LND topic: schools-commission page 1

schools commission

Shorter Paths to a Degree: VCU’s New 3‑Year Plan

July 4, 2026

Virginia Commonwealth University is rolling out two bachelor’s programs that can be finished in just three years, aiming to cut costs and appeal to adult learners. The move follows a recent policy change by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which now permits Vi

politics

America’s Promise Still In‑Progress

July 4, 2026

The Fourth of July is usually a day to cheer, but it also asks us to remember the words that started the nation: “We hold these truths to be self‑evident, that all men are created equal. ” In 1852, Frederick Douglass stood in Rochester and asked a powerful question that still echoes today: “What

politics

Celebrating America’s 250th: A Mirror of Today’s Politics

July 4, 2026

America is turning a quarter‑century old on July 4th, and the way people plan to mark it says a lot about where they stand politically. A recent survey of 1, 500 adults shows that Republicans see the anniversary as a return to founding values and call it patriotic. Democrats, however, feel the celeb

politics

Joyful Politics: Lessons for Politicians Beyond New York

July 4, 2026

New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has mixed policy results after six months in office. He won a deal to grow early childhood programs, but struggled to get the state to tax the rich and will wait until 2027 for city grocery stores. What stands out is Mamdani’s “politics of joy. ” He celebra

politics

America’s Journey: Curiosity, Freedom and Progress

July 4, 2026

The United States has grown into a global leader in science, tech, schools and health over the last 250 years since its July 4, 1776 declaration of independence. Its rise was not accidental; it stemmed from hard work, honesty and a relentless urge to try new ideas. A big part of this drive is the

environment

Building in Lee County: Finding a Better Way Forward

July 4, 2026

In Lee County, Florida, the word "development" has started to feel more like a problem than a promise. Local leaders have been accused of letting builders run the show, changing the county’s official growth plan whenever developers ask. One law, meant to protect property owners from unfair rules, ha

health

Air Pollutants and Kids' Focus: What a Big Study Found

July 4, 2026

Scientists looked at over 130, 000 school kids in southern China to see if tiny bits of certain chemicals in the air could affect how well they pay attention. These chemicals, called organophosphate esters or OPEs, often stick to dust and pollution floating in the air. Most of them come from things

politics

A Local Race Gets Hot as Big Decisions Roll In

July 4, 2026

Staten Island’s upcoming congressional election just got more interesting. The Democratic Party picked Mike DeCillis as their official candidate, giving him the party’s full support. Now, he’s going head-to-head with current representative Nicole Malliotakis. One major topic in their debate? A new f

health

Stepping out can step up your mood

July 4, 2026

Fresh air does more than fill your lungs - it can reset your brain too. Research shows even a quick breath outdoors can lower stress hormones, slow racing thoughts, and help you think clearer. That\’s because nature doesn\’t just smell nice; it gives your nervous system a much-needed break from cons

education

Most Americans agree: better civics lessons could help fix democracy

July 4, 2026

A big poll found that four out of five adults think schools don’t teach enough about how government works. That’s a strong signal that people still care about democracy, even if they feel frustrated by it. But the same survey showed a sharp contrast: most Americans flunk basic civics tests. A 2024 s