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. 

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.

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.

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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 [email protected]. 

Episodes drop biweekly on Wednesdays.