Virginia Focus

Virginia Focus

Virginia Focus is a half hour weekly Public Affairs program from the Virginia News Network hosted by Rebecca Hughes. The program features interviews about issues if importance and interest to Virginians such as politics, non profits, history and economic development.

Episodes

August 21, 2026 30 mins
What if the most successful urban residents aren't humans at all? Across the globe, animals are adapting to city life at remarkable speed, evolving new behaviors-and even new biology-to thrive in our concrete landscapes. On this episode, Dr. Dan Werb joins us to discuss his eye-opening book, Our Wild Familiars, and the hidden wildlife revolution unfolding right outside our doors.
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College Brain Drain explores why some college graduates stay and build careers in their home state while others leave for opportunities hundreds of miles away? Dr. Peter Bahr, of the Strada Education Foundation joins us to explore new research on where graduates relocate after college, what drives those decisions, and what it all means for states hoping to attract and retain talent. On this episode, guest host Thomas Cage, with the...
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August 7, 2026 30 mins
When it comes to literacy, Americais a nation at risk. The results of a study by the National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading shows in 47 states at least 60% of 8th grade students are below reading level. On this episode, we are talking to Pam Good, CEO and President of Beyond Basics, to find out just how bad is the problem and what is neccessary to fix
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July 31, 2026 30 mins
If it feels like everything is getting more expensive, you're not imagining it. From grocery stores and gas stations to airfare and family vacations, a new analysis finds Americans are paying significantly more for many of the staples that define daily life. Let's chat with Angela Hanks, Chief of Policy Programs at the Century Foundation, we'll break down what's driving those higher costs, why inflation continues to outpace wage gr...
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July 24, 2026 30 mins
When temperatures soar, your pets may be facing dangers you can't see. From heat-related illnesses to disease-carrying insects, summer can pose serious risks for animals of all kinds. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Michael Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, to discuss the warning signs every pet owner should know, simple steps that could save an animal's life, and where to turn when you need hel...
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July 17, 2026 30 mins
You might think you're burned out but what if the real problem is that you're simply not being challenged? A growing number of workers are experiencing what's known as "career rust out"; feeling stuck, disengaged, and disconnected from meaningful work. In this episode, we are talking with Keith Spencer, Career Expert with Resume Now, to explore the warning signs of rust out, why it happens, and what you can do to get your career mo...
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July 10, 2026 30 mins
Major changes to federal student loans took effect July 1st, affecting the way millions of current and future borrowers pay for college. The reforms reshape borrowing limits, eliminate several repayment options, and could leave some students searching for new ways to cover the rising cost of higher education. On this episode we're talking to Financial Expert Brian Walsh with So-Fi Bank. He's going to drill down what's changing, who...
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What if the earliest voices of American democracy weren’t speeches, but handwritten petitions from everyday Virginians? On this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Falls, Chief of Researcher Engagement at the Library of Virginia, to talk about a powerful new exhibit, “Ideas in Action: Virginians Petition their Government, 1776-1786.” It brings to life the real concerns of people during the Revolutionary era, from...
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June 26, 2026 30 mins
When we think about something like the World Cup, we often picture the matches, the crowds, and the global spotlight, but behind all of it is a workforce that keeps everything running, and keeps communities moving long after the games are over. A new analysis from Zety is putting that into focus, breaking down the high-demand, high-paying jobs that make events like this possible, many of which don’t even require a four-year d...
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This Father’s Day weekend, we’re stepping beyond the picture-perfect images of fatherhood we scroll past every day, and getting real about what it actually means to be a good dad, partner, and man right now. In a world where many men feel pressure to stay strong, stay silent, and somehow get everything right, today’s conversation is about breaking that mold—opening up about doubt, vulnerability, and the quie...
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Every time you get behind the wheel, there’s one simple choice that can mean the difference between life and death - and yet, thousands of people still don’t make it. Seatbelts. It sounds basic, but the numbers tell a different story, and that’s exactly why Virginia is launching a new push to get drivers and passengers to buckle up. Today, we’re talking about a new seatbelt safety campaign from the Virginia ...
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June 5, 2026 30 mins
A Virginia family answered the call on their hearts when they made the leap from being homesteaders to a full scale farming in 2022. The Weldon Cooper Center reports the number of farms in Virginia was falling and dropped 18 percent between 2002 to 2022 - not to mention the drought that year. In 2025, Maranatha Farms seems to be thriving with a new storefront. On this episode, we're talking to Phil Miller the Farm Retail Manager of...
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May 29, 2026 30 mins
When a trauma therapist is traumatized by loss, where do they turn? Trauma therapist Meghan Riordan Jarvis knew how to help her patients process grief. Although, she came undone when her father died after a year-long battle with cancer, followed by her mother’s unexpected passing while on their family vacation. The book "End of the Hour" chronicles her journey trading the therapist’s chair for the patient’s couch,...
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May 22, 2026 30 mins
Dating back to the earliest broadcasts of Sunday services at the beginning of the 1920s, religious radio stations now number over 4,000 in the U.S. On  A new Pew report examines the impact of religious radio in America. On this episode, we're talking to Sam Bestvater, Senior Data Scientist at Pew Research Center, to learn more.
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May 15, 2026 30 mins
Hospitals are cornerstones of the communities they serve — places of healing, hope and connection that impact lives and communities every day in ways both seen and unseen. As we end National Hospital Week, which runs May 10th through the 16th, we're talking to , Dr. Chris DeRienzo, Chief Physician at the American Hospital Association.
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May 8, 2026 30 mins
One small nonprofit hopes to help survivors of human trafficking and prior gang affiliation heal from the pain of their past by assisting them in the removal of “branding” tattoos and scars. To do that, they are trying to spread their message accross the country to create partnerships with organizations that employee certified and trained affiliate technicians in each state. On this episode, we're talking to Soul Surviv...
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Close to 84 million people use some type of healthcare app and many don't know that Health-related mobile and web apps are not bound by HIPAA, leaving room for risky data sharing practices. Virtru is a company that works for data security and privacy protection. On today's episode, we're talking to Mishi Choudhary, the General Counsel for Virtru to learn what ways you can protect your information.
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April 28, 2026 30 mins
The Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Incorporated is a group committed to preventing the unnecessary institutionalization of older persons and they do that by providing user-friendly, community-based, long-term care services which support not only the elderly in the community but the family caregivers, as well. With rising energy costs, Marsha Craiger, will explain more about the Heating and Cooling Assistance programs available for...
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April 24, 2026 30 mins
On average, every 10 seconds, a food allergy sends a patient to the emergency room. May 12 to May 18 is Food Allergy Awareness Week, and while it's two weeks away, we're taking advantage of an opportunity to help raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis. We'll do that by talking to a representative of FARE, which stands for Food Allergy Research and Education. They are the leading nonprofit working to enhance the lives of ...
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April 17, 2026 30 mins
On this episode, we're putting the spotlight on ALICE. Who is ALICE, you may wonder. Well, ALICE lives in every community and can be found working in a diverse range of careers, including essential workers, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and retail clerks.  United Way describes A.L.I.C.E. households as those who have incomes above the Federal Poverty Level but do not earn enough money to afford a basic survival budget...
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