DMV Spotlight with Barbara Britt

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 3-8-2026 on Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a bipartisan alliance of organizations and health professionals dedicated to aligning marijuana policies with the scientific understanding of marijuana’s harms and preventing a ‘big tobacco' approach to the sale of marijuana. Guest, Jordan Davidson, Director of Government Affairs for SAM or Smart Approaches to Marijuana says the primary focus is to educate the public about the proven dangers of pot use amid legalization, noting that Virginia most recently established a legal cannabis market in the Commonwealth with no opt-out option for any locality. Davison warns this could mean pot stores on community street corners and insists the marijuana of today is not like Woodstock pot. Today, the THC levels are exponentially higher. Davidson also pointing to new studies that connect teen pot use with developing psychotic behavior according to the CDC. Learn More:https://learnaboutsam.org/about/

DMV Spotlight on March 1st, 2026 shines a light on the often hidden crime of human sex and labor trafficking. Ambassador Susan Esserman, Founder and CEO of the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors says human trafficking is very prevalent in the DC Metro area because of the 95 corridor and access to three international airports. Esserman says victims are offered comprehensive services and often get trapped in trafficking via romantic outreaches that initially provide for the victims needs but soon becomes a trap. Esserman also noting the unique trafficking that takes place within diplomatic households in the DC area where diplomats bring residents from their native land and essentially  make them work for free, often in harsh conditions. The SAFE Center provides comprehensive legal, emotional, health and job placement services to help free victims. Esserman also notes two new laws in Prince George’s and Montgomery County aimed at banning companies tied to trafficking from doing business with local government. Learn More: https://umdsafecenter.org/ Read More: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on a regional disaster following  a massive spill of raw sewage into the Potomac River that impacts DC, Maryland and Virginia on January 19th, 2026. Guest, Hedrick Belin, President of Potomac Conservancy notes more than 5 million people in the DC area rely on the Potomac for drinking water and while this sewage line break happened downstream from the water intake pipes there is growing concern over the long term impacts on the environment and for those who use the Potomac for recreation. Potomac Conservancy sent a letter to DC Water, which Belin says has done yeoman’s work in the clean up effort, to request a regional response going forward. He also wants more transparency from officials on the safety of the Potomac River for those who recreate in, along and on the river. The Potomac Conservancy is a 501-c3 and the region’s leading clean water advocate. Learn More:https://potomac.org/  

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the  Northern Virginia Food Rescue non-profit in Prince William County, Virginia where Executive Director Dr. Megan Franco reports 43 percent of residents, more than one in three are “ food insecure”. Dr. Franco says the Northern Virginia Food Rescue is a middle man of sorts, rescuing otherwise useable food from being thrown away with a  team that can collect food from grocery stores or restaurants or farmers market and bring it to a warehouse for distribution to local organizations that serve communities in need. Dr. Franco says each year they are able to rescue 2 to three million pounds of food that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. She also notes that food insecurity is growing due to both job instability and inflation. Learn More: https://nova-fr.org/

DMV Spotlight on 2-8-2026 shines a light on the events at Mount Vernon in honor of America’s 250 celebration. Guest, Julie Almacy with Mount Vernon Communications explains visitors will be welcomed into the newly renovated historic mansion of General Washington. Almacy outlines the various events ranging from the new Patriots Path, a Revolutionary War Encampment to new dining options to free online education resources for teachers and parents. Almacy also explains the Virginia 250 Passport that allows guests special access to dozens of historic sites across the Commonwealth. Learn More:https://www.mountvernon.org/250

DMV Spotlight on Jan, 25th, 2026 shines a light on the final 630 page report by the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established by the Maryland House of Delegates back in 2019. The Commission spent six years working to  “investigate, document and reckon with the history of racial terror lynching”  of as many as 38 Black men in Maryland. Guest, Commission Chair, Dr. David O. Fakunle of Morgan State University and Co Chair, Dr. Charles Chavis of George Mason University explained many of the lynchings took place in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Dr. Fakunle says the report includes dozens of recommendations. Governor Wes Moore in May, vetoed a bill that would have launched a two year study into whether the state should provide reparations to Marylanders impacted. The report was finalized December 9th. Learn More:https://msa.maryland.gov/lynching-truth-reconciliation/

DMV Spotlight on January 18, 2026 shines a light on the spread of the ‘flu’ or influenza across the Commonwealth. Guest, Lisa Sollet, Respiratory Disease Program Manager with the Virginia Department of Health explains the common causes for the spread of respiratory viruses for this years “flu season” noting unusual surges and and trends this winter. Sollet also highlights the VDH  Respiratory Disease Data dashboard that tracks not only flu but also Covid-19 and RSV. Sollet explains the genesis of the dashboard as well as reminders on how best to prevent the spread of the flu and protect yourself from respiratory illness. Sollet also advocates for the annual flu shot and explains how it is tracked and developed each season. Learn More:Respiratory Disease Data – Epidemiology  

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Community Connection on January 11, 2026. Guest Zara Brunner, a Montgomery County resident and found of “Soup Moms” explains the now nearly 12 year tradition began with her desire to connect with other moms from her children’s elementary school. Brunner says what began as a simple gathering for moms to trade soup instead of cookies in a swap has grown into not only a yearly connective point but also a generational example to their children. Brunner also uses the annual night for the Soup Moms to donate to Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg. Brunner explains what began as  her small effort to connect neighbors has grown beyond what she ever expected: into an annual event to help others with donations and deepen connections within the community. Learn More: https://www.mannafood.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the nation’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. Maryland 250 Commissioner Director, Michele Johnson, explains each state has its own commission and its own theme for the Nation’s Semi Quincentennial and even offers a tutorial on how to say: Semi Quincentennial! In addition to state events from the Chesapeake Bay to the western Maryland Mountains, Johnson highlight events including a national initiative America’s PotLuck on July 5th to encourage communities to gather while on July 8th there is a national initiative to share the spirit of  America by reading simultaneously coast to coast the Declaration of Independence. Johnson adds the existing annual Maryland Day will become a statewide celebration on March 25th instead of merely regional. Learn More: https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov/

DMV Spotlight on 12-28-25 shines a light on the Real Estate outlook for the region heading into 2026. Bright MLS Chief Real Estate Economist Lisa Sturtevant expects a slowing in the pace of home sale transactions as well as slower home growth. Sturtevant expects a modest decline, even in the region’s median home price pointing to on-going uncertainty around the federal government that she says suggests weaker demand in the larger DC Metro area. She also notes a continued drop in mortgage interest rates that may give buyers a needed boost. Learn More: https://www.brightmls.com/article/2026-mid-atlantic-housing-market-outlook

DMV Spotlight on 12-21-25 shines a light on Gambling Addiction following a new study in Maryland finding that what is now called ‘disordered gambling’ impacts nearly two out of every 5 Marylanders who bet on sports. Guest Karen Duffy, Executive Director for the Maryland Coalition of Families explains recent legalization of online betting and the prevalence and ease of placing bets has led to a spike in at-risk behavior. Duffy pointing to data from the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling that found the number of Maryland residents exhibiting disordered gambling rose 42% since legal sports betting was approved by the legislature in November of 2022. Duffy says the Maryland Coalition of Families offers support for struggling families. Learn More: https://www.mdcoalition.org/

DMV Spotlight on Dec 14th, 2025 shines a light on a recent report on the DC area water supply by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Executive Director, Michael Nardolilli explains while the risk of water shortages in the coming decade is low in the area (1% - 5%) he stresses the importance of locating new water sources in the event of extended drought, weather changes or even terror on the water system. Director Nardolilli also notes that both DC and Arlington have zero water back up and only a one day supply whereas the rest of the region can tap from upstream reservoirs in an emergency. Learn More:https://www.potomacriver.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the American Cancer Society Study designed to investigate disparate outcomes on treatment and diagnosis of cancers in Black women. Guest and Principal Investigator, Lauren McCullough, explains her efforts on  a groundbreaking initiative led by the American Cancer Society called " Voices of Black Women" that is designed to improve the health of Black women across the country. Learn More:https://voices.cancer.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on  the Fisher House Foundation on 11-30-25 and its mission to serve miltary families getting treatment by providing a free "home away from home" near the hospital or VA facility so family members can stay nearby while their loved one is getting treatment. Guest David Coker, Fisher House Foundation president also explained the Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes programs where supporters can donate airline miles or hotel points to defray travel costs for families or in areas where there is not yet a Fisher House. WMAL radio in Washington hosts the annual Fisher House Radiothon early December and over the years has raised millions from generous listeners to support military families. Learn More:https://www.fisherhouse.org/

DMV Spotlight on 11-16-2025 shines a light on The Ride for Your Life, a ten mile slow ride from downtown Bethesda, MD to the Lincoln Memorial in DC to bring together over a thousand bicyclists to honor victims of roadway violence. Ride Founder Dan Langenkamp explains he wanted to highlight the dangers of roadway safety following the death of his wife Sarah, who was killed in 2022 on River Road in Bethesda after being hit by a large truck. Langenkamp has also spearheaded road safety legislation on the state and county level. Learn More: https://rideforyourlife.org/

DMV Spotlight on November, 9th, 2025 shines a light on Arlington National Cemetery as Veteran's Day approaches. Guest, Karen Durham- Aguilera, Executive Director of Arlington National Cemetery explains the preparations underway for ceremonies on November 11th including the Tomb of the Unknowns. KD-A also explains the logistics for attending ceremonies next week. She also notes that so far, Arlington does have enough federal funding..at least through mid-December. Learn More: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/about

DMV Spotlight shines a light on 11-2-2025 on Artificial Intelligence applications, uses and future expectations as NVIDIA, the tech titan that makes AI chips reached the 5 trillion dollar valuation milestone. Guest, Virginia Tech professor, Dr. Andrew Katz explains, in a very generic sense, how AI is already being used in everyday life from directions on your phone to autofill on your computer  as well as applications  for military and national security. Dr. Katz notes the newer applications of ChatGPT and the impact on the classroom and students and the challenges for teachers to discern what is students work and what is AI generated. Dr. Katz also explains the term AI itself is largely a so called suitcase term that holds a lot of different things. Learn More: https://enge.vt.edu/People/researchfaculty/andrewkatz.html

DMV Spotlight shines a light on traffic safety non-profit, Safe Roads Maryland which has been pushing for approval of several new laws in Maryland that are designed to encourage safe driving. Guests, John Seng, Chair of Safe Roads Maryland and Board member, Ron Weiss, explained the dangers of speeding and aggressive driving which experts have noted are on the rise post-pandemic. Both men welcomed the new Maryland laws that raise fines for speeding based on how fast the driver is speeding as well as the increase in speed cameras around the county insisting the new measures will help save lives. Safe Roads Maryland notes 541 people were killed on state roads last year, calling it a crisis. Learn More: https://www.saferoadsmd.org/

DMV Spotlight on 10-19-2025 shines a light on Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Montgomery County State’s Attorney, John McCarthy highlights local resources for domestic violence survivors to get help including the Family Justice Center in Rockville, MD, home to over 40 non profits, including the House of Ruth, that are dedicated to providing wrap-around services for women and their children (and sometimes men) to get the assistance they need. McCarthy also notes the education programs that begin in high school with violence as a part of one of three dating relationships. McCarthy’s office also offering QR codes at Metro stations in the county for October for survivors to get resources. Link:https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Solar Farm Expansion in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve ( Ag Reserve). Guest Steven Findlay, President of the SugarLoaf Citizens Association says while his group is very supportive of solar energy, he has grave concerns about a new Maryland law that expands the land access in the Ag Reserve to Solar developers. Findlay notes the limited acres that are farmable in the Ag Reserve and raises the red flag that solar development drives up the price of the land and makes it easy for landowners to exit the already struggling farm industry. Findlay also calls into question the expansion of vast solar arrays under state law instead of local county control and says he is worried about the shrinking amount of farmable land and the destruction of the rural landscape. Learn More:https://sugarloafcitizens.org/  

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the ongoing battle over the data center project known as the Prince William Digital Gateway on Oct 5th, 2025. The latest legal ruling sends the project back to the County Board of Supervisors for renewed consideration. Longtime data center opponent and Gainesville resident, Bill Wright explains he is now giving up the battle and moving out of Prince William County.  Wright shared that he and his wife carefully chose their retirement community with adjoining woods and the Manassas Battlefield but learned it would be less than 30 feet from the data centers with less than a 30 yard buffer. Wright also mentioned the latest data center battles will not only be over land use and valuation, clean water and energy use but also noise. Learn More: https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/prince-william-county-set-to-appeal-digital-gateway-voiding/article_2161d1e3-5bb5-46a2-8f2b-f06e6b4a06a9.html

DMV Spotlight on 9-28-25 shines a light on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Virginial. Guest, Sonya Breehey, with the Coalition for Smarter Growth is sounding the alarm after trees were abruptly clear cut along a 4 mile stretch of the popular trail by Dominion Energy. Breehey notes the action with alarm following a past cooperative relationship with the energy giant and NOVA Parks which owns and operates the 45 mile green oasis that stretches from Arlington to Purcellville, VA. Breehey acknowledges the easement maintained by Dominion, she expressed concern about the lack of coordination with NOVA Parks and fears future clear cutting along the beloved trail. Breehey is also sounding the alarm on a potential commuter rail through the corridor and points out while the Coalition for Smarter Growth is supportive of mass transit in general, it opposes the location. Learn More: https://www.smartergrowth.net/virginia/

DMV Spotlight shines a light  on Sept 21, 2025 on efforts to treat addiction in the DC Metro area. Dr. Marquitta Duvernay, Senior Director of Addiction Recovery Services at Inova in Northern Virgina explains the options for those battling addiction as well as assistance for families and friends of those battling addiction. Dr. Duvernay pointing to a recent Inova survey , “ Act on Addiction “ found that nearly half of adults in Northern Virginia are either personally impacted by substance abuse or know someone who is, with even higher numbers among millennials. Dr. Duverney also described the stigma of drug addiction as a barrier to treatment as well as promising data showing overdose deaths are down, crediting the availability of Narcan. Learn more: https://www.inovanewsroom.org/press-release/2025/09/nearly-half-of-northern-virginians-impacted-by-addiction-according-to-new-inova-survey/

DMV Spotlight on September 7th, 2025 shines a light on the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival at Sandy Point State Park featuring a full line up of music but also raises money to help protect the Chesapeake Bay and supports VA Way, that provides mental health resources for Military Veterans and the public. Baygrass founder and CEO, Ron Peremel says tens of thousands of dollars have been raised in the several years since the start of the Baygrass Festival as well as sustainability practices including reclaiming oyster shells from seafood serviced at the festival to use as oyster beds back into the Chesapeake Bay. Peremel say the festival partners with: The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Oyster Recovery Partnership and Watershed Stewards Academy with a portion of each ticket sale used to support the charities. Learn More: https://baygrassfestival.com/mission/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Sept 7, 2025 on the 2nd Annual Community Volunteer Fair where dozens of non-profits who need volunteers will be matched with those who wish to serve. Guest, Amy Barker, coordinator for the Fair and the Director of JustServe of Alexandria says a plethora of local charity organizations will be there as well as schools and libraries that need a hand. The Fair will be held Saturday, September 13th , 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on King Street in Alexandria and is free and open to the public from 2 to 4pm. Barker also mentions this can bee a good opportunities for students who need service hours to connect in the Alexandria community. Learn More: https://www.justserve.org/projects?displayView=list&volunteering=locally&cid=&radius=25&location=Alexandria%2C+VA%2C+USA

DMV Spotlight on Aug 31, 2025 on Suicide Prevention efforts. Guest Mike Lamma, Executive Vice President of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention explains the mission of the organization includes funding research into suicide prevention, education in schools and elsewhere, advocacy efforts in legislation as well as officer programs for those who’ve lost loved ones to suicide. Lamma explains the National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline 9-8-8 was an outgrowth of advocacy efforts. Lamma also discussed the Out of the Darkness Walks around the DC Metro area during the month of September for National Suicide Prevention month. Lamma also warning parents that some online resources, such as their own, can be trusted while there are also negative and unregulated resources. Learn More: https://afsp.org/chapter/national-capital-area

DMV Spotlight on Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future on 8-24-25 shines a light on efforts by the Piedmont Environmental Council to create a statewide campaign to raise awareness across the Commonwealth about the impact on data centers for all Virginia residents. Piedmont Environmental Council president Chris Miller explains that Virginia residents will see a massive spike in residential energy bills as power companies struggle to keep up with the energy demands placed by data centers. Miller argues that data center companies including Google and Microsoft can afford to pay for their own power needs. Miller says Virginia residents also need to get up to speed on the impacts of data centers on local water supplies, including the Potomac River. LearnMore:https://www.pecva.org/resources/press/piedmont-environmental-council-launches-virginians-for-a-smarter-digital-future/

DMV Spotlight on 8-17-2025 shines a light on teen cannabis use in Maryland since the legalization of recreational pot two years ago. Guest, PhD Kara Skelton, a family health researcher at Johns Hopkins says there is growing research on the impact of cannabis on the developing brain with increased anxiety and poor academic performance and even suicidal tendencies. Dr. Skelton also notes the increased frequency in use of the drug along with the increased potency. She adds that parents must be equipped to warn their children that just because pot is legal, does not mean it is safe. Learn More:https://www.collegeparentsmatter.org/

DMV Spotlight on August 10th, 2025 shines a light on the impacts of the latest economic policies and DOGE cuts on the DC area economy. Dr. Terry Clower, Director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. Clower looks at the latest unemployment claims in DC which reflect the highest rate in 3 years at 5.9 percent but insists the true impact of DOGE cuts will not be seen until after September when the Federal workers who took advantage of the Administration’s buyout offer will no longer be on the US Government payroll. Dr.Clower also discusses the discretionary spending decline being felt among the restaurant owners. https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/tclower https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/08/11/dmv-economy-federal-spending-cuts/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on drowning prevention efforts by Stop Drowning Now. Guest Jim Spiers, a water safety expert and president of the 501c-3 explains there is both fatal drowning and non-fatal drowning adding that drowning is both swift and silent and unlike movie scenes of screaming for help.  Spiers notes that drowning is vastly under-reported in the US and around the world. Stop Drowning now offers free dry land curriculum for teachers and educators with a mission to teach children how to avoid drowning with lessons on floating and danger avoidance. Spiers also outlines simple steps for those with pool access to prevent drowning. Stop Drowning Now also has municipal resources for the Cities program to help prevent  drowning in urban areas. Learn More: https://www.stopdrowningnow.org/  

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the changing real estate market in the DC area brought on by a combination of uncertainty, high interest rates and DOGE cuts. Guest, Corey Burr, Senior VP of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in DC notes the shift from a seller’s market to more of a buyer’s market.  Burr also explains the frustration of some sellers following the red hot pandemic market in DC just a few years ago. Burr also has some suggestions for first time home buyers to be able to afford a new home and points to growing inventory here in the DC area. Learn More:https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-559-4027240/corey-burr

US Divorce rates remain high with the Centers for Disease Control estimating 1.3 million Americans ending a marriage in 2023, the latest statistics. Guest, Anthony Diaz, a lawyer, mediator and Co-Parenting expert explains a new trend called Birdnesting is an option in some divorce situations with children. Diaz says Birdnesting allows children to remain in the family home while the parents take turns going back and forth. Diaz says the arrangement is especially helpful for young children as it creates the consistency and routine that is considered critical for healthy development. But Diaz is quick to point out that birdnesting is not a good option in any divorce where abuse may be a factor or where finances may not allow for such options. Learn More: www.AnthonyDiazLaw.com

DMV Spotlight on 7-13-25 shines a light on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics held at various locations across several Northern Virginia Counties and Cities. Guest, Ron Hupp, this year’s NVSO Chair says last year a record number of people –fifty and over—participated..with the oldest participant being 101. He expects even more will sign up this year when registration opens on Monday, July 14th for the October 2025 games. Hupp notes that several new events will be added to the 70 plus sports and activities, including the 50 yard butterfly in swimming and Texas Hold ‘em poker. Hupp says the ever popular Pickleball events are also being expanded for this year’s competition. Learn More: https://nvso.us/  

DMV Spotlight shines a light on a planned power project across three counties in Maryland that have led to State and Federal lawsuits, even before being approved. The Public Service Enterprise Group filed a lawsuit against more than 100 homeowners in Carroll, Frederick and Baltimore Counties who have refused allow access to the private companies who are trying to plan the project that will transmit electricity to help power Data Centers in Northern Virginia. Guest Joanne Frederick, President of Stop MPRP, Inc explains it is a David versus Goliath fight and questions why taxpayers and landowners must foot the bill to pay for energy generation for Data Centers in another state. The Maryland Public Service Commission has yet to make a final ruling. PSEG has insisted the 70 mile long,150 foot wide swath needed for the high voltage power line is critical for power generation and transmission. Learn More: https://stopmprp.com/

After a week of extreme heat, even by  DC summer standards, Central Union Mission shares its strategies for keeping people on the street cool and hydrated. Guest, Pastor Ron Stanley, Vice President of Men’s Ministry at the Mission says the goal is to provide guests with a safe, cool place to go in the heat..as well as in the extremes of winter. Pastor Stanley also explaining the Mission distributes cooling towels, sunscreen and cold and keeps a close water on the elderly members of the homeless community who may also have unknown medical conditions. And if you encounter someone living on the street in extreme weather, to direct them to a shelter or provide a bottle of cold water or in DC, you can call 3-1-1. Learn More:https://www.missiondc.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Smart Approaches to Marijuana  or SAM on June 22nd, 2025. Guest Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of SAM explains a concerning new loophole for a marijuana derivative called; “Delta 8” that is sold in many states, even in gas stations without restrictions. Dr. Sabet raising the alarm he says because even children can buy it. Dr. Sabet noting just a one molecule  difference between Delta 8 and traditional marijuana. He adds there has been an uptick in calls to poison centers with Delta 8 and its availability. Learn More:https://learnaboutsam.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the Seek 1st Foundation, a Virginia based 501c-3  which raises donation and generates funds for ice hockey scholarships to support young people who want to participate in ice hockey. Guest, Craig Bringman, Founder of the Seek 1st Foundation explains as a youth hockey coach he has witnessed young people with the drive and talent but not always the money needed to take park in the expensive sport. Bringman says his goal is to ensure players have the opportunity to participate in hockey regardless of their financial situation. Bringman says the charity counts on its volunteers and discussed the first inaugural Ice Gala fundraiser in Gainesville VA in August. Learn More: https://seek1stfoundation.org/  

DMV Spotlight on 6-8-25 shines a light on Domestic Violence as the images  of Sean Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway plays on repeat during Combs trial. Executive Director of My Sister’s Place in DC, Mercedes Lemp, says she has not noticed any uptick in cases, but says  the non profit that assists survivors of Domestic Abuse always has more cases than they can help. Lemp does say My Sister’s Place provides a safe haven, short and long term housing, counseling, financial assistance and connection with legal and court services as needed. Lemp explains the cycle of abuse as well as the financial manipulation that can trap women –and sometimes men—in domestic abuse situations. Learn More: https://www.mysistersplacedc.org/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on one father’s battle to continue care for his young adult Autistic son at one of the few such care facilities available. Ben Smith of Bristow, a single dad who works in DC provides an overview of the struggle to both find and maintain care for his 26 year old non verbal son. Smith shares his support for the Bright Center in Manassas Virginia and the challenges to continue funding for the non profit amid federal cuts. Learn more here:https://brightcenter.org/

DMV Spotlight on 5-18-25 shines a light on the Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation. Guest Kathryn Landis-Bogush, President of the Foundation explains that founder, Bettie Jane Bryant of Frederick died of cancer back in February of 2023 but during her battle with the disease, Bettie Jane, who ran a dance studio, was staggered by the costs associated with fighting cancer. Bryant created the foundation to assist with costs ranging from  oxygen tanks to transportation to groceries. The Foundation continues with annual events to raise money to support the foundation, including the yearly Gala in October as well as a 5K Run/Walk. Learn More: https://www.bjcfmd.org/

DMV Spotlight on 5-11-2025 shines a light on the DMV Regional Economic Outlook. Guest, Dr. Terry Clower, Economist and Professor of public policy at the Schar School at George Mason and the Director of the Mason Center for Regional Analysis offers insight on last month’s Washinton Economy Watch from the Stephen S. Fuller Institute  for April 2025. Dr. Clower points to uncertainty in the job market based on Federal cuts and layoffs, though points out the full impact is not yet reflected in the current data. Dr. Clower also notes declining numbers in both Consumer Confidence due to tariff uncertainty adding that regional travel data shows air travel at Reagan National and Dulles International airports both falling. A shift in the growth sectors of the regional economy is needed says Dr. Clower. Learn more: https://cra.gmu.edu/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the most recent American Lung Association report finding that air quality in the larger DC-Baltimore Metro area is getting more with the State of the Air report giving a failing grade in several sectors for both ozone and particulate pollution. Guest Dr. Amit Mahajan, commonly known as, “ Dr. Bobby” the national spokesperson for the American Lung Association and Medical Director for Inova Interventional Pulmonology and Complex Airway Disease Program explains that lung disease and conditions from asthma to COPD can be triggered by pollution. Dr. Bobby also notes the unique toll that air pollution takes on children with developing lungs in underserved areas. Dr. Bobby further explains the impacts of allergies on lung conditions and urges advocacy for cleaner air. Learn More:https://www.lung.org/research/sota

DMV Spotlight shines a light on a recent find from the James Webb Telescope on an exo-planet 120 light years from earth where researchers claim to have found two molecules that could indicate biological life. Virginia Tech Professor Nahum Arav, an Astrophysicist, says more scientific research is needed and is casting doubt on the significance of the finding but offered an in depth explanation of how the finding was made. Professor Arav also provided information on the nature of the molecules and the importance of the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn More: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39jj9vkr34o

DMV Spotlight on 4-20-25 shine a light on Homelessness in the DC Metro region. The Council of Governments ( COG)  Housing Planner, Hilary Chapman explains the benefits of addressing homelessness with a regional approach. She notes collaborative efforts during the pandemic across county borders helped drive down the rates of homelessness adding COG’s annual Point in Time count of the unhoused provides crucial data for county governments to approach solutions. Chapman explains the number one factor in homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. Chapman says  housing supply has been lacking since the great recession and has not recovered. Learn More: https://www.mwcog.org/community/planning-areas/housing-homelessness/

DMV Spotlight on 4-13-25 shines a light on the Dulles South Food Pantry, a community non profit that battles hunger in Loudoun County. Executive Director, Karen Ergenbright explains the Pantry currently feeds over 225 families each week. In addition, the Dulles South Food Pantry holds a school program called “Backpack Buddies” at 23 Loudoun County Schools with each bag providing weekend meals for students including 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners as well as snacks, juice and shelf stable milk.  Ergenbright notes the community support from local food drives as well as hundreds of volunteers. Ergenbright also says the demand for food help has increased in Loudoun County, often cited as the richest county in the United States, both following the pandemic and during the federal workforce reductions.

DMV Spotlight shines a light on Childhelp on 4/6/25. Guest Meghan Krein, Director of Communications for Childhelp explains that  the non- profit meets the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of children who have been abused, neglected, or at-risk. Childhelp offers a National Hotline to report child abuse or suspected abuse and provides educational tools for schools to help fight ‘sextortion’ that is becoming more prevalent with children being blackmailed over social media content. Krien explains such abuse can lead to victim suicide. Childhelp also runs a therapeutic horse farm that serves as a residential psychiatric treatment program for abused children that is located in Virginia , called; ‘The Village’. Learn More: https://www.childhelp.org/

DMV Spotlight on March 30, 2025 shines a light on over a thousand students in Frederick County, Maryland, who are homeless. Guest Melissa Muntz, Executive Director of SHIP of Frederick County explains while there are county services for younger students and families, there is a gap in services for teen students and older. Muntz says that is where SHIP or Student Homelessness Initiative Parnership of Frederick comes in, connecting students aged 16 to 24 to stable housing and services that they need. SHIP does depend on donations from the community..especially toiletries, laundry detergent and current clothing. Learn More: https://shipfrederick.com/

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation  as spring begins in the DC area. Guest, Hannah Jaffee, Research Director for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation shares its list of the top one hundred “ 2025 Allergy Capitals “. The Nation’s Capitol landed at number 70 on the list..up from last year’s ranking. Jaffee also notes the link between allergies and asthma that can be triggered by pollen as well as pet dander, dust mites and more. Jaffe urges allergy sufferers to make a plan to deal with the pollen season in the DC area. She also shares information found on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation website. Learn More: https://aafa.org/

DMV Spotlight on 3-16-25 shines a light not only on Washington Capitol’s great Alex Ovechkin in his historic chase for the NHL goal-scoring record set by Wayne Gretsky but also ‘The GR* Chase for Victory over Cancer that  the star forward teaming up with the Capitals, Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Guest Amanda Tischler, Capitals Senior Vice President for Marketing, explains Ovie’s commitment on and off the ice to helping kids battling pediatric cancer. She also provides the details of how supports can get involved to join in the GR8 chase and the Caps roles in the DC Metro Community. Donate Now: https://donate.v.org/campaign/667859/donate

DMV Spotlight on 3-9-2025 shines a light on Mental Health Training being officers by Loudoun County’s Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services. Guest Melanie Myers, Prevention/intervention Program Manager explains the various Mental Health training services being offered by Loudoun County on a monthly basis, including Adverse Childhood Experiences Training or ACEs to raise awareness of childhood trauma impacts into adulthood such as abuse and neglect, Mental Health First Aid training that is designed to help people facing a mental health crisis and the Revive program to for Opioid Overdose Reversal using Naloxone. Loudoun County provides all of the training free of charge. Learn More: https://www.loudoun.gov/mhsads