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The Best State in America is Utah, Says U.S. News 2026 Best States Rankings

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For the fourth year in a row, the Beehive State ranks No. 1 in rankings that measure healthcare, education, economy and more.

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today announced the 2026 Best States rankings. The 2026 rankings evaluate all 50 states to capture how they best serve their citizens across a range of categories, including Healthcare, Education, Economy, Infrastructure, Opportunity, Fiscal Stability, Crime & Correctionsand Natural Environment. For the fourth consecutive year, Utah earned top recognition as the No. 1 state in the country.

“The U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings serve as a critical tool for understanding what drives long-term success in states across the country,” said U.S. News Executive Chairman & CEO Eric Gertler. “These rankings objectively evaluate performance, identify opportunities for improvement and ways to learn from the successes of other states. By translating data into actionable insights, the rankings help policymakers, business leaders and residents make informed decisions to improve their lives.”

“Being named the No. 1 state is an honor, but what matters most is what that ranking represents: hardworking people, strong families, and neighbors who look out for one another,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “Utah’s success has never been about government. It comes from Utahns who serve, build, innovate, and invest in the future. I’m grateful to everyone who helps make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Key findings in the 2026 Best States rankings:

Utah, No. 1 overall, achieved Top 10 results in five of the eight categories, with the highest rankings in Economy (No. 2), Fiscal Stability (No. 2) and Infrastructure (No. 4). However, it underperforms in the Natural Environment category (where it ranks No. 48).In a competitive landscape, Texas ranks No. 1 in Economy. Leading the nation in job growth and achieving among the highest scores in the nation in GDP growth, net migration and youth population growth, Texas rose from No. 2 in the Economy category in 2025 to No. 1 in 2026. Sun Belt and Midwest states saw the biggest positive shifts, driven by major swings in job and GDP growth.Colorado advanced from No. 3 to No. 1 in Education. Colorado’s rise was powered by increases in associate’s degree completion and attainment rates, as well as substantial growth in preschool enrollment enabled by the Colorado Universal Preschool program.The Dakotas jumped up the rankings from 2025 to 2026, shifting the overall Top 5 heavily into the Midwest. North Dakota rose from No. 12 to No. 4, largely due to upward movement in Fiscal Stability, Economy and Education. South Dakota climbed from No. 8 to No. 2, driven by positive swings in Healthcare, Economy and Opportunity.

The 2026 Best States rankings draw upon 71 metrics and thousands of data points to measure how well U.S. states are performing for their citizens. In addition to healthcare and education, the metrics take into account a state’s economic growth; its roads, bridges, internet access and other infrastructure; its public safety record; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents. More weight was accorded to some metric categories based on surveys of what matters most to residents. Read more about the methodology here.

2026 Best States Rankings

*See the full rankings here.

Overall – Top 10

UtahSouth DakotaMinnesotaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireIdahoFloridaWashingtonVermont 

Healthcare

HawaiiMassachusettsConnecticut 

Education

ColoradoNew JerseyFlorida

Economy

Texas Utah Idaho 

Infrastructure

NevadaOregonNebraska 

Opportunity

Vermont Iowa Maine 

Fiscal Stability 

WyomingUtahNorth Dakota

Crime & Corrections

New Hampshire Maine Vermont 

Natural Environment

HawaiiSouth DakotaNew Hampshire  

The 2026 Best States rankings are unpacked in data-driven stories, including a look at why Utah is America’s Best State, how the Northeast excels in healthcare and why Colorado leads the nation in education. Readers can also take a U.S. News quiz to find out which is the best state for them.

The Best States rankings are the centerpiece of the U.S. News Best States portal, a platform combining analysis, daily reporting, historical information and photography on state issues. Best States is part of U.S. News’ civic journalism portfolio, which includes the Best Countries rankings.

To view the full rankings and search state profiles, visit USNews.com/states. For more information on the 2026 Best States rankings, review the methodology, FAQ and project overview. Join the conversation by using #BestStates on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

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SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

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Foreign Streamers’ Insight into China: an Egyptian uncovers Tianjin’s “humor gene”

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BEIJING, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report by China Daily:

Tianjin is an open, inclusive city with a remarkable sense of humor woven into its DNA. Curious about this “city of comedy”, Egyptian international student Wang Shaoxuan sets out to explore Tianjin’s famed xiangsheng (crosstalk) teahouses, lively old streets and alleys, and breakfast stalls filled with the aroma of local delicacies. Amid punchlines and laughter, and through the city’s flavors and vibrant everyday life, he experiences Tianjin through a foreigner’s eyes — measuring its unique character and discovering its open-minded, optimistic, and easygoing spirit.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foreign-streamers-insight-into-china-an-egyptian-uncovers-tianjins-humor-gene-302836053.html

SOURCE China Daily

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Broker Mitrade Brought World Cup Story Closer to MENA, Renews AFA Partnership Into 2027

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DUBAI, UAE, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFD trading platform Mitrade has renewed its partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), home to the three-time FIFA World Cup 26™ champions. As the 2026 tournament captured attention across the Middle East, the renewal reflects Mitrade’s connection with its user community.

The tournament has driven demand for home entertainment as fans follow the matches, according to Economy Middle East. The region is one of the world’s youngest and most digitally connected, making it a natural market for Mitrade.

The Middle East’s growing enthusiasm for football is unfolding alongside rising participation in financial markets. In June, the combined market capitalisation of companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market surpassed Dh1 trillion for the first time, while its benchmark index climbed above 6,000 points, according to Gulf News. Average daily turnover also rose 56% year on year earlier this year, highlighting stronger trader activity. Against this backdrop, Mitrade’s renewed partnership underscores its focus on staying connected with the communities it serves.

“We build Mitrade around the people who use it, so we stay close to what matters to them,” said Kevin Lai, VP, Mitrade Group. “Renewing our partnership with the AFA reflects our commitment to engaging with the communities we serve while strengthening our long-term presence in the Middle East.”

Football demands preparation, discipline, risk management and knowing when to act. Trading calls for the same qualities, making the AFA partnership a reflection of Mitrade’s long-term commitment to the Middle East.

About Mitrade Group

Mitrade is a globally recognised, award-winning CFD trading platform licensed under UAE’s CMA (20200000397), South Africa’s FSCA (FSP 54842), Cayman Islands’ CIMA (SIB1612446), Mauritius’s FSC (GB20025791), Australia’s ASIC (AFSL398528), and Cyprus’s CySEC (CIF438/23).

Connecting 7M+ traders to 1,000+ OTC derivatives, including indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and shares, Mitrade’s platform is designed to provide fast trade execution, competitive spreads, and a user-friendly interface accessible across multiple devices.

OTC derivatives are a leveraged product and can result in the loss of your entire capital. Trading OTC derivatives may not be suitable for everyone. Please consider the product sheet, risk disclosure statement and client agreement before using the services and ensure that you understand the risks involved.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or a solicitation.

Visit https://www.mitrade.com/ for more information.

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Demand for EVs continues its growth across Europe with Chinese brands increasing market share, new OLX data shows

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AMSTERDAM, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Every electric vehicle market tracked by OLX Group (“OLX”) is still growing at double or triple-digit rates, and Chinese automotive brands are capturing a growing share of that demand, according to new data published today.

OLX, a global online classifieds leader with nearly 60 million daily listings across seven markets, has today published The Great Acceleration: East Meets Electric, which examines consumer demand for electric vehicles across five OLX automotive marketplaces: La Centrale (France), Autovit (Romania), Standvirtual (Portugal), Otomoto (Poland), and AutoTrader (South Africa).

The data shows EV adoption maturing into a structural trend rather than a short-term reaction: every market measured has now sustained double or triple-digit year-on-year EV lead growth, even as these growth rates ease from previously seen highs. Chinese automotive brands remain central to that story, with MG and BYD now among the leading Chinese brands in four of the five markets, as manufacturers continue to expand the availability of EVs at accessible price points.

Key findings

Every tracked market posted double- or triple-digit year-on-year EV lead growth in June 2026: France up 206%, South Africa up 154.6%, Romania up 66.0%, Portugal up 60.0%, and Poland up 34.3%.Portugal remains Europe’s most EV-mature market, with EVs accounting for 14.9% of leads, almost double the next closest market.France remains the fastest-growing EV market in the group and the one where EV prices are still climbing (+25% year-on-year).MG and BYD are now the most consistently dominant Chinese brands across the group, appearing among the leading brands in France, Romania, Portugal and Poland.

Christian Gisy, CEO of OLX, said: “The story our data tells is straightforward: where EV adoption is accelerating, demand for Chinese automotive brands is accelerating with it. That is no coincidence – Chinese manufacturers are actively expanding the market, bringing electric vehicles to consumers at lower price points than ever before. This means EVs are now more accessible for more people. The transition to electric mobility is happening faster, and more broadly, because Chinese manufacturers are in it.”

EV demand remains strong

Consumer interest in EVs remains high across all five markets, with every market recording double or triple-digit year-on-year growth in EV leads. France leads at 206%, followed by South Africa at 154.6%, Romania at 66%, Portugal at 60%, and Poland at 34.3%.

Portugal remains the most mature EV market, with electric vehicles accounting for close to one in seven leads on the platform (14.9%).

The report finds that demand, which surged in the months following the outbreak of the conflict in Iran in February 2026 as fuel costs and energy security became more prominent considerations for consumers, has since settled into a steadier, sustained pattern consistent with structural adoption rather than a short-term reaction.

Chinese automotive brands are helping unlock EV growth

As EV demand matures, Chinese automotive brands are moving from early experimentation to a phase where a smaller number of manufacturers are converting early interest into durable market share. MG and BYD now feature among the leading Chinese brands in four of the five markets tracked.

France recorded the strongest increase in consumer demand for Chinese automotive brands, rising 276% year-on-year – more than double the next-fastest market, Romania (119%). Portugal (74%) and Poland (95%) also recorded strong increases as Chinese manufacturers continued to expand their presence.

Chinese manufacturers continue to adapt to local market conditions. In Romania, where EV prices declined nearly 8% year-on-year, the increased availability of Chinese-made vehicles continues to expand access to more affordable electric vehicles. This differs from France, where consumer interest in Chinese automotive brands keeps growing despite a 25% increase in EV prices, reflecting sustained demand in a supply-constrained market.

Chinese manufacturers adapt to local market dynamics 

While EV demand is strong across all five OLX markets, the report shows Chinese manufacturers continuing to adapt their vehicle offering, pricing and market positioning to reflect each market’s stage of EV adoption.

Portugal, Europe’s most mature EV market, continues to show Chinese brands competing on technology and model choice as much as price, with Xpeng now among the leading brands alongside MG and BYD. Poland remains the group’s most diversified Chinese brand market by brand count, with MG, BYD and Omoda leading. 

South Africa represents a different stage of market development. Chinese brands account for the highest share of demand in the group (7.31%), led by Haval, but that demand is concentrated on petrol and hybrid SUVs rather than EVs – just 0.3% of Chinese brand demand there is electric. This reflects the influence of local infrastructure, driving conditions and consumer preferences, with Chinese manufacturers adapting their approach to each market rather than pursuing a single strategy across all five. 

Methodology

All figures are drawn from leads-based consumer activity across OLX Group’s five automotive marketplace platforms. La Centrale (France), Autovit (Romania), Standvirtual (Portugal), Otomoto (Poland) and AutoTrader (South Africa). “Leads” refers to meaningful user engagement: views, enquiries, and contact events. Data is as at 30 June 2026. Full methodology is available in the report.

About OLX Group

OLX is a global digital marketplace leader that builds AI-native marketplaces people trust, serving millions of people, professionals and businesses across Europe and South Africa every month. Leveraging scale and powerful AI innovation across its trusted brands, OLX helps people sell and buy cars, find housing, get jobs, buy and sell household goods, and much more. OLX Group is the classifieds business of Prosus, a global technology company and the power behind the leading lifestyle ecommerce brands in Latin America, Europe and India. For more information on OLX, visit www.olxgroup.com

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