EES

Mar 25 2026FINANCE

Big Gains in 401(k)s: Is It Time to Re‑think Your Plan?

Many people notice their retirement accounts have grown a lot after years of market ups and downs. In late 2025, the average balance in a 401(k) hit $146, 400, up more than ten percent from the same time last year. The average IRA also climbed to $137, 095. This is good news for workers who save for

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Mar 22 2026POLITICS

Governors Lose Power to Pick College Trustees

The New Mexico Legislature has passed a draft change to the state Constitution that would cut the governor’s direct role in choosing members for university governing boards. The proposal, called House Joint Resolution 1, would let the Legislature set up nominating committees that guide the governor’

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Cutting the Cost of Ticket Fees in New York

In New York, many people are paying extra for everyday services. Banks add convenience fees, overdraft charges and other hidden costs that seem to disappear into the ether. These fees are especially tough on people who do not have a lot of money, and they keep state workers from getting what they

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Iran Plans Fees for Ships in Hormuz Strait

Iran is looking at a new plan that would charge ships for using the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could turn the narrow waterway into a source of revenue for Tehran. The idea comes as Iran has already been stopping vessels it says are linked to its enemies from passing through the strait since th

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Mar 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Palm Trees at EPCOT Slowly Sprout Back After Freezing

A sudden cold wave hit Orlando a month and a half ago, and it left the park’s green life looking almost skeletal. At EPCOT, the towering palms that frame Spaceship Earth had shed most of their leaves, standing there like bare poles. In the weeks that followed, those palms began to coax new fronds fr

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Mar 16 2026POLITICS

New York City's Parking Plan: A Costly Shift for Drivers

New York City is considering a big change that could impact drivers. The idea is to turn free street parking into paid parking spots. This is not just about adding meters; it's about dynamic pricing, which means you'd pay more when parking is in high demand. Think of it like surge pricing on ride-sh

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Mar 15 2026FINANCE

Cutting Card Fees: A Win for Illinois Families and Small Shops

In many towns across Illinois, people are feeling the pinch from higher prices on everyday items—food, rent, and utilities all climb each year. A hidden culprit of these hikes is the extra charge that credit card companies add when you swipe your card. They have long taken a cut on not only what the

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Mar 13 2026RELIGION

Education Levels Vary Widely Among U. S. Religions

The latest national survey shows that people who follow smaller religions tend to have higher education. Hindu and Jewish Americans lead the way, with about 70 % of Hindus and 65 % of Jews holding a bachelor’s degree or more. These groups are tiny in the country, making up less than 1 % and ab

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Mar 12 2026HEALTH

Long‑Term Health of Syrian Refugees in Norway

The study looks at how past torture affects medical visits for Syrian refugees living in Norway. It uses data from 2015 to 2024, drawn from national health records that track every visit to doctors and hospitals. The researchers first checked how often doctors recorded a “torture” diagnosis in

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Feb 28 2026POLITICS

Retirees Demand a Health Care Fix in New York City

The city’s promise to retirees that their health care would stay solid after 30 years of service is now shaky. A former crossing guard who spent three decades on the job has seen his trusted medication coverage slip through the cracks since January 1, when the city switched to a new UnitedHealthcare

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