OCA

May 12 2026BUSINESS

When water vanishes: How a break left a town high and dry

Downtown Lake Orion turned eerily quiet after a big pipe cracked early Sunday morning. On Monday, most shops stayed shut while crews worked to fix the damage. The loss of water hit restaurants hardest, especially since Sunday was Mother’s Day—a day usually packed with families dining out. One local

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May 12 2026LIFESTYLE

Easy Ways to Explore St. Charles Without a Car This Summer

St. Charles is pushing for more people to ditch their cars this summer. Instead of driving everywhere, the city wants residents and visitors to use bikes or walking. A new online guide makes it simple to plan trips. It shows bike trails, explains local riding rules, and lists summer events. No more

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Downtown DeKalb’s New Sip‑and‑Shop Plan: A Mix of Support and Skepticism

"City officials are pushing a new entertainment district that would let people carry one drink in a special cup while walking between shops and restaurants. The idea is to boost foot traffic after dark, making downtown a lively spot for diners, shoppers and moviegoers. A council vote is set for Mond

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May 11 2026LIFESTYLE

Peanut shop keeps old-school charm alive in Suffolk

The Planters Peanut Center in downtown Suffolk feels like a living snapshot of 1960s American shopping. The air smells strongly of freshly roasted peanuts, and the walls are covered in vintage signs and photos of Planters products from decades ago. Many visitors grew up nearby and still remember thi

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May 11 2026BUSINESS

Small businesses in Savannah show signs of growth but face tough challenges

Savannah’s economy is booming, mostly thanks to big players like the port and Hyundai’s new electric vehicle plant. But small businesses aren’t seeing the same rise. While mid-sized and large companies are growing fast, tiny businesses with under 20 workers are barely keeping up. Most of the small b

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May 11 2026RELIGION

A Leader Who Shaped Jewish Advocacy in America

Abraham Foxman, who spent 28 years leading the Anti-Defamation League, passed away at the age of 86. The organization announced his death but did not share details about the timing or location. His role wasn’t just about leadership—he became a recognizable voice for Jewish communities across the U.

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May 10 2026HEALTH

Nurse Who Turns Pain into Care in Bitterroot Valley

A local orthopedic nurse has become a quiet hero for many patients in the Bitterroot Valley. She works at Bitterroot Health and has spent eight years helping people recover from injuries that affect the bones, joints and muscles. Her colleagues describe her as steady and detail‑oriented, but pati

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May 10 2026POLITICS

Reinventing Anchorage: How Local Leaders Are Tackling Big Challenges

Anchorage stands at a crossroads where tough choices can’t be avoided. Money is tight, families are feeling the pinch, and young adults are deciding if this city is where they’ll build their future. Behind the scenes, over 3, 000 municipal workers – bus drivers, road crews, park rangers – keep the c

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May 10 2026LIFESTYLE

Celebrities and their go-to spots in Providence

Providence’s food scene is getting noticed by more than just locals. While the city’s arts and education reputation draws crowds, its restaurants are quietly becoming a favorite for celebrities passing through. Some visits are planned—like Jamie Lee Curtis stopping by Seven Stars Bakery daily during

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May 10 2026BUSINESS

How Rising Fuel Costs Push Small Vendors to Adapt at Farmers Markets

The climb in gas prices has hit both sellers and shoppers hard. About a year ago, filling up a tank cost $3. 98 a gallon, but now some drivers pay nearly $6. For a farm shifting loads of berries from Central Coast fields to market, that extra cost adds up fast. One family-run business now spends $14

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