OCA

Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

Barbour’s Quiet Fight for Equality

William “Wilbur” Miller Barbour grew up in Middletown and later made a name for himself far beyond his hometown. After finishing high school there, he went on to study at Elizabethtown College and then pursued a career in social work. He joined the National Urban League, where he helped plan program

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Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

Springfield Schools: A Shift in Control

In Springfield, big changes are happening in the school system. Eight schools are getting ready to leave the Empowerment Zone and go back to being run by the Springfield School Department. This is a first for the state, and it's a big deal. The schools that are moving are Duggan Academy, Van Sickle

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Feb 18 2026SCIENCE

Breaking Down the Science: How We Can Tackle Microplastics Better

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces that are causing big problems in our environment. Scientists are working hard to find ways to break them down using a process called photocatalytic degradation. However, there is a big issue. There are no standard ways to test and compare these methods. This mak

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Feb 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

A Green Giant's Fight for the Hudson

Richard Ottinger, a name not many know, but his work changed the course of history. He lived a long life, 97 years, and spent a good chunk of it fighting for the environment. He was a Democrat, but his family was Republican. He switched sides when he was a young lawyer in the 1950s. He served in Con

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Feb 17 2026SCIENCE

Unlocking Hidden Science: How AI Turns Text into Powerful Discoveries

The world of science is full of information. But much of it is stuck in words, not numbers. This makes it hard to find new things. A new way to solve this problem has been created. It uses AI to read and understand science words. Then, it turns them into useful data. This new method is like a detec

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Feb 16 2026WEATHER

Chilly Sunday Ahead: What to Expect in Massachusetts

Get ready for a chilly Sunday in Massachusetts. The weather is taking a turn, bringing colder temperatures and a chance of light snow. The highs will only reach the low to mid-30s, which is a bit cooler than recent days. Most of the state will stay dry, but keep an eye out for light snow showers Sun

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Feb 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

Florida's Wildlife Guardians: A Community Effort

Florida is more than just a holiday spot. It's a place where over 23 million people live, surrounded by stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. To keep this beauty alive, many locals are stepping up to protect it. One group making a big difference is the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (

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Feb 15 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Vegas Strip Lounges: A New Era of Local Music

The Las Vegas Strip once thrived on big-name performers, with jazz legends taking center stage in showrooms while small lounges offered a relaxed backdrop for up-and-coming artists. Back then, music was the heart of every Vegas visit and sessions could stretch into the early morning. Today that wil

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Feb 15 2026POLITICS

Local Leaders Step Up When Federal Rules Backfire

The place where everyday life is shaped by policy is the local government. It decides if schools get enough money, if fire trucks can arrive fast, if homes stay affordable and if families feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Right now those decisions carry extra pressure. City and town leaders m

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Feb 15 2026OPINION

Neighbors United: How Two Maine Towns Showed Love and Action

The recent winter brought more than snow to Lewiston and Portland. A sudden increase in ICE patrols sparked fear among immigrant families, especially those from Somalia, Afghanistan, the Congo, Angola and Ukraine. Their worries were clear in hushed conversations and hurried steps through town street

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