POLITICS




more in politics

After Strong Turnout, Richmond Arts Park Enters Holding Pattern

Under the Manchester Bridge, what had been an idea for years turned into something tangible, at least for a day. Hundreds of people moved through the space as muralists painted, DJs played, and passersby stopped mid-bike ride or walk to figure out what was going on....

Richmond Had a General Strike and a First Friday on the Same Night

It was 72 and breezy. Unseasonably pleasant, almost chilly. VCU students were splayed out on picnic blankets in Monroe Park enjoying soft serve and the sunshine. Citronella and the smell of hot dogs wafted through the air from some folks having a cookout. “High...

Tim Cywinski (VA-01) Makes His Case for Congress | Part 2

It’s now been about a month since I had this conversation with Tim Cywinski. It has remained relevant despite the century of news that has transpired since then. Donald Trump just announced he was going to wipe the 5000+ years-old Iranian civilization off the map....

Salon De Résistance | Art Against Power

Join us for Salon de Résistance on April 30 at Black Iris for an unfiltered conversation about the role of art and culture during times of political upheaval with three of Richmond's leading artists. This is a free event open to the public. Event...

Vote Yes. What’s Missing From the “Vote No” Argument

I had a friend ask me about redistricting. He was trying to figure out how to vote and admitted he did not really understand what was happening. He leans left, so the fact that he was unsure says something about how this issue is being presented right now.  Virginia...

Cannabis Justice Moves Forward in Virginia After Years of Debate

Virginia’s effort to revisit outdated cannabis convictions is moving forward again, though in a revised form that shifts how people access relief. Governor Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to SB 62 / HB 26 replace the bill’s original automatic resentencing framework...

Richmond Had a General Strike and a First Friday on the Same Night

It was 72 and breezy. Unseasonably pleasant, almost chilly. VCU students were splayed out on picnic blankets in Monroe Park enjoying soft serve and the sunshine. Citronella and the smell of hot dogs wafted through the air from some folks having a cookout. “High energy, high discipline” was the chant from activists from the Richmond chapter of the...

Read More

May Day 2026 by Quentin Rice_RVA Magazine 2026

Tim Cywinski (VA-01) Makes His Case for Congress | Part 2

It’s now been about a month since I had this conversation with Tim Cywinski. It has remained relevant despite the century of news that has transpired since then. Donald Trump just announced he was going to wipe the 5000+ years-old Iranian civilization off the map. This is just one of a dozen (at least) horrifying, beyond career-ending idiotisms...

Read More

Tim Cywinski.by Christian Detres_RVA Magazine 2026

Growing Virginia No Kings Movement Finds ‘Joy In The Resistance’ 

Virginia grassroots organizations are working to sustain and grow a movement following the nationwide No Kings protests on March 28. Dozens of organizations were involved in the demonstrations, including COVA Coalition, Indivisible, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Virginia Grassroots Coalition, We of Action, 50501 Virginia, League of Women...

Read More

No Kings_Richmond_photo by Andrew Kerley_RVA Magazine 2026.

Salon De Résistance | Art Against Power

Join us for Salon de Résistance on April 30 at Black Iris for an unfiltered conversation about the role of art and culture during times of political upheaval with three of Richmond's leading artists. This is a free event open to the public. Event page here. Art has never been neutral. Across generations, artists have either...

Read More

Salon-De-Resistance_Art-Against-Power_RVA-Magazine-2026

Vote Yes. What’s Missing From the “Vote No” Argument

I had a friend ask me about redistricting. He was trying to figure out how to vote and admitted he did not really understand what was happening. He leans left, so the fact that he was unsure says something about how this issue is being presented right now.  Virginia Republicans have framed it in a way that leaves out key context, which has made a...

Read More

Virginia-Redistricting_R-Anthony-Harris_RVA-Magazine-2026

Cannabis Justice Moves Forward in Virginia After Years of Debate

Virginia’s effort to revisit outdated cannabis convictions is moving forward again, though in a revised form that shifts how people access relief. Governor Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to SB 62 / HB 26 replace the bill’s original automatic resentencing framework with a petition-based process. The legislation is intended to give courts the...

Read More

Cannabis Justice_Larry Farr_RVA Magazine 2026

New Bill to Allow Psilocybin Treatment, per FDA Approval

Lawmakers are clearing the way for use of the psychedelic mushroom compound psilocybin as a potential medical treatment, once a formulation is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Senate Bill 379 directs the state Board of Pharmacy to reschedule psilocybin consistent with the federal scheduling as soon as the FDA approves a formulation...

Read More

Psilocybin-Vrginia_photo-Daniel-Neuhaus_RVA-Magazine-2026

Can Richmond Have Bars? New Virginia Law Eases Food-to-Alcohol Rules

Virginia lawmakers have approved changes to the state’s long-standing food-to-alcohol sales requirement for restaurants, easing restrictions that many operators have said no longer reflect how the industry works. The legislation, HB975, passed during the 2026 General Assembly session and modifies the food-to-beverage ratio for businesses with...

Read More

Can Richmond Have Bars_New Virginia Law Eases Food-to-Alcohol Rules_RVA Magazine 2026