RVA’s Got Issues https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/ en 2024 VPM Media Corporation RVA’s Got Issues delves into politics and big issues in the news that are defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. Should taxes be raised to build a new baseball stadium? Should old schools get a makeover or be replaced? Are more bike lanes a good idea? Host Rich Meagher will speak with guests who shed light on the present, past and future implications of these questions. And in a time when faith in government is at an all-time low, many people say they can’t make a difference in politics. RVA’s Got Issues will counter this feeling of civic alienation by featuring guests who share stories of how they are making a difference. Listeners will gain new insights and ideas for how to become more engaged in their communities. The upshot is a podcast that helps listeners understand not only what’s happening around them but what they can do about it. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/eaf58c2e-0ed8-11ef-8c2f-974c15d348e9/image/2f3cc695cc63084ffece0089feb5a2f7.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress RVA’s Got Issues https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/ no episodic A podcast that informs and inspires VPM RVA’s Got Issues delves into politics and big issues in the news that are defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. Should taxes be raised to build a new baseball stadium? Should old schools get a makeover or be replaced? Are more bike lanes a good idea? Host Rich Meagher will speak with guests who shed light on the present, past and future implications of these questions. And in a time when faith in government is at an all-time low, many people say they can’t make a difference in politics. RVA’s Got Issues will counter this feeling of civic alienation by featuring guests who share stories of how they are making a difference. Listeners will gain new insights and ideas for how to become more engaged in their communities. The upshot is a podcast that helps listeners understand not only what’s happening around them but what they can do about it. RVA’s Got Issues delves into politics and big issues in the news that are defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. Should taxes be raised to build a new baseball stadium? Should old schools get a makeover or be replaced? Are more bike lanes a good idea? Host Rich Meagher will speak with guests who shed light on the present, past and future implications of these questions.

And in a time when faith in government is at an all-time low, many people say they can’t make a difference in politics. RVA’s Got Issues will counter this feeling of civic alienation by featuring guests who share stories of how they are making a difference. Listeners will gain new insights and ideas for how to become more engaged in their communities. The upshot is a podcast that helps listeners understand not only what’s happening around them but what they can do about it.

]]> VPM podcasts@vpm.org VCU and Richmond: Growing Together? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/05/13/vcu-and-richmond-growing-together/ Virginia Commonwealth University is Richmond’s urban university. But it's sometimes hard to know where Richmond ends and VCU begins. How does VCU grow and thrive while the city does the same? Can Richmond and VCU... grow together? Featuring: Max Wasserman, RVA's Got Issues Producer Andrew Kerley, outgoing Executive Editor of the Commonwealth Times Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 13 VPM Can Richmond and VCU grow together? How does VCU grow and thrive while the city does the same? Virginia Commonwealth University is Richmond’s urban university. But it's sometimes hard to know where Richmond ends and VCU begins. How does VCU grow and thrive while the city does the same? Can Richmond and VCU... grow together? Featuring: Max Wasserman, RVA's Got Issues Producer Andrew Kerley, outgoing Executive Editor of the Commonwealth Times Virginia Commonwealth University is Richmond’s urban university. But it's sometimes hard to know where Richmond ends and VCU begins. How does VCU grow and thrive while the city does the same? Can Richmond and VCU... grow together?


Featuring:

Max Wasserman, RVA's Got Issues Producer

Andrew Kerley, outgoing Executive Editor of the Commonwealth Times

]]> 1888 no Richmond's Economic Development: Building New, Reusing Old https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/06/05/richmonds-economic-development-building-new-reusing-old It's all anyone seems to think about - how can we develop our economy? But do we actually need to build more to get more? On this episode, the answer is yes and no. One Richmond business has a big plan to capture international attention. But down the street, a second-hand store shows you don't need something "new" to attract customers. Oh, and we get a tour of LEGO Manufacturing VA. Featuring Jennifer Wakefield, President and CEO for the Greater Richmond Partnership Amy Turner, Executive Director of SCRAP RVA Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 12 VPM One Richmond business has a big plan to capture international attention. But do we actually need to build more to get more? It's all anyone seems to think about - how can we develop our economy? But do we actually need to build more to get more? On this episode, the answer is yes and no. One Richmond business has a big plan to capture international attention. But down the street, a second-hand store shows you don't need something "new" to attract customers. Oh, and we get a tour of LEGO Manufacturing VA. Featuring Jennifer Wakefield, President and CEO for the Greater Richmond Partnership Amy Turner, Executive Director of SCRAP RVA It's all anyone seems to think about - how can we develop our economy? But do we actually need to build more to get more? On this episode, the answer is yes and no. One Richmond business has a big plan to capture international attention. But down the street, a second-hand store shows you don't need something "new" to attract customers. Oh, and we get a tour of LEGO Manufacturing VA.


Featuring

Jennifer Wakefield, President and CEO for the Greater Richmond Partnership

Amy Turner, Executive Director of SCRAP RVA

]]> 1889 no Dispatches from RVA’s Frontlines https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/04/29/dispatches-from-rvas-frontlines/ We talk a lot on our show about, well, issues. But we don't always get a sense of what it's like for the people on the frontlines of those issues. How do you keep working to fix the issue, when others don't know, don't care - or want you to stop?From healthcare to education: it's dispatches from the frontlines.Guests: Stephanie Arnold, founder of Seven Hills Family MedicineMary Graham, Chief Executive Officer of READ RVA Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 11 VPM We talk a lot about issues, but what’s it like for people on the frontlines of those issues? We talk a lot on our show about, well, issues. But we don't always get a sense of what it's like for the people on the frontlines of those issues. How do you keep working to fix the issue, when others don't know, don't care - or want you to stop?From healthcare to education: it's dispatches from the frontlines.Guests: Stephanie Arnold, founder of Seven Hills Family MedicineMary Graham, Chief Executive Officer of READ RVA We talk a lot on our show about, well, issues. But we don't always get a sense of what it's like for the people on the frontlines of those issues. How do you keep working to fix the issue, when others don't know, don't care - or want you to stop?
From healthcare to education: it's dispatches from the frontlines.
Guests:
Stephanie Arnold, founder of Seven Hills Family Medicine
Mary Graham, Chief Executive Officer of READ RVA

]]> 1889 no The Human Cost of Public Budgeting https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/04/22/the-human-cost-of-public-budgeting/ It’s budget season in Richmond. We know government budgets are important, but they’re about much more than numbers. Rich sits down with an expert to ask: what’s the human cost of budgeting?Featuring: Elliott Fullmer, Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 10 VPM Sure, budgets are about numbers, but what about the human cost? Rich sits down with an expert on government budgets. It’s budget season in Richmond. We know government budgets are important, but they’re about much more than numbers. Rich sits down with an expert to ask: what’s the human cost of budgeting?Featuring: Elliott Fullmer, Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College It’s budget season in Richmond. We know government budgets are important, but they’re about much more than numbers. Rich sits down with an expert to ask: what’s the human cost of budgeting?
Featuring:
Elliott Fullmer, Professor of Political Science at Randolph-Macon College

]]> 1679 no Rezoning Richmond https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/04/15/rezoning-richmond-2/ [Originally released 6/11/25] For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council’s Ellen Robertson and Home of VA’s Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond’s future. Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city’s historic fabric? Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 9 VPM The city’s 50-year-old zoning code is being revised. Rich sits down with experts to learn how to balance the urgent need for more housing with preserving the Richmond we love. [Originally released 6/11/25] For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council’s Ellen Robertson and Home of VA’s Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond’s future. Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city’s historic fabric? [Originally released 6/11/25]

For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council’s Ellen Robertson and Home of VA’s Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond’s future. Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city’s historic fabric?

]]> 1899 no Flock Cameras in RVA https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/04/08/flock-cameras-in-rva/ Flock cameras take pictures of your license plate, and they’re everywhere in RVA. Are these cameras a powerful tool for getting the bad guys? Or a dangerous step towards mass surveillance? Featuring:  Kunle Falayi, data journalist with the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 8 VPM Flock cameras take pictures of your license plate, and they’re everywhere in RVA. Are there limits to living our lives on camera? Flock cameras take pictures of your license plate, and they’re everywhere in RVA. Are these cameras a powerful tool for getting the bad guys? Or a dangerous step towards mass surveillance? Featuring:  Kunle Falayi, data journalist with the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO Flock cameras take pictures of your license plate, and they’re everywhere in RVA. Are these cameras a powerful tool for getting the bad guys? Or a dangerous step towards mass surveillance?


Featuring: 

Kunle Falayi, data journalist with the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO

]]> 1863 no General Assembly Required: The (Data) Center of VA Politics https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/04/01/general-assembly-required-are-data-centers-at-the-center-of-va-politics The two biggest words in VA Politics right now? DATA and CENTERS. From a state budget battle to heated local opposition, how did they land at the very center of Virginia politics? This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Patrick Larsen and Lyndon German, VPM News Reporters Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 7 VPM The two biggest words in VA Politics right now? DATA and CENTERS. How did they land at the very center of Virginia politics? Part of General Assembly Required, a new series on state government. The two biggest words in VA Politics right now? DATA and CENTERS. From a state budget battle to heated local opposition, how did they land at the very center of Virginia politics? This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Patrick Larsen and Lyndon German, VPM News Reporters The two biggest words in VA Politics right now? DATA and CENTERS. From a state budget battle to heated local opposition, how did they land at the very center of Virginia politics?

This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA.


Featuring:

Patrick Larsen and Lyndon German, VPM News Reporters

]]> 2229 no General Assembly Required: Redistricting, Yes or No? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/03/18/general-assembly-required-redistricting-yes-or-no The national battle for district lines has come to Virginia, and Democrats want to redraw our Congressional map. Critics want them to play fair. But what does "fair" mean these days? This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Brian Cannon, No Gerrymandering Virginia Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 6 VPM The national battle for redistricting has come to Virginia. So why should we have to back down? Part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series on state government. The national battle for district lines has come to Virginia, and Democrats want to redraw our Congressional map. Critics want them to play fair. But what does "fair" mean these days? This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Brian Cannon, No Gerrymandering Virginia The national battle for district lines has come to Virginia, and Democrats want to redraw our Congressional map. Critics want them to play fair. But what does "fair" mean these days?


This episode is part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA.


Featuring:

Brian Cannon, No Gerrymandering Virginia

]]> 1726 no General Assembly Required: Virginia's New Labor Laws https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/03/18/general-assembly-required-virginias-new-labor-laws This year may bring a big shift in Virginia labor laws, changing the game for workers here in RVA – and throughout the Commonwealth. Will these changes help or hurt us - and do we really have to choose between business and labor? This episode is part of General Assembly Required, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Michael O'Connor, journalist at VA Dogwood Chris Saxman, President of Virginia FREE Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 5 VPM New labor laws are coming to RVA. Will they help or hurt us? Part of General Assembly Required, a new series on state government. This year may bring a big shift in Virginia labor laws, changing the game for workers here in RVA – and throughout the Commonwealth. Will these changes help or hurt us - and do we really have to choose between business and labor? This episode is part of General Assembly Required, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA. Featuring: Michael O'Connor, journalist at VA Dogwood Chris Saxman, President of Virginia FREE This year may bring a big shift in Virginia labor laws, changing the game for workers here in RVA – and throughout the Commonwealth. Will these changes help or hurt us - and do we really have to choose between business and labor?


This episode is part of General Assembly Required, a new series from RVA's Got Issues focusing on state government's impact on RVA.


Featuring:

Michael O'Connor, journalist at VA Dogwood

Chris Saxman, President of Virginia FREE

]]> 1911 no A Richmonder's Guide To Civic Matters https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/03/11/a-richmonders-guide-to-civic-matters Do you want to be more civic-minded, but don’t know how? We’ve got three stories about civic engagement, from the general assembly to the People’s Assembly to drawing a line on a map and making it real. Features: Nick, Isabelle, and Ashley from Randolph Macon College The Richmond's People's Assembly Brantley Tyndall, Director of Bike Walk RVA. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 4 4 VPM We’ve got three stories about civic engagement, from the general assembly to the People’s Assembly to drawing a line on a map and making it real. Do you want to be more civic-minded, but don’t know how? We’ve got three stories about civic engagement, from the general assembly to the People’s Assembly to drawing a line on a map and making it real. Features: Nick, Isabelle, and Ashley from Randolph Macon College The Richmond's People's Assembly Brantley Tyndall, Director of Bike Walk RVA. Do you want to be more civic-minded, but don’t know how? We’ve got three stories about civic engagement, from the general assembly to the People’s Assembly to drawing a line on a map and making it real.


Features:

Nick, Isabelle, and Ashley from Randolph Macon College

The Richmond's People's Assembly

Brantley Tyndall, Director of Bike Walk RVA.

]]> 1923 no Richmond’s Food Safety Net https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/03/04/richmonds-food-safety-net/ The federal government may be cutting food benefits, drastically - is Richmond ready? What does the safety net for hunger look like in RVA? What COULD it look like, and how do we get there? Guests:  Eddie Oliver, Federation of Virginia Food Banks Ayanna Ogaldez and Irina Rogova, MADRVA Kimberly Battle, VCU School of Nursing Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full 4 3 VPM What does the safety net for hunger look like in RVA? What COULD it look like, and how do we get there? The federal government may be cutting food benefits, drastically - is Richmond ready? What does the safety net for hunger look like in RVA? What COULD it look like, and how do we get there? Guests:  Eddie Oliver, Federation of Virginia Food Banks Ayanna Ogaldez and Irina Rogova, MADRVA Kimberly Battle, VCU School of Nursing The federal government may be cutting food benefits, drastically - is Richmond ready? What does the safety net for hunger look like in RVA? What COULD it look like, and how do we get there?


Guests: 

Eddie Oliver, Federation of Virginia Food Banks

Ayanna Ogaldez and Irina Rogova, MADRVA

Kimberly Battle, VCU School of Nursing

]]> 2177 no Pedestrian Safety in Richmond https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/02/25/pedestrian-safety-in-richmond/ Richmond has a plan called Vision Zero – the goal is zero pedestrian deaths. But so far this year, that goal seems farther away than ever. Rich talks to experts to ask: what are we doing to make our city safer, and is it enough? To learn more about pedestrian safety in Richmond, check out VPM's Curious Commonwealth: Curious Commonwealth asks: How does Richmond prioritize road safety work? Guests: Tara Fitzpatrick, GreaterRichmondFit4Kids Richard Hankins, Partnership for Smarter Growth Whittney Evans, VPM News Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full 4 2 VPM Richmond has a plan called Vision Zero – the goal is zero pedestrian deaths. But so far this year, that goal seems farther away than ever. Richmond has a plan called Vision Zero – the goal is zero pedestrian deaths. But so far this year, that goal seems farther away than ever. Rich talks to experts to ask: what are we doing to make our city safer, and is it enough? To learn more about pedestrian safety in Richmond, check out VPM's Curious Commonwealth: Curious Commonwealth asks: How does Richmond prioritize road safety work? Guests: Tara Fitzpatrick, GreaterRichmondFit4Kids Richard Hankins, Partnership for Smarter Growth Whittney Evans, VPM News Richmond has a plan called Vision Zero – the goal is zero pedestrian deaths. But so far this year, that goal seems farther away than ever. Rich talks to experts to ask: what are we doing to make our city safer, and is it enough?


To learn more about pedestrian safety in Richmond, check out VPM's Curious Commonwealth: Curious Commonwealth asks: How does Richmond prioritize road safety work?


Guests:

Tara Fitzpatrick, GreaterRichmondFit4Kids

Richard Hankins, Partnership for Smarter Growth

Whittney Evans, VPM News

]]> 2282 no Sarah Abubaker on Budgets and Thinking Big https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/02/18/sarah-abubaker-on-budgets-and-thinking-big/ Last year, the Richmond City Council’s Sarah Abubaker had a lot to say about the budget process. Now we're heading into the budget season again. Rich sits down with Sarah to talk about what's changed, how we could think bigger, and the balance of power in Richmond. Guest: Sarah Abubaker, 4th District Representative for the Richmond City Council Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full 4 1 VPM Rich sits down with the Richmond City Council’s Sarah Abubaker to talk about the city budget, big thinking, and the balance of power in Richmond. Last year, the Richmond City Council’s Sarah Abubaker had a lot to say about the budget process. Now we're heading into the budget season again. Rich sits down with Sarah to talk about what's changed, how we could think bigger, and the balance of power in Richmond. Guest: Sarah Abubaker, 4th District Representative for the Richmond City Council Last year, the Richmond City Council’s Sarah Abubaker had a lot to say about the budget process. Now we're heading into the budget season again. Rich sits down with Sarah to talk about what's changed, how we could think bigger, and the balance of power in Richmond.

Guest: Sarah Abubaker, 4th District Representative for the Richmond City Council

]]> 1861 no RVA's Got Issues: Season 4 https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/ RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Follow us on @RichGotIssues for bonus content and download e wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season. RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Follow us on @RichGotIssues for bonus content and download e wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Follow us on @RichGotIssues for bonus content and download e wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday.

]]> 249 no Odie Donald: Richmond’s New CAO https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/12/24/odie-donald-richmonds-new-cao/ Richmond’s had a good run lately, but it always seems like it prospers in spite of city government, not because of it. Can Mayor Avula and his new Chief Administrative Officer, Odie Donald, finally be the ones who turn that around? Rich sits down with Odie to find out. RVA's Got Issues will be taking a break for the holidays, but will be back with new episodes early in the new year. Guest: Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 12 VPM Rich talks with Odie Donald, Richmond’s new CAO, about how he's helping the Mayor - and why his job might be the key to Richmond’s future. Richmond’s had a good run lately, but it always seems like it prospers in spite of city government, not because of it. Can Mayor Avula and his new Chief Administrative Officer, Odie Donald, finally be the ones who turn that around? Rich sits down with Odie to find out. RVA's Got Issues will be taking a break for the holidays, but will be back with new episodes early in the new year. Guest: Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond Richmond’s had a good run lately, but it always seems like it prospers in spite of city government, not because of it. Can Mayor Avula and his new Chief Administrative Officer, Odie Donald, finally be the ones who turn that around? Rich sits down with Odie to find out.

RVA's Got Issues will be taking a break for the holidays, but will be back with new episodes early in the new year.

Guest:

Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond

]]> 1890 no Bobby Vincent on Fixing Richmond's Roads https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/12/17/bobby-vincent-on-fixing-richmonds-roads When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed? To get answers, Rich sits down with Bobby Vincent of Richmond's Department of Public Works, or DPW. But just a warning: those answers may be more complicated than you think. Guest: Bobby Vincent, Richmond Department of Public Works Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 15 VPM When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed? Rich gets answers from Richmond's Department of Public Works. When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed? To get answers, Rich sits down with Bobby Vincent of Richmond's Department of Public Works, or DPW. But just a warning: those answers may be more complicated than you think. Guest: Bobby Vincent, Richmond Department of Public Works When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed?

To get answers, Rich sits down with Bobby Vincent of Richmond's Department of Public Works, or DPW. But just a warning: those answers may be more complicated than you think.

Guest:

Bobby Vincent, Richmond Department of Public Works

]]> 1860 no What's New on the Richmond School Board? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/12/10/whats-new-on-the-richmond-school-board There seems to be new vibes on the Richmond City School Board. Certainly things have quieted down. But the public schools are still vitally important to our city, still under scrutiny, and still making news. Rich sits down with School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez to ask: What's with the new vibes, and what do they mean for the future of Richmond Public Schools – and our city? Guest: Shavonda Fernandez, Richmond City School Board Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 14 VPM There may be new vibes on the Richmond City School Board. But what does that mean for the future of Richmond Public Schools – and our city? There seems to be new vibes on the Richmond City School Board. Certainly things have quieted down. But the public schools are still vitally important to our city, still under scrutiny, and still making news. Rich sits down with School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez to ask: What's with the new vibes, and what do they mean for the future of Richmond Public Schools – and our city? Guest: Shavonda Fernandez, Richmond City School Board There seems to be new vibes on the Richmond City School Board. Certainly things have quieted down. But the public schools are still vitally important to our city, still under scrutiny, and still making news.

Rich sits down with School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez to ask: What's with the new vibes, and what do they mean for the future of Richmond Public Schools – and our city?

Guest: Shavonda Fernandez, Richmond City School Board

]]> 1859 no The Tattoo Capital of Virginia? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/12/03/the-tattoo-capital-of-virginia/ What is it about Richmond that makes it a Tattoo City, maybe THE Tattoo City? Rich talks to working artists about the RVA tattoo scene. He also does something he hasn’t done in years: get his own tattoo. Guests: Amy Black, Amy Black Tattoos amyblacktattoos.com Roman Walston, Black Rabbit Tattoos www.blackrabbitrva.com Jen Bean, Loose Screw Tattoo www.loosescrewtattoo.com Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 13 VPM What's with Richmond and tattoos? Rich tries to find out by talking to tattoo artists – and getting a tattoo. What is it about Richmond that makes it a Tattoo City, maybe THE Tattoo City? Rich talks to working artists about the RVA tattoo scene. He also does something he hasn’t done in years: get his own tattoo. Guests: Amy Black, Amy Black Tattoos amyblacktattoos.com Roman Walston, Black Rabbit Tattoos www.blackrabbitrva.com Jen Bean, Loose Screw Tattoo www.loosescrewtattoo.com What is it about Richmond that makes it a Tattoo City, maybe THE Tattoo City? Rich talks to working artists about the RVA tattoo scene. He also does something he hasn’t done in years: get his own tattoo.


Guests:

Amy Black, Amy Black Tattoos

amyblacktattoos.com


Roman Walston, Black Rabbit Tattoos

www.blackrabbitrva.com


Jen Bean, Loose Screw Tattoo

www.loosescrewtattoo.com

]]> 1829 no Giving Thanks in RVA https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/11/26/giving-thanks-in-rva/ It’s almost Thanksgiving, so Rich shares three stories about all the things we’re thankful for: about birthday parties; about getting up off the couch; and about kids reading poetry – specifically, Rich's kid. We’re highlighting the members of our community making RVA just a little bit brighter, a little bit happier, a little bit stronger. Guests: - Julia Warren Mattingly, founder of Celebrate RVA https://www.celebraterva.org/ - Anthony Clary of We Off the Couch https://weoffthecouch.org/ - Luisa A. Igloria, former Poet Laureate of Virginia https://www.luisaigloria.com/ - Local poet Tris Meagher Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000 We’re thankful for the members of our community making RVA just a little bit brighter. full 3 12 VPM It’s almost Thanksgiving, so Rich shares three stories about all the things we’re thankful for: about birthday parties; about getting up off the couch; and about kids reading poetry – specifically, Rich's kid. We’re highlighting the members of our community making RVA just a little bit brighter, a little bit happier, a little bit stronger. Guests: - Julia Warren Mattingly, founder of Celebrate RVA https://www.celebraterva.org/ - Anthony Clary of We Off the Couch https://weoffthecouch.org/ - Luisa A. Igloria, former Poet Laureate of Virginia https://www.luisaigloria.com/ - Local poet Tris Meagher It’s almost Thanksgiving, so Rich shares three stories about all the things we’re thankful for: about birthday parties; about getting up off the couch; and about kids reading poetry – specifically, Rich's kid.

We’re highlighting the members of our community making RVA just a little bit brighter, a little bit happier, a little bit stronger.

Guests:

- Julia Warren Mattingly, founder of Celebrate RVA

https://www.celebraterva.org/

- Anthony Clary of We Off the Couch

https://weoffthecouch.org/

- Luisa A. Igloria, former Poet Laureate of Virginia

https://www.luisaigloria.com/

- Local poet Tris Meagher

]]> 1860 no Kenya Gibson on Transparency and Politics Ever since she started in Richmond politics, Rich had been hearing about Kenya Gibson. First on the Richmond School Board, now on the City Council, she always seems like she has something important to say. And she is going to say it, even if it ruffles some feathers. Rich finally sits down with her to find out: what makes her tick? Guest: Kenya Gibson, Councilwoman in Richmond's 3rd district. Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 11 VPM Richmond City Council member Kenya Gibson takes on the big issues. What makes her tick? Ever since she started in Richmond politics, Rich had been hearing about Kenya Gibson. First on the Richmond School Board, now on the City Council, she always seems like she has something important to say. And she is going to say it, even if it ruffles some feathers. Rich finally sits down with her to find out: what makes her tick? Guest: Kenya Gibson, Councilwoman in Richmond's 3rd district. Ever since she started in Richmond politics, Rich had been hearing about Kenya Gibson. First on the Richmond School Board, now on the City Council, she always seems like she has something important to say. And she is going to say it, even if it ruffles some feathers. Rich finally sits down with her to find out: what makes her tick?


Guest: Kenya Gibson, Councilwoman in Richmond's 3rd district.

]]> 1845 no The Persistent Problem of Gun Violence https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/11/12/the-persistent-problem-of-gun-violence/ Richmond has come a long way since our "murder capital" days, but the problem of gun violence persists, challenging our assumptions about how it happens. Can new data, new approaches – and a new city office – end gun violence in Richmond? Plus: we hear from an after-school program for kids that might be part of the solution. Guests: Greg Hopkins, Office of Gun Violence Prevention https://rva.gov/human-services/gun-violence-prevention Amir Elsayed, NextUp RVA https://nextuprva.org/team/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Why is the problem of gun violence so persistent, and what is Richmond doing about it? full 3 10 VPM Richmond has come a long way since our "murder capital" days, but the problem of gun violence persists, challenging our assumptions about how it happens. Can new data, new approaches – and a new city office – end gun violence in Richmond? Plus: we hear from an after-school program for kids that might be part of the solution. Guests: Greg Hopkins, Office of Gun Violence Prevention https://rva.gov/human-services/gun-violence-prevention Amir Elsayed, NextUp RVA https://nextuprva.org/team/ Richmond has come a long way since our "murder capital" days, but the problem of gun violence persists, challenging our assumptions about how it happens. Can new data, new approaches – and a new city office – end gun violence in Richmond?

Plus: we hear from an after-school program for kids that might be part of the solution.

Guests:

Greg Hopkins, Office of Gun Violence Prevention

https://rva.gov/human-services/gun-violence-prevention

Amir Elsayed, NextUp RVA

https://nextuprva.org/team/

]]> 1860 no Richmond vs. Poverty https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/11/05/richmond-vs-poverty/ In Richmond, the poverty rate has gone down pretty dramatically in the past few years. That’s hard to do, and it’s not getting any easier in this environment of federal cuts and chaos. So a lot of folks are looking at our city and asking, how are we doing it? Rich sits down with the head of the city’s Office of Community Wealth Building to find out. Then, we visit with graduates from that office's guaranteed income pilot program. What does lasting change look like? Guest: Caprichia Smith Spellman, director of the Office of Community Wealth Building. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 3 9 VPM The poverty rate is way down in Richmond. How are we doing it? In Richmond, the poverty rate has gone down pretty dramatically in the past few years. That’s hard to do, and it’s not getting any easier in this environment of federal cuts and chaos. So a lot of folks are looking at our city and asking, how are we doing it? Rich sits down with the head of the city’s Office of Community Wealth Building to find out. Then, we visit with graduates from that office's guaranteed income pilot program. What does lasting change look like? Guest: Caprichia Smith Spellman, director of the Office of Community Wealth Building. In Richmond, the poverty rate has gone down pretty dramatically in the past few years. That’s hard to do, and it’s not getting any easier in this environment of federal cuts and chaos. So a lot of folks are looking at our city and asking, how are we doing it? Rich sits down with the head of the city’s Office of Community Wealth Building to find out.

Then, we visit with graduates from that office's guaranteed income pilot program. What does lasting change look like?

Guest: Caprichia Smith Spellman, director of the Office of Community Wealth Building.

]]> 1876 no Detainments and Trust Policies: ICE in Richmond https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/10/28/ice-in-richmond/ Immigration enforcement seems to be changing in RVA, so Rich sits down with VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares about the human costs of those changes. Plus: some activists want Richmond to implement a "trust policy" - how do we trust that's the right move? Guests: VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares https://www.vpm.org/people/keyris-manzanares Josue Castillo, New Virginia Majority https://www.newvirginiamajority.org/ Miriam Airington-Fisher, Las Abogadas law firm https://airingtonlaw.com/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 8 VPM After a series of high-profile ICE arrests, Richmonders are wondering what’s next for immigration enforcement in the region. Immigration enforcement seems to be changing in RVA, so Rich sits down with VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares about the human costs of those changes. Plus: some activists want Richmond to implement a "trust policy" - how do we trust that's the right move? Guests: VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares https://www.vpm.org/people/keyris-manzanares Josue Castillo, New Virginia Majority https://www.newvirginiamajority.org/ Miriam Airington-Fisher, Las Abogadas law firm https://airingtonlaw.com/ Immigration enforcement seems to be changing in RVA, so Rich sits down with VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares about the human costs of those changes. Plus: some activists want Richmond to implement a "trust policy" - how do we trust that's the right move?

Guests:

VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares https://www.vpm.org/people/keyris-manzanares

Josue Castillo, New Virginia Majority https://www.newvirginiamajority.org/

Miriam Airington-Fisher, Las Abogadas law firm https://airingtonlaw.com/

]]> 1846 no A Lifetime Lost to Bad Evidence https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/10/22/a-lifetime-lost-to-bad-evidence/ Marvin Grimm spent nearly 50 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. The city of Richmond recently paid him millions for this error. But what about the reason he was incarcerated in the first place? Rich sits down with Tessa Kramer, host of the VPM podcast, Admissible: Shreds of Evidence, to talk about faulty evidence from Virginia’s crime lab. Is that what's driving wrongful convictions in the Commonwealth? This episode contains some brief but graphic descriptions of violence that some listeners may find disturbing. You can find all episodes of Admissible at admissible.vpm.org. Guest: Tessa Kramer https://www.tessakramer.com/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 7 VPM The city of Richmond just paid out millions for a wrongful conviction. How far does Virginia’s problem with faulty evidence go? Marvin Grimm spent nearly 50 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. The city of Richmond recently paid him millions for this error. But what about the reason he was incarcerated in the first place? Rich sits down with Tessa Kramer, host of the VPM podcast, Admissible: Shreds of Evidence, to talk about faulty evidence from Virginia’s crime lab. Is that what's driving wrongful convictions in the Commonwealth? This episode contains some brief but graphic descriptions of violence that some listeners may find disturbing. You can find all episodes of Admissible at admissible.vpm.org. Guest: Tessa Kramer https://www.tessakramer.com/ Marvin Grimm spent nearly 50 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. The city of Richmond recently paid him millions for this error. But what about the reason he was incarcerated in the first place?

Rich sits down with Tessa Kramer, host of the VPM podcast, Admissible: Shreds of Evidence, to talk about faulty evidence from Virginia’s crime lab. Is that what's driving wrongful convictions in the Commonwealth?

This episode contains some brief but graphic descriptions of violence that some listeners may find disturbing.

You can find all episodes of Admissible at admissible.vpm.org.

Guest: Tessa Kramer https://www.tessakramer.com/

]]> 1859 no The State of the Arts in Richmond https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/10/15/the-state-of-the-arts-in-richmond/ What is the state of the arts in RVA? We asked a panel of experts, and a live audience, about everything from youth programs to city government support to equity and accessibility.This episode was recorded LIVE at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond as part of FWD: RVA, a curated week of free arts and culture programming presented by Style Weekly in conjunction with artoberVA. This episode’s guests: Maura Sinnenberg, Director of Advancement, Cadence Theatre Scott Garka, President, CultureWorks Desirée Roots, Local arts icon Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 6 VPM With all the changes in City Hall and D.C., what’s in store for the arts in Richmond? What is the state of the arts in RVA? We asked a panel of experts, and a live audience, about everything from youth programs to city government support to equity and accessibility.This episode was recorded LIVE at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond as part of FWD: RVA, a curated week of free arts and culture programming presented by Style Weekly in conjunction with artoberVA. This episode’s guests: Maura Sinnenberg, Director of Advancement, Cadence Theatre Scott Garka, President, CultureWorks Desirée Roots, Local arts icon What is the state of the arts in RVA? We asked a panel of experts, and a live audience, about everything from youth programs to city government support to equity and accessibility.This episode was recorded LIVE at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond as part of FWD: RVA, a curated week of free arts and culture programming presented by Style Weekly in conjunction with artoberVA.

This episode’s guests:

]]> 2466 no Without a Net: RVA Healthcare https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/10/08/without-a-net-rva-healthcare/ Local health clinics care for our most vulnerable residents. But federal and state funding cuts have them facing huge budget shortfalls, just as thousands of Virginians are projected to lose healthcare coverage. How sick is this going to make us here in Richmond? Plus: despite all the bad news, we’ll talk with a cancer survivor who has made at least one small part of our healthcare system shine a little brighter. This episode’s guests are Karen Legato, Executive Director of Health Brigade (https://www.healthbrigade.org/), Gabby Maldonado, founder of VCU’s Students Caring About Cancer, and her mentor Dr. Caroline Cobb. Read about this year’s group here: https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/students-caring-about-cancer-at-vcu-builds-community-and-pursues-advocacy-efforts/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 5 VPM Is Richmond’s healthcare safety net starting to fray? Local health clinics care for our most vulnerable residents. But federal and state funding cuts have them facing huge budget shortfalls, just as thousands of Virginians are projected to lose healthcare coverage. How sick is this going to make us here in Richmond? Plus: despite all the bad news, we’ll talk with a cancer survivor who has made at least one small part of our healthcare system shine a little brighter. This episode’s guests are Karen Legato, Executive Director of Health Brigade (https://www.healthbrigade.org/), Gabby Maldonado, founder of VCU’s Students Caring About Cancer, and her mentor Dr. Caroline Cobb. Read about this year’s group here: https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/students-caring-about-cancer-at-vcu-builds-community-and-pursues-advocacy-efforts/ Local health clinics care for our most vulnerable residents. But federal and state funding cuts have them facing huge budget shortfalls, just as thousands of Virginians are projected to lose healthcare coverage. How sick is this going to make us here in Richmond?

Plus: despite all the bad news, we’ll talk with a cancer survivor who has made at least one small part of our healthcare system shine a little brighter.

This episode’s guests are Karen Legato, Executive Director of Health Brigade (https://www.healthbrigade.org/), Gabby Maldonado, founder of VCU’s Students Caring About Cancer, and her mentor Dr. Caroline Cobb. Read about this year’s group here: https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/students-caring-about-cancer-at-vcu-builds-community-and-pursues-advocacy-efforts/

]]> 1840 no Mayor Avula on What’s Next https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/10/01/mayor-avula-on-whats-next/ Danny Avula has been Mayor of Richmond for almost 9 full months. He inherited a city with some significant challenges – water crisis, anyone? But at some point, you can’t look backwards anymore. You have to go forward, lay out your priorities, and fight to make them happen. So what is Mayor Avula trying to change? Who will he have to battle to get it done? And if he does do it, will anybody notice? This episode's guest is Danny Avula, Mayor of Richmond. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 4 VPM Richmond Mayor Danny Avula returns to the show. What’s next for Richmond under his leadership? Danny Avula has been Mayor of Richmond for almost 9 full months. He inherited a city with some significant challenges – water crisis, anyone? But at some point, you can’t look backwards anymore. You have to go forward, lay out your priorities, and fight to make them happen. So what is Mayor Avula trying to change? Who will he have to battle to get it done? And if he does do it, will anybody notice? This episode's guest is Danny Avula, Mayor of Richmond. Danny Avula has been Mayor of Richmond for almost 9 full months. He inherited a city with some significant challenges – water crisis, anyone? But at some point, you can’t look backwards anymore. You have to go forward, lay out your priorities, and fight to make them happen.

So what is Mayor Avula trying to change? Who will he have to battle to get it done? And if he does do it, will anybody notice?

This episode's guest is Danny Avula, Mayor of Richmond.

]]> 1823 no Vaper Trails https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/09/24/vaper-trails/ Why are there so many vape shops in Richmond? Authorities are starting to crack down. But the shops seem to keep coming, and in the absence of clear explanations, it’s hard to know why. Are they legal? Are they safe? And if they aren’t, what is the city doing about it? On this episode, what IS with all the vape shops? This episode’s guest is Anthony Harris, co-publisher of RVA Mag. Read Anthony's article: https://rvamag.com/news-headlines/the-new-corner-store-how-vape-shops-took-over-richmond.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 3 VPM What’s with all the vape shops in RVA? Why are there so many vape shops in Richmond? Authorities are starting to crack down. But the shops seem to keep coming, and in the absence of clear explanations, it’s hard to know why. Are they legal? Are they safe? And if they aren’t, what is the city doing about it? On this episode, what IS with all the vape shops? This episode’s guest is Anthony Harris, co-publisher of RVA Mag. Read Anthony's article: https://rvamag.com/news-headlines/the-new-corner-store-how-vape-shops-took-over-richmond.html Why are there so many vape shops in Richmond? Authorities are starting to crack down. But the shops seem to keep coming, and in the absence of clear explanations, it’s hard to know why. Are they legal? Are they safe? And if they aren’t, what is the city doing about it? On this episode, what IS with all the vape shops?

This episode’s guest is Anthony Harris, co-publisher of RVA Mag.

Read Anthony's article: https://rvamag.com/news-headlines/the-new-corner-store-how-vape-shops-took-over-richmond.html

]]> 1830 no Code Refresh Report https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/09/17/code-refresh-report/ The City of Richmond is updating its housing code for the first time in decades. What are people getting right and wrong about the Code Refresh? And what will it do in RVA to shape the future of housing – and, well, everything? Listeners can add comments to proposed zoning maps and rules until September 28 here: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 2 VPM The City of Richmond is updating its housing code. What are people getting right and wrong about the Code Refresh? And how will it shape the future of housing – and, well, everything? The City of Richmond is updating its housing code for the first time in decades. What are people getting right and wrong about the Code Refresh? And what will it do in RVA to shape the future of housing – and, well, everything? Listeners can add comments to proposed zoning maps and rules until September 28 here: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh The City of Richmond is updating its housing code for the first time in decades. What are people getting right and wrong about the Code Refresh? And what will it do in RVA to shape the future of housing – and, well, everything?

Listeners can add comments to proposed zoning maps and rules until September 28 here: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh

]]> 1860 no The Future of Gilpin Court https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/09/10/the-future-of-gilpin-court/ The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is pushing ahead with bold plans to redevelop the city’s public housing communities, but city leaders and community residents have questions. In light of federal funding cuts and local concerns, are we still on the right path? Housing Authority CEO Steven Nesmith returns to the show to provide answers. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 3 1 VPM Richmond's housing authority is pushing ahead with bold plans to redevelop Gilpin Court, but city leaders and court residents have questions. Housing authority head Steven Nesmith returns to the show to provide answers. The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is pushing ahead with bold plans to redevelop the city’s public housing communities, but city leaders and community residents have questions. In light of federal funding cuts and local concerns, are we still on the right path? Housing Authority CEO Steven Nesmith returns to the show to provide answers. The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is pushing ahead with bold plans to redevelop the city’s public housing communities, but city leaders and community residents have questions. In light of federal funding cuts and local concerns, are we still on the right path? Housing Authority CEO Steven Nesmith returns to the show to provide answers.

]]> 1790 no RVA's Got Issues: Season 3 RVA's Got Issues returns for its third season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Download and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA's Got Issues returns for its third season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Download and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday. RVA's Got Issues returns for its third season, bringing you stories about the important issues shaping Richmond, Virginia. Hear directly from key leaders; discover how the federal government impacts your community; and listen to inspiring stories about the people in your own backyard who are making change. Download and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday.

]]> 231 no RVA Revisited: A World First in Chesterfield County: Nuclear Fusion https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/26/nuclear-fusion/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them. Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills. Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! Fusion energy is how the sun powers itself. But humans have never been able to recreate it... until now. Will it be enough to solve Virginia's energy crisis? While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them. Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills. Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

---

What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them.

Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills.

Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution.

]]> 1695 no RVA Revisited: Why Are Black Homeowners Being Lowballed? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2024/12/11/why-are-black-homeowners-being-lowballed/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today. If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community? Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today. If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community? Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

---

Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today.

If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community?

Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets.

]]> 1793 no RVA Revisited: Addiction to Evictions https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/12/addiction-to-evictions/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! It's great to see RVA on another top 10 list... unless it's for evictions. Today, Rich sits down with a housing researcher and lawyer to figure out why it's so easy to be evicted in RVA. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

---

Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters.

]]> 1087 no RVA Revisited: Public Housing Makeover https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/05/public-housing-makeover/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different. On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the ⁠Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority⁠. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond. Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! RVA leaders have plans... to END public housing as we know it. Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to talk about his "tough love" approach to redevelop public housing. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different. On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the ⁠Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority⁠. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different.

On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the ⁠Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority⁠. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond.

]]> 1505 no RVA Revisited: The Corrections Crisis https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/05/07/the-corrections-crisis/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back. Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of violence, neglect, and unsafe conditions, and lawmakers are demanding answers. Rich talks to two local reporters who have been investigating the Corrections crisis. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. --- There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back. Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

---

There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back.

Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered.

]]> 1963 no RVA Revisited: School's Not So Out https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2024/07/17/rps-200/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout? One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that? Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout? While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout? One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that? Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout?

One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that?

Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers.

]]> 1867 no RVA Revisited: Chasing the Green Energy Dragon https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2024/11/27/rva-green-energy/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands? A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone). If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands? While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands? A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone). If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands?

A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone).

If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance.

]]> 1831 no RVA Revisited: It's Getting Hot In Here https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2024/08/28/rva-climate-change/ While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them. Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing? Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind. Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full VPM RVA Revisited! Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons. Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them. Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing? Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind. While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them.

Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing?

Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind.

]]> 1848 no Is the Water Crisis Over? Earlier this year, Richmond faced empty pipes, boil advisories, and a city that suddenly couldn’t count on its most basic need. When can we trust our water supply - and our city government? Rich sits down with Richmond DPU Director Scott Morris, the guy now responsible for the city’s water supply, to find out. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:45:00 -0000 full 2 20 VPM When can we trust our water supply - and our city government? Rich sits down with Richmond DPU Director Scott Morris to find out. Earlier this year, Richmond faced empty pipes, boil advisories, and a city that suddenly couldn’t count on its most basic need. When can we trust our water supply - and our city government? Rich sits down with Richmond DPU Director Scott Morris, the guy now responsible for the city’s water supply, to find out. Earlier this year, Richmond faced empty pipes, boil advisories, and a city that suddenly couldn’t count on its most basic need. When can we trust our water supply - and our city government? Rich sits down with Richmond DPU Director Scott Morris, the guy now responsible for the city’s water supply, to find out.

]]> 1823 no Virginia’s Energy Future Dominion Energy delivers electricity to millions of homes and businesses in Virginia. But these days there’s tremendous pressure on the company with skyrocketing energy demands. How will Dominion meet the Commonwealth’s needs and clean energy goals, while still keeping rates affordable? Rich sits down with Dominion CEO, Bob Blue, to find out. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 19 VPM How will Dominion Energy meet Virginia’s high power needs and clean energy goals, while still keeping rates affordable? Rich sits down with CEO Bob Blue to find out. Dominion Energy delivers electricity to millions of homes and businesses in Virginia. But these days there’s tremendous pressure on the company with skyrocketing energy demands. How will Dominion meet the Commonwealth’s needs and clean energy goals, while still keeping rates affordable? Rich sits down with Dominion CEO, Bob Blue, to find out. Dominion Energy delivers electricity to millions of homes and businesses in Virginia. But these days there’s tremendous pressure on the company with skyrocketing energy demands. How will Dominion meet the Commonwealth’s needs and clean energy goals, while still keeping rates affordable? Rich sits down with Dominion CEO, Bob Blue, to find out.

]]> 1829 no Rezoning Richmond For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council's Ellen Robertson and Home of VA's Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond's future. Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city's historic fabric? Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 18 VPM The city’s 50-year-old zoning code is being revised. Rich sits down with experts to learn how to balance the urgent need for more housing with preserving the Richmond we love. For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council's Ellen Robertson and Home of VA's Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond's future. Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city's historic fabric? For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Council's Ellen Robertson and Home of VA's Tom Fitzpatrick about how to counter displacement while providing for Richmond's future.

Plus we hear from Cyane Crump of Historic Richmond. Amid all the code changes, how do we preserve the city's historic fabric?

]]> 1826 no Who's Got Your Vote: Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/06/04/whos-got-your-vote-for-commonwealths-attorney Richmond is voting for the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Like the District Attorneys you’ve seen on TV, the CA is the city’s prosecutor, and has a huge impact on our local criminal justice system. Two candidates are competing in a June Democratic primary election; whoever wins will likely take office. So this June vote is crucial – with early voting already underway. We’ll hear from both candidates, Tom Barbour and Colette McEachin, about their vision for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney – and the future of justice in Richmond. Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 17 VPM Rich talks to the candidates for Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney, Colette McEachin and Tom Barbour, about their vision for the office – and the future of justice in Richmond. Richmond is voting for the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Like the District Attorneys you’ve seen on TV, the CA is the city’s prosecutor, and has a huge impact on our local criminal justice system. Two candidates are competing in a June Democratic primary election; whoever wins will likely take office. So this June vote is crucial – with early voting already underway. We’ll hear from both candidates, Tom Barbour and Colette McEachin, about their vision for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney – and the future of justice in Richmond. Richmond is voting for the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Like the District Attorneys you’ve seen on TV, the CA is the city’s prosecutor, and has a huge impact on our local criminal justice system. Two candidates are competing in a June Democratic primary election; whoever wins will likely take office. So this June vote is crucial – with early voting already underway.

We’ll hear from both candidates, Tom Barbour and Colette McEachin, about their vision for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney – and the future of justice in Richmond.

]]> 2322 no What's Ahead for the Economy? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/05/28/whats-ahead-for-the-economy/ Everyone in RVA is worried about the economy. Uncertainty rules, with businesses and consumers, owners and renters, buyers and sellers all wondering what to think. Rich sits down with economist Sonya Waddell of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. What are the numbers really telling us about Virginia’s economy, and what’s next? Plus, we meet a group that brings people together through an unlikely method: square dancing. Wed, 28 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 16 VPM Rich sits down with Richmond Fed economist Sonya Waddell. What are the numbers really telling us about Virginia’s economy, and what’s next? Everyone in RVA is worried about the economy. Uncertainty rules, with businesses and consumers, owners and renters, buyers and sellers all wondering what to think. Rich sits down with economist Sonya Waddell of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. What are the numbers really telling us about Virginia’s economy, and what’s next? Plus, we meet a group that brings people together through an unlikely method: square dancing. Everyone in RVA is worried about the economy. Uncertainty rules, with businesses and consumers, owners and renters, buyers and sellers all wondering what to think. Rich sits down with economist Sonya Waddell of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. What are the numbers really telling us about Virginia’s economy, and what’s next?

Plus, we meet a group that brings people together through an unlikely method: square dancing.

]]> 1828 no A Bold, New Voice on City Council New members may be bringing a fresh approach to the Richmond City Council, one that sees a role for City Council in challenging the Mayor – not for drama’s sake, but to hold him, and city administrators, accountable to residents. Sarah Abubaker is one of these newly elected Council members calling for change. Can she help make it happen? Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 15 VPM Rich sits down with new Richmond City Council member Sarah Abubaker. She’s been vocal about calling for change – can she help make it happen? New members may be bringing a fresh approach to the Richmond City Council, one that sees a role for City Council in challenging the Mayor – not for drama’s sake, but to hold him, and city administrators, accountable to residents. Sarah Abubaker is one of these newly elected Council members calling for change. Can she help make it happen? New members may be bringing a fresh approach to the Richmond City Council, one that sees a role for City Council in challenging the Mayor – not for drama’s sake, but to hold him, and city administrators, accountable to residents. Sarah Abubaker is one of these newly elected Council members calling for change. Can she help make it happen?

]]> 1780 no Mayor Avula on Steering Richmond Forward Danny Avula is the Mayor of Richmond. He just finished his first 100 days, and he's finding out what it’s like to try to follow through on campaign promises. One lesson he’s probably learning the hard way: Changing city government can’t happen overnight. It’s like turning an oil tanker – it happens slowly, and you need a lot of room. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 14 VPM Richmond Mayor Danny Avula talks with Rich about budgets, federal funding cuts, and what it’s like to steer the city of Richmond. Danny Avula is the Mayor of Richmond. He just finished his first 100 days, and he's finding out what it’s like to try to follow through on campaign promises. One lesson he’s probably learning the hard way: Changing city government can’t happen overnight. It’s like turning an oil tanker – it happens slowly, and you need a lot of room. Danny Avula is the Mayor of Richmond. He just finished his first 100 days, and he's finding out what it’s like to try to follow through on campaign promises. One lesson he’s probably learning the hard way: Changing city government can’t happen overnight. It’s like turning an oil tanker – it happens slowly, and you need a lot of room.

]]> 1830 no The Corrections Crisis https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/05/07/the-corrections-crisis/ There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back. Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered. Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 14 VPM State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of violence, neglect, and unsafe conditions, and lawmakers are demanding answers. Rich talks to two local reporters who have been investigating the Corrections crisis. There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back. Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered. There’s a Corrections crisis in Virginia! State prisons and juvenile facilities are facing claims of unsafe conditions for both staff and the incarcerated, and lawmakers are starting to push back.

Rich talks to VPM news reporter Keyris Manzanares and the Virginia Mercury’s Charlotte Rene Woods to find out what they've uncovered.

]]> 1963 no Immigrants' Fears Run Rampant in RVA https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/04/30/immigrants-fears-run-rampant-in-rva It seems like every day brings new national news stories about deportations, ICE raids, or student visas being revoked. This is fueling fear not just in the immigrant community, but even among people here in the country legally. Rich talks to an advocate who serves RVA's Latino community, as well as an attorney who represents Virginia immigrants. How is this immigration crackdown affecting people in Virginia and Richmond? Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 12 VPM Rich talks with advocates about how the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants is raising fears in RVA. It seems like every day brings new national news stories about deportations, ICE raids, or student visas being revoked. This is fueling fear not just in the immigrant community, but even among people here in the country legally. Rich talks to an advocate who serves RVA's Latino community, as well as an attorney who represents Virginia immigrants. How is this immigration crackdown affecting people in Virginia and Richmond? It seems like every day brings new national news stories about deportations, ICE raids, or student visas being revoked. This is fueling fear not just in the immigrant community, but even among people here in the country legally.

Rich talks to an advocate who serves RVA's Latino community, as well as an attorney who represents Virginia immigrants. How is this immigration crackdown affecting people in Virginia and Richmond?

]]> 1830 no The Feds vs. Higher Ed The Trump Administration is taking on higher ed, and Virginia universities are on notice. VCU hasn’t been singled out, but IS facing program cuts, and is already making changes to try to prevent more. Who can our local institutions turn to for help? Rich talks with Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman about Trump’s challenges – and threats -- to higher education, and what the Congressman has been doing about it. Is it enough? Plus: we shine our Community Spotlight on WomenRise, a United Way program that helps cover childcare costs so single mothers can follow their educational dreams. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 11 VPM Rich talks with Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman about Trump’s challenges - and threats - to higher education, and what the Congressman has been doing to help VA universities. Is it enough? The Trump Administration is taking on higher ed, and Virginia universities are on notice. VCU hasn’t been singled out, but IS facing program cuts, and is already making changes to try to prevent more. Who can our local institutions turn to for help? Rich talks with Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman about Trump’s challenges – and threats -- to higher education, and what the Congressman has been doing about it. Is it enough? Plus: we shine our Community Spotlight on WomenRise, a United Way program that helps cover childcare costs so single mothers can follow their educational dreams. The Trump Administration is taking on higher ed, and Virginia universities are on notice. VCU hasn’t been singled out, but IS facing program cuts, and is already making changes to try to prevent more. Who can our local institutions turn to for help? Rich talks with Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman about Trump’s challenges – and threats -- to higher education, and what the Congressman has been doing about it. Is it enough?

Plus: we shine our Community Spotlight on WomenRise, a United Way program that helps cover childcare costs so single mothers can follow their educational dreams.

]]> 1829 no What's Next for Henrico County? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/04/16/whats-next-for-henrico-county/ Henrico County: what's it all about, where is it going, and how is it going to shape the future of RVA? Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas joins Rich to answer questions from our listener voicemail line. They talk about everything from federal funding cuts to the Green City development to Henrico’s response to the Richmond water crisis. With all of the instability in Washington, can Henrico stay on its steady course of economic growth? Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 10 VPM Henrico County: what's it all about, where is it going, and how is it going to shape the future of RVA? Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas answers Rich’s questions – and YOURS, from our listener voicemail line – on everything from federal funding cuts to the Richmond water crisis. Henrico County: what's it all about, where is it going, and how is it going to shape the future of RVA? Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas joins Rich to answer questions from our listener voicemail line. They talk about everything from federal funding cuts to the Green City development to Henrico’s response to the Richmond water crisis. With all of the instability in Washington, can Henrico stay on its steady course of economic growth? Henrico County: what's it all about, where is it going, and how is it going to shape the future of RVA?

Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas joins Rich to answer questions from our listener voicemail line. They talk about everything from federal funding cuts to the Green City development to Henrico’s response to the Richmond water crisis. With all of the instability in Washington, can Henrico stay on its steady course of economic growth?

]]> 1862 no The People's Budget: What's Got Your Vote? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/04/09/the-peoples-budget-2/ It's time to decide the People’s Budget of Richmond! Richmond's government has set aside $3M of YOUR money – and now YOU get to decide what to do with it. This participatory budget program has reached the voting stage, and now anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the city – age 14 and up! – can vote on projects in their council district. Rich sits down with City Council staffer Leidiana Delgado to find out how the process got this far. Then he talks to two "budget delegates" – regular folks who volunteered to review all the ideas so that the whole city could vote on the best ones possible. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 9 VPM Rich talks to the decision-makers shaping the People’s Budget of Richmond. The city has set aside $3M of YOUR money – and now YOU get to decide what to do with it. It's time to decide the People’s Budget of Richmond! Richmond's government has set aside $3M of YOUR money – and now YOU get to decide what to do with it. This participatory budget program has reached the voting stage, and now anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the city – age 14 and up! – can vote on projects in their council district. Rich sits down with City Council staffer Leidiana Delgado to find out how the process got this far. Then he talks to two "budget delegates" – regular folks who volunteered to review all the ideas so that the whole city could vote on the best ones possible. It's time to decide the People’s Budget of Richmond!


Richmond's government has set aside $3M of YOUR money – and now YOU get to decide what to do with it. This participatory budget program has reached the voting stage, and now anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the city – age 14 and up! – can vote on projects in their council district.


Rich sits down with City Council staffer Leidiana Delgado to find out how the process got this far. Then he talks to two "budget delegates" – regular folks who volunteered to review all the ideas so that the whole city could vote on the best ones possible.

]]> 1440 no Sports Tourism Aims High in RVA https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/04/02/sports-tourism-aims-high-in-rva/ Rich talks to two local sports czars about the business of sports tourism, a billion-dollar industry that’s become vital to the economic health of the entire region. From youth to colleges to the pros, RVA is building a sports infrastructure that’s meant to help both residents and visitors score big. Plus: STAND UP FOR RICHMOND! We’ll talk to members of the River City Red Army about their support for the Richmond Kickers... and each other. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 8 VPM Rich talks to two local sports czars about the business of sports tourism. From youth to the pros, RVA is building a sports infrastructure that’s meant to help both residents and visitors score big. Rich talks to two local sports czars about the business of sports tourism, a billion-dollar industry that’s become vital to the economic health of the entire region. From youth to colleges to the pros, RVA is building a sports infrastructure that’s meant to help both residents and visitors score big. Plus: STAND UP FOR RICHMOND! We’ll talk to members of the River City Red Army about their support for the Richmond Kickers... and each other. Rich talks to two local sports czars about the business of sports tourism, a billion-dollar industry that’s become vital to the economic health of the entire region. From youth to colleges to the pros, RVA is building a sports infrastructure that’s meant to help both residents and visitors score big.

Plus: STAND UP FOR RICHMOND! We’ll talk to members of the River City Red Army about their support for the Richmond Kickers... and each other.

]]> 1578 no A World First in Chesterfield County: Nuclear Fusion https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/26/nuclear-fusion/ What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them. Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills. Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 7 VPM Fusion energy is how the sun powers itself. But humans have never been able to recreate it... until now. Will it be enough to solve Virginia's energy crisis? What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them. Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills. Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution. What is nuclear fusion, and why is it coming to Chesterfield County? Virginia's energy needs are growing exponentially, and we are going to need every kilowatt we can get if we don’t want our energy bills to grow with them.

Adam Sledd of the Dominion Energy Innovation Center returns to the pod to talk with Rich about nuclear fusion, data centers, and the future of RVA’s energy – and energy bills.

Plus: we go to the James River Park System to talk with an expert about the problem of invasive species, and hear from an all-natural, four-legged solution.

]]> 1695 no Jason Kamras on What's Ahead for RPS https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/19/jason-kamras-on-whats-ahead-for-rps Public education is facing huge challenges across the country, as the Trump administration takes steps to possibly abolish the federal Department of Education. Add to that demands for immigration enforcement and cuts to Diversity programs, mix in some longstanding structural and staffing concerns, and our local school systems may be facing more challenges than ever. Rich sits down with Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, who talks about ALL of it... and answers YOUR questions from our listener voicemail line. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 6 VPM Rich sits down with RPS Superintendent, Jason Kamras, to talk about the potential impact of federal funding cuts. What happens if the Department of Education is abolished? Kamras also answers YOUR voicemail questions. Public education is facing huge challenges across the country, as the Trump administration takes steps to possibly abolish the federal Department of Education. Add to that demands for immigration enforcement and cuts to Diversity programs, mix in some longstanding structural and staffing concerns, and our local school systems may be facing more challenges than ever. Rich sits down with Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, who talks about ALL of it... and answers YOUR questions from our listener voicemail line. Public education is facing huge challenges across the country, as the Trump administration takes steps to possibly abolish the federal Department of Education. Add to that demands for immigration enforcement and cuts to Diversity programs, mix in some longstanding structural and staffing concerns, and our local school systems may be facing more challenges than ever.


Rich sits down with Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, who talks about ALL of it... and answers YOUR questions from our listener voicemail line.

]]> 1896 no Addiction to Evictions https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/12/addiction-to-evictions/ Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full 2 5 VPM It's great to see RVA on another top 10 list... unless it's for evictions. Today, Rich sits down with a housing researcher and lawyer to figure out why it's so easy to be evicted in RVA. Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters. Evictions seem like a simple issue. Renters should pay their rent. When they don't, they need to leave. But the realities of renting and leaving are much more complicated than that. Today, Rich talks with a housing expert to learn why eviction court is rarely a winning prospect for renters. The city's plan? Pair tenants facing eviction with a lawyer for free. Later we talk with a lawyer who already does this work and what challenges they face when representing renters.

]]> 1147 no Public Housing Makeover https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/03/05/public-housing-makeover/ For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different. On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 2 4 VPM RVA leaders have plans... to END public housing as we know it. Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to talk about his "tough love" approach to redevelop public housing. For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different. On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond. For almost a century, local government has provided “public housing” for our most vulnerable residents. But here in RVA, there’s a plan to replace our public housing communities with something completely different.

On this episode, Rich sits down with Steven Nesmith, the CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He is spearheading this bold new plan, and a "tough love" approach, that he says may END public housing as we know it in Richmond.

]]> 1505 Who's Your... Momnibus? https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/02/26/whos-your-momnibus/ What's 45 days long, based in Richmond, and shapes the future of the state of Virginia? On this episode, Rich unpacks this year's General Assembly with veteran state politics reporter Michael Pope. A big question EVERYONE is wrestling with is how to prepare for the changes coming out of Washington. Separately, Democrats are headed towards yet another veto showdown with Gov. Glenn Youngkin. But there are glimmers of bipartisanship, and it's called... a Momnibus? That, and more, in this end-of-session recap on what passed, what didn't, and the politics shaping it all. We're also shining our community spotlight on two VCU students who are at the heart of General Assembly coverage, Sarah Hagen and Andrew Kerley. They're part of what's known as the Capitol News Service, which has students writing for news outlets in need of state coverage. It's a win-win, but Rich asks, isn't it a troubling time to get into journalism? Michael Pope is the host of a NEW podcast from VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project called The Virginia Press Room. Find out more at https://www.vpm.org/vapressroom. Follow Capitol News Service on Instagram (@vcucns), Andrew Kerley on Twitter (@andrewkerley_), and Sarah Hagen on Twitter (@sarah_hagen). Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 2 3 VPM What's 45 days long, based in Richmond, and shapes the future of the state of Virginia? On this episode, Rich unpacks this year's General Assembly with veteran state politics reporter Michael Pope. What's 45 days long, based in Richmond, and shapes the future of the state of Virginia? On this episode, Rich unpacks this year's General Assembly with veteran state politics reporter Michael Pope. A big question EVERYONE is wrestling with is how to prepare for the changes coming out of Washington. Separately, Democrats are headed towards yet another veto showdown with Gov. Glenn Youngkin. But there are glimmers of bipartisanship, and it's called... a Momnibus? That, and more, in this end-of-session recap on what passed, what didn't, and the politics shaping it all. We're also shining our community spotlight on two VCU students who are at the heart of General Assembly coverage, Sarah Hagen and Andrew Kerley. They're part of what's known as the Capitol News Service, which has students writing for news outlets in need of state coverage. It's a win-win, but Rich asks, isn't it a troubling time to get into journalism? Michael Pope is the host of a NEW podcast from VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project called The Virginia Press Room. Find out more at https://www.vpm.org/vapressroom. Follow Capitol News Service on Instagram (@vcucns), Andrew Kerley on Twitter (@andrewkerley_), and Sarah Hagen on Twitter (@sarah_hagen). What's 45 days long, based in Richmond, and shapes the future of the state of Virginia? On this episode, Rich unpacks this year's General Assembly with veteran state politics reporter Michael Pope.

A big question EVERYONE is wrestling with is how to prepare for the changes coming out of Washington. Separately, Democrats are headed towards yet another veto showdown with Gov. Glenn Youngkin. But there are glimmers of bipartisanship, and it's called... a Momnibus? That, and more, in this end-of-session recap on what passed, what didn't, and the politics shaping it all.

We're also shining our community spotlight on two VCU students who are at the heart of General Assembly coverage, Sarah Hagen and Andrew Kerley. They're part of what's known as the Capitol News Service, which has students writing for news outlets in need of state coverage. It's a win-win, but Rich asks, isn't it a troubling time to get into journalism?

Michael Pope is the host of a NEW podcast from VPM and the Virginia Public Access Project called The Virginia Press Room. Find out more at https://www.vpm.org/vapressroom. Follow Capitol News Service on Instagram (@vcucns), Andrew Kerley on Twitter (@andrewkerley_), and Sarah Hagen on Twitter (@sarah_hagen).

]]> 1683 Richmond's Transformational Mural Movement https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/02/19/richmonds-transformational-mural-movement/ Hamilton Glass is seen by many as the founding father of Richmond's mural movement. He instigated a huge public mural project featured in the PBS Doc called Mending Walls. The project brought 30 artists from different cultural backgrounds together to collaborate on 16 murals in Richmond. The slogan for the effort was "we need to talk" about race and the artists' formative experiences. On the project's 5th anniversary, Glass talks about the origins of Mending Walls and how the project continues to evolve. The Community Spotlight shines on Silly Genius, a mural artist who brings his love of graffiti and hip-hop together in the large murals he and his partners paint - bringing life, color and vibrancy to vacant buildings in rundown areas of Richmond.  Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 2 2 VPM Hamilton Glass, considered by many to be the founding father of Richmond's mural movement, talks about how he and other artists like Silly Genius are bringing new life to old buildings through public art. Hamilton Glass is seen by many as the founding father of Richmond's mural movement. He instigated a huge public mural project featured in the PBS Doc called Mending Walls. The project brought 30 artists from different cultural backgrounds together to collaborate on 16 murals in Richmond. The slogan for the effort was "we need to talk" about race and the artists' formative experiences. On the project's 5th anniversary, Glass talks about the origins of Mending Walls and how the project continues to evolve. The Community Spotlight shines on Silly Genius, a mural artist who brings his love of graffiti and hip-hop together in the large murals he and his partners paint - bringing life, color and vibrancy to vacant buildings in rundown areas of Richmond.  Hamilton Glass is seen by many as the founding father of Richmond's mural movement. He instigated a huge public mural project featured in the PBS Doc called Mending Walls. The project brought 30 artists from different cultural backgrounds together to collaborate on 16 murals in Richmond. The slogan for the effort was "we need to talk" about race and the artists' formative experiences. On the project's 5th anniversary, Glass talks about the origins of Mending Walls and how the project continues to evolve.

The Community Spotlight shines on Silly Genius, a mural artist who brings his love of graffiti and hip-hop together in the large murals he and his partners paint - bringing life, color and vibrancy to vacant buildings in rundown areas of Richmond. 

]]> 1667 no RVA's Got Baggage https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2025/02/12/rvas-got-baggage It's no secret: Richmond's got some baggage. Case in point, the #GreatRichmondWaterCrisis. Less than a week into new city leadership, hospitals ran low on water and people boiled snow to flush their toilets. Was it a fluke, or is this the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unresolved issues in city government? Thad Williamson is the coauthor of a new book about the history of Richmond city government. More than anyone, he knows how the mayor's office works... and the baggage that comes with. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full 2 1 VPM Less than a week into new city leadership, hospitals ran low on water and people boiled snow to flush their toilets. Was it a fluke, or is this the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unresolved issues in city government? It's no secret: Richmond's got some baggage. Case in point, the #GreatRichmondWaterCrisis. Less than a week into new city leadership, hospitals ran low on water and people boiled snow to flush their toilets. Was it a fluke, or is this the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unresolved issues in city government? Thad Williamson is the coauthor of a new book about the history of Richmond city government. More than anyone, he knows how the mayor's office works... and the baggage that comes with. It's no secret: Richmond's got some baggage.


Case in point, the #GreatRichmondWaterCrisis. Less than a week into new city leadership, hospitals ran low on water and people boiled snow to flush their toilets. Was it a fluke, or is this the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unresolved issues in city government?


Thad Williamson is the coauthor of a new book about the history of Richmond city government. More than anyone, he knows how the mayor's office works... and the baggage that comes with.

]]> 1634 no Lonely No More: Finding Connection in RVA https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2024/12/25/lonely-no-more-finding-connection-in-rva It's the holidays! The fire is delightful, chestnuts are roasting, people are wassailing (whatever that is). But for some folks, this is a time of year that hits hard, where the pain of addiction, of isolation, or even just loneliness, can make it much less joyful. So what can we do to close the loneliness gap in RVA? Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000 full 1 20 VPM Virginia ranks third in the U.S. for people who report feeling lonely according to the US Census. What explains the pain of this affliction, especially in RVA? And what are some ways to connect more easily with others? It's the holidays! The fire is delightful, chestnuts are roasting, people are wassailing (whatever that is). But for some folks, this is a time of year that hits hard, where the pain of addiction, of isolation, or even just loneliness, can make it much less joyful. So what can we do to close the loneliness gap in RVA? It's the holidays! The fire is delightful, chestnuts are roasting, people are wassailing (whatever that is). But for some folks, this is a time of year that hits hard, where the pain of addiction, of isolation, or even just loneliness, can make it much less joyful. So what can we do to close the loneliness gap in RVA?

]]> 1887 no Why Are Black Homeowners Being Lowballed? Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today. If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community? Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000 full 1 19 VPM Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today. If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community? Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets. Redlining has been illegal for more than half a century. But Black homeowners today are still feeling its impact through appraisals that undervalue their homes. Rich unpacks recent findings on appraisal bias in Richmond with two housing experts, as well as their undercover method for addressing housing discrimination today.

If you live in Henrico, chances are you pay bills! But have you ever wondered why those payments have to be mailed out of state? Shouldn’t we keep the money and jobs in our own community?

Finally, we look at a farmers market in Chesterfield that serves everything from arepas, to nopal, to fresh coquito. America DeLoach founded the Latino Farmers Market to help vendors who felt left out of other markets.

]]> 1793 Chasing the Green Energy Dragon A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands? A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone) If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000 full 1 18 VPM A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands? A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone) If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance A flood of renewable energy projects are hitting the RVA region. What does it mean for households in the region? And is it enough to satiate our soaring energy demands?

A listener asks Rich: am I being gaslit by these door knockers? After a canvasser says a "no soliciting sign" doesn't apply to them, one listener is stumped about how to tell people to bug-off (although Rich hopes you don't do this to everyone)

If TV taught us anything, it's that when something bad happens, the only thing to do is put on a show. Tariq Karriem, a local Henrico high school graduate, took this to heart after feeling students of color were being left out of local theatre productions. So he and others started their own theatre group, the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance

]]> 1831 Mayor-Elect Danny Avula on What's Next In his very first sit-down interview since the election, mayor-elect Danny Avula joins Rich to discuss what Richmonders can expect from his administration. What are his top priorities and how will he start to tackle them? How will he bring more people into the political process? And how will he advocate for the city on both the State and Federal level?  Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000 full 1 18 VPM In his very first sit-down interview since the election, mayor-elect Danny Avula joins Rich to discuss what Richmonders can expect from his administration. What are his top priorities and how will he start to tackle them? How will he bring more people into the political process? And how will he advocate for the city on both the State and Federal level?  In his very first sit-down interview since the election, mayor-elect Danny Avula joins Rich to discuss what Richmonders can expect from his administration.

What are his top priorities and how will he start to tackle them? How will he bring more people into the political process? And how will he advocate for the city on both the State and Federal level? 

]]> 1460 Vote! Vote! Vote! Need some 11th hour candidate info for election day? We have you covered! Check out any of our recent episodes on the mayoral contest, what it takes to be on city council, a plan to shake up the school board race and much, much more. We'll be next week with a new episode. Until then, see you at the polls! Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:52:35 -0000 full 1 17 VPM Need some 11th hour candidate info for election day? We have you covered! Check out any of our recent episodes on the mayoral contest, what it takes to be on city council, a plan to shake up the school board race and much, much more. We'll be next week with a new episode. Until then, see you at the polls! Need some 11th hour candidate info for election day? We have you covered! Check out any of our recent episodes on the mayoral contest, what it takes to be on city council, a plan to shake up the school board race and much, much more. We'll be next week with a new episode. Until then, see you at the polls!

]]> 209 Who's Got Your Vote: Meet Andreas Addison Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. For our final week of our series, Rich talks with Andreas Addison, the current Richmond City Council representative for the first district. Hear how his tutelage under Governor Wilder and Mayor Dwight Jones opened his eyes to what public leaders can accomplish, why the "karass" is an integral part of his political outlook, and how he plans to bring City Hall's technology up to speed. Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 16 VPM Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. For our final week of our series, Rich talks with Andreas Addison, the current Richmond City Council representative for the first district. Hear how his tutelage under Governor Wilder and Mayor Dwight Jones opened his eyes to what public leaders can accomplish, why the "karass" is an integral part of his political outlook, and how he plans to bring City Hall's technology up to speed. Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond.

For our final week of our series, Rich talks with Andreas Addison, the current Richmond City Council representative for the first district. Hear how his tutelage under Governor Wilder and Mayor Dwight Jones opened his eyes to what public leaders can accomplish, why the "karass" is an integral part of his political outlook, and how he plans to bring City Hall's technology up to speed.

]]> 1631 Who's Got Your Vote: Meet Danny Avula Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Danny Avula, a pediatrician who was also recently the state commissioner for the the Virginia Department of Social Services. He says the connections he formed while overseeing the state's COVID rollout can help in amassing more financial support for the city and maintains his support for LGBTQ and abortion rights, despite support from prominent social conservatives in Richmond. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 15 VPM Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Danny Avula, a pediatrician who was also recently the state commissioner for the the Virginia Department of Social Services. He says the connections he formed while overseeing the state's COVID rollout can help in amassing more financial support for the city and maintains his support for LGBTQ and abortion rights, despite support from prominent social conservatives in Richmond. Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote?

This week Rich talks with Danny Avula, a pediatrician who was also recently the state commissioner for the the Virginia Department of Social Services. He says the connections he formed while overseeing the state's COVID rollout can help in amassing more financial support for the city and maintains his support for LGBTQ and abortion rights, despite support from prominent social conservatives in Richmond.

]]> 1522 Who's Got Your Vote: Meet Michelle Mosby Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Michelle Mosby, Richmond City Council's first Black female president. She says she won't need training wheels to tackle the mayor's job. She also tells us how her past bouts with bankruptcy inform her financial views, and what she'll do to establish stronger oversight when it comes to dysfunction in City Hall. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 14 VPM Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Michelle Mosby, Richmond City Council's first Black female president. She says she won't need training wheels to tackle the mayor's job. She also tells us how her past bouts with bankruptcy inform her financial views, and what she'll do to establish stronger oversight when it comes to dysfunction in City Hall. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote?

This week Rich talks with Michelle Mosby, Richmond City Council's first Black female president. She says she won't need training wheels to tackle the mayor's job. She also tells us how her past bouts with bankruptcy inform her financial views, and what she'll do to establish stronger oversight when it comes to dysfunction in City Hall.

Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel.

]]> 1387 Who's Got Your Vote: Meet Maurice Neblett Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Maurice Neblett, an entrepreneur and community leader in the city. Hear what being "a true son of Richmond" means to him, how he says a non-political background gives him an edge in the race, and why transparency and accountability mean so much to his campaign. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 13 VPM Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? This week Rich talks with Maurice Neblett, an entrepreneur and community leader in the city. Hear what being "a true son of Richmond" means to him, how he says a non-political background gives him an edge in the race, and why transparency and accountability mean so much to his campaign. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote?

This week Rich talks with Maurice Neblett, an entrepreneur and community leader in the city. Hear what being "a true son of Richmond" means to him, how he says a non-political background gives him an edge in the race, and why transparency and accountability mean so much to his campaign.

Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel.

]]> 1276 Who's Got Your Vote? Meet Harrison Roday Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? We kick off with Harrison Roday, a leader in the nonprofit and industrial manufacturing space. He says his "get things done" attitude, experience in politics under Senator Tim Kaine and his aptitude for budgeting and finance sets him apart from the other candidates. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 12 VPM Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote? We kick off with Harrison Roday, a leader in the nonprofit and industrial manufacturing space. He says his "get things done" attitude, experience in politics under Senator Tim Kaine and his aptitude for budgeting and finance sets him apart from the other candidates. Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel. Our series "Who's Got Your Vote?" takes you inside Richmond's race for mayor. Rich talks with each candidate to bring you closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond. So, who's got your vote?

We kick off with Harrison Roday, a leader in the nonprofit and industrial manufacturing space. He says his "get things done" attitude, experience in politics under Senator Tim Kaine and his aptitude for budgeting and finance sets him apart from the other candidates.

Watch a longer version of this interview on VPM's YouTube channel.

]]> 1373 "Like Batman and Robin" There are 18 candidates running for Richmond City Council this November, but Rich has just one question for this week's guests: what's the job of a city council member actually like? For an honest answer, he brings in former council president, Mike Jones, and current council president, Kristen Nye. This week, RVA’s Got Questions... about who RUNS for city council. With only 6 of 9 seats having a competitive race – why aren’t more people trying to grab a spot?  Finally, if you live in the Northside of Richmond, chances are Don Polaski has knocked on your door. He spends his Saturdays going door-to-door as the "Happy Canvasser." Rich wants to know what knocking on all those doors has taught him about democracy. Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 11 VPM There are 18 candidates running for Richmond City Council this November, but Rich has just one question for this week's guests: what's the job of a city council member actually like? For an honest answer, he brings in former council president, Mike Jones, and current council president, Kristen Nye. This week, RVA’s Got Questions... about who RUNS for city council. With only 6 of 9 seats having a competitive race – why aren’t more people trying to grab a spot?  Finally, if you live in the Northside of Richmond, chances are Don Polaski has knocked on your door. He spends his Saturdays going door-to-door as the "Happy Canvasser." Rich wants to know what knocking on all those doors has taught him about democracy. There are 18 candidates running for Richmond City Council this November, but Rich has just one question for this week's guests: what's the job of a city council member actually like? For an honest answer, he brings in former council president, Mike Jones, and current council president, Kristen Nye.

This week, RVA’s Got Questions... about who RUNS for city council. With only 6 of 9 seats having a competitive race – why aren’t more people trying to grab a spot? 

Finally, if you live in the Northside of Richmond, chances are Don Polaski has knocked on your door. He spends his Saturdays going door-to-door as the "Happy Canvasser." Rich wants to know what knocking on all those doors has taught him about democracy.

]]> 1913 School Board Shakeups It's Rich's FAVORITE time of year, local election season. But what makes this year different? A plan to end dysfunction on the Richmond Public School board. Next up: the little-known quirk that determines how Richmond elects its mayor. One listener wants to know how voting actually works in RVA, and whether we'll catch the ranked-choice bug. Rich wraps things up with his election heartthrob, the Virginia Public Access Project. This free, non-partisan website is a go-to resource for anyone trying to understand elections in Virginia. And this year, K-12 students are invited to the party. Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 10 VPM It's Rich's FAVORITE time of year, local election season. But what makes this year different? A plan to end dysfunction on the Richmond Public School board. Next up: the little-known quirk that determines how Richmond elects its mayor. One listener wants to know how voting actually works in RVA, and whether we'll catch the ranked-choice bug. Rich wraps things up with his election heartthrob, the Virginia Public Access Project. This free, non-partisan website is a go-to resource for anyone trying to understand elections in Virginia. And this year, K-12 students are invited to the party. It's Rich's FAVORITE time of year, local election season. But what makes this year different? A plan to end dysfunction on the Richmond Public School board.

Next up: the little-known quirk that determines how Richmond elects its mayor. One listener wants to know how voting actually works in RVA, and whether we'll catch the ranked-choice bug.

Rich wraps things up with his election heartthrob, the Virginia Public Access Project. This free, non-partisan website is a go-to resource for anyone trying to understand elections in Virginia. And this year, K-12 students are invited to the party.

]]> 1770 Would You Swim in the James? The James River is the heart and soul of Richmond. But it's also the dumping ground for the city's sewage when it rains too much. What will it take to fix this issue? One frustrated listener asks us: why is it so hard to open a business in Richmond? Rich runs through the litany of applications you need to complete to set up shop in RVA. But it's not as bad as you might think. The Broadberry Entertainment Group is neither street nor berry. Rather, it plays a major role in booking up and coming talent in Richmond's local music scene. Owner Lucas Fritz joins us to talk about what he looks for in a musical act, and where he thinks the region's scene is headed. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 9 VPM The James River is the heart and soul of Richmond. But it's also the dumping ground for the city's sewage when it rains too much. What will it take to fix this issue? One frustrated listener asks us: why is it so hard to open a business in Richmond? Rich runs through the litany of applications you need to complete to set up shop in RVA. But it's not as bad as you might think. The Broadberry Entertainment Group is neither street nor berry. Rather, it plays a major role in booking up and coming talent in Richmond's local music scene. Owner Lucas Fritz joins us to talk about what he looks for in a musical act, and where he thinks the region's scene is headed. The James River is the heart and soul of Richmond. But it's also the dumping ground for the city's sewage when it rains too much. What will it take to fix this issue?


One frustrated listener asks us: why is it so hard to open a business in Richmond? Rich runs through the litany of applications you need to complete to set up shop in RVA. But it's not as bad as you might think.


The Broadberry Entertainment Group is neither street nor berry. Rather, it plays a major role in booking up and coming talent in Richmond's local music scene. Owner Lucas Fritz joins us to talk about what he looks for in a musical act, and where he thinks the region's scene is headed.

]]> 1814 It's Getting Hot In Here Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them. Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing? Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind. Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 8 VPM Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them. Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing? Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind. Climate change is here, in RVA, today. But some neighborhoods are much more vulnerable to excessive heat and flooding than others. Rich talks with a local climate scientist about inequities in our climate vulnerability, as well as the city's plan to address them.


Everyone seems to have a DOT these days. That is, a department of transportation. But why isn't there one in Richmond, and is that necessarily a bad thing?


Richmond has a lot going for it. Should it add regional tech hub to that list? Richard Wintsch of Startup Virginia says yes. In fact, he's actively courting entrepreneurs to the River City to, in his words, prevent us from falling behind.

]]> 1848 "The People's Budget" What would YOU do if you controlled how your government spends its money? Richmond City Council is doing exactly that as part of a new $3 million public budget. Outgoing council president Kristen Nye talks about how this works... and whether it's here to stay. This week's listener question: How do you dispose of guns? The answer is easier than you may think. Finally, our community spotlight is about... SPAGHETTI. We'll talk to an activist and mom who fights cystic fibrosis by reaching people’s hearts... and stomachs.  Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 7 VPM What would YOU do if you controlled how your government spends its money? Richmond City Council is doing exactly that as part of a new $3 million public budget. Outgoing council president Kristen Nye talks about how this works... and whether it's here to stay. This week's listener question: How do you dispose of guns? The answer is easier than you may think. Finally, our community spotlight is about... SPAGHETTI. We'll talk to an activist and mom who fights cystic fibrosis by reaching people’s hearts... and stomachs.  What would YOU do if you controlled how your government spends its money? Richmond City Council is doing exactly that as part of a new $3 million public budget. Outgoing council president Kristen Nye talks about how this works... and whether it's here to stay. This week's listener question: How do you dispose of guns? The answer is easier than you may think. Finally, our community spotlight is about... SPAGHETTI. We'll talk to an activist and mom who fights cystic fibrosis by reaching people’s hearts... and stomachs. 

]]> 1794 no En Pointe: A Major Pirouette at the Richmond Ballet It takes two to tango, but only one artistic director to lead the Richmond Ballet. For the first time in over 40 years, the official ballet for the state of Virginia is coming under new leadership. What does this mean for the future of the region's cultural institution? A listener asks Rich...what happened to all those anti-litter campaigns we use to see on TV? Is this something RVA still cares about? Finally, law enforcement keeps an eye out for RVA's safety. But who keeps watch on the watchmen? After an impactful encounter with police in 2020, Alice Minium has made it her mission to be that watchdog. Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 6 VPM It takes two to tango, but only one artistic director to lead the Richmond Ballet. For the first time in over 40 years, the official ballet for the state of Virginia is coming under new leadership. What does this mean for the future of the region's cultural institution? A listener asks Rich...what happened to all those anti-litter campaigns we use to see on TV? Is this something RVA still cares about? Finally, law enforcement keeps an eye out for RVA's safety. But who keeps watch on the watchmen? After an impactful encounter with police in 2020, Alice Minium has made it her mission to be that watchdog. It takes two to tango, but only one artistic director to lead the Richmond Ballet. For the first time in over 40 years, the official ballet for the state of Virginia is coming under new leadership. What does this mean for the future of the region's cultural institution? A listener asks Rich...what happened to all those anti-litter campaigns we use to see on TV? Is this something RVA still cares about? Finally, law enforcement keeps an eye out for RVA's safety. But who keeps watch on the watchmen? After an impactful encounter with police in 2020, Alice Minium has made it her mission to be that watchdog.

]]> 1730 School's Not So Out Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout? One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that? Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 5 VPM Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout? One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that? Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers. Four elementary schools in Richmond are reopening in July for the start of their extended school year. This "grand experiment" aims to reverse COVID-related learning loss in struggling schools. But will keeping kids (and their teachers) in a classroom fuel burnout?

One thing you WON'T find in RVA is a major league sports team. A listener asks, what would it take to change that?

Anyone can be a ballerina according to Susan Massey. This week's community spotlight looks at her adult ballet class that's included everyone from doctors, college students, and yes, truck drivers.

]]> 1867 Lawsuits and Ghosting: The Wild West of... Public Records What do an attempted coup in Cuba and secrets from the Vietnam War have in common? They both led to the creation of the Freedom of Information Act. This law allows people to access public documents and hold their government accountable. But it doesn't always work that way, as two Richmond woman recently discovered when they put the states public record laws to the test. Food insecurity is a growing issue in Central VA, with demand for food pantry items climbing as grocery store prices remain high. For this week's Community Spotlight, we talk with Änna Ibrahim from Shalom farms, a non-profit that's working to increase access to fresh produce -- and the know-how on how to cook with these ingredients. Finally, for RVA's Got Questions: What is a board of supervisors, and what do they even do? Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 VPM What do an attempted coup in Cuba and secrets from the Vietnam War have in common? They both led to the creation of the Freedom of Information Act. This law allows people to access public documents and hold their government accountable. But it doesn't always work that way, as two Richmond woman recently discovered when they put the states public record laws to the test. Food insecurity is a growing issue in Central VA, with demand for food pantry items climbing as grocery store prices remain high. For this week's Community Spotlight, we talk with Änna Ibrahim from Shalom farms, a non-profit that's working to increase access to fresh produce -- and the know-how on how to cook with these ingredients. Finally, for RVA's Got Questions: What is a board of supervisors, and what do they even do? What do an attempted coup in Cuba and secrets from the Vietnam War have in common? They both led to the creation of the Freedom of Information Act. This law allows people to access public documents and hold their government accountable. But it doesn't always work that way, as two Richmond woman recently discovered when they put the states public record laws to the test. Food insecurity is a growing issue in Central VA, with demand for food pantry items climbing as grocery store prices remain high. For this week's Community Spotlight, we talk with Änna Ibrahim from Shalom farms, a non-profit that's working to increase access to fresh produce -- and the know-how on how to cook with these ingredients. Finally, for RVA's Got Questions: What is a board of supervisors, and what do they even do?

]]> 1830 Trigger Warning: Breaking the Cycle of Gun Violence Last year, the city of Hopewell notched a huge victory in the fight against gun violence. Now cities like Petersburg and Richmond want in. We talk with Maurice Washington and Sarah Scarbrough about the strategy they've brought to the region. This week's listener question: Who is Dillon, and why does he get a rule? The Dillon Rule restricts what cities and counties can do in Virginia, and it's all because of a guy in Iowa during the 1800's. Finally, a community spotlight... about mindfulness. We talk to Ashley Williams. She’s the founder of the Well Collective, a place – and a movement – that brings history and healing to Shockoe Bottom and beyond.  Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000 Trigger Warning: Breaking the Cycle of Gun Violence full 1 3 VPM Last year, the city of Hopewell notched a huge victory in the fight against gun violence. Now cities like Petersburg and Richmond want in. We talk with Maurice Washington and Sarah Scarbrough about the strategy they've brought to the region. This week's listener question: Who is Dillon, and why does he get a rule? The Dillon Rule restricts what cities and counties can do in Virginia, and it's all because of a guy in Iowa during the 1800's. Finally, a community spotlight... about mindfulness. We talk to Ashley Williams. She’s the founder of the Well Collective, a place – and a movement – that brings history and healing to Shockoe Bottom and beyond.  Last year, the city of Hopewell notched a huge victory in the fight against gun violence. Now cities like Petersburg and Richmond want in. We talk with Maurice Washington and Sarah Scarbrough about the strategy they've brought to the region.

This week's listener question: Who is Dillon, and why does he get a rule? The Dillon Rule restricts what cities and counties can do in Virginia, and it's all because of a guy in Iowa during the 1800's.

Finally, a community spotlight... about mindfulness. We talk to Ashley Williams. She’s the founder of the Well Collective, a place – and a movement – that brings history and healing to Shockoe Bottom and beyond. 

]]> 1858 More Buses, Free Fares, No Problem Most cities struggled with bus ridership coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not RVA. We talk with Faith Walker, Executive Director from RVA Rapid Transit, about what GRTC is doing right - and where there's room for improvement. This week's listener question is about a Maymont resident and his enemy: Richmond Sidewalks. Why do the suck? (his words, not ours). But seriously, why do sidewalks have so many issues in Richmond, and what's being done about it? Finally, for our community spotlight we talk cookies with Elizabeth Redford, owner of Tablespoons Cafe in Forest Hills. This baker helps adults with developmental disabilities find work and community through delicious sweets. Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000 More Buses, Free Fares, No Problem full 1 2 VPM Most cities struggled with bus ridership coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not RVA. We talk with Faith Walker, Executive Director from RVA Rapid Transit, about what GRTC is doing right - and where there's room for improvement. This week's listener question is about a Maymont resident and his enemy: Richmond Sidewalks. Why do the suck? (his words, not ours). But seriously, why do sidewalks have so many issues in Richmond, and what's being done about it? Finally, for our community spotlight we talk cookies with Elizabeth Redford, owner of Tablespoons Cafe in Forest Hills. This baker helps adults with developmental disabilities find work and community through delicious sweets. Most cities struggled with bus ridership coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not RVA. We talk with Faith Walker, Executive Director from RVA Rapid Transit, about what GRTC is doing right - and where there's room for improvement.

This week's listener question is about a Maymont resident and his enemy: Richmond Sidewalks. Why do the suck? (his words, not ours). But seriously, why do sidewalks have so many issues in Richmond, and what's being done about it?

Finally, for our community spotlight we talk cookies with Elizabeth Redford, owner of Tablespoons Cafe in Forest Hills. This baker helps adults with developmental disabilities find work and community through delicious sweets.

]]> 1810 RVA's Housing Woes We hear it everywhere, everyday: Housing is expensive. But with so many new apartments and homes being built in RVA, why do costs continue to rise? And what can local government do about it? To answer that question we talk with Jovan Burton from the Partnership for Affordable Housing. For this week's listener question, we talk speed cameras. How are they being used in Richmond, and why aren't there more? Finally, a community spotlight about gardens -- and the woman who creates them wherever she goes. Wed, 22 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000 RVA's Housing Woes full 1 1 VPM We hear it everywhere, everyday: Housing is expensive. But with so many new apartments and homes being built in RVA, why do costs continue to rise? And what can local government do about it? To answer that question we talk with Jovan Burton from the Partnership for Affordable Housing. For this week's listener question, we talk speed cameras. How are they being used in Richmond, and why aren't there more? Finally, a community spotlight about gardens -- and the woman who creates them wherever she goes. We hear it everywhere, everyday: Housing is expensive. But with so many new apartments and homes being built in RVA, why do costs continue to rise? And what can local government do about it? To answer that question we talk with Jovan Burton from the Partnership for Affordable Housing.

For this week's listener question, we talk speed cameras. How are they being used in Richmond, and why aren't there more?

Finally, a community spotlight about gardens -- and the woman who creates them wherever she goes.

]]> 1854 Introducing: RVA's Got Issues https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/ Launching May 22, 2024, RVA’s Got Issues delves into the politics and big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? Will longer school years resolve decades-long education gaps? Host Richard Meagher connects with guests to discuss the past, present, and future impact of these questions so YOU know what’s happening in the news.  RVA’s Got Issues will also spotlight people who are pushing for change in their communities. You’ll hear stories of people who are making a difference, despite widespread civic apathy. Who knows, maybe you’ll get some ideas. If you do, or if you have questions about your community, write to us at rvasgotissues@vpm.org.  Episodes drop biweekly on Wednesdays. Wed, 15 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000 trailer VPM Delving into the politics and big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia Launching May 22, 2024, RVA’s Got Issues delves into the politics and big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? Will longer school years resolve decades-long education gaps? Host Richard Meagher connects with guests to discuss the past, present, and future impact of these questions so YOU know what’s happening in the news.  RVA’s Got Issues will also spotlight people who are pushing for change in their communities. You’ll hear stories of people who are making a difference, despite widespread civic apathy. Who knows, maybe you’ll get some ideas. If you do, or if you have questions about your community, write to us at rvasgotissues@vpm.org.  Episodes drop biweekly on Wednesdays. Launching May 22, 2024, RVA’s Got Issues delves into the politics and big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia.

What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? Will longer school years resolve decades-long education gaps? Host Richard Meagher connects with guests to discuss the past, present, and future impact of these questions so YOU know what’s happening in the news. 

RVA’s Got Issues will also spotlight people who are pushing for change in their communities. You’ll hear stories of people who are making a difference, despite widespread civic apathy. Who knows, maybe you’ll get some ideas. If you do, or if you have questions about your community, write to us at rvasgotissues@vpm.org. 

Episodes drop biweekly on Wednesdays.

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