2026

30 articles

Diverse group of people in a bright, modern clinic waiting room with sunlight streaming in, a friendly receptionist at the desk.
Services

How to Find and Choose Local Healthcare Providers for 2026

Many patients assume their health plan covers necessary care, but a single out-of-network visit can lead to "balance billing" for everything their insurance doesn't pay, resulting in thousands of doll

Marco Alvarez·August 11, 2026
A close-up of a mouth-watering, artisanal pizza with fresh toppings, representing the best local pizza restaurants in Cincinnati for 2026.
Food & Drink

Top 5 Locally Owned Pizza Restaurants in Cincinnati for 2026

In Cincinnati, a city celebrated for its chili, the quest for pizza perfection is intense.

Hannah Pierce·August 11, 2026
A lively food festival showcasing innovative cuisine and sustainable practices, with attendees enjoying a variety of unique dishes and drinks.
Food & Drink

Top 2 Unique Food Festivals and Culinary Events for 2026

In Portland, Oregon, Urban Gleaners tackles food waste head-on, rescuing nearly 1.

Sophie Nguyen·August 10, 2026
Interior view of the upscale Zuma San Diego restaurant, showcasing modern Japanese design, elegant seating, and artfully plated dishes.
Food & Drink

Zuma San Diego Opens New Modern Japanese Restaurant in 2026

A single order of spicy beef tenderloin at the new Zuma San Diego will cost diners $72, according to Zumarestaurant .

Sophie Nguyen·August 9, 2026
A diverse crowd enjoying a wide array of creative and colorful new food and drink options at a lively state fair during the evening.
Events

Top 10 Best New State Fair Foods and Drinks for 2026

At the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair alone, visitors can expect over 80 entirely new food offerings, signaling an unprecedented culinary arms race among fairs.

Sophie Nguyen·August 9, 2026
A close-up of a unique pizza dough made from pulverized bread at Scrappie's Pizzeria, highlighting culinary innovation.
Best in City

8 Best Unique Culinary Experiences in 2026

At Scrappie's Pizzeria, opening soon in Beacon Hill, the secret to their unique pizza dough lies in pulverized leftover bread.

Hannah Pierce·July 31, 2026
A lively street scene at dusk in an Illinois city, showcasing new food pop-ups and eateries with people enjoying local cuisine under string lights.
Food & Drink

Local Food Scene Flourishes with New 2026 Pop-Ups and Eateries

Illinois just announced nearly $4 million in grants to bolster local food infrastructure, signaling a significant wave of investment.

Hannah Pierce·July 30, 2026
A panoramic view of Chicago's Grant Park and Soldier Field hosting multiple major events like Lollapalooza and soccer matches during late summer 2026.
Events

Institutional events fill late summer 2026 calendars

In late July 2026, Chicago's Grant Park will host Lollapalooza.

Sophie Nguyen·July 30, 2026
Elegant restaurant dining area adjacent to a spacious, modern event hall, showcasing integrated food and beverage options for gatherings.
Food & Drink

Top 9 Restaurants Near Event Venues for 2026 Dining

In Nashville, ELM Nashville, a transformed 19th-century church, now hosts 450-person receptions, according to BizBash .

Hannah Pierce·July 19, 2026
A picturesque historic street with well-preserved architecture, showcasing the blend of historical charm and modern urban life.
Neighborhoods

What is the significance of local historic districts in 2026?

In Baltimore, the average current value of houses located within local historic districts is over twice the average of homes throughout the rest of the city, according to baltimorecity data.

Derek Molina·July 17, 2026
A beautifully plated, innovative dish served in a cozy, intimate restaurant setting, highlighting a unique culinary experience.
Best in City

Top 7 Hidden Gem Restaurants for Unique Culinary Experiences in 2026

A tiny taco stand in an industrial park, 'El Fuego Escondido,' recently served a dish a Michelin-starred chef anonymously rated as "the most surprising and delightful flavor profile" he'd encountered.

Hannah Pierce·July 16, 2026
A lively scene at the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair showcasing a wide array of adventurous new food and drink options being enjoyed by fairgoers.
Food & Drink

2026 Wisconsin State Fair Unveils 80 New Food and Drink Delights

Get ready, Wisconsin!

Hannah Pierce·July 11, 2026
Diverse group of new residents arriving in a welcoming city in 2026, symbolizing opportunity and integration into the community.
Community

8 Local Resources for New Residents in 2026

While the 2026 Multicultural Festival will host nearly 80 organizations offering resources for newcomers, some of the most impactful support for new residents comes through highly specialized, paid ca

Sophie Nguyen·July 8, 2026
A lively JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival in Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District, with people celebrating Black culture, music, and community.
Events

JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival in 2026

From Philadelphia's largest July Fourth parade to Kansas City's 20-year-old International Dragon Boat Festival, major US cities are carving out distinct cultural niches.

Sophie Nguyen·July 7, 2026
Diverse community members actively participating in various programs and services within a modern, sunlit public library.
Local Guides

What to do at local public libraries in 2026 beyond books?

In 2016, public libraries across the U.

Hannah Pierce·July 7, 2026
Spectacular fireworks explode over the Golden Gate Bridge on the Fourth of July, with crowds gathered along the San Francisco waterfront to watch the display.
Best in City

Planning Your Golden Gate Bridge Fireworks Viewing

For the first time, San Francisco's Fourth of July fireworks will launch directly from the Golden Gate Bridge in 2026, fundamentally altering traditional viewing strategies.

Sophie Nguyen·July 5, 2026
Families enjoying the largest and longest Independence Day fireworks display in history at Chicago's Navy Pier on July 4, 2026, with the city skyline in the background.
Neighborhoods

Free Family Activities in Chicago for 2026

This July, Chicago's Navy Pier will host its largest and longest Independence Day fireworks display in history.

Derek Molina·July 5, 2026
A happy family with children enjoying a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show in a park, with other attendees in the background.
Best in City

Top 10 Family-Friendly Fourth of July Fireworks Spots for 2026

Takoma Park and Laurel, Maryland, canceled their July 4th parades due to extreme heat.

Hannah Pierce·July 4, 2026
A close-up of a unique, artfully prepared coffee drink in a cozy, dimly lit coffee shop setting.
Best in City

Finding Hidden Gem Coffee Shops With Unique Brews in 2026

With a stellar 4.5-star rating, Cowboy Coffee's unique brews delight a dedicated few hundred patrons. This intimate following savors exceptional quality, even as thousands flock to other spots, often

Hannah Pierce·July 3, 2026
Spectacular Fourth of July fireworks explode in the night sky over Highland Heritage Regional Park, with crowds gathered below.
Events

Douglas County Hosts Fourth of July Fireworks at Highland Heritage Park

Douglas County will host a Fourth of July fireworks show at Highland Heritage Regional Park at 9 p.

Derek Molina·July 1, 2026
A lively crowd enjoying a variety of pickle-themed foods and drinks at the Pickle Palooza food festival, with colorful stalls and festive decorations.
Food & Drink

Pickle Palooza 2026: Attendees Anticipate Unique Dill-icious Menu

Over 2,000 tickets vanished in advance for New Jersey's recent 'Pickle Palooza,' proving an undeniable hunger for niche food festivals.

Sophie Nguyen·June 28, 2026
Patrons enjoying craft beer and lively conversation inside a cozy, sunlit New Hampshire brewery with artisanal brewing equipment visible.
Food & Drink

Local Breweries and Craft Beer Bars for 2026

In New Hampshire, 'Pints with a Mission' directly supports veterans.

Hannah Pierce·June 28, 2026
Commuters, including a visually impaired individual using NaviLens technology, navigate a modern and accessible public transit hub with advanced digital information systems.
Services

New public transit options and fares for 2026

For visually impaired riders, a new system called NaviLens allows detection of transit information from 100 feet away, even at a wide 160-degree angle.

Marco Alvarez·June 28, 2026
City hall at dusk with concerned citizens protesting budget cuts and a downward trending budget graph symbolizing reduced funding.
Community

Local government budget cuts will cripple public services without transparency in 2026.

Mayor Wu proposed a 27 percent cut to the FY27 budget for the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture, leaving programs in limbo despite calls for greater fiscal transparency, according to the Boston Art Rev

Derek Molina·June 27, 2026
A panoramic view of a modern, vibrant city at dusk, symbolizing high quality of life and livability in global rankings.
Best in City

Quality of Life and Livability: Top City Rankings for 2026

For the third consecutive year, a European city has claimed the top spot for quality of life in Monocle's global rankings .

Hannah Pierce·June 26, 2026
A crowded, intimate oyster bar in Charleston with patrons waiting for a table, highlighting the city's popular seafood dining scene.
Food & Drink

Top 6 Unique Seafood Restaurants in Charleston for 2026 Dining

At a tiny, no-reservations oyster bar tucked away on King Street, diners routinely wait two hours for a seat, bypassing larger, more traditional establishments for a taste of hyper-fresh, expertly shucked oysters and creative seafood dishes.

Sophie Nguyen·June 20, 2026
A lively crowd enjoys a band performing original music on stage at a Huntsville music venue, showcasing the city's vibrant live music scene.
Food & Drink

Top 5 Huntsville Music Venues for Live Original Music in 2026

Last year, Huntsville's independent music venues hosted over 500 original acts, quietly outpacing many cities twice its size.

Sophie Nguyen·June 19, 2026
A visual representation of Juneteenth 2026, showing a closed government building juxtaposed with active shipping services like FedEx and UPS.
Services

Juneteenth 2026: Local Government Offices Closed, Services Limited

On Friday, June 19, 2026, while regular mail delivery will halt, and local government offices will be shut, major shipping services like FedEx and UPS will operate as usual, highlighting the uneven im

Marco Alvarez·June 19, 2026
Diverse families and children enjoying free summer activities like splash pads and park games in a sunny, vibrant community park.
Community

7 Free Summer Activities for Kids and Families in 2026

As summer care costs soar, forcing families into tough choices, cities like Milwaukee are stepping up.

Sophie Nguyen·June 18, 2026
A deserted city hall building on Juneteenth 2026, symbolizing government closures and the impact on public services.
Services

Juneteenth 2026 brings local government closures

On June 19, 2026, regular mail will not be delivered by the U.

Marco Alvarez·June 18, 2026