LIFESTYLE

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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
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

reading time less than a minute
Apr 15 2026LIFESTYLE

Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort in a Glastonbury Home

The house at 2163 Main St. was built in 1850 and sits just a block from Glastonbury’s town center. Its Greek Revival style gives it an old‑world feel, yet the interior shows a clear focus on today’s needs. The property covers more than an acre and offers over 3, 800 square feet of living space. T

reading time less than a minute
Apr 15 2026LIFESTYLE

Finding Purpose After a Rocky Start

Life can take unexpected turns when someone hits rock bottom. Martha Randall Erickson knows this well. By her mid-30s, she felt like she was drowning in bad choices—two failed marriages, a battle with addiction, and the weight of a painful childhood. But a coworker named Thom Britton didn’t give up

reading time less than a minute
Apr 15 2026LIFESTYLE

Trash turned trendy: How one designer is changing fashion in Sonoma

A designer from Missouri is turning heads in Sonoma this spring by showing that fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth—literally. Cory Infinite, a viral designer known for crafting runway-worthy outfits from junk, will judge the annual Trashion Fashion Runway Show at the Sonoma Community Center on A

reading time less than a minute