LIFESTYLE

Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Mom’s Big Day: Cool Gifts Celebs Love

A simple way to make Mom feel special is by picking gifts that even Hollywood stars adore. Instead of matching a celebrity’s pricey wardrobe, you can choose items that add sparkle to her day. Many of the picks are everyday goodies like comfy pants or budget‑friendly bling, while a few high‑end items

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Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Keeping Kids Off Screens: A Simple Plan

Parents often feel powerless when their children demand more screen time, but a new approach shows that limits are both doable and beneficial. Recent research points out that devices are built to hook us; the brain’s dopamine system, originally meant for survival needs, now pushes us toward endless

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Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Dogs and Homes: Finding the Right Match

The idea that some dogs are simply “difficult” is misleading. A lot of the traits people find annoying—like constant barking or high energy—were once useful for jobs such as herding or guarding. When a dog that was bred to chase cattle is left alone in an apartment, its natural instincts can feel

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Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

Weekly ocean dips unite strangers into a tight-knit Newport Beach crew

Every Wednesday at dawn, a rotating cast of about 40 locals gathers under the Newport Beach Pier. They don’t just dip their toes—they dive straight into the Pacific without wetsuits. First come the shivers and the grumbles, but once they break through the waves, the cold turns into something almost

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Apr 18 2026LIFESTYLE

A colorful art project brightens an empty downtown spot

A vacant storefront in downtown Ann Arbor got a surprise glow-up last month, but not the kind that usually leads to new business. Instead of a "For Rent" sign, the windows of the old Downtown Home and Garden now feature playful art from University of Michigan students. Their project includes whimsic

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Apr 17 2026LIFESTYLE

A look at the changing face of Southwest Florida's growing areas

Southwest Florida is seeing a wave of new construction that’s reshaping the landscape from Estero to Bonita Springs. One of the biggest hotspots is the Coconut Point corridor, where billions are being poured into high-rises, sports complexes, and entertainment hubs. The Estero Sports Park Complex is

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Apr 17 2026LIFESTYLE

Clover Sonoma brings back ice cream with simpler flavors

A well-known Northern California dairy brand is making a comeback in the frozen dessert aisle. After taking a break from ice cream for a while, Clover Sonoma is now selling four flavors in stores. These include classic options like vanilla bean and mint chocolate chip, along with chocolate milk and

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Apr 17 2026LIFESTYLE

Making Business Class Feel Like First Class: A Game-Changing Move in Air Travel

Back in 2017, a big shift happened in airplane cabins when one airline introduced doors in business class—something that was mostly seen in first class before. This wasn’t just about adding a door; it was about changing how we think about air travel comfort. Before this, business class mostly meant

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Apr 17 2026LIFESTYLE

A Local Diner’s Last Call

A Carmel Valley staple that served breakfast for decades is closing its doors for good. Wagon Wheel, known for its fluffy pancakes and cowboy-style decor, will shut down on May 22 unless a buyer steps in. The diner started as a small food stand in the 1960s, serving farmworkers before growing into a

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Apr 16 2026LIFESTYLE

Fresh troubles for Columbia and Lexington this week

A drowning near Irmo and a trooper’s alleged misconduct highlight how routine places can suddenly turn dangerous. In Lexington County, a 50-year-old Columbia man named Travers Antonio Berry was found lifeless under a Lake Murray dock on April 11 after a witness said he slipped while returning to sho

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