VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

May 03 2026HEALTH

Healthy habits in college: what Spanish students really do in their free time

University life doesn’t just mean late-night study sessions and endless coffee. For many Spanish students, it’s also a time when daily habits start to take shape—some good, some not so great. A fresh study looked at how these young adults actually spend their time outside classes, using a detailed q

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Virginia’s Redistricting Fight Shows How Maps Shape Power

Virginia is caught in a legal tug-of-war over who controls the state’s political map. Last week, voters approved a new congressional district plan drawn by Democrats, which could flip four GOP-held House seats in November. But a county judge quickly blocked the results, calling the referendum illega

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Apr 23 2026OPINION

Virginia weighs risky dental cuts in budget squeeze

Virginia lawmakers face tough choices as they look for ways to balance the state budget. One proposal under review would limit Medicaid dental coverage for adults—a move that might seem like quick savings but could actually cost more in the long run. Research shows that when states cut dental benefi

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Prediction Markets: Who Gets to Tax Them?

States want to raise money from online prediction sites, but they’re not sure what those sites actually are. The debate centers on whether the sites should be treated like sports betting, financial derivatives, or something else entirely. If they’re seen as gambling, states could tax them the sam

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Apr 21 2026WEATHER

Cold Weather and Pollen Alert for Staten Island

Staten Island residents can expect a sharp temperature dip after Monday’s brief showers. The National Weather Service says it will be partly sunny in the morning, with a high around 54°F. At night, the temperature will plunge nearly 20 degrees, settling near 34°F by Tuesday morning. Sunlight

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Apr 20 2026EDUCATION

How Virginia schools are turning snow days into learning days

Virginia schools have quietly transformed how they handle winter weather in recent years. Instead of canceling classes entirely, many now use remote learning to keep students on track. This shift didn’t happen overnight—it took time, trial, and lessons from the pandemic. Before, schools often had to

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Apr 20 2026WEATHER

Spring Weather Switch: Rain, Wind, and Allergies Hit Staten Island

Staten Island is about to face a spring mood swing this week. After a taste of warm 80-degree days last week, the upcoming forecast is bringing it back to typical spring unpredictability. Rain showers are expected to roll in starting Sunday, kicking off a stretch of days that feel more like April th

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Data Centers in Virginia: A Hidden Health Cost

Virginia hosts the world’s biggest cluster of data centers, a stretch known as “Data Center Alley. ” The region grew because it sits close to Washington, D. C. , offers cheap land, and has long‑standing tax breaks. Today, most of these facilities are in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties,

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Apr 09 2026OPINION

Health care costs in Virginia: Who really pays the price?

Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

Virginia's New Governor Struggles Early Despite Big Win

Virginia just elected Abigail Spanberger governor in a landslide last November. She promised to be a moderate leader, but now, just 80 days into her term, her approval ratings are the worst for any Virginia governor in the 21st century. Only 47% of voters approve of her performance, while 46% disapp

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