RVA’s Got Issues
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.
1
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.
35 min
2
Sarah Abubaker on Budgets and Thinking Big
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.
28 min
3
RVA's Got Issues: Season 4
RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season.
2 min
4
Odie Donald: Richmond’s New CAO
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.
29 min
5
Bobby Vincent on Fixing Richmond's Roads
When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed? Rich gets answers from Richmond's Department of Public Works.
28 min
6
What's New on the Richmond School Board?
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?
28 min
7
The Tattoo Capital of Virginia?
What's with Richmond and tattoos? Rich tries to find out by talking to tattoo artists – and getting a tattoo.
28 min
8
Giving Thanks in RVA
28 min
9
Kenya Gibson on Transparency and Politics
Richmond City Council member Kenya Gibson takes on the big issues. What makes her tick?
28 min
10
The Persistent Problem of Gun Violence
28 min
11
Richmond vs. Poverty
The poverty rate is way down in Richmond. How are we doing it?
28 min
12
Detainments and Trust Policies: ICE in Richmond
After a series of high-profile ICE arrests, Richmonders are wondering what’s next for immigration enforcement in the region.
28 min
13
A Lifetime Lost to Bad Evidence
The city of Richmond just paid out millions for a wrongful conviction. How far does Virginia’s problem with faulty evidence go?
28 min
14
The State of the Arts in Richmond
With all the changes in City Hall and D.C., what’s in store for the arts in Richmond?
39 min
15
Without a Net: RVA Healthcare
Is Richmond’s healthcare safety net starting to fray?
28 min
16
Mayor Avula on What’s Next
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula returns to the show. What’s next for Richmond under his leadership?
27 min
17
Vaper Trails
What’s with all the vape shops in RVA?
28 min
18
Code Refresh Report
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?
28 min
19
The Future of Gilpin Court
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.
27 min
20
RVA's Got Issues: Season 3
2 min
21
RVA Revisited: A World First in Chesterfield Co...
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?
25 min
22
RVA Revisited: Why Are Black Homeowners Being L...
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.
27 min
23
RVA Revisited: Addiction to Evictions
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.
16 min
24
RVA Revisited: Public Housing Makeover
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.
22 min
25
RVA Revisited: The Corrections Crisis
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.
30 min