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Snowball Cookies

Buttery, nutty, and blanketed with powdered sugar, these nostalgic snowball cookies make a festive addition to any cookie tray. Here’s a clear, calm, truly step‑by‑step guide so you can just follow along and bake. Recipe overview Snowball Cookies  Yield: About 36 cookies Oven temperature: 350°F Pan: Unlined baking sheet (you can use parchment if you like, but not necessary) Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) ½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, plus more for coating 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2¼ cups all‑purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts) Instructions: 1. Get ready Soften the butter Take the butter out of the fridge about 1 hour before baking. It should be soft enough to press a finger in easily, but not melted or greasy. Preheat the oven Set oven to 350°F . Make sure the rack is in the center position. Prepare your pans Use unlined baking sheets (or line with parchment if you prefer). No need to...

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Ontario's Measles Crisis: A Community on High Alert

In the heart of Ontario, a measles outbreak has gripped the province, marking the largest surge since the disease was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. With over 470 cases reported since October, the outbreak has spread across multiple regions, including Southwestern Ontario and Grand Erie, where the majority of cases are concentrated. 

The highly contagious nature of measles, coupled with low vaccination rates in certain areas, has fueled the rapid spread. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date, as unvaccinated children account for most of the hospitalizations. 

Efforts to contain the outbreak include enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and the use of innovative tools like wastewater testing in cities like Ottawa. This method, though still in its early stages, offers a promising way to detect the virus and prevent further spread. 

As Ontario battles this public health challenge, the importance of vaccination and community vigilance has never been clearer. The fight against measles is a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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