Washington’s WWI Memorial tells the remarkable story of the first African American regiment to see combat action

Wikimedia Commons Henry Johnson’s Heroic Stand with Harlem’s 369th Regiment The 369th Infantry Regiment began as Harlem’s own in 1916, training without even an armory. When war came, these Black soldiers faced doubt from their own military leaders. Yet in May 1918, Henry Johnson showed what they could do. Armed with just a rifle, grenades, … Read more

Decades of Mardi Gras bloodshed in New Orleans finally ended with this “needle and thread” revolution

Shutterstock Big Chief Tootie Montana’s Peace Revolution in 1970s For decades, when Mardi Gras Indian tribes met on Carnival day in New Orleans, blood flowed. The streets became “the battlefield” where rivals settled old scores through “humbugs” – violent fights that left families in tears, unsure if their men would come home alive. Then, in … Read more

This UC Davis museum started with 400 bugs in two boxes and a Navy malaria fighter’s dream

Wikimedia Commons/Daderot Richard Bohart’s Journey from Bug Collector to Museum Founder Richard Bohart first caught bugs at age 7 in Palo Alto, selling them for pocket change. Soon after, he earned three degrees from UC Berkeley, then joined the Navy when war broke out. He fought malaria, not just enemies, in the Pacific. Back home … Read more

Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline towns seeing a tourism revival

Shutterstock Reshaping travel along Michigan’s lakeshore Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline is buzzing again, with small towns and coastal cities seeing a wave of renewed energy. From lively festivals to charming harbors and scenic dunes, these destinations are drawing travelers back in bigger numbers. What’s fueling the revival goes beyond just beaches; it’s culture, food, and … Read more

Nevada’s booming food scene in Las Vegas beyond the Strip

Shutterstock Tastes locals love and visitors are chasing Las Vegas may be known worldwide for glittering casino buffets and celebrity restaurants on the Strip, but a whole new dining scene is rising beyond the neon lights. Neighborhoods across the valley are buzzing with food halls and hidden bakeries. These spots tell a very different story … Read more

How Hawaii is balancing tourism and preservation in 2025

Shutterstock Protecting paradise while welcoming the world Hawaii has long been a dream destination, but in 2025, the islands are rewriting the rules of tourism. From bold new fees to cultural stewardship, the state is reshaping how visitors experience paradise. Balancing preservation with an economy built on travel isn’t simple, yet Hawaii is leading with … Read more

Why Vermont’s covered bridges hold more secrets than just old woodwork

Shutterstock Vermont is the covered bridge capital of America Vermont isn’t just postcard pretty; it’s the undisputed capital of covered bridges. With more than 100 still standing, the state has the highest density of these historic wooden crossings per square mile in the nation. In the 1800s, there were more than 700, but floods, fires, … Read more

The most scenic road trips across America

Shutterstock Winding routes that showcase America’s beauty America is full of roads that don’t just take you somewhere; they make the journey unforgettable. From winding mountain passes to stretches that hug the ocean, these drives reveal landscapes that feel larger than life. Some routes are famous, others are hidden gems, but all promise scenery that … Read more