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VPM Daily Newscast: Aug. 26, 2024

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VPM Daily Newscast

The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.

Listeners can subscribe through NPR One | Apple Podcasts | Megaphone | Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Aug. 26, 2024:

Ice cream, sneaker raffles help Boushall Middle improve attendance
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly

School districts across the country have struggled to get kids back into the classroom following the COVID-19 pandemic.

When in-school learning resumed, about one-quarter of students in Richmond Public Schools missed 18 or more days — the definition of chronic absenteeism.

“For two years with the pandemic, we told families, don't come to school,” said Shadae Harris, who was hired by the district to connect with students’ parents. “That was our message to families: Don't come, protect yourself.”

Districts have struggled to buck that narrative. To help combat it, Harris developed new attendance strategies that shifted away from a punitive approach and toward family engagement.

How to vote in Virginia: A 2024 VPM voter guide
Reported by VPM News

Early voting opens on Sept. 20 in the commonwealth, so we’ve gone ahead and refreshed our “how to vote” guide for the 2024 general elections.

Learn about the key information and dates you should know ahead of Nov. 5 — Election Day.

And keep an eye out for our other elections coverage!

In other news:

In case you missed it:

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.

VPM News is the staff byline for articles and podcasts written and produced by multiple reporters and editors.