Lifestyle features from around the web

The rise of merch: How today’s brands turned simple swag into sought-after collectibles

Shopify reports on merch trends that enhance brand affinity, highlighting creative items, collaborations, and unique designs that foster community connections.

Which news sources do Americans trust the most and least in 2025?

YouGov reports that trust in American media is sharply divided by political lines, with The Weather Channel as the most trusted source.

This little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making your city hotter

Floodlight reports on the impact of dark roofing lobbyists in Tennessee, potentially increasing urban heat and energy costs.

The decline of American happiness: Why the US is falling behind in global rankings

Spokeo explores why happiness is declining in the U.S. and how growing divides are pushing the country down in global well-being rankings.

Dog breeds losing popularity

Stacker pulled data from the AKC to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released in March 2025.

Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being

The foods and scents we associate with our childhoods can provide a meaningful source of comfort and connection.

Once thought to be an unhealthy experience, researchers now know that feelings of nostalgia can promote greater social connectedness and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

It’s harder for Americans to get access to prescription drugs, even with insurance, research shows

GoodRx reveals just how inadequate and restrictive prescription insurance coverage has become.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Minnesota DNR invites public comment on muskie plan update
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting people to share their thoughts on a draft update of the state’s long-range plan for muskellunge. “Public input, stakeholder …
The Lake Steward program has expanded to the city with the support of MN Lakes and Rivers.
City of Lake Stewards Pilot launches on Lake Harriet
MN Lakes and Rivers is proud to announce the launch of a new pilot initiative, the City of Lake Stewards program, debuting on Lake Harriet in the summer of 2025. Drawing from the success of the …
MN Lakes and Rivers is proud to announce the launch of a new pilot initiative, the City of Lake Stewards program, debuting on Lake Harriet in the summer of 2025. Drawing from the success of the organization’s widely respected statewide Lake Steward program, this new effort aims to inspire local residents to take simple, impactful steps to protect and preserve the waters that defi ne life in the City of Lakes.
MN Lakes and Rivers launches “City of Lake Stewards” pilot on Lake Harriet
MN Lakes and Rivers is proud to announce the launch of a new pilot initiative, the City of Lake Stewards program, debuting on Lake Harriet in the summer of 2025. Drawing from the success of the …
n early 2025, the Twin Cities area experienced precipitation totals near the driest year on record. However, the year's to-date precipitation total is now near normal, following rainfall throughout March and April.
WINTER 2025 ENDED WITH A SNOWFALL DEFICIT THAT REINTRODUCED DRY CONDITIONS
As of May 2, 2025, the Twin Cities has received approximately 6 inches of precipitation , which is near normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Nearly half of …
DUAL BENEFIT
Minneapolis will soon be able to produce its own biochar, bringing the city one step closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. This spring, the city will break ground on a new biochar …
Revamp your 5-to-9 after the 9-to-5 with this after-work routine
Naturepedic reports on creating an effective after-work routine to enhance well-being, set boundaries, and improve sleep quality.
A majority—83% of dads in Illinois—say they would love to receive a lottery ticket as a Father’s Day gift, a new survey finds.
Think You Know What Dad Wants For Father’s Day? A New Survey Says—Think Again
(NAPSI)—Attention gift-givers: If you’re planning to buy socks, a tie, or a “#1 Dad” mug this Father’s Day, you might want to reconsider. According to a new statewide survey* commissioned …
Gen Z is worried about paying for mental health care. Is AI the answer?
Wysa explains why chatbot support is gaining ground as Gen Z turns to AI for mental health support and what users need to know.
The coaching secret behind Tyrese Haliburton’s rise to NBA Finals stardom
Athletes Untapped reports on Tyrese Haliburton's rise to NBA Finals stardom, highlighting the impact of early coaching and mentorship on his success.
Functional freeze explained: Why you’re exhausted, disconnected, and still getting things done
Thriveworks reports on functional freeze, a state of high-functioning yet emotional numbness often triggered by stress, offering insights and coping strategies.

5 essential types of apps for older adults that support health and wellness

QMedic curated a list of apps for older adults that boost and support health and wellness, citing academic research and a survey from AARP.

Don’t Let Your Dog Become a Statistic: Protect Postal Workers

(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 …

Keep Your Summer Entertaining Simple and Fun

(Family Features) From summer holidays and pool parties to spontaneous backyard barbecues with friends and neighbors, the hottest season of the year brings people together.

Detector Dogs: Agriculture’s Best Friend

(Family Features) They may be cute, fluffy and friendly, but some dogs also have an important job: protecting America’s food supply.

Things to Do in Plano, TX This Summer 2025

Things to Do in Plano, TX This Summer 2025

(NewsUSA) - Ready to turn up the fun and make unforgettable memories this summer? Plano, Texas is your go-to destination for summer adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re planning epic …

A new parent’s guide to keeping baby cool in summer

Naturepedic reports that new parents should keep babies cool in summer to prevent overheating, which poses serious health risks.

Stitch it, don’t ditch it: Resisting fast fashion through visible mending

Reasons to be Cheerful reveals how stitchers around the world are repairing their clothes with pride, turning a once-hidden process into a bold fashion statement.

Are local officials duty-bound to certify elections? Arizona ruling creates new doubt

Votebeat reports that a recent court ruling challenges the long-held presumption in Arizona that supervisors have no discretion when certifying election results.

Rotten tricks: How hot and stinky plants woo pollinators

Knowable Magazine reports on how harnessing the heater to attract pollinators may have first happened more than 300 million years ago, before the grand explosion of diversity in pollinating insects—before butterflies, before bees—and before the dramatic rise of flowering plants.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Divide perennials to boost health, beauty
Welcome back to a new gardening season, and a new season of City Gardener columns! As our gardens begin to wake up from their winter rest, it's a great time to think about an often-neglected …
Clever ideas for tiny yard spaces
Faux hedges If your outdoor patio or side yard is hemmed in by something like a chain-link or cinder block wall or planter box, consider installing a faux green hedge. This is the perfect …
Sid Triantafilou of Greco Linden Hills Painting paints houses in residential neighborhoods, including East Isles, near Lake of the Isles. (Photo by Lulu Jaeckel)
Homeowners experiment with paint colors, say local painters
Whale gray, dry sage and french press are some of the popular names of interior paint colors right now at Benjamin Moore, a paint company.  Sid Triantafilou, a local painter and owner of …
Welcome to the land of 10,000 gardens
Focus on what's strong. Not what's wrong.  This is the essence of asset-based community development .​​ It's also what sustainable community building looks like and how we can create …
They wanted to save the boulevard trees along six blocks of 29th Ave. and they came together to do just that. Then they celebrated together at Arbeiter Brewing. (Photo by submitted)
Motivated by a common goal
Residents along six blocks of 29th Ave. S have banded together to save 40 ash trees. “These are public trees that the whole community benefits from,” observed Loey Colebeck. “Many …
The 'king of poisons' is building up in rice
Grist reports that climate change is loading rice—the beloved grain that feeds more than half of the world's population—with increasing amounts of arsenic, creating a "scary" health burden.
A majority—83% of dads in Illinois—say they would love to receive a lottery ticket as a Father’s Day gift, a new survey finds.
Think You Know What Dad Wants For Father’s Day? A New Survey Says—Think Again
(NAPSI)—Attention gift-givers: If you’re planning to buy socks, a tie, or a “#1 Dad” mug this Father’s Day, you might want to reconsider. According to a new statewide survey* commissioned …
How one state reduced its overdose death rate by 32% in a year
Healthbeat reports New York state cut overdose deaths by 32% through increased harm reduction services and treatment, reflecting national trends.
How stress shapes cancer's course
Knowable Magazine shares how studies show psychological strain can accelerate tumors and asks if beta blockers slow them down.
19 photos of Juneteenth celebrations over the years
Stacker collected images of Juneteenth celebrations over the years that showcase how the holiday has changed, from 1970 to 2024.
More Lifestyle coverage

What your first aid kit is missing that could make a big difference

Dimora Medical reports that many first aid kits are outdated. Essential additions include biofilm-disrupting cleansers for better wound care.

Many women skip menopause treatment due to high cost, survey shows

GoodRx reveals that while most women spend less than $50 a month on menopause-related treatments, cost remains a major barrier, leading some to delay care or forgo treatment altogether.

Every 30 minutes, someone arrives at an ER with a gunshot wound, according to the CDC

The Trace  reports new data from the CDC shows that gun violence remains a stubborn presence across the country, with 93,022 shooting injuries treated in hospitals from 2018 to 2023.

11 proven ways women can lower cholesterol after 40

Hone Health shares research-backed strategies women over 40 can take to reduce their cholesterol levels.

Switching from a compounded to a brand-name GLP-1? Here’s how to do it in 5 steps

GoodRx says that with the support of a healthcare team, a clear transition plan, and a few cost-saving tools, you can make the process of switching from a compounded GLP-1 to a brand-name GLP-1 smoother, safer, and more affordable.

Brain study identifies a cost of caregiving for new fathers

The Conversation reports on research that has revealed that the brains of fathers as well as mothers have revealed that the brain lose volume across the transition to parenthood, and researchers are still figuring out what these changes mean for parents.

How smart consumers use prescription discount cards with insurance to legally game the system
SaveHealth explores how consumers are leveraging discount card platforms to save money while working with or around their insurance coverage.
IDs through the ages: How people have proven their identity over time
Spokeo examined the history of identification and its evolution throughout the centuries, from seals to biometrics.
Texas lawmakers hear concerns about bill to require proof of citizenship for voting
Votebeat reports on concerns from Democratic lawmakers and Texas voters that a GOP-backed bill to require citizenship proof from voters could disenfranchise eligible Texans.
American lawn care is going electric
Reasons to be Cheerful reports that with rebates and other perks encouraging residents to say goodbye to gas-powered equipment, springtime has gotten a little quieter.
The fix for parched Western states: Recycled toilet water
Grist asks: If it's perfectly safe to drink purified wastewater, why aren't drought-plagued states using more of it?