Four Contra Costa branches will close at staggered times in 2026 for months‑long upgrades. Pinole starts March 1 for an estimated 11‑month overhaul.

Homophobic graffiti defaced The Church in Ocean Park; congregants covered the damage and are expanding a rainbow mural while raising funds and hosting healing events.

Respond Now reopened a renovated Chicago Heights pantry on Feb. 9 as federal SNAP work requirements took effect Feb. 1, raising worries about rising need in the south suburbs.

Long Beach officials warn Emergency Housing Voucher funds will be exhausted by August, putting about 500 recipients at risk of losing rent help.

Sanctuary Coffee says it needs $36,000 by April to keep its Foothill Blvd and Honnold‑Mudd Library cafés open. The nonprofit blames rising rent and labor costs.

Minnesota has made a personal finance course a high‑school graduation requirement; students at Eagan are already taking the class while districts finalize rollouts. Schools are using state guidance and outside partners to train teachers.

Common areas at 2065 Morris Ave went dark after management allegedly fell behind on a Con Edison bill; DOB inspectors later cited dozens of violations. Residents say power returned Friday after a payment.

A Fallbrook family found a mountain lion in a backyard trap; state wildlife officers removed and released the cat, leaving neighbors worried about missing pets.

NRG has completed the purchase of the Ravenswood Generating Station, shifting control of New York City’s largest fossil fuel plant and raising fresh questions about its planned conversion to renewables.

College Track used Super Bowl week to celebrate a $20M gift from the Ravens, the Bisciotti Foundation and M&T Bank that will help open a Baltimore center to guide first-generation students from high school to college.

Two Duck & the Peach employees say their firings were linked to union organizing; the NLRB now has an active representation petition and related filings.

A new $8 million settlement will fund lifetime care for a severely autistic Oahu resident after 17 years of denied special‑education services. Lawyers say the award covers mental‑health, housing and rehab supports.

UMass President Marty Meehan pledged $1.5M and UMass Lowell will rename University Crossing in his honor. The gift is aimed at expanding internships and career-connected programs.