Campaign 2012: The Races are Underway

The Republican presidential primary race is underway, and Virginia Senator Jim Webb's seat is being hotly contested. On today's program, Cathy talks with state and local experts about both of these races - and the role our area will play in next year's election.

We take a look at the latest news headlines. Our phone lines open for you to let us know your thoughts by calling in 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 at www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Hampton Roads has some of the highest sexually transmitted disease rates in the nation. That means area residents engaging in unprotected sex are at a higher risk of infection than it is in other parts of the country. On today's program, we'll talk with local experts about the spread of HIV and STDs in our area, which communities are at risk, and what steps are being taken to educate the population. We'll also talk with a local doctor who has just returned from a trip to Haiti, where youth ages 14-24 are a growing demographic at risk of HIV infection.

This weekend, Hampton celebrates the 11th Annual Blackbeard Festival. On Friday's program, we'll hear from a "real-life" member of "Blackbeard's crew" about what it was like to serve aboard the dreaded pirate's vessel! We'll also talk with the author of a new book chronicling the life of the most famous of all female pirates, Anne Bonny. You can learn more about the festival at www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com.

Tune in for a broadcast of a panel discussion hosted by the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at The University of Virginia and Christopher Newport University's Center for Public Policy. The discussion took place May 26th. Legislators taking part in the dialogue include: Sen. Tommy Norment, Sen. Frank Wagner, Del. Kenny Alexander and Del. Lynwood Lewis.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts today and runs through November 30th. And while Hampton Roads does not typically see an increase in storm activity until late August, there is always the conversation to be had about preparedness. Federal forecasters released their predictions for this season and say they expect and above average season with three to six major hurricanes. The forecast follows one of the busiest seasons on record last year that saw intense levels of storms, but no direct hit on the U.S. coastline. On the Wednesday edition of HearSay, the dean of weather forecasters, WAVY News 10's chief meteorologist Don Slater joins us along with Virginia's Coordinator of Emergency Management, Michael Cline to talk about what might lie ahead for us this season and how you can be prepared.

Is there a national surge when it comes to lying on the stand? Scandal after scandal in the past decade, we've seen headlines about many high-profile cases that have struck a damaging blow to our judicial system. Why do people lie under oath? On Thursday's HearSay, we'll talk with the author of "Tangled Webs - How False Statements are Undermining America: From Martha Stewart to Bernie Madoff." James Stewart talks about the consequences surrounding the "perjury epidemic" that's "undercutting the very foundation of our courts: reyling on witnesses to tell the truth." Stewart is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning reporter and also author of "Blind Eye," "Den of Thieves" and other non-fiction works.

The flea and tick season is literally heating up. HearSay's favorite veterinarian Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins host Cathy Lewis to tackle your troubling pet problems.

For the first in its 23 year history, the LGBT group Hampton Roads Pride will hold its annual "Out in the Park" festival at Norfolk's Town Point Park. The larger venue is not only expected to draw more people in the area, but more attention from others outside the local gay and lesbian community. On Thursday's HearSay, we'll talk about the evolution, the current state, and the ideas about the future of the LGBT community in Hampton Roads.

From the garden to the table - it's farmers market season in the region. Soon, area markets will be bursting with all kinds of vegetables and fresh foods. What will you find out Hampton Roads' markets? What are the latest trends? Is business expected to boom this year? We'll talk about the region's offerings with our favorite foodie, Patrick Evans-Hylton and Five Points Community Farm Market general manager, Bev Sell.