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
October 24, 2025 • 30 mins
Americans living in the White House today and throughout history are no strangers to critcism and controversy. However, one child of a former president seems to be a favorite because of her outlandish antics. On this episode, we're discussing the fascinating historical biography of America's most memorable first daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt. Shelley Fraser Mickle is the author of the book "White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosev...
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October 17, 2025 • 30 mins
Debt is the real factor that drives both economic growth and financial crises from recessions to extreme inequality. In order to understand this paradox, we need to address why a certain amount of private debt is vital to the economy. On this episode, we're talking to Richard Vague, an author, Former Secretary of Banking for Pennsylvania, and former CEO of two banks. His book "Paradox of Debt" reveals the role that debt plays in ou...
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October 10, 2025 • 30 mins
If you were to suffer a spinal cord injury and subsequent paralysis, would you know where to turn? Thousands of individuals with paralysis and their families across the country are watching Congress to see if critical services will be included in the budget. On this episode, we're going to discuss how the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation helps people with paralysis live independently and learn how people can connect with thos...
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October 2, 2025 • 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 in t...
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September 26, 2025 • 30 mins
Most people think pencils and paper, books and backpacks when they think about the back-to-school season. Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security say it is a critical time to spot and stop human trafficking. To learn more about how to start a conversation about it with the young people in our lives, we're talking to Erica Reid, the Acting Section Chief for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
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September 19, 2025 • 30 mins
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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September 12, 2025 • 30 mins
Seed Your Future started the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. They hope to introduce students to vital horticultural, agricultural, and floriculture jobs - including STEM, business, design, logistics, marketing, and more. During Green Career Week in October, participating businesses and organizations will connect with local schools, colleges and universities to showcase the ...
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September 5, 2025 • 30 mins
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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August 29, 2025 • 30 mins
Some Virginians grow up in the commonwealth and don't take notice of the depth of history available around every corner. But others, like Coleen Dixon, who grew up in Arlington, find themselves mezmerized by the richness of American history at every turn. Ms. Dixon calls herself the historical homemaker and believes it is important to cherish and share the memories of those that have gone before us and made our country so great.
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August 15, 2025 • 30 mins
As many workers feel anxiety about whether or not AI will replace them in the workforce, a new report reveals jobs that rely on empathy and other uniquely human skills will be what makes them also resistant to automation. On this episode, we are talking with Zety's Dr. Jasmine Escalera about the Emphathetic Jobs Report that includes positions offering good pay, growth potential, and can only be done by people like you and me.
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August 8, 2025 • 30 mins
Since 1 in 3 children in the United States deal with food allergies, it's imperative that parents be prepared and help their children and their classmates learn about the possible consequences of allergic reactions. On this episode, we are discussing innovative treatments, that latest guidance for epi devices, legislation to increase research funding, and more. Let's get more information from FARE Senior Director of Education and S...
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August 1, 2025 • 30 mins
If you pay insurance premiums‚ you’re already a victim of insurance fraud. The FBI says because of the number of people committing Insurance Fraud, the result is it costs the average U.S. family hundreds, if not thousands per year in the form of increased premiums. The Virginia State Police believe that together, through education and accountability, we can reduce the number of insurance fraud cases and lower premiums in the common...
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July 25, 2025 • 29 mins
Virginia State Police have been working to prevent auto theft since the H.E.A.T. or Help Eliminate Auto Theft program started more than 25 years ago. It is estimated that the value of stolen vehicles and parts totaled more than $120 million in 2020. Don’t become a statistic or an easy victim. Guest Host John Clark will be learning more by talking to VSP 1st Sgt. Peter Lazear.
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July 18, 2025 • 30 mins
Before colonists brought their foods from other regions of the world, indigenous people thrived on foods native to North America. A new movement is gaining traction, encouraging farms to reintroduce first foods, like persimmon, ramps, and pawpaw fruit, to help decolonize diets and reduce reliance on external food systems that may not be sustainable due to cost and climate change. Today we're learning more from Mike Ferster, a Virgi...
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July 11, 2025 • 30 mins
Cyber breaches have evolved from simple experiments to malware like Trojans and email worms to phishing and botnets. The largest data breaches, often involving billions of records, have occurred since 2005, coinciding with the digital transformation of businesses and governments. How do you protect yourself? Let's talk to Colette Tomasiak, Director of Product Marketing at SpyCloud, to find out.
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July 4, 2025 • 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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June 27, 2025 • 29 mins
Hundreds of thousands of workers frequently face outdoor hazards such as high heat and humidity. In the absence of laws in Virginia and other states for worker protections, Virginia's Department of Labor and Industry does have regulations and is actively developing new rules to address the issue. The American Society of Safety Professionals is also offering guidance on protecting workers, explainations on how to acclimate workers t...
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June 20, 2025 • 30 mins
There's a new hidden epidemic in the workforce and it involves managers pushing employees out of the company without ever saying a word. In Zety’s new Quiet Firing Report, we explore how common "quiet firing" is, what tactics managers are using, and how it’s affecting employee morale and retention. Career Expert, Dr. Jasmine Escalera, will tell us more about the new workplace challenge potentially facing us all.
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June 13, 2025 • 30 mins
Few people know that not everyone accused in the infamous college admission bribery scandal, that included celebrities like Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, was guilty. One innocent family continues fighting to clear their reputation after being caught in the net of the Varsity Blues Scandal in 2019. Those parents have written a book called "Varsity Blues: The Scandal Within the Scandal" and started a charity to help other Ameri...
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June 6, 2025 • 30 mins
The American Dream may feel fragile today, but for Greek immigrant and entrepreneur George Danis, it’s alive, achievable, and worth fighting for. In his new book "Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek" Danis shares his colorful life story with anecdotes and lessons on being successful in life and business. On this episode we're getting a dose of inspiration and a look at America from outside it's borders.
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