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May 04 2026ENVIRONMENT

Farm chemicals and the slow push to reshape food into energy

Chemicals labeled “forever” seem to break all the rules—they stick around for decades, building up in soil and bodies instead of fading away like normal substances. In farming, these same chemicals are sneaking into common weed killers such as glyphosate, not by accident but as part of a strategy so

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May 04 2026SCIENCE

Breeding Better Barley: A Look at the Genes That Fight Early Sprouting

Barley doesn’t always wait to be harvested. Sometimes, rain before cutting triggers premature sprouting in the field, turning starch into sugar and ruining quality. Scientists have now found small genetic differences that help some barley plants resist this problem, called preharvest sprouting. Inst

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May 04 2026SPORTS

Should Boston sports teams trust their gut when making big calls?

The Red Sox just handed Chad Tracy a messy middle-of-the-season manager job. After Alex Cora got fired, Tracy stepped in with only six games to prove himself—hardly enough time to fix a roster that even more experienced coaches struggled with. Instead of giving him the full season to show what he ca

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May 04 2026SPORTS

Meet Sam Lemieux: The Coopersville Pitcher Dominating the 2026 Season

Sam Lemieux isn't just another high school athlete. She's a powerhouse on the softball field, making waves as both a pitcher and hitter for the Coopersville Broncos in the 2026 season. With a batting average of . 614, she’s not just contributing to her team—she’s leading it. The senior slugger didn

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May 04 2026HEALTH

Quick Health Checks for Local Student Athletes

Every year before sports season starts, students in the Bureau Valley area have one more thing to add to their to-do list: getting a sports physical. This year’s clinic is happening on May 12 from 5 to 7 p. m. at Bureau Valley High School. Local doctors will be on hand to do the checks, but there ar

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May 04 2026POLITICS

Justice Gorsuch Highlights Need for Privacy in Court Deliberations

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch recently voiced concerns about ongoing leaks of internal court discussions, arguing that unfiltered debates among justices are crucial for fair decision-making. Speaking on a news program, he emphasized that while transparency matters, judges also need space for ho

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May 04 2026FINANCE

PayPal’s Rough Patch and Why Some Still Believe in Its Comeback

PayPal’s journey hasn’t been smooth lately. After hitting its peak in 2021, the company’s stock has struggled, dropping 15% in 2026 alone. Even over the past year, it’s down nearly 23%. The slowdown isn’t sudden—it’s been building for a while, with revenue growth stalling at just 4% last year and ca

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May 04 2026HEALTH

How childhood struggles might affect gum health later

Researchers looked at whether tough childhoods could show up in gum disease later in life. They focused on young adults in China who had faced hardships like neglect, abuse, or unstable homes—what experts call adverse childhood experiences. The study also checked for signs of depression and general

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May 04 2026HEALTH

Everyday Ways to Feel Better During Your 30s and 40s

Around age 35, many women notice their body and moods starting to shift in ways that aren’t always easy to explain. Hormones begin their slow transition toward what’s called perimenopause, which can bring hot flashes, restless nights, and sudden mood swings. These aren’t just small annoyances—they c

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May 04 2026LIFESTYLE

A Spacious Home with Great Views and Easy Access

This home in Avon offers a rare mix of comfort, space, and convenience. Built in 1985, the Cape Cod-style house sits on almost two acres with views of a golf course and pond. Its location is a major plus—just minutes from schools, shops, and restaurants, yet tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. The

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