RENE

Apr 24 2026BUSINESS

An 85-Year-Old CEO’s Unpaid Mission to Revolutionize Healthcare

At 85, most people are winding down, but one entrepreneur is charging full steam ahead without a salary. His goal? Making healthcare cheaper, faster, and easier to access for everyone. Back in 2006, he cofounded a company that let migrant workers video-call their families and send money at the same

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Apr 24 2026BUSINESS

Yerba mate drinks: who really owns the flavors of tradition?

A young founder recently launched a yerba mate brand called Sollos, mixing the South American drink with tropical flavors like coconut and pineapple. The cans are bright and eye-catching, designed to stand out on shelves. But something feels off to many people. Sollos isn’t just another trendy drink

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Apr 22 2026BUSINESS

Making baby carriers that actually fit everyone

Back in 2018, two friends decided they’d had enough of the babywearing industry leaving them—and countless others—out in the cold. Most carriers felt terrible to use if you weren’t a small size, and popular options quickly vanished from shelves. Instead of just complaining, they chose to change thin

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Apr 22 2026LIFESTYLE

How Travel Shapes Who You Are

A trip isn’t just about photos and souvenirs. You’re not the same person after walking cobblestone streets, ordering food in broken phrases, or getting lost in a market where no one speaks your language. The real work happens when your usual routines disappear. You might pick up a new way of making

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Apr 20 2026POLITICS

Building Bridges: How Colleges Are Teaching Students to Talk Across Divides

Across the country, schools are trying something new—not to change politics, but to change how people talk about it. At Rutgers, a project called the "democracy wall" doesn’t push students to pick sides. Instead, it asks them to wish for the nation’s future, and many do the same thing: want unity ov

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Apr 19 2026LIFESTYLE

From Healthcare to Havanans: A Surprising Business Shift

Latosha Veney had zero experience with cigars when she took over Tailored Smoke, a Newport News lounge, after a business partnership fell through. Two years later, she's not just running the place—she’s built it into a must-visit spot where smokers gather to relax and socialize. The lounge recently

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Apr 19 2026BUSINESS

Starting Small: How One Stanford Grad Built a Business When Jobs Weren't Available

A 2025 Stanford graduate spent months applying for jobs without success. After graduating, they still hadn't secured a full-time role despite seven years of marketing experience, including work for tech companies during college. Many applicants, including recent grads and laid-off workers, competed

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Apr 18 2026BUSINESS

Slow‑Fire Smiles: A Veteran’s Quest for Flavor

Veteran Cody Krepline turned his love of slow‑cooked meats into a thriving food truck called Sloppy Hog BBQ. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he found that preparing barbecue for his fellow soldiers soothed the memories of war. When he left the National Guard, he decided to share that comfort

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Apr 18 2026BUSINESS

Kids Take Charge: First Lowcountry Children’s Business Fair

A recent fair in North Charleston let a group of young entrepreneurs show off their own businesses. Twenty-one kids set up booths in Park Circle, selling homemade treats, 3D‑printed items and handmade bracelets. After each child made a sale, they rang a bell to celebrate their success. Volunteers ju

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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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