Ask Dr. Universe: How do some trees survive after being burned in a wildfire?

Sat., Aug. 11, 2018, 5 a.m.

While it might seem like wildfires only cause destruction, they are actually a natural and important part of keeping forests healthy.

Mama Bear Moxie: Getting ready for college drop offs

Sat., Aug. 11, 2018, 5 a.m.

I wanted to share my thoughts to both parents and incoming freshman who will be moving to college soon.

Filling in meal gaps: Options available to help families until school starts

Fri., Aug. 10, 2018, 5 p.m.

Free summer meals for Spokane kids in low-income areas end for the season on Friday as school employees regroup for the start of classes.

Ask Dr. Universe: Even bees need to catch their ZZZs

Sat., Aug. 4, 2018, 3 p.m.

Sleep is important for lots of the animals on our planet. Just like you need a good rest, so do bees. But, bee sleep is different than human sleep.

Mama Bear Moxie: Though they’re young, they deserve respect

Sat., Aug. 4, 2018, 7 a.m.

I started noticing that my immediate first thought was, “You can’t be serious. How does this kid know anything?” and then I stopped and realized how wrong that idea is.

Backing breastfeeding moms: Health officials, parents hope to make nursing easier

Fri., Aug. 3, 2018, 5 p.m.

While breastfeeding rates at birth are relatively high in Spokane, data collected by health officials indicate mothers tend to stop nursing infants shortly after leaving the hospital.

They don’t own homes. They don’t have kids. Why millennials are plant addicts

Fri., Aug. 3, 2018, 2:20 p.m.

Sales of flowers, seeds and potted plants have increased since 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The recent surge coincides with the fact that some millennials, defined by the U.S. Census Dept. as “America’s youth born between 1982 and 2000,” are delaying home ownership.

How you can help students with special needs find a place in college

Fri., Aug. 3, 2018, 2:01 p.m.

Just because your child has the designation of receiving “special education” – a term that encompasses a wide range of programs and classroom arrangements in public schools – doesn’t mean college is out of reach.

Mama Bear Moxie: Children need to get enough sleep

Sat., July 28, 2018, 5 a.m.

It became very clear to me as a young mother that sleep was an important part of my children’s health. Establishing a sleep schedule for my babies paid off as they moved into the toddler, child, and teenager stage.

Ask Dr. Universe: Frisson’s cause remains unknown

Sat., July 28, 2018

It turns out that the experience of getting chills when we listen to music actually has a scientific name: frisson. That’s what I found out when I met up with Washington State University brain scientist Steve Simasko.

Staying connected: Plugging in socially boosts well-being

UPDATED: Mon., July 30, 2018, 10:10 a.m.

Studies show that aging adults cope better when they remain engaged in their community.

Front Porch: It’s a date

Thu., July 26, 2018, 5 a.m.

Glancing at the clock, I fastened my earrings and scanned the room for my gold sandals. My date was on the way to pick me up and I didn’t want to keep him waiting.

Spokane Valley senior community completes extensive expansion

UPDATED: Thu., July 26, 2018, 10:22 a.m.

Evergreen Fountains, a senior living community in Spokane Valley, recently completed a more than $12 million expansion project to add a three-story living facility, cottages, a skywalk and an outdoor recreation park. Evergreen Fountains – co-owned by real estate developers Prokey and Greg Arger and Greg’s son, Gene – opened in 2008 with more than 106 independent, light-assisted and assisted-living apartments.

Dr. Zorba Paster: Crawling kids stirring up dust is a good thing

Wed., July 18, 2018, 1:20 p.m.

Crawling kids on floors stir up all sorts of dust and dirt. Whether it’s carpeted, wood or just plain dirt as they crawl, they eat and inhale yukky stuff. Is that good for them? Should we be putting them in a sterile environment that’s germ- and dirt-free? Nope.

Sister act: Weddle Twins use harmonies to connect with audiences of all ages

UPDATED: Mon., July 23, 2018, 10:12 a.m.

“Mirror twins” Kelsey and Marissa Weddle don’t let autism get in the way of their passion – singing vintage tunes in perfect harmony.

Mama Bear Moxie: Time for kids – and mama – to learn some independence

Sat., July 14, 2018

I have realized that I need to give my two two sons more chances to gain some independence. They can’t stay under my wing forever, and I can’t protect them all of the time.

Ready for the road: Keeping kids occupied, and device-free, in the car this summer takes a little planning

UPDATED: Tue., July 10, 2018, 9:47 a.m.

It’s time for that summer road trip, but also the potential boredom factor for families. While it’s tempting to let kids watch movies or play games on devices, adults can help navigate toward both conversations and chances for children to see those scenic vistas.

Ask Dr. Universe: What happens when we sleepwalk?

Fri., July 6, 2018, 5 p.m.

WSU sleep researcher Hans Van Dongen and his team observe lots of different sleep behaviors at the Sleep and Performance Research Center. He said there are really two main types of sleepwalking – deep sleep and rapid-eye movement.

Mama Bear Moxie: Spend the money on professional photos

Fri., July 6, 2018, 3 p.m.

The extra cost of professional photographs last the test of time

Mama Bear Moxie: Free things to do with your kids this summer

Sat., June 30, 2018, 6 a.m.

When you are a stay-at-home mama with little ones in the house it can be hard trying to plan fun things to do on a shoestring budget. I remember those days so well as a mixture of me about to lose my mind paired with a very overbearing attachment to my children. Anytime can be hard with toddlers and preschoolers, but summer seemed to be extra challenging for me when my boys where that small. Here are a few of the things I did to make it through the summer.

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