Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. On today's HearSay, host Cathy Lewis is joined by doctors, advocates, caregivers and ALS sufferers for a look at new developments in the treatment of this debilitating disease. We'll also discuss the local resources available to our region's ALS patients and how those options are helping them maintain their independence.

Join us for today's edition of HearSay from the Headlines, where we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. This week we'll bring you up to speed on the latest transportation news from across Virginia.

Climate change and rising sea levels have far reaching impacts on our costal community, but the place where Virginia homeowners may feel it soonest is their pocketbook. Today we're joined by the Executive Director of Wetlands Watch for a look at their latest report on how insurance rates for shoreline communities are being adversely affected by sea level changes.

Summer is in full swing, and that means it's time to grab a great book and hit the beach. Join HearSay host Cathy Lewis today as we chat with a few of the Commonwealth's own authors about their books and where they might fit into your summer reading plans. So all of you local bookworms, take a pause from your summer reading lists and join us today on HearSay for a chat with a few of our favorite Virginia authors.

In advance of Independence Day, HearSay takes a special look at the teachable lessons that can be learned by turning our attention to America's hard-fought struggle for independence. Today Cathy Lewis travels back to 1776 with Colonial Williamsburg historian Taylor Stoermer for a look at the true meaning of "citizenship," and the importance of taking an active role in our nation's forward progress. We're also joined by retired U.S. Army Major General Vincent Boles for a lesson on effective leadership that anyone can implement.

Join us for today's edition of HearSay from the Headlines, where we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. This week we'll consider how last week's landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions will impact Virginia's gubernatorial race. We'll also provide an update on what new Virginia laws have taken effect at the start of this month. Our lines are open, and we invite you to let us know your thoughts by joining us live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

June 26 was a historic day for same-sex rights in the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court gave the nation's legally married gay couples equal federal footing with all other married Americans by striking down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The high court also cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California by dismissing that state's Proposition 8 Amendment that banned gay marriage. On this edition of HearSay with Cathy Lewis, a panel of guests throughout the hour will discuss the impact of the rulings on the LGBT community and what's next for same-sex rights in Virginia and in the United States.

Week in and week out, the HearSay team works to bring you programming that is as entertaining as it is informative. Though spending our lunch hour with you four days a week is a reward in and of itself, it's always nice to receive some official recognition. We're thrilled to be the recipients of six nominations from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in categories ranging from "Best Human Interest Series" to "Outstanding Feature Reporting." Today we bring you one of the shows that netted us a statuette at the 2012 VAB Awards.

Your pets aren't just your furry friends; they're also your family. But unlike your two-legged kin, pets can't speak up if they're way too hot or dying for a drink. Today our favorite pet health expert Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins us in studio to share some tips for helping your pets stay happy and healthy in the summer heat. Give us a call at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240, or send us a message on our Facebook page at facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Join us for another edition of Headlines, where we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. This week we'll discuss the cancelation of the beloved NPR discussion program "Talk of the Nation" with the show's host, Neal Conan. We'll also consider what lessons on workplace behavior can be learned from the latest controversy surrounding celebrity chef Paula Deen. Our lines are open, and we invite you to let us know your thoughts by joining us live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.