Virginia’s effort to revisit outdated cannabis convictions is moving forward again, though in a revised form that shifts how people access relief.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...
This piece is one in a series of opinion pieces by Jon Baliles about the proposed Richmond Grand Resort and Casino. You can read his other pieces HERE. The Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial Board and reporters sat down this week with the casino opponents who said the casino advocates “are using what amounts to sleight of hand to woo voters”...
There has been a lot of boasting from the casino advocates about their partnership with Kentucky-based Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI). The rebranded Richmond Grand casino developer Urban One is a radio and TV conglomerate that has said they are partnering with CDI because of their huge capitalization and experience with casinos. But let’s take a...
RVA 5x5 Deep Dive’s by Jon Balilies are in-depth looks at topics of import in our city and our region to provide a better understanding of the sometimes complex issues we all face and what possible solutions and/or discussions are needed to address them. They say the past is prologue and that if you don't learn from history, you are doomed to...
Jamie Lockhart serves as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, a statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve and broaden access to reproductive healthcare. In this interview, Jamie reminds us how critical it is for us to participate in the Nov. 7th election by detailing what exactly is at stake– and...
During a broadcast on The Box 99.5 about the casino issue, host Preston Brown directed offensive comments towards Paul Goldman, director of the No Means No Casino PAC. Recordings from the November 1st program reveal Brown's extensive verbal attacks, labeling Goldman a "Judas" and making derogatory remarks about his Jewish heritage, suggesting he...
Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes is an incredibly accomplished woman who has lived the American Dream. At one time, she ranked as the United States' second wealthiest African American woman, following Oprah Winfrey. Hughes is the founder of Radio One (now known as Urban One), and with its public launch in 1999, she made history as the first African...
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia voters have about two weeks left to cast an early vote, in person. Over 287,000 people have already voted early in the Nov. 7 election, through both in-person and mail ballots. More voters have cast an in-person ballot than submitted a mail ballot, as of Oct. 18. However, just over 228,000 mail...
Axios dropped some news this morning about the city's high-stakes casino referendum. Wondering what's lighting a fire under voters this election season? Well, the pro-casino team is pulling out all the stops to boost turnout, offering free lunches at polling stations. Though they're offering Ubers to their supporters, don't let that deter you....
Hundreds gathered in Richmond’s Monroe Park for a rally in solidarity for Palestinians. Supporters included both members of the local Muslim community and those without an Islamic background. Rally-goers then took to the streets with Richmond Police assisting in closing down West Broad Street temporally. The rally and march went off without a...
