The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Sept. 5, 2023:
New RSV immunization for young children coming soon to Richmond
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Nirsevimab, aka Beyfortus, is recommended for all babies up to 8 months of age as well as older babies with underlying health issues. It should be available in the Richmond area starting this fall, though a specific timeline of availability for providers across the state is still TBD.
“This is the first year that we will have something [to help prevent RSV] for all babies, and not just those kids who are the most at risk,” said Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Ashland Theatre celebrates 75 years
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
Opened in 1948, the 260-seat theater on England Street was the go-to spot for the people of Ashland until the late ‘90s — when the theater fell on hard times and stopped hosting all events and productions.
As the building began collecting dust, owners Jean and A.D. Whittaker landed on a unique solution to donate the theater to the town in 2013 so it could be maintained. All it took was the yearslong work of volunteers to organize a series of pop-up markets and events — and a multimillion-dollar crowdfunding effort — to bring the structure back to life.
This year, the iconic landmark celebrates 75 years of bringing movies, arts and fun to the “center of the universe.”
In other news:
- Introducing Curious Commonwealth (VPM News)
- Hampton Roads schools have a shortage of teachers. Now recruitment is getting creative. (Virginian-Pilot)*
In case you missed it:
- Over 60,000 Virginians used Easy Enrollment in medical assistance program’s first year (Virginia Mercury)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.