VIRGINIA BUSINESS HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL

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 19 2026POLITICS

New Virginia Laws Aim to Close Gaps in Mother and Baby Healthcare

Virginia recently took another step forward in improving care for mothers and infants with a set of new laws signed in April. These laws expand on last year’s "Momnibus" package, which was the first major effort to tackle long-standing issues in maternal and infant health across the state. While the

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May 18 2026LIFESTYLE

A Fresh Spot for Creatives in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach just got a new spot that’s all about helping small businesses and artists shine. A pair of business owners, who know the struggle of finding the right workspace, decided to fix that problem themselves. They opened a place called The Void, a blank canvas-style studio where creatives ca

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May 14 2026TECHNOLOGY

The AI race heats up as businesses switch to a new leader

Businesses in the U. S. are now more likely to pay for Anthropic’s AI tool than OpenAI’s. In April 2026, Anthropic’s adoption hit 34. 4%, while OpenAI’s dropped to 32. 3%. The shift happened quickly—just a year ago, OpenAI led with 32%, and Anthropic barely registered. What changed? Anthropic’s codi

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May 10 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why CEOs Need to Start Thinking About AI That Works in the Real World

Business leaders have spent years focused on AI that helps with office work and data analysis. Now, a wave of new AI is emerging—one that moves, interacts, and performs tasks in warehouses, factories, and even dangerous places. Unlike the AI that answers customer service chats, this technology blend

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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 29 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI in Business: Smoother Workflows, Clearer Control

Businesses often juggle messy spreadsheets, approvals, and payroll while trying to spot problems early. Now, companies are embedding AI agents directly into the tools they already use—like accounting software and HR systems—to handle routine tasks without losing transparency. Instead of just spittin

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Apr 25 2026FINANCE

Why Big Sales Don't Always Mean Big Profits

Business owners often cheer when they see sales numbers climbing. High revenue feels like success, but it’s just the first half of the story. The real test comes when you subtract the hidden costs of running the company. Without tracking the difference between gross and net revenue, a business can g

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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 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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