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Dec 20 2025SCIENCE

Peas in Peril: The Hidden Battle Underground

Peas are in trouble. A sneaky enemy lurks beneath the soil, threatening their very roots. This foe is not one but many, a team of tiny troublemakers working together to cause root rot. It's a big problem for pea farmers, making it hard to grow these tasty legumes. Scientists are stepping in to help

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Dec 20 2025POLITICS

Your Voice Matters: Join the 2026 DFL Caucuses in Austin

In 2026, Austin, Minnesota, will be a hub for political engagement when the Mower County DFL hosts its caucuses. This event is a golden opportunity for residents to actively participate in shaping their local political landscape. The caucuses will take place at the Ruby Rupner Auditorium in the Jay

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Dec 19 2025HEALTH

Why is the US Funding a Questionable Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Africa?

The US government is planning to spend $1. 6 million on a study in Guinea-Bissau, a country in West Africa where nearly one in five adults has hepatitis B. The study will look at whether giving the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns is safe and effective. But many researchers are calling this study une

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Dec 19 2025WEATHER

Des Moines' Christmas Snow: A Rare Treat

In Des Moines, a white Christmas is not a sure thing. Only about half the time, there's at least an inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day. This has been the case since records began in 1939. Recently, it's been even less common, with just three official white Christmases since 2015. But what

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Dec 19 2025WEATHER

When the Wind Howls: A Look at the Recent Weather Chaos in the U. S.

A recent weather system has caused serious problems across the U. S. A man lost his life, and two kids were badly hurt in Idaho due to extreme winds and freezing temperatures. The man died when a tree fell on his house, while the children were injured when trees and power lines came down in Twin Fal

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Dec 19 2025SCIENCE

How Toxic Traits Impact Relationships: A Deep Dive

Psychopathy is often linked to negative behaviors in romantic relationships. But does it directly harm the well-being of partners? This question has been hard to answer. Two studies tried to figure it out. They used big data and strong methods to see how psychopathic traits affect partners over time

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Dec 18 2025HEALTH

Understanding Family Strength After a Stroke

A stroke can be a life-changing event, not just for the person who has it, but also for their family. This is because it can affect how the family functions and copes. Recently, a study looked at how families deal with this challenge and what makes some families stronger than others. The study foun

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Dec 18 2025SPORTS

Capturing Moments: A Look at the World Sports Photography Awards

The World Sports Photography Awards have become a big deal in the photography world. This year, over 4, 100 photographers from 123 countries submitted more than 23, 000 photos. The competition has grown a lot since it started in 2020, and this year's edition is the largest yet. Canon, a well-known

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Dec 18 2025HEALTH

Workplace Skin Reactions: What You Need to Know

Workplace skin reactions, often called occupational contact urticaria (OCU), happen when someone's skin reacts to something they touch at work. These reactions can be caused by chemicals or proteins. There are two main types: nonimmunologic (irritant) and immunologic (IgE-mediated). The immunologic

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Dec 18 2025SPORTS

Patrick Mahomes' Road to Recovery: What's Next for the Chiefs' Star QB

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback, is on the mend after a tough injury. He tore his ACL during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This setback means he'll miss the rest of the season and the playoffs. But the good news is, his surgery went well. Dr. Dan Cooper fixed the

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