Latest news with #Stacker
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Nostalgic arcade restaurant chain unveils new spinoff concept
Nothing is more nostalgic than arcades, with neon lights, endless games, and a little competition among friends. Winning tickets was addictive, and collecting as many as possible to redeem them for prizes made us want to stay all day, if our parents - or our allowances - allowed it. They were like the kid-friendly version of casinos, which might have been early signs that a slight gambling addiction was on the way for some. Nonetheless, they formed a memorable part of our childhoods. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter However, like many other businesses, an arcade-based restaurant chain wasn't expecting the Covid pandemic to force temporary shutdowns of all its locations, leaving it with limited ways to continue making enough money to pay its bills. The financial strains were too much for the business to handle, leading it to make a devastating decision that all companies fear. Related: Beloved Halloween-themed restaurant faces imminent shutdown Chuck E. Cheese's parent company, CEC Entertainment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2020 and emerged from it six months later under new ownership. At the beginning of this year, Chuck E. Cheese revealed a $350 million investment strategy to revive its brand by updating 500 units, and now, it's making another major improvement. Image source: Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Chuck E. Cheese has launched Chuck's Arcade, a new spinoff concept for adults that puts a modern spin on classic arcade games while maintaining its signature brand. Since all ages are welcome, this is a place for adults who grew up going to Chuck E. Cheese to relive their childhood memories while sharing them with their kids or younger siblings. Related: Walmart makes deal to open popular food chain in stores "Chuck's Arcade is a natural evolution - an opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences," said Chuck E. Cheese CEO David McKillips in the press release. The new Chuck's Arcade locations are now open nationwide across major malls in St. Petersburg, Florida; Trumbull, Connecticut; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Victor, New York; Buford, Georgia; El Paso, Texas; Nashua and Salem, New Hampshire; and St. Louis. These first few locations are only the beginning, as Chuck E. Cheese is planning a massive expansion, with 10 more upcoming locations across eight states. The arcade restaurant chain also plans to open a one-of-a-kind Chuck's Arcade and Pizzeria in Kansas City, Missouri, with a full food menu and a sit-down restaurant. More Retail News: Burger King menu adds wild Whopper-like 'Stacker' sandwichStarbucks' huge new rival opens first US storesHome Depot spends billions on major acquisition Unlike most of its original Chuck E. Cheese locations, all Chuck's Arcades are unique and differ from one another, while maintaining the same nostalgic feeling. Although Chuck's Arcade has a more modern twist, animatronics will still be featured, and retro-themed merchandise will be available for purchase at select locations. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Best big college towns in America
Every year, students from across the country agonize about where to go to college. The choices are endless: Big university or small private school? Close to home or far away? Options even abound for those committed to pursuing the standard "the college experience." Ultimately, however, where to matriculate is heavily influenced by where a school is located, especially for prospective students looking for the perfect college town. The local student body often significantly impacts those who call small college towns home year-round. A December 2024 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education highlights that colleges are usually among the largest employers in their regions, with students and their visiting parents keeping local coffee houses and restaurants afloat. Still, not all the impacts of living in a college town are positive. Rent is typically more expensive (and unfortunately, it's only going up). In 2025, the Trump administration enacted substantial funding cuts to research institutions. As a result, college-adjacent communities may sustain severe blows to their local economies. However, in bigger cities, the impact of colleges may be easier to miss. To recognize this particular cohort, Stacker identified the 50 best big college towns using WalletHub's 2025 Best College Towns in America report, published in October 2024. WalletHub examined 415 cities using 31 metrics, including housing cost, cost of higher education, city accessibility, crime rate, and median income of part-time workers. The metrics were broken into three ranked categories: wallet friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities. Stacker looked at the cities on WalletHub's ranking with at least 300,000 residents and a university or college population of at least 7,500 students. Some locations have several schools that fit the criteria, while others have one flagship university. Read on to learn about the best big college towns in America. - Total score: 49.16 - Wallet friendliness rank: 294 - Social environment rank: 31 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 267 The Mile High City is home to students attending the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Regis University, among other institutions. The city is known for its access to numerous year-round outdoor activities, and a robust public transit system covers much of the area. Denver's status as home to thousands of students is reflected in its cuisine: The first-ever Chipotle is near the University of Denver campus. - Total score: 49.22 - Wallet friendliness rank: 252 - Social environment rank: 143 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 214 Several Baltimore-based colleges, including the renowned Johns Hopkins University, help put the "charm" into the Charm City. Baltimore also hosts Morgan State University and Coppin State University, two historically Black colleges and universities, and Loyola University Maryland and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The city is steeped in history, including 10 public markets-some of which date back to the late 1700s-where students can sample food from around the world. Many students stick around the area after college due to a wealth of well-paying job opportunities in STEM fields, and the commute to Washington D.C. is only half an hour away by train. - Total score: 49.38 - Wallet friendliness rank: 392 - Social environment rank: 19 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 157 Higher education in the United States began in the Boston area with the founding of Harvard University in 1636. Over the centuries, Boston has maintained its reputation as a magnet for students, with over 300,000 attending college in the city. Within the city limits are 26 colleges, including the esteemed Berklee College of Music, which counts Quincy Jones, Melissa Etheridge, Diana Krall, and John Mayer as alumni. The city's rivers beckon rowers and sailors, while those who prefer dry land enjoy Boston's many renowned cultural institutions and sports teams. - Total score: 49.44 - Wallet friendliness rank: 160 - Social environment rank: 125 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 298 Milwaukee is home to the state's second-largest higher ed. institution, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and several smaller schools, including Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Students of drinking age can participate in the city's famous brewery tours at top brands such as Miller, but younger students can still enjoy plenty of sober activities. For instance, the city has dozens of yearly festivals celebrating food and drink, music, LGBTQ+ Pride, and more. - Total score: 49.45 - Wallet friendliness rank: 354 - Social environment rank: 2 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 272 Students who study in Honolulu enjoy urban living on an island paradise. Hawaii Pacific University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa are two of the five four-year colleges in the city, with about 25,000 students between them. Easily accessible beaches, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving make for a great study break. The area also has many cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Aloha Festival and the King Kamehameha Floral Parade. - Total score: 49.62 - Wallet friendliness rank: 281 - Social environment rank: 70 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 228 Several notable educational institutions, including the celebrated University of Chicago, call Chicago home. Other schools include Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Northwestern University in nearby Evanston. The city's diverse cultural and recreational offerings, solid public transportation system, and ties to numerous industries, from media to finance, make it a popular choice for those seeking a first-class urban college experience. - Total score: 49.64 - Wallet friendliness rank: 180 - Social environment rank: 117 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 284 Indiana's most populous city includes tens of thousands of students scattered across several institutions, including Indiana University Indianapolis, Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, and Marian University. Beyond its schools, Indianapolis' cultural districts offer rich local history and a buzzing culinary scene. With a revamped public transit system in the works, Indianapolis is also home to welcome distractions from studying, such as museums, parks, and sporting events. - Total score: 49.72 - Wallet friendliness rank: 242 - Social environment rank: 71 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 262 Several public and private institutions call the Big Easy home: Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center also hosts six of the university's schools, including the medical program. New Orleans' storied tradition of street celebrations (second lines), live music, warm climate, and arts scene make it a popular destination for college students from around the country, many of whom stay after graduation to work in tourism, energy, and health care. - Total score: 49.97 - Wallet friendliness rank: 127 - Social environment rank: 138 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 294 Once known as the "Oil Capital of the World," Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a medium-sized city with small-town and big-metropolis vibes. Tulsa has hosted college students for over 140 years and preserved some of the best of its history. In the Deco District, old buildings delight locals and visitors, while foodies can explore unique gastronomic creations on Cherry Street. Several technology, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace companies are headquartered in Tulsa, which makes it an optimal place to find internships, mentors, and corporate job opportunities. - Total score: 50.35 - Wallet friendliness rank: 92 - Social environment rank: 254 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 202 A popular spring break destination, thousands of students call coastal Corpus Christi home. Students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi enjoy island living, as the campus is located on Ward Island, between Oso Bay and Corpus Christi Bay. The Whataburger fast food chain was founded in Corpus Christi in 1950, and the city boasts many 24-hour locations to satisfy any student's late-night hunger cravings. - Total score: 50.39 - Wallet friendliness rank: 277 - Social environment rank: 180 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 93 Riverside is part of Southern California's Inland Empire, an area east of Los Angeles that offers urban amenities without the same level of gridlock. Along with several community colleges, Riverside is also home to the University of California, Riverside, La Sierra University, and California Baptist University. Riverside played a major role in the development of the California citrus industry, and the area still features some orange groves. Its citrus history is preserved at California Citrus State Historic Park, which hosts an annual citrus festival. - Total score: 50.45 - Wallet friendliness rank: 167 - Social environment rank: 69 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 300 Students attending any major educational institutions in Louisville, Kentucky-including the University of Louisville and Simmons College of Kentucky, a Historically Black Colleges and Universities member-have good reason to love their school's location. The city is home to party-heavy annual events such as the Kentucky Derby, but it also enjoys a vibrant indie music scene and a park system designed by Frederick Olmsted, who planned New York's Central Park. Like Kentucky's other big city of Lexington, Louisville has strong traditions centered around college sports, particularly UofL's Cardinals. - Total score: 50.78 - Wallet friendliness rank: 198 - Social environment rank: 130 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 229 Omaha, Nebraska, is a backdrop to many of the state's educational institutions, including the University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, and Clarkson College. The University of Nebraska Medical Center is also located here. With its low cost of living and various historic landmarks, Omaha offers an appealing blend of urban and suburban. The Old Market is home to everything from pubs and taverns to art galleries and live music venues. - Total score: 50.78 - Wallet friendliness rank: 84 - Social environment rank: 193 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 258 Home to the public University of Oklahoma Norman Campus, University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City, and the private Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. In addition to its higher learning institutions, the city is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Bricktown is a popular nightlife destination where students can find everything from live banjo music to hip wine bars. - Total score: 50.99 - Wallet friendliness rank: 153 - Social environment rank: 106 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 274 Known for its lively college athletics scene, Lexington, Kentucky, is home to the University of Kentucky, which is also the city's largest employer. Transylvania University, one of the nation's oldest colleges, is also there. Students are drawn to the area thanks to its low cost of living and variety of manufacturing job opportunities, including with Toyota Kentucky and Lockheed Martin. - Total score: 51.46 - Wallet friendliness rank: 229 - Social environment rank: 124 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 195 Dallas is home to many public and private institutions, including the University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, and HBCU Paul Quinn College. The frozen margarita was created in the Big D, featuring a celebrated barbecue scene. The city's downtown Arts District is popular among visitors and residents alike. - Total score: 51.55 - Wallet friendliness rank: 343 - Social environment rank: 111 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 75 Los Angeles's massive size and scope mean it's more a series of districts and neighborhoods than one distinct college town. LA has several higher education institutions within the city limits, from the massive University of California, Los Angeles, to the private Loyola Marymount University, Mount Saint Mary's University, and Occidental College. Given its proximity to Hollywood, there are also several film schools. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound, including world-renowned museums and beaches. - Total score: 51.6 - Wallet friendliness rank: 248 - Social environment rank: 103 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 179 Virginia Beach's main attraction is a three-mile oceanfront boardwalk, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, the city's already pleasant coastal lifestyle has been spruced up by a bustling food and arts scene, a perfect complement to its centuries-old maritime history. Nearly 60,000 students attend four-year colleges in the area, including Regent University and Virginia Wesleyan University. - Total score: 51.75 - Wallet friendliness rank: 399 - Social environment rank: 21 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 77 The nation's capital is home to several colleges and universities, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, and HBCU Howard University, with education options for many students. In Washington D.C., students can explore the rich history and beautiful architecture of the United States, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial to the Smithsonian Institution. That said, remember that the cost of living is high at 148% above the national average. - Total score: 51.76 - Wallet friendliness rank: 228 - Social environment rank: 129 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 181 Fort Worth, Texas, and the surrounding area are home to dozens of higher education institutions, including public universities like the University of North Texas and smaller private institutions like Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University. The central transportation hub features the headquarters of American Airlines, GM Financial, and BNSF Railway, among others. - Total score: 51.8 - Wallet friendliness rank: 261 - Social environment rank: 110 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 166 Philadelphia is home to some of the nation's oldest and most storied educational institutions: Temple University, Drexel University, and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania among them. The city's large student population is reflected in the number of bars and clubs scattered about Center City and East Passyunk. At the same time, historic tourist attractions and museums provide something for those of all interests. Major industries in the city include health care, education, and financial services. - Total score: 51.94 - Wallet friendliness rank: 60 - Social environment rank: 92 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 309 While Texas's two major public universities-the University of Texas and Texas A&M University-have campuses in San Antonio, there are also many private schools, including Trinity University and St. Mary's University. San Antonio is a popular destination for people within the state and across the country, with a major sports franchise (the NBA's San Antonio Spurs), a vibrant nightlife, and numerous historic attractions, such as the Alamo and River Walk. These features and a robust culinary scene make the city an exciting, if distracting, place to attend college. - Total score: 52.13 - Wallet friendliness rank: 116 - Social environment rank: 121 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 254 Jacksonville, Florida, is home to several of the state's public higher education institutions, including the University of North Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and the University of Florida's Health Science Center. Private institutions include Jacksonville University and Edward Waters University. Jacksonville is a port town that offers jobs in the transportation and shipping industries as well as the financial services field. - Total score: 52.22 - Wallet friendliness rank: 223 - Social environment rank: 152 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 129 The agriculture, energy, and oil industries prosper in Bakersfield, California, located on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley to the west of the Sierra Nevada. The scenery of that part of the Golden State is breathtaking, and students attending California State University, Bakersfield, or Bakersfield College can enjoy various leisure options, like a brewery trail and farmers' markets. - Total score: 52.3 - Wallet friendliness rank: 298 - Social environment rank: 56 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 150 What Long Beach, California, lacks in educational offerings-the only two schools within the city are California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College-it more than makes up for in recreational and professional opportunities. Home to one of the busiest ports in the world and a significant oil industry presence, jobs are plentiful, and a vibrant arts scene includes numerous museums and live music venues. Plus, the city is near both Los Angeles and Orange County. - Total score: 52.3 - Wallet friendliness rank: 291 - Social environment rank: 32 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 176 Portland ranks among the world's best cities for its commitment to sustainability and proximity to outdoor activities. Several colleges, including the University of Portland, Portland State University, and Oregon Health & Science University, draw students to the Rose City. Portland has a vibrant food scene with hundreds of food carts and over 80 breweries. But, perhaps most importantly for those who hit the books, it's the best city in the country for coffee, according to WalletHub. Bounded by the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland is home to Forest Park, one of the country's largest urban forests, and Mt. Tabor, a volcanic cinder cone. A lack of a state sales tax is one reason to stick around after graduation, as are jobs at Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Intel, some of the area's top employers. - Total score: 52.41 - Wallet friendliness rank: 109 - Social environment rank: 15 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 342 Cincinnati lives up to its nickname: Queen City. With rich architectural, historical, and cultural traditions, the third-largest city in the state is a flourishing metropolis meticulously designed to balance urban infrastructure with plentiful green spaces. Artisanal brewing is popular, and the Over-the-Rhine district is famous for its 19th-century buildings. The University of Cincinnati stands out as one of the city's best schools, and other institutions include Mount St. Joseph University and schools focused on careers in health care. - Total score: 53.14 - Wallet friendliness rank: 282 - Social environment rank: 207 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 31 A suburb of Phoenix, Mesa provides access to that city's institutions of higher learning and satellite campuses, including Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus and Mesa Community College. Mesa also hosts the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest, highlighting the area's rich indigenous history. The Mesa Arts Center is renowned, and nightlife includes breweries and wineries. - Total score: 53.33 - Wallet friendliness rank: 110 - Social environment rank: 34 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 293 Arizona's second-largest city is home to the University of Arizona, one of the largest schools in the country and one of Tucson's largest employers. Tucson also features a national park, national forest, mountain range, other outdoor destinations, and trendy bars and restaurants, making it the choice for over 50,000 students. - Total score: 53.38 - Wallet friendliness rank: 83 - Social environment rank: 120 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 236 The University of Houston's flagship campus and its Downtown and Clear Lake campuses, along with Texas Southern University and the private Rice University, are based in this Texan city. The city is a hub for the energy sector, featuring the headquarters of ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, and Phillips 66. Space City, the country's fourth-largest metropolis, is also home to diverse arts, culinary, and sports scenes. - Total score: 53.4 - Wallet friendliness rank: 179 - Social environment rank: 51 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 220 Minneapolis is a cultural center of the Midwest and home to some colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and North Central University. The city has a celebrated parks system that encourages activity among residents and representation in all major North American sports leagues. Light rail and commuter lines also link the city's neighborhoods with nearby suburbs. - Total score: 53.43 - Wallet friendliness rank: 250 - Social environment rank: 333 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 5 A relatively new and thriving suburb located only a few miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip, Henderson is an ideal setting for college students. With mild winters and 300 sunny days yearly, Henderson, Nevada, is a desirable place to shape your future. It also attracts students who enjoy outdoor activities and an "open 24 hours" lifestyle without the frenzy of its world-famous neighbor. There are several colleges in Henderson, including Nevada State University, and a handful of others less than 20 miles away. - Total score: 53.77 - Wallet friendliness rank: 379 - Social environment rank: 100 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 19 Students in this central Orange County city have access to the best of Southern California. The city has several colleges, including the top-ranked University of California, Irvine; Westcliff University; Concordia University Irvine; and Stanbridge University, a nursing and allied health school. Lovers of outdoor recreation have convenient access to the Pacific Ocean and the city's Great Park, a 500-plus-acre playground with an amphitheater and facilities for several sports. Nearby John Wayne International Airport ranks #1 with J.D. Power for customer satisfaction. - Total score: 53.91 - Wallet friendliness rank: 141 - Social environment rank: 144 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 167 California's fifth-largest city beckons students to experience the best urban and rural living at Fresno State University and Fresno Pacific University, among other schools. Fresno's half-million residents enjoy the city's bustling cultural scene. However, the city is also located within the state's rich agricultural heartland. Furthermore, Fresno is within a 90-minute drive from Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. Students at Fresno State can study at the nation's first collegiate commercially bonded winery, which has won over 300 awards since it opened in 1997. - Total score: 54.16 - Wallet friendliness rank: 209 - Social environment rank: 35 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 201 Tens of thousands of students move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, highly-ranked Davidson College, and the smaller Queens University of Charlotte. Just up the road, the North Carolina Research Campus offers opportunities in various areas of study for both undergrad and graduate students. Charlotte is a major financial services and banking hub-the city is now the second-largest banking center behind New York. - Total score: 54.21 - Wallet friendliness rank: 262 - Social environment rank: 73 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 130 Vanderbilt University is the most highly ranked college in Nashville, Tennessee, home to over 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Nashville also boasts a couple of HBCUs: Tennessee State University and Fisk University. Nashville's reputation as a lively tourist destination extends to its status as a top-notch college town, with students enjoying a wide selection of live music, nightlife, and Southern cuisine. - Total score: 54.38 - Wallet friendliness rank: 364 - Social environment rank: 12 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 83 Seattle's biggest educational institution is the University of Washington, which is so large that it takes up an entire neighborhood. Other schools in the area include Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University. Like its counterparts in Silicon Valley, Seattle draws students interested in the tech and business sectors, with neighboring major corporations including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Boeing. That said, thanks to its history as a breeding ground for alternative music and its multitude of recreational opportunities, the city draws students across a wide swath of interests. - Total score: 54.63 - Wallet friendliness rank: 113 - Social environment rank: 72 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 212 Columbus, Ohio, is home to one of the largest colleges by enrollment in the country: Ohio State University. Columbus also hosts Columbus State Community College and the Columbus College of Art and Design. Bustling neighborhoods such as the Short North feature street parades and festivals. Meanwhile, college football is a huge draw for almost everyone in town, whether or not they're students. - Total score: 55.76 - Wallet friendliness rank: 165 - Social environment rank: 83 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 138 Educational opportunities in Albuquerque include the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, Trinity Southwest University, and the University of St. Francis. As for recreation, students can enjoy Old Town, the Sandia Peak Tramway, and the ABQ BioPark. The city is also home to a vibrant restaurant scene and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, held every October. - Total score: 55.76 - Wallet friendliness rank: 178 - Social environment rank: 8 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 235 The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is the main contributor of students to Sin City. With an iconic nightlife scene and plenty of jobs in the hospitality industry, Vegas attracts those looking for a different kind of urban experience. While public transit isn't robust and there isn't much parkland, what the city lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in recreational and cultural offerings. - Total score: 55.97 - Wallet friendliness rank: 382 - Social environment rank: 6 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 24 Sunny San Diego may not be known as a college town, but it should be: There are nearly 30 colleges and universities in the city and beyond, including the University of California, San Diego; San Diego State University; and the private University of San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University. Beach culture strongly holds students, who can be found surfing between classes or roller skating along Mission Beach. There is also a significant military presence thanks to Naval Base San Diego, the U.S. Navy's largest West Coast base and the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet. - Total score: 56.44 - Wallet friendliness rank: 203 - Social environment rank: 4 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 224 One of the Rust Belt's anchor cities, Pittsburgh is home to close to 30 universities, including the highly ranked Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Forbes and The Economist of London have called Pittsburgh the nation's most livable city, which makes it a very attractive destination for students. While U.S. Steel still has a big presence, a growing number of biotech, health care, and financial services companies are based in the state's second-largest metropolis. - Total score: 57.1 - Wallet friendliness rank: 255 - Social environment rank: 22 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 91 The educational offerings in Sacramento, California, are surprisingly limited: California State University, Sacramento (a.k.a. Sacramento State) is the only traditional four-year college in the capital city. Other institutions with satellites in the city include the University of San Francisco and the University of the Pacific, while the University of California, Davis, is a short drive away. But what the city lacks in higher education opportunities, it makes up for in its growing popularity as a cultural destination. And compared with the nearby Bay Area, Sacramento's cost of living is relatively affordable. - Total score: 57.69 - Wallet friendliness rank: 240 - Social environment rank: 5 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 162 Colorful Miami hosts students from several colleges and universities. The University of Miami, Barry University, and Florida International University all enjoy the city as their backdrop. The lure of attending school in one of America's most famous nightlife destinations is obvious, and the warm weather and diverse cuisine make it an easy choice for thousands of students every year. - Total score: 58.54 - Wallet friendliness rank: 204 - Social environment rank: 76 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 45 Phoenix may be notorious for its scorching heat, but that doesn't mean students of Grand Canyon University, the neighboring Arizona State University, and Arizona Christian University won't find much to love. The unique climate allows the Valley of the Sun to boast attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain. At the same time, students can also take advantage of the city's diverse culture. The Heard Museum has 12 galleries of Native American art and installations and an outdoor sculpture collection. - Total score: 58.92 - Wallet friendliness rank: 259 - Social environment rank: 1 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 133 Home to the highly ranked Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta also has a significant concentration of HBCUs, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. The city is known for its nightlife and a relatively affordable cost of living. Students can fill their downtime with visits to museums and theaters, Underground Atlanta, and The King Center. - Total score: 60.99 - Wallet friendliness rank: 176 - Social environment rank: 29 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 63 Raleigh, North Carolina, the state's quaint but vibrant capital, attracts students to several schools, including North Carolina State University, William Peace University, and HBCU Saint Augustine's University. The nearby Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill complete Research Triangle Park with NC State. Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South are popular among Raleigh locals for their bars and coffee shops, and the city's bus service is easy to navigate. - Total score: 60.99 - Wallet friendliness rank: 161 - Social environment rank: 7 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 127 Two schools bring college students to Tampa, Florida: the main campus of the massive, public University of South Florida and the smaller, private University of Tampa. Warm weather year-round and a relatively low cost of living make the city a popular destination. Tampa is also a major cruise port and tourist destination, providing ample opportunities for those looking to enter the hospitality industry. - Total score: 62.35 - Wallet friendliness rank: 164 - Social environment rank: 3 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 94 Orlando, Florida, is home to more than Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, though students who call the city home will find no shortage of theme parks. The city's schools include the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, and neighboring smaller institutions. Orlando is also an hour drive to beach towns like Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach-or you can opt to stick around and check out all the city has to offer from the vantage point of the Orlando Eye. - Total score: 65.16 - Wallet friendliness rank: 191 - Social environment rank: 17 - Academic and economic opportunities rank: 14 It's no surprise that Austin, Texas, with its distinct counterculture, vibrant nightlife, hot culinary scene, and innumerable music venues, ranks as the best big college town in the United States. College students have taken notice: The University of Texas at Austin has more than 40,000 undergraduates alone. Add in grad students and those attending other schools in and around the area-including St. Edward's University and Huston-Tillotson University-and it's clear that Austin is a major college town. Data reporting by Wade Zhou. Additional writing by Jill Jaracz. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Meg Shields. Photo selection by Clarese Moller and Elizabeth Ciano. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
See the most extreme temperatures in Florida history
On July 9, 2021, California's Death Valley reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit, according to an automated measuring system there, representing one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on the planet. The world record, also recorded at Death Valley, was 134 degrees in July 1913. More than 210 degrees Fahrenheit separates the highest and the lowest temperatures on record in the United States, the third-largest country in the world. As some states are infamous for having blistering hot summers, others become inundated by winter storms and frigid cold. The contiguous U.S. had its warmest meteorological summer (June-Aug.) on record in 2021, according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. Stacker consulted data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in Florida. Florida records- All-time highest temperature: 109° F (Monticello on June 29, 1931)- All-time lowest temperature: -2° F (Tallahassee on Feb. 13, 1899)- All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 23.28 inches (Key West on Nov. 11, 1980)- All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 4.0 inches (Milton Exp. Stn. on March 6, 1954) States with the highest maximum temperature#1. California: 134° F (Greenland Ranch on July 10, 1913)#2. Arizona: 128° F (Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994)#3. Nevada: 125° F (Laughlin on June 29, 1994)#4. New Mexico: 122° F (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (nr. Loving) on June 27, 1994)#5. Kansas: 121° F (Alton on July 24, 1936) States with the lowest minimum temperature#1. Alaska: -80° F (Prospect Creek Camp on Jan. 23, 1971)#2. Montana: -70° F (Rogers Pass on Jan. 20, 1954)#3. Wyoming: -66° F (Riverside Ranger Stn. (Yellowstone NP) on Feb. 9, 1933)#4. Colorado: -61° F (Maybell on Feb. 1, 1985)#5. Idaho: -60° F (Island Park Dam on Jan. 18, 1943) © Stacker Media, LLC.
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Lowest-paying jobs in Miami
Uncertainty clouds the current job market. On one hand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports unemployment rates at 4.2% as of May 2025-and that hasn't changed much in the past year, a typical indicator of a positive economy. At the same time, average weekly earnings have increased by 3.9% over the 12 months ending May 2025 to reach $1,243.03. However, the American economy may soon shift. The Trump administration's federal budget cuts have eliminated tens of thousands of jobs, and constant changes in import tariffs leave companies unable to plan for their future employment needs. With these factors in mind, minimum or low-wage jobs are increasingly unsustainable for most. In 2025, a full-time job at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour puts a worker under the poverty threshold, according to the Economic Policy Institute. While states can opt to have higher minimum wages, 20 states are at or below the federal minimum as of 2025. Salaries can also vary by gender, race, and educational attainment. According to a March 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, women's earnings are about 85% of men's, and women also remain overrepresented in low-paying jobs. Meanwhile, April 2025 BLS data shows that Hispanic workers' median earnings lag behind those of other race and ethnicity groups, and full-time workers without a high school diploma earned the least compared to their more educated counterparts. It's important to note, though, that low pay doesn't always equal low job satisfaction. Some people feel drawn to a particular field, seek a certain work environment, or aim for work-life balance. No matter the reason, Stacker used BLS data to find the 50 lowest-paying jobs in Miami. Jobs are ranked by their median annual pay as of May 2024, so any jobs without annual compensation figures available were excluded from this analysis. - Median annual wage: $34,310 - Median hourly wage: $16.49 - Total employment: 360 people (0.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $34,160 - Median hourly wage: $16.42 - Total employment: 7,000 people (2.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,900 - Median hourly wage: $16.30 - Total employment: 80 people (0.03 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,840 - Median hourly wage: $16.27 - Total employment: 310 people (0.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,830 - Median hourly wage: $16.27 - Total employment: 50 people (0.02 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,620 - Median hourly wage: $16.17 - Total employment: 5,050 people (1.81 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,210 - Median hourly wage: $15.97 - Total employment: 19,840 people (7.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,130 - Median hourly wage: $15.93 - Total employment: 4,770 people (1.71 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $33,000 - Median hourly wage: $15.87 - Total employment: 110 people (0.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,820 - Median hourly wage: $15.78 - Total employment: 90,630 people (32.57 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,570 - Median hourly wage: $15.66 - Total employment: 270 people (0.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,560 - Median hourly wage: $15.65 - Total employment: 2,960 people (1.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,370 - Median hourly wage: $15.56 - Total employment: 680 people (0.24 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,200 - Median hourly wage: $15.48 - Total employment: 26,760 people (9.62 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $32,190 - Median hourly wage: $15.48 - Total employment: 1,440 people (0.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $31,900 - Median hourly wage: $15.34 - Total employment: 80 people (0.03 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $31,810 - Median hourly wage: $15.30 - Total employment: 6,620 people (2.38 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $31,510 - Median hourly wage: $15.15 - Total employment: 4,980 people (1.79 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $31,020 - Median hourly wage: $14.91 - Total employment: 4,410 people (1.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,860 - Median hourly wage: Not available - Total employment: 12,330 people (4.43 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,790 - Median hourly wage: $14.80 - Total employment: 1,240 people (0.44 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,560 - Median hourly wage: $14.69 - Total employment: 39,440 people (14.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,430 - Median hourly wage: $14.63 - Total employment: 360 people (0.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,270 - Median hourly wage: $14.55 - Total employment: 11,970 people (4.3 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,260 - Median hourly wage: $14.55 - Total employment: 800 people (0.29 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,200 - Median hourly wage: $14.52 - Total employment: 5,630 people (2.02 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $30,090 - Median hourly wage: $14.46 - Total employment: 3,740 people (1.34 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,590 - Median hourly wage: $14.23 - Total employment: 7,510 people (2.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,510 - Median hourly wage: $14.19 - Total employment: 56,790 people (20.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,510 - Median hourly wage: $14.19 - Total employment: 13,640 people (4.9 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,450 - Median hourly wage: $14.16 - Total employment: 860 people (0.31 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,330 - Median hourly wage: $14.10 - Total employment: 7,180 people (2.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,290 - Median hourly wage: $14.08 - Total employment: 2,090 people (0.75 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,280 - Median hourly wage: $14.08 - Total employment: 55,460 people (19.93 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,260 - Median hourly wage: $14.07 - Total employment: 2,650 people (0.95 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $29,210 - Median hourly wage: $14.04 - Total employment: 160 people (0.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $28,870 - Median hourly wage: $13.88 - Total employment: 12,510 people (4.5 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $28,710 - Median hourly wage: $13.80 - Total employment: 57,590 people (20.7 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $28,540 - Median hourly wage: $13.72 - Total employment: 3,370 people (1.21 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $28,080 - Median hourly wage: $13.50 - Total employment: 100 people (0.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $27,870 - Median hourly wage: $13.40 - Total employment: 40 people (0.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $27,360 - Median hourly wage: $13.15 - Total employment: 780 people (0.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $27,140 - Median hourly wage: $13.05 - Total employment: 11,160 people (4.01 of every 1,000 jobs in the area) - Median annual wage: $27,040 - Median hourly wage: $13.00 - Total employment: Not available - Median annual wage: $27,010 - Median hourly wage: $12.99 - Total employment: Not available This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 364 metros. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
50 facts and figures about D-Day
Five years into World War II, the Allies were squeezing the Nazis from two sides. In Western Europe, Allied forces had managed to slow Adolf Hitler's ruthless expansion across the continent. Meanwhile, to the East, the Russians had successfully locked German forces into a brutal war of attrition. Nazi Germany, however, was still firmly secure in its continental fortress. And scores of occupied nations suffered as a result. Then came D-Day. On June 6, 1944, Allied planes, ships, vehicles, supplies, and men from the United Kingdom, United States, France, and Canada stormed the coast of occupied France's Normandy region in numbers so staggering they're difficult to comprehend. The largest amphibious operation in the history of warfare, the Normandy landings—better known as D-Day—were years in the making. Supported by meticulous planning, cunning deception, and pitch-black humor, D-Day marked a gargantuan effort to dislodge and dismantle one of the most effective war machines ever assembled. On that gloomy spring day in 1944, Normandy became the final resting place for thousands of fallen soldiers–a costly first step in a months-long campaign that culminated in the liberation of Paris, and ultimately, the fall of Nazi Germany and the end of the Second World War in Europe. The German defenders, however, did everything they could to prevent that from happening. The Nazis used their plundered wealth—not to mention armies of enslaved laborers—to construct defensive fortifications that remain among the largest, most robust military entrenchments ever built. Those fortifications were manned by well-armed and battle-hardened German troops who fought to defend the real estate they were charged with holding. The result was one of the most significant military events in human history. The 81st anniversary of that battle takes place this month, on June 6, 2025. Festivals and commemorations to mark D-Day's global significance include everything from veteran pilgrimages to reenacted parachute drops to powerful memorial art installations, like the "Standing with Giants" installation at the British Normandy Memorial. To recognize this landmark event, Stacker compiled a list of 50 facts and figures that defined the historic landings. Sources include the D-Day Center, the Department of Defense, and the White House, as well as media reports, historical accounts, and information from memorial sites and museums. Keep reading to learn more about one of the most consequential days in military history. The mythical Greek siege of ancient Troy is probably the most famous and romanticized amphibious assault in history. The Normandy invasion, however, was very real. To date, it is the most significant waterborne attack ever to take place on any shoreline anywhere at any time. The "D" in D-Day stands for "Day," the traditional military protocol used to indicate the occurrence of a major operation. The day before D-Day, June 5, was D-1. The day after, June 7, was D+1. Dubbed "the century's best-kept secret" by the Saturday Evening Post, for years, the Allies executed a series of elaborate ruses known collectively as Operation Fortitude, designed to hide Allied intentions from the enemy. They spread misinformation through false news reports, planted intelligence, and created false radio broadcasts designed to be intercepted by the Axis powers. They also created make-believe tanks composed of wood and rubber, fake troop encampments, and launched fleets of inflatable dummy warships. Exercise Tiger, a D-Day dress rehearsal, proved as fatal as Omaha Beach. Around 700 Allied sailors and soldiers died in a training exercise at a friendly British beach. Speedy German attack vessels called E-boats became aware of the rehearsal and attacked the Allied flotilla, sinking several ships with torpedoes. Some survivors who went on to storm the beaches of Normandy later recalled that the Exercise Tiger fiasco was more terrifying than D-Day itself. The Germans had been anticipating an Allied invasion by sea since at least 1942. To prepare, they began construction that year of the Atlantic Wall, an enormous defensive fortification stretching from the west coast of Norway, down through Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, to the border of Spain. Bristling with weapons, bunkers, and early warning systems, the Atlantic Wall, completed in 1944, is remembered as one of the greatest feats of military engineering in history. The landing zones for D-Day were code-named as part of the massive effort to maintain secrecy. The Americans landed at Omaha and Utah beaches, the British at Gold and Sword, and the Canadians and British at Juno Beach. The 1998 movie "Saving Private Ryan" depicts the events that took place at Omaha Beach, the deadliest of all five landing zones where the German defenses remained almost entirely intact. The first infantry wave at Omaha experienced the worst carnage of the D-Day campaign, with large sections of entire companies killed or drowned before ever reaching the shore or firing a shot. In the end, U.S. forces suffered 2,400 casualties on Omaha Beach. The mighty Atlantic Wall and its sprawling coastal fortifications were the targets of a crushing Allied aerial bombardment that preceded the infantry invasion. On June 6, shortly after midnight, 2,200 Allied bombers attacked German positions to soften the landing zones for amphibious troops. One of the reasons Omaha Beach was so bloody was that thick cloud coverage in that area rendered the bombing campaign at Omaha ineffective, leaving enemy infrastructure—and guns—in perfect working order. After the aerial bombardment, but before the beach landings, 24,000 American, Canadian, and British paratroopers parachuted in behind enemy lines to secure the beaches' exits. The same heavy cloud coverage that hindered the Omaha Beach bombardment also foiled the paratroopers. Many units ended up far away from their intended landing zones amid the chaos. The Canadians attacking Juno Beach suffered carnage similar to what the Americans experienced at Omaha, particularly the first wave of troops, many of whom died before reaching the shore thanks to rough seas and relentless Nazi artillery. In the end, however, it was the Canadians who captured more towns, more strategic positions, and more ground than any other battalion. Like the beaches and landing zones themselves, the invasion had a code name. What history knows as the Battle of Normandy was called Operation Overlord by Allied planners. The initial beach landings on D-Day were dubbed Operation Neptune. The beach invasion involved an unprecedented 6,939 ships and other vessels. Eighty percent of them were British. The D-Day operation also included 11,590 aircraft. They supported the naval fleets, dropped off paratroopers, conducted reconnaissance, and bombarded Nazi defensive positions. In addition to American soldiers, 61,715 British Allied liberators and 21,400 Canadian troops fought in D-Day. In total, 156,115 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. The U.S. government enlisted the service of now-famous Comanche "code-talkers" in both World War I and World War II. Using their native tribal language, they developed a secret messaging code that proved unbreakable for the Germans. Thirteen of these code-talkers were among the Allied soldiers who landed at Normandy. Roughly 50,000 Germans defended the massive structures of the Atlantic Wall. Heavily armed and ordered to hold their ground at all cost, German forces were among the hardest and most seasoned veterans in the Nazi war machine. D-Day was only the start of the long and brutal Battle of Normandy, which raged until the end of August. In terms of average daily casualties, the campaign was bloodier than the infamous Battle of the Somme during World War I. It's believed that 4,413 Allied troops were killed on D-Day. But reliable records of German fatalities are much harder to come by. Estimates range between 4,000-9,000 Germans were killed on June 6, 1944. Between June 6 and August 21, more than 2 million Allied troops landed in northern France. Relative to the larger battle of Normandy, the soldiers who participated in the D-Day landings represented only a small percentage of the overall combatants. On August 8, the Germans staged a last-ditch counterattack repelled by Allied forces, marking the beginning of the end of the Nazi occupation of France. The Allies finally broke out of Normandy a week later on August 15, and on August 25, they liberated Paris. Most of the 9,387 Americans buried at the Normandy American Cemetery were killed on D-Day or in the early stages of the Allied fight to establish a beachhead. It's one of 14 permanent World War II military cemeteries the American Battle Monuments Commission built on foreign soil. It sits on land granted to the United States by France. Among those buried at the Normandy American Cemetery are 33 sets of brothers who are buried beside each other. A father and son are also buried there together. There used to be far more fallen servicemen buried at the cemetery and in the surrounding region. The remains of roughly 14,000 people were returned home at the request of their families. Of the 2 million-plus Allied liberators, the Battle of Normandy resulted in more than 226,386 casualties. Of those, 72,911 were either killed or missing, and 153,475 were wounded. The Nazi defenders suffered similar losses, with German casualties topping 240,000 throughout the Battle of Normandy. The Allies also captured more than 200,000 German prisoners. Allied troops on D-Day had radically different experiences depending on where they landed. In some places along the 50-mile front, there were almost no casualties at all. In other places, casualty rates rose as high as 96%. The planning for an operation of this magnitude required a meticulous consideration of an uncountable number of details and variables. If the attack happened at high tide, for example, landing craft might hit submerged German obstacles. If the Allies landed at low tide—the course that planners eventually chose—they would avoid those obstacles, but troops would be forced to sprint the length of the beach with no cover under relentless fire. The most enduring images of D-Day are of exposed Allied troops being cut down by machine gun fire from elevated German positions. While machine guns certainly caused a hideous number of casualties, death and danger didn't only come from above. It's estimated that the Germans planted roughly 4 million landmines on the Normandy beaches, making every footstep a potential catastrophe for Allied forces. U.S. and British commanders reviewed plans for Operation Overlord at the Quadrant Conference in 1943. However, the seeds of D-Day were planted the year before. In 1942, the Allies suffered heavy losses during a failed raid on a French port, a moment that persuaded military strategists to plan for future beach landings. The Germans knew that a sea-based attack in northern France was imminent; they just didn't know where. They concentrated their forces near Calais because it was at the English Channel's thinnest point. It was the logical move, but Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a step ahead and chose Normandy because it was west of that obvious landing point. The D-Day invasion was originally planned for May 1944. However, there weren't enough landing craft ready, though, so Eisenhower had to postpone the attack for a month. Poor weather almost caused another delay in June, but this time, Eisenhower decided to attack anyway. Relying on natural illumination, the Allies had to invade during a full moon, and by June 5, that window was beginning to close. Eisenhower ordered the attack for the following day both despite and because of the bad weather; not only did they still have the crucial full moon, but angry skies kept German planes grounded. Fleets of now-iconic Higgins boats ferried most men ashore on D-Day. Technically called LCVP, for "landing craft vehicles and personnel," the vessels were designed and built by an ambitious and eccentric Irish American industrialist named Andrew Higgins. Made from wood and steel, Higgins boats were simple, practical, reliable, and easy to mass produce. In 1964, Eisenhower famously credited Higgins and his efforts with winning the war. The Normandy invasion has been the subject of countless movies and television series, some of which are considered to be among the finest films ever made. At the top of nearly every D-Day movie best-of list is Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan." In one of the most notorious episodes in Oscars history, the celebrated Normandy epic lost out to Harvey Weinstein's "Shakespeare in Love" for Best Picture at the 1999 Academy Awards after the now-disgraced producer muscled his period piece through with a campaign of backroom bullying and politicking. Actor Henry Fonda was 37 in 1942 when he enlisted for military service. On D-Day, he served as quartermaster on the USS Satterlee, an American destroyer. He went on to star in "The Longest Day," a 1962 film that, along with "Saving Private Ryan," is consistently ranked near the top of lists of best D-Day movies—and war movies in general. Yankees catcher Yogi Berra took part in the D-Day invasion, as did author J.D. Salinger and slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers, who supported the invasion as part of a segregated unit. Golf great Bobby Jones was 40 when he successfully petitioned his Army Reserve commander to allow him to join the fray. Oscar-winning British actor David Niven was among the first officers to land, winning a U.S. Legion of Merit Medal. Before he played Scotty on "Star Trek," James Doohan sustained six bullet wounds and lost his middle finger on Juno Beach. Actor Charles Durning, thrown into the first wave at Omaha Beach, won a Silver Star and a Purple Heart and was the sole survivor from his landing group. To prepare for the landings, the Americans shipped 7 million tons of supplies from the U.S. to a staging area in England. Among the haul was 450,000 tons of ammunition. Allied commanders planned meticulously for years, photographing the area from the air and painstakingly cataloging every detail of the landscape. In the end, war planners created 17 million maps to support D-Day operations. By establishing a beachhead, the Allies opened a supply chain that allowed desperately needed resources to flow into France. By June 11 (D+5), 104,428 tons of supplies, 54,186 vehicles, and 326,547 troops had followed in the footsteps of the first infantrymen to hit the shores. In order to accommodate the massive influx of people and things, the Allies constructed two enormous artificial pre-fabricated harbors called the Mulberry Harbours. 55,000 workers spent six months getting the job done, pouring 1 million tons of concrete. The 1st, 4th, and 29th Infantry Divisions were called to serve in the D-Day landings. The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were there too. Finally, a massive collection of nondivisional units served at Normandy as well. Five hundred primitive but effective motorless gliders were launched to support the paratroopers and their bungled parachuting mission behind enemy lines. Glider infantry carried not only weapons but badly needed signal and medical units. Although the pilots were technically Army Air Corps personnel, they became infantrymen the moment their plywood aircraft hit the ground. As part of their Atlantic defenses, the Germans placed artillery pieces atop Pointe du Hoc, 100-foot cliffs overlooking Omaha and Utah beaches and the English Channel. Those artillery units could have annihilated Allied forces landing on the beaches below, but U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs, seized the guns, and held the terrain against significant German counterattacks. The Rangers' efforts to secure Omaha Beach's left flank came at a tremendous loss of life. The 80 miles of the German Atlantic Wall that stretched along the coastline of France were believed to be impregnable by some commanders. It fell in a single day—on June 6, 1944. The Medal of Honor is the highest award that the U.S. Armed Forces can bestow. Of the thousands who fought and died, 12 men received Medals of Honor for their heroics on D-Day. Nine of them were given posthumously. The landing troops, most of whom were younger than 20, carried packs weighing around 80 pounds. This proved to be a fatal burden for many who evacuated their Higgins boats in deep water. Those who made it ashore had to run hundreds of yards under blistering fire while carrying the already heavy—and now waterlogged—packs. Higgins boats used cheaper, lighter wood where possible, but designers used steel for the landing ramps that served as shields protecting troops from relentless machine gun fire—until they opened. One D-Day veteran compared the sound of bullets hitting the closed ramps to the clanking of a typewriter. The U.S. Army was segregated during World War II, and Black units were largely relegated to supporting roles and manual labor. On D-Day, however, a single segregated Black unit participated in the landings: the 330th Barrage Balloon Battalion. Waverly B. Woodson Jr. served as a medic with the invasion's only Black unit and, despite being badly injured himself, saved hundreds of lives—including four men he rescued from drowning. He ignored the constant threat of death and his own potentially mortal wounds while establishing a medical station where he treated at least 200 men for 30 hours before collapsing from exhaustion and his own injuries. In recent years, his incredible story emerged, leading to calls for the military to award him the Medal of Honor. Although that recognition has not yet been granted, Woodson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Medic Badge in 2023, and in 2024, he received the Distinguished Service Cross—the Army's second-highest award for valor. The Normandy landings breached a continent the Nazis had transformed into a fortress. It was the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and a major turning point in the war. On May 7, 1945—less than one year after D-Day—Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. Copy editing by Meg Shields.
