OCA

May 05 2026EDUCATION

Local students shine as they announce next steps after high school

Friday wasn’t just a normal school day for many students in Berks County. A special gathering at the Miller Center for the Arts turned the spotlight on young adults who are about to leave high school and start new journeys. Instead of walking out empty-handed, these career and technology students wa

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May 05 2026BUSINESS

A New Spot for Relaxation Arrives in Canal Park

Duluth’s downtown just got a fresh spot for people looking to unwind. The Lighthouse Spa & Boutique opened its doors in Canal Park, offering a full day spa experience where locals can relax and recharge. Two of the co-owners previously worked at another spa in the area but wanted to create something

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May 05 2026TECHNOLOGY

Boosting Clean Energy with a Special Metal Mix

Scientists have found a clever way to make hydrogen fuel more efficiently by mixing two metals in a smart way. They combined tiny bits of palladium (a rare metal) with molybdenum dioxide (a cheaper, more common material) to create a powerful combo for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The tr

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May 04 2026SPORTS

Breaking the Pay Gap: How WNBA Players Are Rewriting Their Futures

Breanna Stewart, a standout from Central New York, has become a key figure in reshaping how women’s basketball is compensated. She helped negotiate a landmark deal that will funnel over $1 billion into player salaries and benefits through 2032. This agreement introduces the first full revenue‑

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May 04 2026POLITICS

New Mexico’s step forward in disability rights

New Mexico once lagged behind in supporting people with disabilities through insurance coverage. But in 2023, the state took a big leap forward by requiring private insurers to include prosthetics and orthotics in their plans. That law was just the beginning—now, other states are watching and follow

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May 04 2026POLITICS

When Political Campaigns Blame Jewish Donors

Politics in Maryland lately keeps bringing up a troubling idea: if a leader doesn’t do what voters want, it must be because Jewish money is pulling the strings. This wasn’t just some old rumor—emails sent to Maryland’s Senate President Bill Ferguson during a redistricting debate directly accused him

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Frisco’s mayoral race goes to a runoff in June

Frisco voters just picked their top two mayoral candidates in a tight race. None of the four hopefuls crossed the 50% mark, so the showdown now heads to June 13. The winner will replace the outgoing mayor, who’s served nine years and can’t run again. Frisco has exploded in size since the last open-s

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May 03 2026POLITICS

State Budget Passes: Money for Schools, Towns and Health Care

The state Senate approved a new budget that will bring more money to schools, towns and health care. After weeks of public talks the lawmakers voted 30‑6, with all opposition from Republicans. The plan adds $180 million for education and $100 million to help struggling towns, hoping to keep lo

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May 03 2026TECHNOLOGY

How Tiny Particles Change Over Time in Harsh Conditions

Scientists often struggle to watch how tiny catalysts behave in tough acidic environments. These catalysts help speed up chemical reactions, like splitting water into oxygen, but their structures can shift unpredictably. A team found a way to track the same iridium nanocatalysts over long periods us

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May 03 2026BUSINESS

A Local Seafood Spot Closes After 46 Years

For over four decades, a small but beloved seafood spot in Dana Point Harbor served up fresh catches and classic meals. Now, Jon’s Fish Market will close its doors on May 3 after owner Shala Mansur O’Keefe decided the daily grind of running a business had become too much. Health struggles and financ

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