OCA

Mar 11 2026HEALTH

The Hidden Cost of “Pre‑Approval” in Health Care

Many people think health insurance is simple: you pay a premium, and the company covers what your doctor recommends. In reality, most patients must first ask for permission before a treatment can be paid for. This step, called prior authorization, often turns simple care into a long battle. Take th

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Mar 07 2026EDUCATION

State Schools Get a Boost as Lawmakers Shift Funds

The Utah Legislature has wrapped up its 2026-2027 budget for public schools, choosing to reallocate money in a way that mirrors moves made in higher education the previous year. In 2025, state universities were required to divert a portion of their budgets toward high‑value fields like health care a

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Mar 07 2026BUSINESS

Big Y’s 90‑Year Road to Expansion

The Big Y grocery chain, now nine decades old, is looking ahead to a future with more stores and smarter technology. In West Springfield’s busiest outlet, shoppers can choose between self‑service checkouts that offer AI help or a friendly cashier. The AI assists by looking up product codes and guidi

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Mar 07 2026POLITICS

Science and Democracy Rally in Kane County

Local groups plan a protest on Saturday to defend science and democratic values. The event will start at 10 a. m. outside the Kane County Circuit Clerk’s Office and run until 11:30 a. m. The organizers include Indivisible Fox Valley Rising, Fox Valley Activists, Batavia Democrats, Geneva Democrats,

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Mar 06 2026POLITICS

Closed Meetings Block Budget Cuts in Elmhurst

Elmhurst’s finance committee, tasked with trimming the city budget, has spent most of its time in private sessions. Since late January, about two‑thirds of the committee’s hours have been closed to the public. In total, members met privately for roughly three and a half hours while only two hours we

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Mar 06 2026BUSINESS

Grand Haven Eatery Shuts Its Doors After a Short Reboot

The Paisley Pig, which had been part of Grand Haven’s dining scene for nine years, will close its doors on March 29. The owners, Josh and Katie Sandberg, posted the news on Facebook after a brief attempt to revive the restaurant. They explained that rising wages and food prices have made it im

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Mar 05 2026BUSINESS

Local Print Shop Wins City Award for Community Spirit

A small print shop that started in a garage has earned recognition from city officials for its positive impact on the town. The business, known as The Hairy Ant, was given a “Spirit of St. Charles Award” at the February 2 city council meeting. The award highlights how local companies can help a comm

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Mar 05 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Hollywood’s New Home: Filming Comes Back to LA

The upcoming Fox reboot of “Baywatch” will be one of the few big‑budget shows that actually shoots on the West Coast this year. Its scenes will be filmed along Venice Beach and inside Fox Studios, a sharp contrast to the trend of productions moving away from Los Angeles. The shift is part of a larg

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Mar 05 2026POLITICS

A High‑School Hero Steps into the Capitol

Jax Birth, a senior from Ardmore High School, spent a week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives during the second session of the 60th Legislature. The opportunity was arranged by Representative Tammy Townley, who welcomed him as a page and offered the student a front‑row view of state politics.

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Mar 03 2026EDUCATION

Community Fun Day: Schools, Businesses and Kids Come Together

RSU 22 Education Foundation plans a free family gathering on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. , held at Hampden Academy on Western Ave. The event will showcase local businesses, student projects and community resources in a relaxed setting. The highlight is the Kids Carnival, created by

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