DMV Spotlight with Barbara Britt

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and Virginia's New Pot Bill | March 8, 2026

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/ [https://learnaboutsam.org/about/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Maryland Safe Center for Human Trafficking Survivors | March 1, 2026

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/ [https://umdsafecenter.org/] Read More: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/ [https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Potomac Conservancy on River Sewage Spill | February 22, 2026

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/ [https://potomac.org/]   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Northern Virginia Food Rescue | Feb 15, 2026

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/ [https://nova-fr.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Mt Vernon for American 250 | February 8, 2026

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 [https://www.mountvernon.org/250] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.