HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Virginia Beach announced plans this month for a third subsea cable which could bring 200 high tech jobs to the city. We'll talk to councilman Ben Davenport, a leading proponent for subsea cables, about what this means for the city. We'll also talk to Joel Ogren, CEO of ACA International, the company that plans on creating these tech industry jobs. And later we'll take a look at the economic forecast for the region with ODU economics professor Bob McNab. Join us by calling 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Rain is on the forecast, but that's good news for your garden! speaking of, we're In the Garden today with our resident plant guru Jim Orband. We'll take all your gardening questions and concerns. But first, we'll talk to anthropolgist and author KAtherine Verdery about her book, "My Life as a Spy: Investigations in a Secret Police File." She's speaking at the Slover Library tonight for the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads.

Old Dominion University Professor and Eminent Scholar Dana Heller joins us today to take a look at issues in popular culture and what they say about us as Americans. Professor Heller is the author of books about reality television, the tragedy of 9/11 and LGBT issues. Which popular culture issues are you interested in and passionate about? Tune in at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.

Today we're discussing what it means to be an American from the perspective of two groups: Native Americans and Puerto Rican's. Virginia's Pamunkey Tribe was granted federal recognition in 2015, and six more tribes in Virginia received federal recognition this January. We'll talk to Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray about their desire to be self-sufficient, which includes plans to build Virginia's first casino. We'll also talk to Politico reporter Dan Diamond about the ongoing controversy between the Trump Administration and Native Americans that cuts to the core of their identity. And later on we'll discuss the state of Puerto Rico and the struggle to rebuild an American community. Tune in at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.

Public safety staff in Virginia Beach have been asking the city to fix pay disparities for over a decade. The city responded last week by allocating $3.2 million in their budget to adjust the pay of more than 6,000 employees next year. City Council votes on the budget Tuesday, May 15. Vice Mayor Jim Wood and Deputy City Manager Steve Cover will join us to discuss fixing compensation issues which will ultimately cost $38 million. We'll also talk to a firefighter who said he first contacted the city about the issue 17 years ago. Join us by calling 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Senator Tim Kaine joins us today to discuss the Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018, a bill he's sponsored that aims to assist military spouses with their careers as they transition from place to place. If you are a military spouse, what has your experience been? Later, classical recording artist Charity Tillemann-Dick joins us to share her amazing journey as a singer in the face of two double lung transplants. And as always, we'll check in with Mal Vincent to find out what's going on this week in Mal's World.

The Virginia Beach School Board voted recently to end class rankings and the naming of valedictorians. Instead, starting with the class of 2022, schools will institute a Latin honors system that recognizes more students. Do you agree with the decision to end these long-held traditions? The superintendent of Virginia Beach Public Schools will join us to discuss the change and we'd love to get your thoughts. Tune in at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.

After 108 years, the Boy Scouts announced last week that they'll make a name change. The flagship program for 11 to 17-year-olds will now be called Scouts BSA. The change will take effect next February as they start accepting girls into the program. Do you agree with this new direction? We'll talk with the Vice President of the BSA Tidewater Council, as well as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast about what this means for both organizations. Tune in at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.

Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine recently sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis raising concerns about how drilling off the coast of Virginia could negatively affect military activity in Hampton Roads. Senator Warner joins our program today to discuss their concerns about the proposed 5-year drilling plan. But first, we'll talk about oyster restoration in the Lafayette River and the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Join us by calling 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Guest host Joe Flanagan joins us today. Later, we'll check in with Mal Vincent to find out what's going on this week in Mal's World.