Once summer settles in, bird activity throughout the West Sound region changes. The young of most species have left the nest and are exploring their world. The adults that worked to feed and raise their families are no longer guarding territories. The bird … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport SL AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 141 horsepower 147 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/30-mpg highway/27-mpg combined Base Price: $27,420 As Tested: $31,240 Performance: Smooth highway ride Quite agile off-road AWD lock Eco … read more

A ghost, the goddess of death, a jellyfish and World War II GI, and a gaggle of waterfowl are among the characters that strut the stage at this year’s Island Theatre Ten-Minute Play Festival, Aug. 18 and 19. Now in its sixth year, … read more

My time in the garden is often solitary, but as I focus on a task, my head is filled with whispers. The conversation comes, unbidden — triggered by a sound, a scent or a flower. The garden is where I reconnect with people … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Fiat 500 Pop Hatchback Engine: 1.4-liter I-4, 101 horsepower 97 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/29-mpg combined Base Price: $14,995 As Tested: $19,120 Performance: Excellent fuel economy; our best was 35.0 hwy Sport mode … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL w/4Motion Engine: 2-liter TSI direct-injection turbo 4-cylinder Horsepower: 200 Torque: 207 pound-feet Transmission: 4Motion all-wheel drive EPA Ratings: 20/city, 24/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $36,475 As Tested: $37,870 Overview: The Volkswagen Tiguan, which debuted in 2009, delivers … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Horsepower: 284 Torque: 259 pound-feet Transmission: XTRONIC continually variable automatic transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 19/city, 26/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $44,685 Overview: The midsized Nissan Pathfinder crossover SUV was redesigned for … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter Horsepower: 187 Torque: 185 pound-feet Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 23/city, 29/highway, 26/combined Base Price: $30.695 As Tested: $34,085 Overview: The redesigned Mazda CX-5 crossover has evolved into something … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription, all-wheel-drive Engine: 2-liter super- and turbo-charged, direct-inject 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 31/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $52,950 As Tested: $66,105 Overview: The new 2017 Volvo S90 replaces Volvo’s venerable S80, taking styling cues from … read more