OCA

Feb 07 2026BUSINESS

Small Biz Boost: $2, 500 Grants and Coaching for Washtenaw Owners

The county has opened a new window of help for local entrepreneurs who felt the squeeze of COVID‑19. A fresh grant program gives up to $2, 500 to small businesses that kept running through the pandemic and offers free coaching from two local partners. The initiative is run by the Office of Communi

reading time less than a minute
Feb 07 2026OPINION

Whizzer’s Fight: A Polio Survivor’s Legacy and the Power of Vaccines

A 16‑year‑old football star from Florida once faced a nightmare that would shape his life forever. In 1954, before the polio vaccine reached the streets, he contracted a disease that left him paralyzed and in constant pain. He endured countless hospital stays, dozens of surgeries, and a life with a

reading time less than a minute
Feb 06 2026SPORTS

The Local Sports Beat: Why Small Papers Still Matter

Small newspapers keep the pulse of their communities alive by covering local athletes before they become national stars. A few years ago, a young player from Virginia Beach talked about a childhood race he lost to his mom and vowed never to compete again, yet the next year he led a high‑school footb

reading time less than a minute
Feb 06 2026POLITICS

Immigration, Crime, and Policy Power in Trump’s Second Term

The second administration of Donald Trump has taken a different tack from the first. It sees immigration as a tool that can be tightened by tying policy changes to crime statistics. US Customs and Immigration Enforcement now patrol more heavily in Washington, Chicago, and Louisiana than it did u

reading time less than a minute
Jan 29 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Joliet's Weekend Fun: Music, Laughter, and More!

Joliet is buzzing with excitement this weekend, offering a mix of music, comedy, and special events. Let's dive into what's happening. First up, music lovers have a treat. Brett Young, a popular country star, will take the stage at the Rialto Square Theatre on Friday, January 30. If you prefer clas

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026LIFESTYLE

Is Wegmans in Cherry Hill watching you with biometric tech?

A mom from Cherry Hill is trying to make life better for people with autism after her son was removed from a cruise. She wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday with her family, including her son who has autism and two other sons with developmental disabilities. She picked Royal Caribbean because they

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026SPORTS

Powers Catholic Dominates Heritage in High School Hockey Showdown

In a thrilling high school hockey matchup, Flint Powers Catholic showcased their skills against Saginaw Heritage at the 810 Sports Complex. The game was a display of talent and strategy from the start. Powers Catholic took an early lead, ending the first period with a 1-0 advantage. However, Heritag

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026ENVIRONMENT

Missoula's Cemetery Goes Green: A New Way to Rest

Missoula City Cemetery is looking at a big change. They want to start offering green burials. This means no fancy caskets or chemicals. Instead, they want to use simple, natural ways to lay people to rest. Green burials are not new. They have been around for a while. But they are not common. The id

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026CRIME

A Rabbi's Brave Stand Against Hate

In a shocking incident, a rabbi was violently attacked while walking to his synagogue in Queens. The assault happened near Queens Blvd. and 71st Ave. in Forest Hills around 3 p. m. on Tuesday. A stranger approached the 32-year-old rabbi, hurled antisemitic slurs, and punched him in the face and ches

reading time less than a minute
Jan 28 2026TECHNOLOGY

Turning Your Phone into a Mini Linux Computer: A Fun Experiment

Ever thought about turning your phone into a tiny Linux computer? It might sound crazy, but with the right app, it's possible. Local Desktop lets you install a full Arch Linux system on your phone, complete with a desktop environment. It's not perfect, but it's a cool way to repurpose your device.

reading time less than a minute