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Feb 28 2026SCIENCE

Reduced‑Nitrite Ham: Safety and Taste Stay Strong

Whole cooked ham is a staple in many diets, but the nitrite used to preserve it raises health worries. A new study looked at how cutting nitrite from 150 ppm to 80 ppm affects safety, texture, and flavor over time. The researchers checked the meat every 15 days for bacteria like total viable coun

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Feb 28 2026HEALTH

Salem Opens New 34‑Bed Detox Center to Bridge Care Gaps

Bridgeway Community Health is set to launch a 34‑bed medical detox and recovery facility in May at its Front Street campus in downtown Salem. The center will combine medically supervised withdrawal, primary medical care, and recovery services in a space that is nearly four times larger than its form

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Feb 28 2026SCIENCE

Digging into How Bacteria and Viruses Change in Pig Manure Digests

In pig farms, manure piles are a big source of antibiotic‑resistance genes, or ARGs. Scientists wanted to see how treating this waste with anaerobic digestion (AD) changes those genes and the viruses that live there. AD is a common way to break down waste without oxygen, producing useful gas. The s

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Feb 28 2026OPINION

Who Will Get the Money From Alaska’s New Willow Oil Field?

The upcoming oil run at Alaska’s Willow field has sparked a debate over who should receive the royalties. The federal law that covers oil on the National Petroleum Reserve‑Alaska splits the revenue 50/50 between the U. S. government and the state. But Alaska has not taken its half, because a 1976 ag

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Feb 27 2026EDUCATION

School Plan Sparks Debate: One Elementary School to Close

Southington’s school board has set a new course for the town’s education system, choosing to close one elementary school as part of a larger construction project. The decision came after a detailed presentation at the board’s February meeting, where experts outlined options for building updates and

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Feb 26 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Simple Farm Life That Wins Hearts

The world of Stardew Valley offers a calm escape where players can grow crops, raise animals and form friendships in a pixelated town. Its popularity has exploded, with nearly 50 million copies sold and even live orchestral performances of its music. The game was created by a single developer

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Feb 26 2026ENVIRONMENT

Engineers: Quiet Builders of Tomorrow

Engineers shape the roads, bridges and water that keep communities alive. Their work is often hidden behind everyday life, yet it decides how safe and clean our world feels. The latest National Engineer’s Week highlighted this unseen influence, urging young people to see engineering as a creat

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Feb 26 2026SCIENCE

Brains that Keep Growing: How New Cells Help Memory Stay Sharp

New brain cells are still being made in people as they age, and those who keep producing them seem to remember better. Scientists studied brain tissue from people ranging from young adults to those over 80 who still have great memory. They counted cells that are in the early stages of becoming

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Feb 26 2026LIFESTYLE

Family Fun Made Easy at an Indoor Water Park

Family vacations can feel like juggling act, especially when the crew includes toddlers, teens and parents. A resort that keeps everything under one roof can turn that chaos into a smooth adventure. One North American destination has made this promise by pairing an all‑year indoor water park with

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Feb 25 2026POLITICS

Orangeburg Talks Safety After Campus Shooting

Orangeburg leaders held a “Safety First” chat to let residents voice worries about safety and ask questions. The meeting happened just weeks after a shooting at South Carolina State University that killed two people and hurt another. An 18‑year‑old was arrested for the crime. City officials

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