Minneapolis-St. Paul, Washington, DC, and Boston are the top three fittest urban areas in the US, while Oklahoma City, Louisville, and Memphis scored the lowest. Wealth and education correlate with fitness, but not temperature. Colorado has the lowest obesity rate, while West Virginia has the highest. Northeastern and western states have the lowest obesity rates. […]
Wichita, Kansas is the most export-oriented city in the US, with 28% of its gross metropolitan product sold abroad, mainly small planes and soybeans. The US exported over $1 trillion in 2009, with Canada, Mexico, and China as top markets, while imports were mostly from Canada and China, contributing to a $300 billion trade deficit […]
Chicago’s nickname “The Windy City” has uncertain origins, with theories ranging from the wind off Lake Michigan to the city’s rivalry with Cincinnati. Other nicknames include “Second City” and “City of the Big Shoulders”. The true origin may never be known. No one knows for sure when Chicago first acquired the nickname “The Windy City” […]
Cheyenne, Wyoming has the cleanest air in the US due to its low levels of particulate matter and short-term spikes in pollution. Its small population is thought to contribute to its clean air. Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the US city with the cleanest air, according to findings from the American Lung Association. The city with fewer […]
Mobile, Alabama is the wettest city in the contiguous 48 United States with an average of 67 inches of rain annually. Mt. Waialeale in Hawaii receives the most rainfall in the US with about 460 inches annually. Seattle is not in the top 10 rainiest cities. Lloro, Colombia is the wettest place in the world. […]
City council meetings are public events where elected officials make decisions on matters such as liquor licenses and business permits. The meetings are usually conducted using parliamentary procedure and are minuted for public record. Citizens can participate and ask questions. City council meetings are regularly scheduled meetings of city officials who are called upon to […]
Denver, Colorado is known as the Mile High City because it measures exactly one mile above sea level. Founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Denver offers great views of the Rocky Mountains and outdoor activities. Visitors may experience altitude sickness, which can be relieved by drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol and strenuous […]
Detroit, Michigan is known as Motor City and Motown due to its history as the center of the American auto industry. The city was settled by French explorers in the 18th century and became a major industrial center in the 20th century, attracting many Southern migrants. Motown Records was founded in Detroit in the 1960s […]
City councils are elected bodies that pass laws, oversee city government, and allocate funds. They may have specialist commissions and hold open meetings. Council organization varies, but members are usually elected from districts. Some cities have council-manager or mayor-council governments. Council members must be legal citizens of voting age. A city council is a form […]
To become a city auditor, a strong background in finance and accounting principles is required, along with familiarity with Government Accounting Standards Board guidelines. The position can be appointed or elected, and a degree in public finance or public administration may be necessary. An advanced degree may be required for larger cities, and experience in […]
Commuter cities, also known as exurbs or bedroom communities, are a result of high-speed highways, public transportation, urban decay, and high population rates. They offer less expensive housing, bigger homes, and better school districts. Commuter cities can become too large, expensive, and exhibit higher crime levels. Commuting can be expensive and contribute to pollution. However, […]
Nashville, Tennessee, located along the Cumberland River, is known as “Music City” due to its history as a center for the music industry. The Grand Ole Opry, broadcasting since the 1920s, has been a launching pad for country music stars. Music Row is home to major publishers and producers, and the Country Music Hall of […]
Portland, Oregon was named in 1845 after a coin toss between Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, who had their hometowns of Boston and Portland, Maine in mind. Pettygrove won the toss, and the city became known as Portland. The name of Portland, Oregon was determined by a coin toss. Portland is the largest city in […]
Pittsburgh, known as the “City of Steel” and “City of Bridges,” has a rich history in the iron and steel industry. Andrew Carnegie’s mass production of steel through the Bessemer process led to the growth of the industry, attracting immigrants in search of work. The city faced an economic downturn in the 1980s, but has […]
Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest region of the US, is known as the Emerald City due to its evergreen trees and lush landscapes. The nickname was chosen in a contest to boost tourism and has become widely recognized. Seattle has over 6,000 acres of city parks with a variety of plants and deep green colors […]
Los Angeles was originally settled by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and officially founded in 1781 as El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles. The name was given due to its proximity to the river of the same name and in honor of the shrine to the Virgin Mary, Santa Maria degli Angeli. […]
Las Vegas, known as Sin City, is a popular tourist destination with many adult entertainment options, including gambling, strip clubs, and prostitution. Alcohol is readily available, and the city has a history of organized crime involvement. While some family-friendly attractions exist, the city is primarily marketed towards adults. Las Vegas is often referred to as […]
Sunset cities were places where only certain ethnic, social, or religious groups were allowed after dark. They excluded minorities to ensure they could perform menial jobs during the day. Though officially gone, some communities still show racial segregation, prompting investigations into housing bias. A sunset city is a city where only people of a certain […]
Quebec City, Canada, located along the St. Lawrence River, has many attractions including Vieux-Quebec, Notre-Dame Basilica, Château Fronetnac, the Citadel, Place-Royale, Parc des Champs-de-bataille, Hôtel du Parlement, Ile d’Orléans, and Montmorency Falls. Beautiful Quebec City in the Providence of Quebec, Canada sits along the St. Lawrence River. There are so many attractions in Quebec City […]
Rapid City is known for its outdoor attractions, including the Black Hills, Crystal Cave Park, Reptile Gardens, and Mount Rushmore National Monument. The Black Hills offer year-round fishing and water sports, as well as hiking and horseback riding. Crystal Cave Park has beautiful crystalline formations, while Reptile Gardens has a large variety of rare reptile […]
