HearSay with Cathy Lewis

A panel in the House recently voted to lift restrictions on horse slaughter for meat. Why do we eat meat, like chicken, without issue but shudder at the thought of eating other animals like horses? Call us with your thoughts at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Here at HearSay, we love animals -- so much so that we're trekking to the Catnip Cat Cafe (CCC) for today's edition of HearSay Pets! The CCC is the first cat cafe in Hampton Roads and was established with a mission in mind: to get as many shelter cats adopted as possible. Today, veterinary guru Dr. Phyllis Neumann, host Cathy Lewis and CCC owner Freeda are teaming up to answer your toughest pet questions (while playing with cats). We invite you to join our live studio audience at noon, but if you can't make it, you can send your questions to [email protected].

Virginia is facing an opioid crisis; over 1,400 people died from overdoses in the state in 2016. Addiction can negatively impact more than just the substance abuser, and a new collaborative in Virginia is looking to protect those that are most vulnerable: infants. The Virginia Neonatal Collaborative is a statewide group comprised of hospitals, clinicians, and other health care stakeholders dedicated to the health of mothers and babies. The group focuses on combatting issues such as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Tune in today at noon to learn about the Commonwealth's efforts to lessen the impact of the opioid crisis on babies.

Across Northern Carolina and the eastern United States, people are giving up red meat - but not for typical health reasons. Those abstaining from beef and other "mammal proteins" are suffering from a rare meat allergy caused by, of all things, a tick. Named for a small white dot on its back, the Lone Star tick thrives in our regions hot and humid climate, and new research shows that thousands might already have contracted the allergy. Today we'll talk with doctors and researchers that are closely studying the Lone Star tick and this new allergy. Later, a look at the etymology of the military-centric term "Jody." The term has become a sort of catch-all for any man that stays home instead of heading off to war - often keeping the soldier's girlfriend company. Join us at 440-2665.

The Klu Klux Klan held its second rally this year in Charlottesville on Saturday, July 8. The Klansmen were outnumbered by protesters, and Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer expressed pride in his city for acting as a symbol of democracy. Today we're talking with Mayor Signer about the importance of solidarity and the fight against racial inequality. Later, we're joined by researchers studying the rise in hate groups and crime in America. What, in your opinion, is the best way to combat hate and discrimination and hate? Call us with your thoughts at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

For families facing "food insecurity," those without enough food to meet basic needs of all their members, weekends and summer can be an especially difficult time because children cannot take advantage of available school breakfasts and lunches. Today Joe Flanagan talks with the team behind the Virginia Beach Education Foundation's "Beach Bag" program -- it's helping provide hundreds of needy students, across all grade levels, with necessary food items throughout the summer.

On this edition of HearSay, guest host Joe Flanagan sits down with Jerry Sanford, a local broadcast personality that was there at the start of stations like WVEC-TV and our very own WHRO-TV! Most would know Jerry for the thirteen years he spent on channel 13 as Bungles the Clown! In the second half, The Virginian-Pilot's Jordan Pascale joins us for a look at the hundreds of new Virginia laws that took effect July 1st!

Summer in coastal Virginia means time spent along the water, but a little-known bacteria that thrives in brackish, coastal waters could put you and your family at risk. Today's guest host, Joe Flanagan, will learn about the risks posed by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found in areas with a mixture of fresh and saltwater, such as at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay — that thrives in warmer temperatures. We'll hear a first-hand account from one Chesapeake Bay waterman that nearly lost his life to Vibriosis! And later, the original "frugal chick," Laura Oliver drops in with her favorite opportunities for big summer savings!

Civility is more about more than being nice, or polite. It is about finding common ground in the midst of our differences and expressing disagreement without disrespect. Today we'll consider why civility seems to be vanishing from our day to day interactions, be they on-line or face-to-face. Do you find yourself having a hard time remaining civil in the midst of fierce disagreements? Join us today with your experiences...

2017 Virginia Association of Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Feature Reporting

Cathy dropped in this past summer on an old friend with a new job. Royal Navy VADM Tony Johnstone-Burt was to have spent three years in Norfolk as Chief of Staff to NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation, but two years into the job, he got a call that would change his life: please come home for a meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Weeks later, he became the “Master of the Household to the Sovereign,” the operational head of the Royal Household. In a wide ranging conversation in London at St. James Palace (built 1531-1536 by Henry VIII), Cathy asked VADM Johnstone-Burt about life as a trusted member of the Royal family and his family’s fondest memories of Norfolk. (Spoiler alert: the shared joy of Doumars may have been discussed!)