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 organization's CEO, Debra Cleaver.

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 artificially inflating prices to increase their profits. Let's talk to the nation's leading expert on PBM's Antonio Ciaccia to learn more.

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 and statistics on gun violence are enough to make them want strict regulations, or even removal, of guns from law-abiding citizens. Statistica.com says there are more guns than people in the United States and its civilian population has a larger firearm arsenal than all the world’s militaries combined. On this episode my colleague Katie Gray will host the conversation as we talk to Kris Brown, the President of one of the country's oldest gun violence prevention organizations, Brady United.

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 talking to Chief Product Officer Damon Fleury to learn more.

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 Federation of Independent Business, who says if Congress doesn’t act, small businesses will face the largest tax hike in history come next year.

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 recruitment. We're going to talk to Ben Klosky who is the co-author of the report and a former police apprentice about how the apprenticeships can reduce the barrier to a career in policing for nontraditional applicants, while also exposing those who are not a good fit for policing.

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 episode, we're getting more information from the President of NTM Info and Research, Amy Leitman.

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 reality of the American dream and help more people achieve it. On this episode, we're hoping to learn more from the author of "Reimagining America's Dream: Making It Attainable for All", Dr. Bernie Mullin.