WFIR News Express 8-12-2026

It is Wednesday, August the 12th. I'm Clark Palmer. Our top story, you can't watch television or listen to the radio without seeing or hearing a commercial for GLP1 weight loss drugs. As WFIRS, the diesel membraneo tells us, these relatively new drugs may treat several other conditions. GLP-1s have been a weight loss game-changer. According to America's health rankings, one in three Virginians are overweight, and about 10% of Virginians have diabetes. Several GLP-1 drugs are FDA approved for diabetes treatment, not just weight management. Shabir Imbra Safdar, Executive Director of the Partnership for Safe Medicine, says there could be even more uses for this line of medication. They've been experimented with on addiction, and I hope to see an FDA-approved drug. come out in that space and, you know, they seem to have some benefit for dementia. And once again, I would love to see an FDA-approved drug come out of there. This category, medical category, has potential and it's already life-changing and it's not even done. This experimentation is happening as a law which went into effect July 1st directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to tighten coverage for weight loss drugs and require prior authorization. Safdar says potential patients need to be aware of these changes. He also warns again. using compounded GLP-1s or counterfeit products sold by questionable online dealers. You should never take a medicine without a physician supervising you. I mean a real one. Not like a chat doctor or a telehealth website doctor, but a doctor who spends like half an hour talking to you about how are you feeling? What are your side effects? You know, are you having any issues? You know, what is your family history? He says make sure all the medications you are taking are FDA approved. Denise Allen Membrano, WFIR News. Staying with Health News now. The Virginia Department of Health is reaffirming already established vaccine recommendations and school immunization requirements. This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order. They call for the separation of measles, mumps, and rubella shots. According to the VDH, the presidential executive order does not change vaccine recommendations or school immunization requirements in Virginia. They will continue to recommend that Children's Day vaccinated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics, 26, child and adolescent immunization schedule. The Taiwanese government is condemning Chinese naval drills with an Indonesian warship off Taiwan's east coast, saying the leaders in Beijing are attempting to show international leaders that they control those waters. This comes as Taiwan conducts annual war games that simulate an attack by China. Fifth District Republican Congressman John Maguire tells Fox News he hopes President Trump continues to back the Taiwanese government. The Navy SEALs, we say the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war. And Xi Jinping has openly said that he wants to take over Taiwan. And they're a very important ally to us, especially with chips and technology. We cannot let Xi Jinping take over an ally like that.

President Trump is expected to give Congress a proposal for a $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan. Congress from McGuire says he would support that kind of package. I think it's very necessary. They're a very important ally. And like I said, we're in a race for AI and quantum and all of those things. And a key to that is Taiwan. And we take care of our friends. Chinese officials say the operation off the coast of Taiwan is a navigation exercise with an Indonesian Navy ship. Virginia Lieutenant Governor Gazala Hashby this week announced she will be conducting a listening tour next month to get resident input on the rising cost of energy and the potential $67 billion merger between Florida-based Next Era Energy and Dominion Energy, which, if approved, would create the largest regulated electric utility in the world. In a video announcing her listening to her, Hashmi said she wants to have honest conversations about what is at stake. This decision could affect what Virginians pay for electricity, who controls Virginia's largest utility, and the future of one of our most essential public services. We'll be making stops all across the Commonwealth to answer your questions, to hear your concerns, and to make sure that Virginians have a voice when decisions of this magnitude are made. Hoshby's tour will be in Roanoke on September the 24th. Bedford County has approved an ordinance that allows sheriff's deputies to work off-duty jobs like event security, traffic control, and site patrols while still having full law enforcement authority. Those who support the change say the policy helps local businesses, access trained security personnel, and gives deputies an opportunity to earn extra income. Opponents worry about supervision, potential conflicts of interest, and accountability. The Rono County Police Department is inviting the general public to provide feedback about the agency as part of its accreditation process. Public comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The Rona County Police Department has maintained its national accreditation since 1992. You can find more information on the county police website. Tickets for individual performances at Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech are now on sale after subscribers for the full season got a head start about two months ago. The executive director for the center says this might be the best lineup ever between next month and early May of 2027. More from WFIRS, Gene Murano. Ruth Walks, also Associate Provost for the Arts at Virginia, Texas, a lineup that includes the Broadway hit Hades Town on March 15th, Batehoven, the Alvin Ily Dance Theater, and then Evening with author David Sedaris is just to start. Very, very diverse, all kinds of music. We've got dance and theater, the Cirque, which is something we present each year. Plus, we have a Broadway show coming in. You have really such a diverse program. I think there's probably something for everyone to find that they'll love. The Cirque performance October. 13th is from the Australian aerial artist group called Gravity and Other Myths. Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Acts performed together next March 29th.

This is a return visit, actually for Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Acts. We've had each of them perform at the center, but not together before. So that is absolutely a highlight, really a special event in our season. Walks as the Center for the Arts Fall through Early Spring Programs, draw from a wide regional area. Subscription packages are available as well with priority seat selection. See artscenter.v.edu for more information and tickets. Bernie Moreno, WFIR News. That's the latest. You can check back tomorrow for our next update. Clark Palmer, WFIR News.