LONE STAR STATE

May 12 2026HEALTH

Staten Island trains workers to spot suicide and overdose risks at the same time

Staten Island is tackling two big problems—overdose deaths and suicide—by teaching frontline workers how to handle both at once. Around 300 people have already gone through a six-part training that mixes mental health and drug-use screening. The idea is to catch warning signs early, whether someone

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May 11 2026HEALTH

How first-year students handle stress and why some struggle more than others

Starting university is often seen as a fresh start, but it can also bring unexpected pressure. Many students face state anxiety—stress that shows up in the moment—when dealing with new routines, academic demands, and social changes. Some handle it well, while others find it hard to adjust. Research

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May 09 2026FINANCE

China now allows two more firms to audit Hong Kong-listed firms

Starting mid-May, Chinese companies trading in Hong Kong will have more options when picking auditors. The country’s finance and stock market watchdogs just greenlit RSM and Baker Tilly, two accounting firms based in China, to handle these audits. This move follows a 2025 decision to expand the list

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May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Holyoke says goodbye to rat poison on public land

Starting next month, Holyoke will stop using poison to control rats on city property. The City Council voted unanimously to ban a group of strong rodenticides called second-generation anticoagulants. The move follows concerns about how these chemicals affect more than just rats—they can harm pets, b

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May 06 2026POLITICS

New Zealand Adds Citizenship Test for New Residents

Starting in 2027, people who want to become citizens of New Zealand will have to pass a new test. The exam will be held face‑to‑face and will contain 20 multiple‑choice questions written in English. Applicants must answer at least 15 correctly to qualify. The questions will cover a range of topics.

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Apr 29 2026FINANCE

New crypto rules in the UK: a tough road ahead for small players

Starting in 2027, the UK will enforce stricter rules for crypto businesses, and small firms might find it hard to meet the new standards. Any company that keeps customer money for more than a day or can change what users do must get a full license. This covers not just big exchanges but also smaller

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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 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 10 2026TRANSPORTATION

Chicago’s Bus Network Gets a New Route for Obama Center Visitors

Starting May 23, anyone heading to the new Obama Presidential Center can skip the transfers and take a direct ride. The CTA’s popular express bus route #10, which usually zooms from downtown to the Museum of Science and Industry, will now stretch an extra mile south to serve the center. What used to

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