Virginia Focus

Do you wonder about the ability of our nation’s aging infrastructure to function adequately in modern times. Roads, bridges, tunnels, as well as water and power systems all seem to be showing signs of degredation and age. On today's episode we're talking to the spokesperson for the American Society of Civil Engineers and U.S. Infrastructure Lead for global engineering firm GHD, Maria Lehman.

Many parents have already started their back-to-school shopping and it won't be long until it's time to meet the teacher. On this episode, we're being proactive in talking about ways to support and show appreciation for the teachers who may be extra stressed during a time of teacher shortage. We're talking to Ryan Tauriainen, the Executive Director of Teach for America's DC Region, to learn ways both parents and administrators can make a difference.

With blazing heat in the forecast, a busier-than-ever hurricane season and more tornadoes predicted, how do you keep your pet safe and sound? On this episode, we are talking summer pet safety with Dr. Sandra Faeh, chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates.

Stillbirth affects about 1 in every 175 births, and each year about 21,000 babies are stillborn in the United States, according to the CDC. This is the equivalent of a school bus full of children every day. On this episode, we're learning more about the issue by talking with Executive Director Samantha Banerjee who runs the nonprofit PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy. Katie Gray will be filling in this week as the host. We begin this episode hearing the experience that lead Banerjee to advocate for awareness.

Finances seem to be top of mind these days as inflation remains high and that includes choices about whether to go to college and how to pay for it. As well, more people are consulting with financial planners to try and protect their financial futures. Today, we're getting the latest update from Brian Walsh, the Manager of Financial Planning and Student Loan Expert at So Fi Bank.

Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. The FBI estimates that over a 10-year period, insurance fraud costs the average U.S. family between $4,000 and $7,000 in increased premiums. In Virginia, the Virginia State Police have a group of highly skilled, professional law enforcement personnel eager to fight insurance fraud. On today's episode, we're learning more from VSP Insurance Fraud Program Coordinator First Sergeant Peter Lazear.

The Wall Street Journal and other media are picking up the story that Gen Z is being called the Toolbelt Generation because they are disenfranchised with the college track and see rising pay and more jobs in the trades. Aaron Hilger CEO of SMACNA, the trade association for the sheet metal and HVAC industry, can help us understand more about this trend.

Those looking to strike out on their own may enjoy today's segment about being a Solopreneur. On this episode we're talking to the author of the book "Succeeding As A Solopreneur", Liz Steblay. She says her book helps you achieve success at every stage of your solopreneur journey, from determining if you’re ready to “go for it,” to setting a marketing and pricing strategy, to lowering your tax rate to keep more of what you earn.

A new study shows the majority of teens are confident about retirement but only 60% understand what the term means. Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Foundation commissioned the study that questioned kids between the ages of 13 and 18. Let's learn more by chatting with Ed Grocholski, the Chief Marketing Officer at Junior Achievement.

On average, every 10 seconds, a food allergy sends a patient to the emergency room. May 12 to May 18 is Food Allergy Awareness Week, and while it's two weeks away, we're taking advantage of an opportunity to help raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis. We'll do that by talking to a representative of FARE, which stands for Food Allergy Research and Education. They are the leading nonprofit working to enhance the lives of allergy sufferers and foster understanding and support for their struggle. Let's learn more from FARE CEO Dr. Sung Poblete.