How K-pop took over the world — as told by one fan who rode the wave
In a new podcast, Vivian Yoon dissects her personal stake in K-pop, and how her obscure childhood passion has evolved into a billion-dollar industry.
Arts
'Joe the Plumber' and the rise of MAGA
With the death of 'Joe the Plumber,' who rose to prominence as a voice in the 2008 election, we look back at the rise of the MAGA movement before Trump and how politics changed over the last 20 years.
How the Dust Bowl depiction from 'The Wizard of Oz' left a lasting impact on Kansas
The Wizard of Oz and Kansas have been inseparable since farm girl Dorothy Gale first skipped down the yellow brick road. But a Dust Bowl 1930s image may also hold Kansas back from what it wants to be.
Distrust undermined the U.S. pandemic response. Now, it continues to erode healthcare
High levels of distrust undermined the country's pandemic response and possibly caused half a million deaths. Distrust continues to erode healthcare, diminish access and give old diseases a chance.
A stranger made a woman feel like she could continue living the life she wanted
One day in 2022, Lynn Fainsilber Katz went to the beach. She was carrying a lot of things and was feeling weighed down when a stranger asked if she needed a hand.
'A Guest in the House' rests on atmosphere, delivering an uncanny, wild ride
Though inscrutabilities persist in the plot of Emily Carroll's new adult horror graphic novel, the chilling ambiance makes this book one worth visiting.
A groundbreaking exhibition on the National Mall shows monuments aren't set in stone
The first official outdoor exhibition on Washington D.C.'s National Mall showcases six artists whose monuments honor American stories missing from the heart of the country's capital.
An ode to Harvey Milk for Smithsonian Folkways' 75th birthday
For Smithsonian Folkways' 75th anniversary, Cass McCombs and preschool teacher Greg Gardner wrote a collection of new folk songs for children. One of them is a tribute to gay activist Harvey Milk.
Longtime 'Price Is Right' host Bob Barker dies at 99
For 35 years, Barker was a familiar presence in the living rooms of everyone from little old ladies, to kids home sick from school. He used his fame to promote another great passion: animal rights.
How one man overcame a health issue to fulfil his dream of becoming a soldier
Ocean Subiono always wanted to be a soldier. On this week's Military Voices Initiative, we hear how a health issue almost prevented his dreams from coming true.