In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson

”Military Families Bond During Reading Month” - TPR’s In Focus - March 9, 2023

Military families are often separated by deployments, but the nonprofit organization United Through Reading offers loved ones a unique way to connect.  Molly Haskin, a military spouse and speech language pathologist at Fort Rucker, directs the Army, Air Force and Space Force programs for the organization.  She talks with Carolyn Hutcheson, In Focus host, about how the reading program works.

”Actor Greta Lambert Talks Retirement, Future Plans” - TPR’s In Focus - March 8, 2023

Actor Greta Lambert came to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in 1985, and as she looks toward retiring in June from her duties as Deputy Artistic Director and Director of Education, she talks with Carolyn Hutcheson, In Focus host, about her favorite plays and her current role as Prospero in "The Tempest." Fortunately, she plans to remain in the area, and hopefully, will continue her acting career.

”Advances in Research Boost Alabama Ancestry Projects” - TPR’s In Focus - March 7, 2023

The advances in genealogical research allow people to trace their family roots with more precision than ever before.  Jennifer Utley, Director of Family History Research at Ancestry, talks with Carolyn Hutcheson, In Focus host, about those advances.  She will speak at the March 18th Alabama Genealogical Society spring seminar in Moody.  The Alabama Dept. of Archives and History offers access to Ancestry for family history research at no cost.

”Economist Looks Ahead to Alabama’s Legislative Session” - TPR’s In Focus - March 6, 2023

As the Alabama Legislature prepares to convene on March 7, economist Judson Edwards, Dean of the Troy University Sorrell College of Business, talks with Carolyn Hutcheson, host of The Exchange from In Focus, about the status of the Alabama economy.  With a reported surplus of $2.7 billion in the state's coffers, Edwards is in hopes the legislature will consider repealing Alabama's grocery tax, to give a break to those on fixed incomes.

”Two Conversations about Selma” - TPR’s In Focus: Weekend - Mar. 4, 2023

On this episode of "In Focus: Weekend", host Carolyn Hutcheson speaks with Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District. Sewell discusses the aftermath of the January 12th Selma EF-2 tornado. Federal funds will help remove debris, with no matching funds required. She is bringing a Congressional delegation to visit Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma during the Bridge Crossing Jubilee.
Also, we hear from artist and author Willie Mae Brown about her book, "My Selma: True Stories of A Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement." Brown recalls what it was like to be in Selma during that historic time and what it was like to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak at Brown Chapel.

”Troy Alum to Debut Africatown Film” - TPR’s In Focus - March 3, 2023

In July 1860, the slave ship Clotilda brought 110 enslaved people from west Africa to Mobile.  Documentary filmmaker Theo Moore II talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about the descendants, who established Africatown.The film is "Afrikan By Way of American."

”Rep. Terri Sewell On Selma Tornado Recovery” - TPR’s In Focus - March 2, 2023

Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about the aftermath of the January 12th Selma EF-2 tornado.  Federal funds will help remove debris, with no matching funds required.  She is bringing a Congressional delegation to visit Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma during the Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

”Judge Explores Roaring 20’s for Women’s History Month” - TPR’s In Focus - March 1, 2023

Retired Covington County District Judge Frank "Trippy" McGuire kicks off Women's History Month with the story of Winnie Wright, a Roaring Twenties independent young woman who was determined to make her way in a man's world.  In this Part One interview, Judge McGuire talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about the era and  Winnie's value to the business community.  Later, in Part Two, Winnie was involved in the Trial of the Century in Opp.
Judge McGuire's book is "A Roaring Twenties Flapper Who Broke Glass Ceilings, Winnie Wright in the Early Boomtown Years of Opp, Alabama. 

”Author WIllie Mae Brown Recalls Her Selma Childhood” - TPR’s In Focus - Feb. 28, 2023

Artist Willie Mae Brown lived in Selma during her formative years and witnessed the 1960s Civil Rights era.  She talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about the galvanizing effect Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had on her and those who heard him speak  at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church.  Willie Mae Brown is the author of the book, "My Selma,True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement."

”Beware of Annoying Spam Texts” - TPR’s In Focus - Feb. 27, 2023

Joseph Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission, talks on The Exchange with Carolyn Hutcheson, In Focus host, about the proliferation of spam in texts and e-mails.  He shares advice on how to recognize it and what to do about it.