Virginia Focus

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 organizati...

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.

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 a...

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 a...

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 talk...

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 Feder...

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 recruitme...

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...

Tens of thousands of Americans are living with a hidden lung infection that mimics tuberculosis. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, also called NTM, is a growing health threat that affects lung health and doctors say it often goes undiagnosed. Raising awareness and educating the public about NTM is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, potentially saving lives in the process. On this epis...

America is changing and, with what appears to be a shrinking middle class, many people worry that the American dream is also dying. A new book written by a man who served as the former CFO of the NBA, the former CEO of the NBA’s Atlanta Spirit, the former SVP of the Colorado Rockies, and a professor of Business and Sports Management at the University of Massachusetts explores how to bring back the...

Do you wonder about the ability of our nation’s aging infrastructure to function adequately in modern times. Roads, bridges, tunnels, as well as water and power systems all seem to be showing signs of degredation and age. On today's episode we're talking to the spokesperson for the American Society of Civil Engineers and U.S. Infrastructure Lead for global engineering firm GHD, Maria Lehman.

Many parents have already started their back-to-school shopping and it won't be long until it's time to meet the teacher. On this episode, we're being proactive in talking about ways to support and show appreciation for the teachers who may be extra stressed during a time of teacher shortage. We're talking to Ryan Tauriainen, the Executive Director of Teach for America's DC Region, to learn ways b...

With blazing heat in the forecast, a busier-than-ever hurricane season and more tornadoes predicted, how do you keep your pet safe and sound? On this episode, we are talking summer pet safety with Dr. Sandra Faeh, chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates.

Stillbirth affects about 1 in every 175 births, and each year about 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States, according to the CDC. This is the equivalent of a school bus full of children every day. On this episode, we're learning more about the issue by talking with Executive Director Samantha Banerjee who runs the nonprofit PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy. Katie Gray will be filling in this...

Finances seem to be top of mind these days as inflation remains high and that includes choices about whether to go to college and how to pay for it. As well, more people are consulting with financial planners to try and protect their financial futures. Today, we're getting the latest update from Brian Walsh, the Manager of Financial Planning and Student Loan Expert at So Fi Bank.

Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. The FBI estimates that over a 10-year period, insurance fraud costs the average U.S. family between $4,000 and $7,000 in increased premiums. In Virginia, the Virginia State Police have a group of highly skilled, professional law enforcement personnel eager to fight insurance fraud. On today's episode, we're learning more from VSP Insurance Fraud Program C...

The Wall Street Journal and other media are picking up the story that Gen Z is being called the Toolbelt Generation because they are disenfranchised with the college track and see rising pay and more jobs in the trades. Aaron Hilger CEO of SMACNA, the trade association for the sheet metal and HVAC industry, can help us understand more about this trend.

Those looking to strike out on their own may enjoy today's segment 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 rat...

A new study shows the majority of teens are confident about retirement but only 60% understand what the term means. Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Foundation commissioned the study that questioned kids between the ages of 13 and 18. Let's learn more by chatting with Ed Grocholski, the Chief Marketing Officer at Junior Achievement.

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 nonprof...

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 th...

When the time feels right to sell your business, how do you even get started?  On this episode we're talking about what business owners need to know when selling their business to avoid making the mistake of a lifetime and what factors they should consider in today’s dynamic marketplace. The guest on the show is Andy Goldberg. He's an attorney with decades of experience in the field of business an...

A controversial federal program known as “340b” was created to cover the costs for uninsured and vulnerable patients by providing medicine discounts to hospitals, who would then pass the savings on to its patients. However, a new report highlights that the opposite is occurring. Instead of saving money, patients are spending 2.5 times more on medicines at 340b program entities than at non-340b ent...

President Biden continues pushing his “green agenda” with a goal of requiring two-thirds of new car and light truck sales to be electric vehicles by 2032, but automakers have been calling foul. They say they simply cannot meet these requirements while remaining profitable. Today we're talking with Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, also known as SEMA ab...

Many businesses are currently struggling to calculate the tax owed on their crypto investments, giving way to questions about what is required of them in this upcoming tax season. Additionally, many wonder when and how they should start adopting new reporting practices in order to comply with looming changes to crypto tax requirements. On this episode, we are talking to the Senior Director of Gove...