A top-tier barbecue chef—who’s clearly no stranger to winning over judges and crowds—just dropped his go-to summer side dishes that’ll elevate any backyard cookout. Think beyond the usual potato salad: stuffed mushrooms with a smoky twist, bruschetta that’s anything but basic, and a watermelon salad that’s equal parts refreshing and unexpected. These aren’t fussy restaurant recipes; they’re approachable but impressive enough to make you the MVP of Memorial Day.

Editor’s Note: Let’s be real—most of us recycle the same tired sides at every barbecue. This isn’t just a list of recipes; it’s a cheat sheet for turning a casual grill session into something memorable without needing chef-level skills. With summer kicking off, timing’s perfect to steal these ideas and actually enjoy the party instead of stressing over the menu.

Memorial Day is a time when U.S. presidents pay tribute to those who died serving the country, often visiting sacred sites like Arlington National Cemetery or overseas military cemeteries. This piece looks at how recent commanders-in-chief have observed the tradition—whether through speeches, ceremonies, or quiet reflection—highlighting the continuity and respect woven into this national moment.

Editor’s Note: Memorial Day isn’t just barbecues and sales—it’s a solemn reminder of sacrifice, and how presidents mark it sets a tone for the nation. This story matters because these rituals aren’t just symbolic; they reflect how leaders frame service, loss, and unity (or, sometimes, division) in the public eye. It’s a lens into both history and current values.

Just in time for the busy holiday weekend, California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has reopened after being shut down for months due to January’s devastating Palisades Fire. While locals and businesses in Malibu are relieved—hoping for a much-needed tourism boost—the reopening also stirs mixed emotions as the community remembers the fire’s deadly impact.

Editor’s Note: For travelers, this means smoother road trips along one of the state’s most breathtaking routes. But it’s bittersweet—businesses are eager for customers, yet the scars of the fire linger. The timing matters because holiday traffic could kickstart recovery for local economies still healing from the blaze.

Yosemite National Park is finally reopening Tioga Road this Memorial Day after a long winter closure—great news for drivers, though cyclists might be disappointed. The scenic route, shut down since November due to snow and ice, will welcome all traffic starting at 8 a.m. Monday. But unlike previous years, there won’t be a special day just for bicyclists to enjoy the road car-free.

Editor’s Note: For Yosemite visitors, this marks the unofficial start of summer access to the park’s high country. The reopening means easier travel through stunning landscapes, but the lack of a bike-only day hints at shifting priorities—or maybe just a logistical snag. Either way, it’s a sign that warmer adventures are ahead.

If you're planning to hit the road or catch a flight this Memorial Day weekend, keep an eye on the weather. Forecasters are warning that thunderstorms—some severe—could throw a wrench in travel plans across the U.S., especially in the Southeast and Southern Plains. Heavy rain might lead to flash flooding, and that cold front rolling in on Memorial Day? It’s not exactly helping. Pack patience (and maybe an umbrella).

Editor’s Note: Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and messy weather could mean delays, cancellations, and headaches for millions. This isn’t just about soggy picnics—it’s a reminder of how quickly storms can disrupt plans, costing time and money. For anyone traveling, checking updates and having a backup plan might save the holiday.

This Memorial Day, a striking display of poppies on the National Mall serves as a somber tribute to the 600,000 American service members who have died in combat since World War I. The article reminds us that beyond barbecues and long weekends, the holiday is fundamentally about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities of a long weekend, but this story brings us back to the heart of Memorial Day—remembering the real human cost of war. The visual impact of 600,000 poppies (each representing a life lost) makes that sacrifice impossible to ignore. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and maybe even reconsider how we observe the holiday.