U S INSTITUTE

Apr 23 2026POLITICS

South Park Estates: How Big Promises Led to Big Problems

South Park Estates in Midtown was once a rare spot where working families could own their homes. But after the city changed the rules in 2021, rents jumped nearly 50% in just a few years. What used to be a tight-knit community of 66 families is now down to just 35. The reason? Officials allowed a de

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Apr 23 2026LIFESTYLE

Late Spring Gems in Coastal Maine

Spring in New England often gets overlooked between the harsh winter and the busy summer season. Yet this is exactly when the region starts showing its best side. Take Ogunquit, Maine—a coastal town that feels like a hidden postcard come to life. By late spring, the crowds haven’t arrived yet, but t

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Apr 22 2026HEALTH

Breathing Your Way to Better Health

Studies show that taking deep breaths can lower stress, help the heart, improve sleep, and even lift mood. One recent paper in a medical journal examined how breathing exercises helped people recover from COVID‑19, finding that the practice was more than just a way to relax. Another study compared b

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Apr 22 2026CELEBRITIES

Sumi Jo Teams Up With SM Classics for Global Reach

SM Entertainment’s classical branch, SM Classics, has just added a superstar to its lineup. The world‑famous soprano Sumi Jo will now record exclusively with the label, marking a significant step in its push to become a leading name in classical music worldwide. Jo first made history in 1993 when s

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Apr 22 2026ENVIRONMENT

Sleep Green: Easy Bedding Swaps for Earth Day

Switching your bedding can feel like a small step, but it adds up. First, consider ditching the usual microfiber sheets and polyester pillows. Those materials trap heat and can release tiny plastic particles into the air. Instead, choose sheets made from cotton or linen. They let your skin bre

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Apr 22 2026FINANCE

South Korea’s Stock Market Hits New Peak as Tech Shines

South Korea’s main stock index just crossed a major milestone, closing at 6, 388 points—a record high. The jump came mostly from tech stocks, especially chipmakers, which defied worries about Middle East tensions and rising oil prices. The market’s total value now sits at over $3. 5 trillion, beatin

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Apr 22 2026EDUCATION

Girls explore science in the great outdoors

St. Patrick's County Park will open its doors to a special science day for girls in grades 5 through 8 on April 25. The program, called GALS, runs from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM and focuses on hands-on learning with real scientists. Instead of sitting in a classroom, participants will dig into soil samples

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Apr 22 2026SCIENCE

Swiss stamps from the 1800s: what their colors reveal

Swiss postage stamps from 1850 to 1908 weren’t just about postage. They were tiny canvases showing off the best pigments and dyes of the time. For the first time, researchers closely examined 98 of these stamps using advanced tools like Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Instead of

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Apr 22 2026LIFESTYLE

When Family Beliefs Clash With Love

Some families hold tight to their traditions, especially when it comes to who their kids should date or marry. This can make things tricky if someone falls for someone outside their faith. The worry isn’t just about personal feelings—it’s about the fear of disappointing the people they love most. Bu

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Apr 22 2026LIFESTYLE

Dresses That Hide Tummy While Looking Stylish and Affordable

Summer calls for light, comfortable clothes—but comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Many women worry about finding dresses that feel both breezy and flattering. Loose fits, strategic ruching, and smart fabric choices can help balance comfort with confidence. Whether heading to work or ou

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