OCA

May 15 2026BUSINESS

Pest Control in Elgin: A Reliable Family Business Grows Beyond Expectations

Over six decades ago, a small pest control company began operating in Elgin, South Carolina. Starting with just two clients in 1955, it grew under the leadership of its founders, George and Catherine Matthews. Decades later, their business expanded into a well-known service provider in the region.

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May 15 2026EDUCATION

Why some pharmacy tests might be harder than others

Tests in pharmacy school aren’t created the same way. Many come straight from the teachers who run the courses, which makes their exams part of the learning environment. These exams sometimes include words that have more than one meaning or aren’t used in everyday speech. For students who learned En

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May 14 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A New Mystery on South Carolina’s Lower Fourth Street

The story begins in a quiet corner of South Carolina, where an upcoming crime novel is being set. The writer has chosen Lower Fourth Street as the backdrop for a tense thriller that will pull readers into the city’s hidden alleys and bustling cafés. The plot centers on a series of puzzling crimes th

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Money Talks: Who’s Funding Kootenai County’s Biggest Races

The race for Kootenai County commissioner is heating up, with big money flowing into local campaigns. John Padula leads the pack, pulling in $61, 800—mostly from everyday residents. But his opponents aren’t far behind. Julie Hensley and Bruce Mattare have each raised over $10, 000, with donations fr

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Northside Park Gets Green Light for Build

The City of Missoula has finally given the okay to start building a brand-new park near the north side of town. This project has been in the works for a while, with locals keeping an eye on updates. The park is planned to cover a good chunk of land, offering green space and recreational spots for fa

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May 14 2026BUSINESS

Why Businesses Are Packing Up and Leaving Washington State

For over fifty years, Delta Camshaft kept its operations running smoothly in Washington. But now, after decades of service, the company’s future is moving elsewhere. The main reasons? Rising costs, constant crime struggles, and a shifting political scene that’s making business tougher. The owner, Jo

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May 14 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why Your Local Shop Might Need to Speak AI’s Language

Local stores and services often assume their biggest challenge is competing with big brands. But in 2026, something quieter is changing how customers find them—artificial intelligence. A recent look at how AI picks local recommendations showed some surprising truths. Most small businesses barely get

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May 13 2026POLITICS

Georgia’s Political Storm: What Abrams’ Subpoena Means for Fair Elections

Georgia’s political scene is heating up again, this time with a major legal twist. A state Senate committee has just sent out subpoenas for Stacey Abrams and two top leaders from the New Georgia Project, a group Abrams started back in 2013. Their job? To explain their roles in a big campaign finance

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May 13 2026ENTERTAINMENT

New Plans for a Big Entertainment Zone Near Oklahoma City

Officials in Oklahoma and Norman have just launched building work for a huge entertainment area called the Rock Creek Entertainment District. This isn’t just another construction project—it’s a major step toward giving the area a fresh, lively boost. The plan isn’t just about building more stores or

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May 12 2026POLITICS

New Local Pay Rule Passes Despite State Objections

The city recently approved a new rule about how much workers must earn in small businesses. Government leaders voted yes even though state officials warned them it could cause legal trouble. Normally, when higher-level leaders say no, cities listen. This time, they didn’t. Not everyone agrees with

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