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:

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/

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.

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

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 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.

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.

While we gear up for Season 3, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite episodes from previous seasons.

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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.

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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.

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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.