Public squares, secret gardens and offbeat cafes can offer respite and a sense of community connection, which contribute to happiness. more

Retiring is never easy – but for small business owners, today’s economic climate is making it even harder to step away. more

Across the state of Iowa, approximately 2% of planted corn acres are beginning to silk, and 13% of soybean acres are blooming, which is five days ahead of the five-year average, according to the crop progress and condition report.  more

Holidays are a time of celebration, but they also come with a heightened risk of car accidents. Increased travel, crowded roads, and alcohol use can all contribute to more dangerous driving conditions. Some holidays, like the Fourth of July, are particularly hazardous. Understanding how to reduce your risk and what to do if an accident happens can help keep you and your loved ones safe. more

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s latest food and farm index found that among concerns of the high cost of groceries, the overwhelming majority of Iowa grocery shoppers surveyed are concerned about increases to food prices caused by government regulations.  The annual survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, also found that more consumers are seeking locally grown […] more

(NAPSI)—As the weather warms, many homes begin to shift into cooling mode. Air conditioners are turned on, windows are closed to keep the heat out, and people start spending more time indoors to … more

(NAPSI)—Most dog owners believe their pet is essentially a “good dog,” yet incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year. As part of the … more

Even though there are 8 billion people on Earth today, a catastrophe could send that number much lower within a few decades. more

End-of-life planning today includes making sure your loved ones have access to digital photos, email archives and social media accounts. more

Fifty years ago, Washington welcomed the first of thousands of Southeast Asian refugees fleeing war and conflict in their home countries.  A new book captures 15 stories of first-generation refugees and their descendants and how they rebuilt their lives in Washington state.  “New Land: Southeast Asian Refugees Finding Home in Washington” touches upon topics such […] more

(NAPSI)—From bustling activity hubs to tranquil nature escapes, public parks offer diverse experiences that cater to the different ways people like to use and enjoy the outdoors.   Based on … more

(NAPSI)—In A Second Shot: The Pursuit of Justice in Maryland’s Oldest Cold Case Murder , Michael F. Weisberg, M.D. tells a deeply compelling story that transcends the true crime genre. At its … more

Tessa Hulls was making sandwiches in the Alaska Capitol when she learned she had won a Pulitzer Prize. Her book, “Feeding Ghosts,” is a nonfiction graphic novel that documents three generations of women in her family, starting with her grandmother, who was a journalist at the time of the Chinese Communist Revolution. It had already […] more

From sending more pollen airborne to breaking up pollen grains, which lets them penetrate deeper into your lungs, the wind is not the allergy sufferer’s friend. more

A landscape historian explains how a Victorian tradition became a tool for social change in 19th- and 20th-century Philadelphia. more

US schools are going all in on phonics, but research shows that approach won’t work for every child. A blended literacy strategy can get more students reading. more

(NAPSI)—Parents and teachers generally agree: Literacy is one of the cornerstones of educational fairness and crucial for lifelong success.   Yet, according to the National Assessment of … more

(NAPSI)—This Easter parents, grandparents and friends can hop to it and give kids great books about bunnies, such as these sweet stories.   Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak This magical … more

(NAPSI)—Here’s a sweet idea: Treat a child you care about to a new book, such as “Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid.” Written by Emmy Award–winning talk show host Tamron Hall … more

Without being able to get into the heads of animals, it’s hard to say for sure. But instances of pig painters, whale crooners and bird sculptors certainly make it seem plausible. more