OCA

Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Latinos Take Charge in Local Politics

In many U. S. cities, Latino leaders are stepping into elected roles for the first time, reshaping local governments and giving voice to communities that have long felt overlooked. The trend began quietly, with grassroots campaigns that built trust and highlighted shared concerns. Over the past

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Apr 27 2026SCIENCE

A New Twist on Glycerol Fuel Cells

Scientists have figured out exactly which parts of a cobalt‑based material make it good at turning glycerol into useful energy. Instead of guessing, they built three similar crystals that differ only in the tiny details around cobalt atoms. The key discovery was that the reaction happens mainl

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

The Ocean Spill That Sparked Earth Day and a Call for Better Local Leaders

On January 28, 1969 an oil rig off Santa Barbara released over three million gallons of crude into the sea. The disaster killed thousands of birds, dolphins and seals and sent shockwaves through the public conscience. People rallied for change, pushing schools to teach about nature and lawmakers to

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Apr 27 2026BUSINESS

Family‑Run Farm Turns Vineyards Into Beer and Wine Hub

Lincoln Way Vineyards is more than a place that makes wine; it’s a family project that blends farming, science and creativity. Jim and Sherri Borton and their children Alex and Ari manage every step from planting grapes to pouring drinks. The vineyard started twenty years ago, and a tasting room ope

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Data Centers in Georgia: Who Really Benefits from the Tech Boom?

Across Georgia, quiet neighborhoods are facing a sudden shift. Giant buildings packed with servers are rising, fueling debates over progress. These data centers power everything from AI tools to online storage, but they also bring noise, higher bills, and concerns about water and energy use. Residen

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Apr 25 2026BUSINESS

Graduates Celebrate New Leadership Path

The Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn hosted a special ceremony where 23 new leaders received their plaques. Among them was the chamber’s president, Andrea Fulks, who praised the program for its strong turnout and meaningful impact. She joined the course to learn what future participants experienc

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Apr 25 2026ENVIRONMENT

A New Plant‑Based Show Gets Local Support

Healdsburg’s Little Saint, a 100% plant‑based eatery that opened on Earth Day 2022, is backing a fresh cooking series called “Climate Kitchen. ” The show will be hosted by Maggie Baird, who runs the nonprofit Support + Feed and is known for promoting vegan options worldwide. The restaurant’s owne

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

How family ties shape local power in one neighborhood

In one city neighborhood, a single family has quietly become more than just a household name—they’ve turned political influence into a legacy. Local races often see multiple members of the Ranneys running for office, raising questions about how generations of one family could dominate the public sce

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

Why one neighbor wants to fix local issues in St. Joseph County

Ten years ago, Ranjan Rohatgi and his wife picked St. Joseph County for its quiet neighborhoods and good schools. They built a life there—careers, friendships, and two daughters who now play at nearby libraries and parks. Yet Rohatgi never planned to run for office until he joined a state redistrict

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Apr 25 2026BUSINESS

Airport shops keep local names alive but not their original essence

Portland’s airport now has two new small shops that borrow names from local businesses. One is called Sheridan Fruit Company, named after a grocery that closed in February after 110 years. The other is Topaz Farm, a nod to a farm on Sauvie Island that reopened in 2020 under a new label. Both shops s

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