"Reach out," the old jingled implored. "Reach out and touch someone." That was the 1980s, and the metaphor of physical touch helped humanize the still-nascent technology of long-distance phone calls.

As it became clear that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus would limit human interaction, local illustrator and watercolor artist Amy Wike turned to art to process her feelings. “Before enough time ...

Happy Hug Day 2026: Celebrate the warmth of heartfelt embraces that comfort, heal and strengthen bonds with the people you love most.