ERA

May 08 2026WEATHER

Cold Start, Warm Future: Chicago’s May Weather Mix

Chicago woke up to a chilly shock, with some spots dipping below 30°F. A frost warning covered almost every county except Cook. The National Weather Service said the day was unusually cold for May. Highs should climb into the low 60s, but showers may appear. A storm expert noted that not everyone w

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May 08 2026LIFESTYLE

How to Share a Loved One’s Story Without Stress

When someone passes away, families often want to honor their memory in local newspapers. This process usually involves submitting an obituary, but the rules and costs can feel confusing. First, basic details like the full name, address, and contact numbers must be provided. If a photo is included, i

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May 08 2026HEALTH

Fixing faulty heart genes with smart editing tools

Scientists took skin cells from two people whose hearts were growing too thick, which can cause dangerous rhythms and block blood flow. Inside each cell’s instruction manual, a single wrong letter in the PRKAG2 gene was spotted—like a typo in a recipe that makes the heart muscle store extra sugar in

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May 07 2026POLITICS

Geneva’s Quiet Shift: Why the UN Is Packing Up

The big name of Geneva as a hub for world peace is fading. The old Palais Wilson, once the home of the League of Nations in 1937, is now being emptied by the United Nations and its partners. Since 2025, more than three thousand staff in Geneva have been let go or moved to cheaper cities. About a

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May 07 2026RELIGION

Should a Brother Speak Up About Funeral Plans?

The story begins with two brothers who grew up in a Jewish home. One brother’s first wife was also Jewish, while his second wife is not. During a recent dinner, the second wife revealed that her husband wants a cremation and a later memorial. She claims she has spoken to rabbis who say cremation is

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May 07 2026POLITICS

Crime Data Shakeup: DC Police Under Fire for Report Changes

A recent investigation has put 13 Metropolitan Police Department officers on leave, with several facing possible termination. The probe began after an internal review by the department’s own bureau uncovered suspicious changes to crime statistics. Senior leaders, including an assistant chief and a d

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May 07 2026POLITICS

New faces needed in government jobs after big staff departures

After letting go of over 300, 000 workers last year, the federal government is now trying hard to fill those positions and keep the best talent. The push includes a new program called U. S. Tech Force, which brings in engineers for two-year assignments. These workers can stay if they like it or retu

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May 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books Where Grown-Ups Get the Spotlight

Reading fantasy and sci-fi isn’t just for kids anymore. Many people start with stories about young heroes facing dragons or exploring magical schools. These tales often feature brave but inexperienced characters, making them feel exciting but also a bit unrealistic. Over time, readers grow up—and so

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May 07 2026HEALTH

How Brazil Spends on Mental Health Outside Hospitals

Between 2001 and 2022, the Brazilian government shifted how it paid for mental health care outside of hospitals. When a key mental health law passed in 2001, about 2% of all federal health spending went to mental health services outside hospitals. By 2017, that share had dropped to 1. 7%, even thoug

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May 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Ed sketches stars and stars sketch back

Ed started doodling when she was a kid in Staten Island, filling folders with drawings of Sonic and Pokémon. She never had formal training but spent her childhood surrounded by New York’s art scene. Today, she’s known as Ed the Artist, the woman who sketches Broadway stars at the stage door and capt

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