OCA

Apr 08 2026POLITICS

A Quick Look at Massachusetts' Health Funding Fix

Massachusetts just set aside another $300 million to keep public workers' health plans running until summer. Lawmakers pushed this through fast, signing the bill the same day it cleared both chambers. The money targets the Group Insurance Commission, which handles health plans for roughly 460, 000 p

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Apr 07 2026SPORTS

New York Boosts Local World Cup Cheer

New York’s governor gave a big boost to local celebrations for the 2026 World Cup. A total of more than $371, 000 will be split among 12 community projects in seven parts of the state. The money comes from a $500, 000 grant program that aims to spread the World Cup’s excitement beyond the main

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Apr 07 2026SCIENCE

Layered Double Hydroxides: Turning Sunlight into Fuel

The world faces an energy crisis and worsening climate, pushing scientists to find cleaner ways to power daily life. One promising route is photocatalysis, a process that uses sunlight to create chemical fuels. A group of materials called layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and their transformed forms—

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Mental Health in America: A Call for Change

The film “No One Cares About Crazy People” is a short documentary that will play at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema on Saturday. After the screening, a panel with director Gail Freedman will discuss the movie’s message and its ties to Chicago. The soundtrack is written by Jeff Tweedy, a singer

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

A New Show Tries to Make U. S. Politics Less Confusing and More Real

Politics often feels like a game with just a few big players—like it’s all about who shouts the loudest. But a new video series is trying something different. Instead of focusing on one famous name, it zooms out to show how everyday choices, local problems, and hidden trends actually define America.

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Apr 07 2026BUSINESS

Covey Gardens throws a party to mark its second year in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach’s latest small business milestone isn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it’s a chance for locals to see what all the buzz is about. Covey Gardens, now two years into its run at 1590 S. Coast Highway, is hosting a public open house on April 16 at 5 p. m. The event packs in more than just a c

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

More hands join to manage housing help in Richmond

Richmond is testing a new plan to hand out housing aid money without going through usual city channels. Instead of using government workers, private groups will decide who gets the funds. Officials hope this will speed things up and reach people faster. The move raises questions. Why switch to outs

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

From Brewery Owner to City Hall: Why Business Skills Matter in Local Government

Running a small business and serving in government might seem like two totally different jobs, but one candidate believes the skills overlap more than people think. Though many argue that governments should operate like companies, others point out that public service has unique challenges. With fift

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Apr 06 2026BUSINESS

Job Fair Opens Doors for Teens with Autism in Passaic

Passaic is set to hold a special job fair for teens with autism on Saturday, April 18. Eight local businesses will be there to talk about work and give hands‑on training. The event happens during Autism Awareness Month, making it one of the first of its kind in the area. The idea started wi

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Apr 06 2026POLITICS

National Money, Local Vote: A New Twist in Eau Claire Politics

The latest buzz in Eau Claire’s city council race shows that two big national groups have poured money into a local, nonpartisan election. One is the State & Local Election Alliance, and the other is the Working Families Party PAC. Together they have spent about $64, 545 on mailers, phone calls and

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