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

February 7, 2025 30 mins
Many would say the new Trump administration has put American vaccine policies in the national spotlight. A new poll conducted by the Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease reveals that 74% of Americans support keeping FDA-approved vaccines widely available. As well about 70% of respondents said declining vaccination rates in children are causing concern. On this episode, we're talking to Candace DeMatti...
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This two part episode discusses the effects of obesity on the cost of healthcare as well as doctor burnout. While itself now being considered a chronic condition, obesity in America also increases the risk of developing other chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. We're talking to Emory University Professor and Chairman of the PFCD Dr. Kenneth Thorpe about a new study that highlights the po...
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January 24, 2025 30 mins
January is National Train Your Dog Month. New research conducted by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers shows 93% of Americans have canine neighbors but six out of 10 people also said that a neighborhood dog has behavior issues. Here to talk about new training resources for dog owners is Brad Phifer, Executive Director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
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January 17, 2025 30 mins
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a massive shift in the way companies and employees view the traditional office and America tripled the number of remote workers according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Remote workers are pushing back against returning to the office and as a result, the office of today - and tomorrow - is one that will need to be more suited to the worker than it was in the past.  We're talking to Marc Selvite...
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If you are a parent, you are likely hoping to raise your kids to develop strong and resilient brains so they can live happy and productive lives. A new book written by Child Psychologist Dr. Charles Fay and Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen gives pratical, easy to understand advice that encompasses your childs brain and their mind to help them become adults who can successfully navigate life on their own. Let's hear more about the ...
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January 3, 2025 30 mins
People looking to ditch the cubicle and the W2 and strike out on their own may enjoy today's podcast about being a Solopreneur. On this episode we're talking to the author of the book "Succeeding As A Solopreneur", Liz Steblay. She says her book helps you achieve success at every stage of your solopreneur journey, from determining if you’re ready to “go for it,” to setting a marketing and pricing strategy, to lowering your tax rate...
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December 20, 2024 30 mins
Some people enjoy drama-free get-togethers with their loved ones, while others feel anxiety at the thought of enduring a holiday party with their families. If you expect to hear critical or harsh remarks about your appearance, relationship status, mental or physical health, financial struggles, or career challenges, you likely know the struggles of being in a toxic family structure. On today's episode, we're talking to Licensed Cli...
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December 13, 2024 29 mins
People all ages, from children and families to older adults, in need of help living in southwest Virginia can turn to a charitable agency known as Mountain Empire Older Citizens for a variety of services. From care coordination for older adults to public transportation and from crisis intervention for children to employment programs, the MEOC located in Big Stone Gap offers resources to those parts of rural Virginia. This holiday s...
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Developing skills to get along with others is as essential as reading, writing, or math for kids.  However, the digital age has removed many chances for children to learn these important social skills.  How can parents assist their little ones in naturally progressing social skills and how to get along with others?  We are learning more from Patty Bardina, PhD, and her new book, "BADI BLESBOK SAYS HELLO: A Lesson in Greetings".
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November 29, 2024 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, where Meghan took...
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November 15, 2024 30 mins
A study commissioned by the Computer and Communications Industry Association shows nearly 40 percent of people use AI applications at work several times a day on their desktops and that number is expected to explode over the next year. To learn more about the survey as well as how AI is transforming the average workplace, we're talking to Trevor Wagener, Chief Economist and Director of the Research Center, at CCIA.
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November 8, 2024 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 it.
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November 1, 2024 30 mins
A non-profit that runs national voter registration and turnout programs, is currently engaging in a massive 'Get Out the Vote' program targeting 50 college campuses to reach 14,000 students. VoteAmerica began the program in 2018, and claim to have produced anywhere from a 2-8 point boost in turnout, depending on the amount of investment per student. On this episode, we're talking to the organization's CEO, Debra Cleaver.
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October 25, 2024 29 mins
A study by WifiTalents found that 55% of event planners expect AI to have a significant role in the industry over the next 5 years. The same report also found that at least 60% of event planners have begun using AI to manage user info during registration. On this episode, we are learning more about it from Zack Schwartz, the Chief IT Officer of Events DC.
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October 18, 2024 30 mins
High prescription costs, inflation, and wages that aren't keeping up are leading to what could be the matchup of the decade. The Federal Trade Commission announced plans to go after the largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers: CVS Health’s Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth’s Optum RX - who control the cost of 80% of prescriptions in the United States. The FTC alleges the companies are artificially inflating prices to inc...
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October 11, 2024 29 mins
In America's frontier days, European settlers in several colonies were legally required to obtain firearms before migrating.They were to use these weapons hunt and fight off wild animals, as well as defend against indigenous populations. For many Americans gun ownership represents individual freedoms, self-determination, and the right to protect one’s family and property. For others, the threat and statistics on gun violence are en...
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A new study shows 1 in 10 college students have electronic devices that are infected with malware and that nearly 8 in 10 are still reusing already-breached passwords. The reports used recaptured breach and malware data from the past 12 months for faculty, staff and students from the Top 50 U.S. institutions of higher education and was compiled and released by SpyCloud. On this episode, we're talking to Chief Product Officer Damon ...
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September 13, 2024 29 mins
As of 2023, the Small Business Association reported there were more than 33-million small businesses employing nearly 62 million people, or nearly 46% of the country’s work force. Small businesses have endured many setbacks during the pandemic and just as they are starting to see some light, a huge setback is looming. On this episode we're talking to Brad Close, the President of the National Federation of Independent Business, who ...
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As police departments across the country struggle to hire and retain quality staff, concerns about public distrust, reports of excessive police violence and other notions have also hampered the efforts of departments nationwide. A new report by the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population suggests implementing effective and practical apprenticeship programs can reduce the costs of recruitment. We're going to talk to Ben Klos...
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Last year, more than 10,500 vehicles were stolen in Virginia. The Virginia State Police HEAT Program is a cooperative effort of the Virginia Department of State Police, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the Commonwealth. Officers are committed to reducing that number, but they can’t do it alone. We are learning more from Special Agent Craig Hudson.
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