Gas prices still vary widely across the US, with more than a $1.70 gap between the highest and lowest state averages. Fresh AAA data shows where drivers are paying the most and where they are still finding the cheapest fill-ups.
Card issuers are heading into 2026 with familiar competition around points, lounge access, and annual fees. Here are the travel credit cards most likely to stand out based on current benefits, issuer terms, and widely tracked rewards data.
California residents near proposed and expanding data centers say water and power use are top concerns as wildfire seasons grow longer. Public records show utilities, regulators, and companies are still sorting out how AI-driven demand could affect fire-prone areas.
California remains a major draw, but high housing costs, insurance pullbacks, and slower job growth are shaping why some people say 2026 may not be the easiest time to move there. State data and industry reports show the concerns are real, even as demand remains strong in many regions.
A personal shift in where I spent travel dollars changed what I ate, learned, and noticed in U.S. cities. The experience tracks with tourism data showing rising interest in neighborhood-based, culturally rooted travel.
Tropical Depression Two formed in the Gulf of America on June 28 and is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of the western Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center said flooding rain could become the biggest concern as the system moves toward northeastern Mexico and South Texas.
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution for American travelers after Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where 2 U.S. service members were reported killed. The alert warns of possible disruptions, anti-American demonstrations, and heightened security risks in multiple regions.
As AI data centers expand across the US, residents living nearby say the steady hum from cooling equipment is making patios, yards, and walks less enjoyable. Recent reporting highlights a growing local quality-of-life issue tied to the infrastructure behind generative AI.
