PUBLIC HEALTH

Jan 05 2026ENVIRONMENT

The Unsung Heroes of Wastewater Treatment

The workers at Portland's wastewater treatment plant are doing a tough job. They are dealing with an old plant that needs a lot of care. The plant was built a long time ago. It wasn't made for the kind of waste we have today. There's more of it, and it's more complicated. These workers are handling

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Jan 05 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why the EPA is Setting Limits on Rocket Fuel in Drinking Water

The EPA is finally setting limits on perchlorate, a chemical found in rockets and explosives, in drinking water. This move comes after a long legal battle and a court order, not because the EPA thinks it will make a big difference to public health. Perchlorate can mess up the thyroid, which is espe

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Jan 05 2026HEALTH

Flu Season Hits Hard: What's Going On and Why You Should Care

Flu cases in the U. S. have shot up over the holidays, and experts are warning that this season might be particularly tough. Recent data shows that flu activity is already worse than last winter's severe outbreak in many ways. COVID-19 cases are also rising, but they're still not as common as flu ca

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Jan 05 2026HEALTH

Measles Makes a Comeback: What's Going On?

The U. S. is facing a serious measles problem. In 2025, there were over 2, 000 cases. That's the highest number in many years. The last time it was this bad was in 1992. Back then, kids didn't get two doses of the MMR vaccine like they do now. Measles is super contagious. But vaccines help control

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Jan 05 2026OPINION

Why Science Isn't Always Right, But Still Worth Trusting

Science is not perfect. It changes over time. Some people think this means we should not trust it. They point out that scientists have been wrong before. For example, they once thought eggs were bad for you. Then they said eggs were fine. Now they are not sure again. But this way of thinking is not

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Jan 05 2026HEALTH

How Fear and Doubt Shaped Vaccine Choices in Italy

People's choices about COVID-19 vaccines were heavily influenced by fear and distrust. As vaccines rolled out in Italy during the third wave of the pandemic, many people's decisions were not just about health. They were shaped by deeper psychological factors. Researchers wanted to understand why so

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Jan 05 2026HEALTH

Keeping Your Gut Happy: Simple Steps for a Healthier You

Your gut is like a tiny world inside you, full of bacteria and other tiny creatures. These tiny friends help you digest food, boost your immune system, and even affect your mood. When this tiny world is out of balance, it can cause problems like stomachaches, diabetes, and even anxiety. So, taking c

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Jan 04 2026BUSINESS

Flint's 2025: Growth, Gaps, and Goodbyes

Flint saw a lot of changes in 2025. New buildings went up, and some old problems stayed. It was a year of big plans and a few setbacks. First, let's talk about the good stuff. Flint got some shiny new spots. A new YMCA opened downtown in April. It's part of a bigger project called LiveWell on Harri

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Jan 04 2026HEALTH

Measles Alert: Stay Informed and Take Action

Measles has made an appearance in South Carolina, and health officials are on the lookout. Three spots in the state have been flagged as potential exposure sites. These include a restaurant, a popular electronics store, and a library. The infected individual was unaware they were spreading the virus

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Jan 04 2026HEALTH

Measles Alert: What You Need to Know

A measles alert has been issued in North Carolina after a person with the disease visited public places. Health officials are urging people who were at Constantine's Restaurant in Gastonia after 8:30 p. m. on Dec. 26, 2025, to stay alert for measles symptoms until Jan. 16, 2026. The same individual

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