA's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
Reposted by Sean McGoey
BREAKING: UVA President Jim Ryan resigned Friday, according to news reports.
UVA president Jim Ryan resigns under pressure from Trump administration
The Justice Department has been investigating UVA over its diversity practices.
www.vpm.org
June 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
BREAKING: UVA President Jim Ryan resigned Friday, according to news reports.
VPM News is going deep on *JOY* this summer.
Who or what is bringing you joy in Central Virginia? Is there a hidden source of joy that you want people to know about? And why does it sometimes feel a little bit difficult to grab onto moments of joy right now?
We'd love to share your stories.
Who or what is bringing you joy in Central Virginia? Is there a hidden source of joy that you want people to know about? And why does it sometimes feel a little bit difficult to grab onto moments of joy right now?
We'd love to share your stories.
VPM News wants to know: What brings you joy? Do you, your family or your community engage in a unique activity in Central Virginia that enriches your life and brings a smile to your face?
We’d love to learn more about it and share it with our audience over the summer! Email us at [email protected] ☀️
We’d love to learn more about it and share it with our audience over the summer! Email us at [email protected] ☀️
May 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
VPM News is going deep on *JOY* this summer.
Who or what is bringing you joy in Central Virginia? Is there a hidden source of joy that you want people to know about? And why does it sometimes feel a little bit difficult to grab onto moments of joy right now?
We'd love to share your stories.
Who or what is bringing you joy in Central Virginia? Is there a hidden source of joy that you want people to know about? And why does it sometimes feel a little bit difficult to grab onto moments of joy right now?
We'd love to share your stories.
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Regardless of your thoughts about NPR/PBS nationally, your local public media station relies on people like you. Continue to let us know what you want from us. And put your money where your mouth is. Let us amplify your voice and help us make it happen.
May 4, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Regardless of your thoughts about NPR/PBS nationally, your local public media station relies on people like you. Continue to let us know what you want from us. And put your money where your mouth is. Let us amplify your voice and help us make it happen.
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Nine years later, the #PanamaPapers investigation continues to inspire governments around the world to chase badly needed revenue lost offshore to tax evasion schemes.
Check out ICIJ's current tally based on information received from various governments: buff.ly/Yl2PJMA
Check out ICIJ's current tally based on information received from various governments: buff.ly/Yl2PJMA
April 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Nine years later, the #PanamaPapers investigation continues to inspire governments around the world to chase badly needed revenue lost offshore to tax evasion schemes.
Check out ICIJ's current tally based on information received from various governments: buff.ly/Yl2PJMA
Check out ICIJ's current tally based on information received from various governments: buff.ly/Yl2PJMA
Reposted by Sean McGoey
The federal government is withdrawing up to $425 million in grant funding for several COVID-related programs operated by the Virginia Dept. of Health. The cuts have already led to ongoing layoffs and the early cancellation of existing contracts across the state.
*This is a developing story*
*This is a developing story*
Sweeping COVID program cuts hit Virginia Department of Health
The $11.4B federal ‘claw back’ has led to layoffs and public health cuts nationwide.
www.vpm.org
March 27, 2025 at 2:32 AM
The federal government is withdrawing up to $425 million in grant funding for several COVID-related programs operated by the Virginia Dept. of Health. The cuts have already led to ongoing layoffs and the early cancellation of existing contracts across the state.
*This is a developing story*
*This is a developing story*
my old rtd colleague chris suarez and i teamed up on this story for @vpm.org about the potential effects of cuts at usdoe on virginia school districts — hopefully the first of many stories exploring how the swirling chaos that is "the federal government, 2025 edition" is going to impact the state.
How could federal education cuts impact Virginia school budgets?
Commonwealth schools receive $2.4B, collectively, from the feds each year.
www.vpm.org
March 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
my old rtd colleague chris suarez and i teamed up on this story for @vpm.org about the potential effects of cuts at usdoe on virginia school districts — hopefully the first of many stories exploring how the swirling chaos that is "the federal government, 2025 edition" is going to impact the state.
Reposted by Sean McGoey
My dog: asleep on the couch, dead to the world, literally snoring
Me: walks to door
My dog: WHOA WHOA WHOA I’M UP WHERE YA GOIN
Me: walks to door
My dog: WHOA WHOA WHOA I’M UP WHERE YA GOIN
March 4, 2025 at 8:26 PM
My dog: asleep on the couch, dead to the world, literally snoring
Me: walks to door
My dog: WHOA WHOA WHOA I’M UP WHERE YA GOIN
Me: walks to door
My dog: WHOA WHOA WHOA I’M UP WHERE YA GOIN
support your friendly neighborhood media outlet!
@vpm.org covered the hell out of the richmond water crisis in jan (and all its subsequent fallout) in no small part *because we were literally living through it too.*
local journalists are here to cover local issues, and we need your help to do it.
@vpm.org covered the hell out of the richmond water crisis in jan (and all its subsequent fallout) in no small part *because we were literally living through it too.*
local journalists are here to cover local issues, and we need your help to do it.
Hey I got nothin’ to promote (right now) but given today’s* news (*today is every day) I’m asking you to help fund local journalism that helps communities every single day. For me and mine, that’s @nashvillebanner.bsky.social. Go find it in your community. nashvillebanner.com/how-were-fun...
How We're Funded - Nashville Banner
Nashville Banner is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and non-partisan news organization. We’re funded by foundations, philanthropic giving, membership and corporate support. Your gift is tax-deductible to the ex...
nashvillebanner.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:33 AM
support your friendly neighborhood media outlet!
@vpm.org covered the hell out of the richmond water crisis in jan (and all its subsequent fallout) in no small part *because we were literally living through it too.*
local journalists are here to cover local issues, and we need your help to do it.
@vpm.org covered the hell out of the richmond water crisis in jan (and all its subsequent fallout) in no small part *because we were literally living through it too.*
local journalists are here to cover local issues, and we need your help to do it.
Reposted by Sean McGoey
From the incomparable @jahd.bsky.social and Patrick Larsen: The @chesapeakebayfdn.bsky.social hosts an annual oyster eating "contest" at the Virginia State Capitol to keep the conservation conversation on the table. @vpm.org
www.vpm.org/news/2025-02...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-02...
Oyster eating focuses state lawmakers on Chesapeake Bay restoration
The waterway’s foundation hosts an annual event to celebrate progress, advocacy.
www.vpm.org
February 25, 2025 at 2:28 PM
From the incomparable @jahd.bsky.social and Patrick Larsen: The @chesapeakebayfdn.bsky.social hosts an annual oyster eating "contest" at the Virginia State Capitol to keep the conservation conversation on the table. @vpm.org
www.vpm.org/news/2025-02...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-02...
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Yesterday marked the halfway point in the General Assembly.
#ICYMI here's a nice explainer on what crossover day actually is, ft. @seanmcgoey.com and his wealth of basketball knowledge.
#ICYMI here's a nice explainer on what crossover day actually is, ft. @seanmcgoey.com and his wealth of basketball knowledge.
Today is crossover day in the Virginia General Assembly. Today, @vpm.org explains what that is AND we got to mention my hometown's very own Allen Iverson.
Crossover day at the Virginia General Assembly
YouTube video by VPM
youtube.com
February 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Yesterday marked the halfway point in the General Assembly.
#ICYMI here's a nice explainer on what crossover day actually is, ft. @seanmcgoey.com and his wealth of basketball knowledge.
#ICYMI here's a nice explainer on what crossover day actually is, ft. @seanmcgoey.com and his wealth of basketball knowledge.
returning to an old thing i picked up from @callan.bsky.social - 2025 BOOK THREAD.
usually wouldn't start posting until i had 3-4 under my belt, but no. 1 is basically 3-4 books' worth of material (and took 4 months to read):
1. the power broker - robert caro (and accompanying @99pi.org podcast!)
usually wouldn't start posting until i had 3-4 under my belt, but no. 1 is basically 3-4 books' worth of material (and took 4 months to read):
1. the power broker - robert caro (and accompanying @99pi.org podcast!)
February 5, 2025 at 5:11 PM
returning to an old thing i picked up from @callan.bsky.social - 2025 BOOK THREAD.
usually wouldn't start posting until i had 3-4 under my belt, but no. 1 is basically 3-4 books' worth of material (and took 4 months to read):
1. the power broker - robert caro (and accompanying @99pi.org podcast!)
usually wouldn't start posting until i had 3-4 under my belt, but no. 1 is basically 3-4 books' worth of material (and took 4 months to read):
1. the power broker - robert caro (and accompanying @99pi.org podcast!)
Reposted by Sean McGoey
We found out about this in real time as the meeting was going on, so we wanted to make sure it was included in the story.
If you have any information related to these allegations that you want to share, you can always get in touch with us here or drop us a line at [email protected]
If you have any information related to these allegations that you want to share, you can always get in touch with us here or drop us a line at [email protected]
February 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
We found out about this in real time as the meeting was going on, so we wanted to make sure it was included in the story.
If you have any information related to these allegations that you want to share, you can always get in touch with us here or drop us a line at [email protected]
If you have any information related to these allegations that you want to share, you can always get in touch with us here or drop us a line at [email protected]
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Tuesday’s meeting was also marked by several RPS staff members raising allegations that Chief Talent Officer Maggie Clemmons has fostered a hostile work environment, including, among other accusations, “inappropriate comments that are blatantly racist, ageist and discriminatory."
Richmond School Board declares immigration ‘safe zone’ at public schools
Several staff separately accused RPS' talent chief of inappropriate behavior.
www.vpm.org
February 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Tuesday’s meeting was also marked by several RPS staff members raising allegations that Chief Talent Officer Maggie Clemmons has fostered a hostile work environment, including, among other accusations, “inappropriate comments that are blatantly racist, ageist and discriminatory."
Personal 5, in chronological order:
* Saints surprise onside kick to start 2nd half of SB 44
* UVA men's basketball wins '19 title after losing to UMBC in '18
* Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0, 2nd leg, 2019 UCL semis
* Q4 of Zion's NBA debut vs. Spurs
* Alisson's headed winner vs. West Brom
* Saints surprise onside kick to start 2nd half of SB 44
* UVA men's basketball wins '19 title after losing to UMBC in '18
* Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0, 2nd leg, 2019 UCL semis
* Q4 of Zion's NBA debut vs. Spurs
* Alisson's headed winner vs. West Brom
January 31, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Personal 5, in chronological order:
* Saints surprise onside kick to start 2nd half of SB 44
* UVA men's basketball wins '19 title after losing to UMBC in '18
* Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0, 2nd leg, 2019 UCL semis
* Q4 of Zion's NBA debut vs. Spurs
* Alisson's headed winner vs. West Brom
* Saints surprise onside kick to start 2nd half of SB 44
* UVA men's basketball wins '19 title after losing to UMBC in '18
* Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0, 2nd leg, 2019 UCL semis
* Q4 of Zion's NBA debut vs. Spurs
* Alisson's headed winner vs. West Brom
Reposted by Sean McGoey
We're updating this and looking for more resources as things continue. Send us your tips!
Resources and ways to help Richmonders after Winter Storm Blair @vpm.org
Resources and ways to help Richmonders after Winter Storm Blair
Richmond is still under a boil water advisory, but power has been mostly restored.
buff.ly
January 7, 2025 at 6:21 PM
We're updating this and looking for more resources as things continue. Send us your tips!
A rundown of the incredible local journalism that @vpm.org published this past year — as chosen by my amazing colleagues and me: www.vpm.org/news/2024-12...
Best of 2024: VPM News staff's favorite local journalism
From Curious Commonwealth to RVA's Got Issues and VPM News Focal Point.
www.vpm.org
December 30, 2024 at 3:37 PM
A rundown of the incredible local journalism that @vpm.org published this past year — as chosen by my amazing colleagues and me: www.vpm.org/news/2024-12...
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Since this summer Megan and I have been looking into VCU’s response to student protests for @vpm.org . Here’s the story, and some interesting findings below: https://buff.ly/3OFuAh1 📸: @theshabomb.com
Records: Pro-Palestine demonstrations drove university policy changes
A majority of Virginia’s public universities have tightened rules on students’ use of campus space.
buff.ly
December 5, 2024 at 6:39 PM
Since this summer Megan and I have been looking into VCU’s response to student protests for @vpm.org . Here’s the story, and some interesting findings below: https://buff.ly/3OFuAh1 📸: @theshabomb.com
Reposted by Sean McGoey
people should stop thinking like pundits. thinking like a pundit is how you lose the ability to ask questions that don’t reduce down to “does this win votes?”
November 8, 2024 at 9:54 PM
people should stop thinking like pundits. thinking like a pundit is how you lose the ability to ask questions that don’t reduce down to “does this win votes?”
Reposted by Sean McGoey
Oh hey! It's US! Allow us to reintroduce ourselves...because there's a lot more folks on this site now!
We're VPM News, bringing you news from Central Virginia (and beyond). Our news editor made a list of all our staffers on here, in an easy to use STARTER PACK.
We're VPM News, bringing you news from Central Virginia (and beyond). Our news editor made a list of all our staffers on here, in an easy to use STARTER PACK.
I have created a starter pack of the VPM News staffers on this site, in the hopes that the list will (hopefully!) grow as we continue to explore other platforms. And in the spirit of sharing news, the gift link feed I follow is also included!
go.bsky.app/L7jwQGg
go.bsky.app/L7jwQGg
November 8, 2024 at 1:17 AM
Oh hey! It's US! Allow us to reintroduce ourselves...because there's a lot more folks on this site now!
We're VPM News, bringing you news from Central Virginia (and beyond). Our news editor made a list of all our staffers on here, in an easy to use STARTER PACK.
We're VPM News, bringing you news from Central Virginia (and beyond). Our news editor made a list of all our staffers on here, in an easy to use STARTER PACK.
cannot recommend reading "Dilla Time" highly enough (also a great audiobook if that's your thing)
November 14, 2023 at 1:30 AM
cannot recommend reading "Dilla Time" highly enough (also a great audiobook if that's your thing)