OCA

Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Eagan Holds Off on Big Tech Buildings for a Year

The Eagan City Council decided to pause any new data center or crypto‑mining projects for a full year. The rule stops construction near homes within 500 feet or if the site would use more than 20 megawatts of power. The pause ends on February 17, 2027 unless the council votes earlier. During this w

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026BUSINESS

Alamosa Grants Open for 2026 Events

Visit Alamosa has begun accepting grant applications for the upcoming year, giving local non‑profits a chance to secure funding for their events. The county’s tourism board works hand in hand with community groups, providing financial support that helps keep the area lively for both visitors and

reading time less than a minute
Feb 18 2026POLITICS

Harrisburg’s Music Hub Faces Shutdown After Tax Row

The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, a local landmark that has hosted music, comedy and community events for 15 years, is set to close permanently after a dispute over unpaid amusement taxes. The venue’s owner announced the shutdown on Facebook, blaming the city for refusing to renew essential health

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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 (

reading time less than a minute