Hearsay With Cathy Lewis

"Code-Switching" is the ability to transition from an informal speech pattern to a more formal type of speech. HearSay guest-host Barbara Hamm Lee is the executive producer of the upcoming "Code-Switching" documentary on WHRO-TV 15 and today she'll preview the program. The documentary examines how a person's inability to "code-switch" can impact where he or she works and what he or she earns. We'll also examine how the media has covered the issue over the years.

The chronic diseases caused by childhood obesity and the health costs that follow can impact all of society at large. This year, First Lady Michelle Obama launched a campaign called "Let's Move," targeting the issue and pledging to end childhood obesity within a generation. The WHRO Center for Regional Citizenship has long focused on the childhood obesity epidemic. Right now, it's partnering with the Richmond-based Interfaith Center for Public Policy to promote a new program: "Healthy Habits for Hampton Roads." We'll also explore how some say equitable transportation policy can even reverse childhood obesity by keeping kids moving. Join us!

Are some dog breeds more aggressive because of biology, or because they were trained that way? What determines whether a dog is vicious-- its breed or whether its attacked a human, dog or cat? Some cities and states have breed-specific legislation which restricts or prohibits owning certain canine breeds. HearSay Veterinarian Phyllis Neumann from Todds Lane Veterinary Hospital in Hampton will discuss some of the pros and cons of breed-specific restrictions. We'll also take your pet health questions.

HearSay, Out of the Box, Sinnett in Session and the Saturday Night Fish Fry are just a few local radio programs heard on WHRV. However, those programs wouldn't be on the airwaves if WHRO hadn't formed WHRV-FM 20 years ago. On this special WHRV 20th Anniversary edition of HearSay, we'll take a look back at some of the WHRV milestones, and find out what's ahead for the next 20 years.

Economic concerns, energy savings and traffic congestion are the main reasons Virginia is considering a four-day workweek for state employees. Last week, Governor McDonnell's newly formed Reform and Restructuring Commission recommended the plan, which would mean longer, 10-hour work days, but shorter work weeks. But is that such a good idea? Would the shorter workweek mean a customer service bottleneck for state agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Virginia Employment Commission? Joining the discussion are Dan Bell from Canon Information Technology Services in Chesapeake, which uses 4X10 scheduling whenever possible. We'll also talk about another possible solution to the same concerns - telecommuting, or teleworking. Jennifer Alcott, programs director for TeleworkVA will discuss how telecommuting works and initiatives to create more teleworking jobs in Virginia. We'll also be joined by Hampton Roads Transit CEO and President Philip Shucet, who will discuss how public transit is moving forwa

They work for major corporations, nonprofits, law firms or operate their own businesses. Women and minorities are leading economic growth and development in Hampton Roads. We'll introduce you to some of the influential people and discuss how they overcame challenges and adversity to get where they are today.

Every day, people come to America with the hopes of becoming a citizen and being protected by the civil rights and social justices with which many Americans aren't even familiar. On today's HearSay, we'll learn more about Constitutional Conversations, a non-partisan, Hampton Roads community-based education project designed to send law students into the community to educate citizens about their civic rights and duties.

HearSay gardening guru Jim Orband is officially retired, but he's still joining us monthly to discuss all things flora and fauna. We'll also check in with Kathy Van Mullekom of The Daily Press to get the latest on garden related happenings in Hampton Roads.

Whether you're looking for a job or recruiting, technology is a major factor in the process. HearSay tech consultant Ed Sykes will join us in studio to discuss how you should, and shouldn't use technology in your job hunt. Plus, we'll check out what's trending now in the local job market.

Since voters rejected light rail in 1999, Virginia Beach city council members have been squeamish to endorse The Tide as a transportation priority. More than 10 years later, council is still having a hard time with getting behind, or in front of efforts to bring light rail to the city. Is the next stop a referendum? We'll discuss that possibility, and more local headlines on today's HearSay.

How friendly are the skies for you nowadays? The air travel industry has made some not-so-desirable headlines lately. From a flight attendant's "emergency exit" off the job to the addition of more baggage fees when you fly. We'll talk about the state of the skies with Wayne Shank, Executive Director of Norfolk International Airport this hour, along with the the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Association of Flight Attendants. We'll also discuss the ongoing debate over the FAA Reauthorization Bill and Jeff Michaels author of the book "Please Hug Me - I've Been Delayed."

Divorce is a painful reality for many couples and their families. It's really a three part process - legal, financial and emotional - and used to mean a long and drawn out courtroom process. For that reason, many couples are turning to collaborative divorce, a process that's gaining momentum in Virginia and across the nation. Collaborative divorce is different because it's a method that tackles the legal, emotional and financial aspects of divorce by bringing couples, attorneys, mediators and family counselors together. We'll discuss how collaborative divorce works with attorney Mary Commander, mediator Karen Richards and financial planner Lonnie Broussard - all three of whom were instrumental in bringing collaborative divorce to Virginia.

What do you do when you are worried a loved one is thinking about suicide? What are the danger signs and how can you take action? Chris Gilchrist, a therapist based in Chesapeake and founder of the Survivors of Suicide Support Group will help answer those tough questions. Chesapeake businesswoman and mother of five, Lisa-Marie Janotka, will join the discussion and share her insight as she continues to recover and heal after her husband committed suicide more than 6 years ago. We'll also hear the military angle of suicide prevention from a chief petty officer who makes sure every sailor on every ship knows there is help if they're contemplating suicide.

The buses are back on the road, bookbags are packed -- It's back to school time. We're back after the holiday weekend, hitting the headlines in an all new HearSay.

Hurricane Earl is expected to impact the Hampton Roads region. Stay tuned for special programming as we weather the powerful storm.

Last school year, Norfolk Public Schools made a lot of headlines, and not always for a good reason. Testing controversies, layoff worries, and questionable classroom leadership overshadowed some of the school system's great successes. As we head into a brand new year, Norfolk welcomes brand new school leadership. We'll discuss plans to address those problems, and keep moving forward with new superintendent, Dr. Richard Bentley, and new school board chair, Dr. Kirk Houston Sr.

Underage drinking on college campuses is risky-and rampant. So why are the presidents of more than a hundred US colleges asking to revisit the legal drinking age? Is 21 really working or eroding respect for the law?

Norfolk Community Services Board has proposed relocating its Crisis Stabilization center. One site it had in mind was a little too close for comfort for residents in Norfolk's Ghent-area neighborhoods. And what is the reasoning behind the proposed relocation? We'll discuss the issue with West Ghent Civic League president, Dr. Dan Newman, along with Brenda Wise and Jacqueline Schaede from the Community Services Board. We hope you'll join in the conversation as well.

Del. Bob Marshall's requests for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's opinion are framing a significant portion of policy debate in Virginia. Is it a creative political stratagem? Joining us for the conversation, Dr. Robert Holsworth, President of Virginia Tomorrow, a company that examines the social, political and economic trends that are shaping the future of the Commonwealth. We'll also take your calls at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Remember the days when you had to wait for the 6 o'clock news to get your local headlines? Now, you can get the headlines and breaking news anytime on your phone and computer. The local TV news landscape has definitely evolved, and on today's HearSay, we'll be joined by local TV news veterans who have been there throughout this news evolution. Has it changed for the better? And, what's on the horizon? Join in and share your thoughts as we discuss the changing TV news landscape