In the current times, we have to find sparks of joy wherever we can — and in early spring, one of those sparks is the humble dandelion. “There is no better example of nature’s generosity than a dandelion. Pure sunshine, they are. An instant tonic for a grey day or a low mood,” wrote Josie George in a recent column for The Guardian’s country diary section. Read more of her delightful musings on the colorful weeds.
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Culture
Take Notes for Your Next Vacation: These Are the Best Small Towns in the US
simonkr/iStock
As exciting as it is to travel to a big city, we’d argue that the charm and slower pace in small towns makes them perfect for a relaxing vacation. To help you plan your next weekend away, USA Today sourced nominations from travel writers and then had readers vote to determine the best small towns in the U.S. for 2026.
If a beach getaway is what you’re after, the publication advises heading to Pismo Beach, California, its No. 1 pick in the coastal small town category for the second year in a row. The Central Coast locale was highlighted for its peaceful beaches and abundance of wineries and outlet malls, as well as its boardwalk and Monarch Butterfly Grove, which hosts one of the largest populations of overwintering western monarchs.
But if a foodie destination is more your style, you may want to visit Lewisburg, West Virginia. The city, which has held USA Today’s title of the best small town food scene since 2023, was chosen once again for its downtown dining, featuring standouts like brick-oven Neapolitan pies from Hill & Holler Pizza and ice cream nachos at Amy’s Market.
The outlet also listed the best small college towns, small town cultural scenes, small towns in the Midwest, and more, with 10 ranked in each category — check out all the winners.
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Dad Regularly Travels Hundreds of Miles to Cheer on His Daughter’s Marathon Training
Christina Lee / SWNS
When Christina Lee trains for a marathon, she often notices a familiar face offering snacks, drinks, and other demonstrations of encouragement along her path: her dad. Though he lives in Ohio, Thomas Lee regularly travels to New York City to support his daughter in her running endeavors.
Christina, a 28-year-old crisis PR manager, began running long distances in early 2024 and completed the prestigious New York City Marathon that November, with her father cheering her on every step of the way. She’s now gearing up for the Paris Marathon tomorrow — which Thomas of course won’t miss. “He is honestly the best dad,” Christina told SWNS.
With 12 marathons under his belt, 64-year-old Thomas is an experienced runner who was thrilled to see his daughter catch the running bug. “He is so supportive, especially having been such a passionate runner in his own life,” Christina said. “He’s never pushed any of us kids to get into it, but if we show interest he’s the first to support the idea!”
During training, Thomas kicks off Christina’s runs with her and then drives along her route, stopping at different points to provide refreshments. “He always wants to show up and help,” she said. “As well as the actual water and food, his words of support and just being there motivates me so much.” See the sweet videos.
Health
A Connection to Nature Fuels Well‑Being Worldwide, Large-Scale Study Says
nymphoenix—iStock/Getty Images
This article was written by researchers Stylianos Syropoulos, Christina Jinhee Capozzoli, and Lea Barbett for The Conversation.
When life feels overwhelming, many people instinctively turn to nature. A walk in a park. Sitting by the ocean. Watching a sunset. Is this just a pleasant feeling, or is there something deeper at work?
A multitude of studies have linked spending time in nature with different aspects of mental health and wellness. For example, immersing oneself in outdoor natural spaces seems to lift depression and influence brain activity patterns. The effect may be especially relevant in children. But most research on this question has looked at people living in so-called WEIRD societies — Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic.
As environmental psychologists based in the U.S. and in Germany, we were part of a team of more than 100 researchers who set out to examine this phenomenon on a global scale and determine how consistent it is around the world. Across countries as diverse as Brazil, Japan, Nigeria, Germany, and Indonesia, we saw a clear pattern: People who felt more connected to nature also reported higher well-being. Learn more about the study.
In Other News
Anchorage, Alaska, is providing tiny homes and addiction treatment for unhoused residents (read more)
“Closer than ever”: A Type 1 diabetes cure may be on the horizon thanks to cell replacement therapies (read more)
A meteor was spotted soaring through Eastern U.S. skies Tuesday — take a look (read more)
The flagship electric SUV from Swedish auto company Polestar will soon be produced exclusively in the U.S. (read more)
Another baby southern white rhino was born at an Ohio safari park, the zoo’s second calf this year (read more)
Inspiring Story
Helping his peers, brick by brick
When Matthew Shifrin was 13 years old, he received braille instructions that allowed him to build a Lego set entirely on his own for the first time. That helped inspire the now 28-year-old to launch Bricks for the Blind: a nonprofit that creates and posts free, downloadable instructions for those who are visually impaired or blind like him. “He’s created a space around innovation and accessibility that was otherwise not there prior and he’s done so with a toy that children play with every day,” said Teri Turgeon, an education director for the school for the blind that Shifrin attended as a baby.
Photo of the Day
Simone Risoluti—Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
During his general audience at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV met with the Harlem Globetrotters — one of whom helped him spin a basketball on his finger amid cheers from the crowd. Watch the playful moment.
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