SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

Jun 10 2026WEATHER

Big waves take over Southern California beaches

Southern California beaches saw some of the biggest waves in years last week, turning usually calm waters into dangerous surf zones. Orange County bore the brunt, with waves reaching up to fifteen feet in places like Newport Beach and Dana Point—so tall they crashed over protective rock barriers. Hu

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Jun 10 2026HEALTH

Smartphones and South Italy’s young adults: How much screen time is too much?

Southern Italy’s young adults are glued to their phones – just like most of the world. Since COVID-19, phone use has skyrocketed, especially among people in their late teens and twenties. Phones help with everything: staying in touch, organizing life, and endless entertainment. But too much time onl

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Jun 03 2026FINANCE

Property Tax Changes in Westport: Who Pays More Now?

Westport recently adjusted its property tax system for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The town’s tax rate dropped from 18. 86 to 13. 2, but that doesn’t mean everyone will pay less. The big shift comes from a property revaluation that increased home values far more than commercial ones. Over five years, r

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Jun 02 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Fun in Southern California – Free Activities for June

Southern California is buzzing with free events this June. Start the month by stepping aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach for happy hour drinks and live music. Reserve a spot online; parking is cheaper if you pay early. In Riverside, the ArtsWalk lights up downtown on the first Thur

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May 31 2026ENVIRONMENT

Air quality alert issued for parts of southern Colorado

Southern Colorado residents will need to watch their outdoor plans this weekend. An alert has been issued for four counties—Teller, El Paso, Pueblo, and eastern Fremont—covering cities like Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The state health department warns that air quality will dip to levels considered

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May 30 2026WEATHER

Maine braces for a wet and wild Saturday

Southern Maine isn’t the only place getting soaked this weekend. A strong storm system rolling through the region is bringing heavy rain and rough conditions to the coast and inland areas. The National Weather Service has scrambled to issue warnings before the worst of it hits, turning a typical wee

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May 28 2026EDUCATION

Balancing screens and learning in Virginia Beach schools

Virginia Beach’s school board is rethinking how young students use computers in class. A new plan would stop pre-K through first graders from using school laptops during lessons next year. Second graders couldn’t take their devices home except in special cases, though they’d still use them at school

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May 27 2026WEATHER

Heat Wave Hits Europe: Record Temperatures and Rising Risks

Western Europe is experiencing an extreme heat event that has pushed temperatures to new highs. London recently recorded a May temperature of about 95°F, while parts of France reached nearly 99°F and Spain exceeded 100°F. The cause is a high‑pressure “heat dome” that traps hot air over the region, s

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May 20 2026POLITICS

Data Centers, Power and Politics: Virginia’s Growing Debate

Virginia is becoming the world’s hub for data centers, with a concentration so dense that it consumes enough electricity to light almost 900, 000 homes. These facilities promise hefty tax income for counties and a boost to the local workforce, yet they also raise serious questions about energy use a

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May 20 2026HEALTH

Springfield’s Addiction Help Faces Major Shift Without Detox Beds

Western Massachusetts is losing one of its few detox centers this week, as the Carlson Recovery Center moves away from round-the-clock medical care for severe withdrawal cases. Instead, it will focus on stabilization services—less intense but still supportive treatment for most people seeking recove

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