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An aerial view of a bustling rooftop bar in Portland at dusk, featuring stylish patrons, glowing string lights, and a panoramic city skyline with mountains in the distance.
Best in City

Top 5 Outdoor Patios and Rooftop Bars in Portland for 2026

Looking for the best outdoor patios and rooftop bars in Portland? This guide ranks the top 5 spots for 2026, offering everything from high-rise city vistas to massive casual patios.

Hannah Pierce·Mar 30
A diverse group of tourists on a walking tour, exploring a historic city street, sampling local food, and admiring ancient architecture under warm sunlight.
Local Guides

The 7 Best Walking Tours in Our City for Food, History, and Culture

Finding the best walking tours in our city is all about matching the experience to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a dedicated foodie, or a cultural explorer, there’s a perfect tour out there for you.

Hannah Pierce·Mar 30
A diverse group of people enjoying unique spring activities in a vibrant, underrated park, featuring cherry blossoms, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities under golden light.
Best in City

Top 6 Underrated Parks and Green Spaces for Unique Spring Activities

Forget the overcrowded usual spots and dive into hidden gems that offer something truly special this spring. This guide highlights unique features, hidden trails, and specific activities that make each park shine.

Hannah Pierce·Mar 30
Split image showing a decaying printing press on one side and a lively community meeting on the other, symbolizing the decline and potential revival of local journalism's impact on civic engagement.
Community

Local Journalism's Role in Civic Engagement: Erosion and Restoration

The United States' press freedom ranking plummeted 20 spots in five years, landing at 64th globally, according to USA Today .

Derek Molina·Jul 21
Diverse group of young adults looking at an affordable home in a vibrant, tree-lined neighborhood in Our City.
Real Estate

Top 4 Affordable Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Our City

In Our City, where the median home price surged by 15% last year, a first-time buyer with a $75,000 income might still find a home in Eastside Village for $350,000, but they'll face a 30-minute commut

Aaron Blake·Jul 20
A close-up of a crispy, beer-battered fried hot dog from The Old Salty Dog in Sarasota, a top-ranked American hot dog destination.
Best in City

Sarasota Restaurant Earns Spot on America's Best Hot Dogs List

A Sarasota restaurant's signature hot dog, beer-battered and fried, has landed it on USA TODAY's list of America's best hot dog destinations for 2026!

Hannah Pierce·Jul 19
More Than a Store: How Loving Stitches Quilt Shop Became Eastern NC's Quilting Community Hub
Best in City

More Than a Store: How Loving Stitches Quilt Shop Became Eastern NC's Quilting Community Hub

Loving Stitches Quilt Shop in Fayetteville, NC, has grown from a simple retailer into a central community hub for quilters, offering hands-on guidance and a supportive environment. It provides essential classes and materials that online options cannot fully replace, fostering a thriving local crafting ecosystem.

Sponsored·May 25
Split image showing Florida state government on one side and essential local community services on the other, highlighting the conflict over property tax cuts.
Community

Florida Property Tax Cuts Could Cripple Local Services

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis initially proposed a sweeping property tax cut, only to backpedal after local Republican officials protested the potential impact on essential services, demonstrating

Derek Molina·Jul 11
Journalist Melissa Montalvo working late in a newsroom, illuminated by her laptop, with a journalism award visible in the background.
Community

Local media awards boost journalism, but barriers remain.

Melissa Montalvo's investigation into security guard force in homeless shelters earned her first place in Investigative Writing, a testament to the tangible impact recognized by local media awards, ac

Derek Molina·Jun 26
Citizens engaging with local news, symbolizing community accountability and the fight against public corruption.
Community

Local journalism's role in community accountability is vital for 2026.

In judicial districts across the nation, prosecutions for public corruption were notably more frequent when a nonprofit news outlet operated within the area, according to theajp .

Derek Molina·Jun 7
A sparsely furnished office representing the NYC Office of Community Safety, highlighting its minimal staffing and potential for failure.
Community

NYC Engagement Office Risks Failure Without Real Community Input

New York City's newly unveiled Office of Community Safety, designed to boost mass engagement and address critical community issues, will initially operate with just two staff members, according to pbs

Derek Molina·May 5
The exterior of a performing arts center in San Diego, with an empty stage visible through a window, under a darkening sky.
Community

San Diego's Arts Funding Cuts Threaten Community Fabric and Local Economy

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has proposed eliminating all city funding for local arts and culture organizations, reducing a $13.

Sophie Nguyen·Apr 29
A city street with small businesses, highlighting the potential impact of large upcoming events on local commerce.
Community

City events in 2026 could cripple small businesses without better planning.

The 2006 German World Cup generated 2.

Derek Molina·Apr 28
An abandoned newspaper printing press, symbolizing the decline of local news and its impact on community engagement and democracy.
Community

Local News is Critical for Democracy. Its Decline Threatens Civic Engagement.

In the U.S., 59% of adults highly attached to their communities follow local news very closely, compared to just 27% of unattached individuals. This stark difference shows local information is crucial

Derek Molina·Apr 24
How Pipe Dreams Farm Helps Families Start Horse Riding Lessons in Rio Oso
Business Spotlights

How Pipe Dreams Farm Helps Families Start Horse Riding Lessons in Rio Oso

Pipe Dreams Farm in Rio Oso, California, offers a supportive environment for families seeking horseback riding lessons, training, and other equestrian services. It provides a practical starting point for new riders to learn at a steady pace and build confidence outdoors.

Sponsored·May 25
An empty, old-fashioned newspaper stand on a deserted street, symbolizing the collapse of local news outlets and the resulting information void in communities.
Community

Local News Collapse Risks Democratic Deficit, Report Warns

At least 293 local newspapers have closed in the UK since 2005, representing about a third of the sector, according to GOV.

Derek Molina·Apr 17
A healthcare professional in a community center looks concernedly at funding documents, symbolizing the challenges faced by local mental health services due to state administrative cuts.
Services

MHSA Funding Challenges for Local Mental Health Services

Despite local agencies like Shasta County Health and Human Services actively seeking public feedback on mental health funding plans for fiscal years 2026-2029, 5% of the massive Mental Health Services

Marco Alvarez·Apr 14
A lively street filled with independent local businesses, illustrating the concept of money recirculating within the community and boosting local economy.
Business Spotlights

Local businesses recirculate over 3 times more cash than chains

For every dollar consumers spend at a local independent business, nearly half — 48 cents — is recirculated directly into the local economy, a significant boost to community wealth and job creation.

Marco Alvarez·Apr 12
A diverse crowd enjoys a vibrant community festival in a city park at sunset, featuring food stalls, live music, and people connecting, symbolizing civic pride.
Events

More Than a Party: Why True Community Festivals Are Our City's Lifeline

The true heartbeat of a city isn’t found in its skyscrapers but in its shared spaces and community festivals. The FamiLee Day festival in New Orleans exemplifies how prioritizing people over profit can build lasting civic pride and economic opportunity.

Sophie Nguyen·Apr 9
Diverse community enjoying a vibrant urban park at sunset, featuring lush trees, walking paths, and city skyline, symbolizing healthy, integrated urban living and smart city investment.
Neighborhoods

Beyond Budgets: Why Accessible Public Green Spaces Are Our Best Urban Investment

Prioritizing accessible public green spaces is the most critical investment for a city's long-term economic vitality, social equity, and community well-being. It's about building resilient, healthy urban environments for generations to come.

Aaron Blake·Apr 9
National Guard soldiers and local firefighters collaborate during a simulated garage fire training exercise, demonstrating critical inter-agency coordination for community safety.
Community

Our Safety Is Not a Budget Line-Item: We Must Fund National Guard Training

National Guard training with local emergency services is a non-negotiable cornerstone of community safety and disaster preparedness. These joint exercises forge seamless coordination, ensuring a unified, life-saving response in moments of crisis.

Sophie Nguyen·Apr 8
A bustling main street at golden hour, showcasing diverse people interacting happily outside independent shops, cafes, and a bookstore, symbolizing a vibrant local economy and strong community.
Community

Why Supporting Local Businesses Is the Only Way to Secure Our Community's Future

Supporting local businesses is more than a feel-good gesture; it's the most critical investment for a resilient local economy and a unique community identity.

Derek Molina·Apr 7
The Ultimate Homeowner's Guide to Siding and Roofing with Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island in Warwick, RI
Business Spotlights

The Ultimate Homeowner's Guide to Siding and Roofing with Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island in Warwick, RI

Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island offers Warwick homeowners a new standard in roofing and siding, combining local expertise with advanced technology to protect against challenging New England weather. They are certified as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and a CertainTeed 5-star siding contractor, ensuring superior materials and installation.

Sponsored·May 21
A modern city street at rush hour, showcasing a clear, red dedicated bus lane with multiple buses moving efficiently, contrasting with congested car traffic.
Business Spotlights

The Road Ahead: Why Expanding Dedicated Bus Lanes Is a Non-Negotiable Urban Investment

Dedicated bus lanes are a non-negotiable urban investment, fostering economic growth and improving traffic flow. Discover how prioritizing high-capacity public transit creates a more equitable and vibrant city.

Marco Alvarez·Apr 6