Some folks yearn to see Michelangelo’s “David” at the Galleria dell’Accademia. For others, basking in awe over a Union Pacific “Big Boy” — the largest steam locomotive ever built — is as high as art can get.

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For dads and their hapless families who get dragged into such stuff, Yahoo has published a helpful guide to the “Best Transportation Museums to Visit in the U.S.” The list spans from institutions for U.S. Air Force war machines to Hollywood-movie vehicles in Las Vegas. (The Batmobile!)

“Whether you have a penchant for rail travel and vintage automobiles or sports cars and motorcycles are more your speed, there’s museums to suit your curiosities,” says writer Brittany Anas. “From private collections-turned-public to sprawling campuses with impressive exhibits, you’ll find hundreds of transportation museums across the United States.”

Yahoo’s transportation museums well-worth the detour

1 Harley Davidson Museum (Milwaukee)

2 National Museum of Transportation (St. Louis)

3 Academy of Art University Automobile Museum (San Francisco)

4 Hollywood Cars Museum (Las Vegas)

5 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (Indianapolis)

6 Lane Motor Museum (Nashville, Tenn.)

The Star of India, a historic sailing ship built in 1863, is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. It’s moored at the Maritime Museum of San Diego in California. (Getty Images)

7 Maritime Museum of San Diego (San Diego)

8 Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn, Mich.)

9 National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Dayton, Ohio)

10 Forney Museum of Transportation (Denver)

Source: https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/planes-trains-and-automobiles-the-best-transportation-museums-to-visit-in-the-us-194810031.html

What’s on tap for the movie world in 2026?

How about not one, but two, new Pixar movies, including the long-awaited fifth installment of the “Toy Story” franchise, as well as a new adaptation of Emily Bronte’s all-consuming romance “Wuthering Heights,” Maggie Gyllenhaal’s take on Frankenstein and Christopher’s Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg turning his attention, again, to UFOs?

Here’s a quick roundup.

There’ve been a lot of busy beavers (literally) working at “Pixar” in Emeryville lately and the fruits of their labors materialize in 2026 with the release of two of the most anticipated films of the coming year. “Hoppers” (March 6) is a Pixar original about a science breakthrough that plunks human intelligence into a robotic beaver that goes on to observe all sorts of critters  in action. Then on June 19, Pixar’s most popular franchise returns when  Andy, Buzz and other beloved toys reunite so they can give our tear ducts another healthy workout in “Toy Story 5.”

Other filmmakers are putting their unique stamp on classic material. “Saltburn” director Emerald Fennell radicalizes Emily Bronte’s classic dark romance “Wuthering Heights” (Feb. 13) while Maggie Gyllenhaal hot-wires “The Bride!” (March 6), a monster film inspired  by the 1935 classic “The Bride of Frankenstein.” But what could be 2026’s greatest cinematic spectacle sails in July 17 on a lot of expectations: “Odyssey,” Christopher Nolan’s star-studded (Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Robert Pattinson) re-imagining of the Greek epic mythology tale. Expect that to be one hell of a journey.

We’re also looking forward to reacquainting ourselves with some familiar faces, including snooty fashion maven Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and her former protege (Anne Hathaway) in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” (May 1); the Marvel superhero gang that will be upping their game in “Avengers: Doomsday” (Dec. 18)  and memorable characters from the Star Wars realm in “The Mandalorian & Grogu” (May 22).

Video game fans should prepare for some next-level excitement too with the releases of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (April 3), a new “Street Fighter” (Oct. 16), “Mortal Kombat 2″ (May 8) hit the big screens. Expect all to score big at the box office.

Other selections we’re eager to check out: Steven Spielberg’s creepy thriller that involves UFOs, Emily Blunt and a herd of freaky deer, “Disclosure Day” (June 12), Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a betrothed couple running into 11th-hour game-changing issues in “The Drama” (April 3), a sweet, funny BDSM romance about two leather guys, “Pillion” (Feb. 13), “Project Hail Mary” a sci-fi thriller that sends Ryan Gosling into orbit — again, (March 20), a murder mystery in which sheep sleuth out a killer, “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie” (Nov. 13) and the Steph Curry-produced animated basketball comedy “Goat” (Feb. 13).

 

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers posted far fewer jobs in November than the previous month, a sign that employers aren’t yet ramping up hiring even as growth has picked up.

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Businesses and government agencies posted 7.1 million open jobs at the end of November, the Labor Department said Wednesday, down from 7.4 million in October. Layoffs also dropped, however, as companies appear to be holding onto workers even as they are reluctant to add staff.

The report suggests that the “low-hire, low-fire” job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job security but those out of work struggling to find new jobs. The moribund labor market stands in contrast with data showing solid economic growth, which topped 4% at an annual rate in last year’s July-September quarter, the latest data available. Economists forecast growth slowed but remained solid in the final three months of 2025.

A key question for this year is whether hiring will pickup to match healthy growth, or whether sluggish job gains will eventually drag down the economy. There is a third possibility: Automation and artificial intelligence could enable steady economic growth without creating many jobs.

Further insights into that question will emerge Friday when the monthly jobs report for December will be released.

The number of postings in November was the fewest since September 2024. But outside that month, it was the lowest in nearly five years.

Open jobs in November fell sharply in shipping and warehousing, restaurants and hotels, and in state and local government. They rose in retail and construction.

The number of Americans who quit their jobs ticked higher in November, which is seen as a good sign, because workers typically quit when they are more confident they can find a better job, or already have one. Yet quits remained historically low, at 3.16 million, up from just under 3 million in October.

The figures provide some critical measures of the job market after last fall’s government shutdown delayed the release of data on hiring and inflation. Wednesday’s report is known as the job openings and labor turnover survey, or JOLTS, and provides key insights into the state of hiring and firing.

Separately, payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that businesses added 41,000 jobs in December, an improvement after they shed 29,000 positions in November. ADP’s report is based on anonymous payroll records the company maintains for 26 million employees.

Small firms — with fewer than 50 workers — added 9,000 jobs, an encouraging reversal after they shed jobs in previous months. Smaller firms have been hard-hit by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with less ability to absorb or pass on the costs compared with larger companies, economists say.

“It is a slower labor market,” said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. “The labor market isn’t falling off a cliff. We still see some job growth, and we don’t see an uptick in layoffs.”

The Bank of America Institute, which tracks changes in the number of paychecks landing in its customers’ accounts, said it saw signs that hiring picked up in December. Job gains rose to 0.6% in December, compared with a year earlier, up from just 0.2% in November.

“It does look like, in our data, that the worst of the slowdown could be behind us,” David Tinsley, senior economist at Bank of America Institute, said in a call with reporters.

By Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Holidays can be crazy when you’ve got a houseful of guests, all the more so when toddlers and babies are underfoot.

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So I wasn’t all that surprised when a five-pound bag of Yukon gold potatoes destined to be mashed with heavy cream and butter went missing on Thanksgiving morning. With four of my five adult children and their kids in town for dinner, my kitchen was filled with high chairs, booster seats, formula machines and many (many) bottles of wine and beer.

Of course I found the spuds hours later, after my husband made a last-minute dash to the grocery story to get more. Turns out the bag had fallen into the basket that holds my cutting boards. (My husband also forgot to put the turkey in the oven and my son cooked a chicken upside down, but those are stories for another day.)

Potatoes can last for many weeks if properly stored in a cool, dark place, so I wasn’t worried I would be overrun with the starchy tubers. But I did want to find something interesting to do with them besides mashing or roasting them.

The answer: pair them with roasted poblano peppers inside a corn tortilla.

I’m a big believer that anything can be stuffed into a taco, and indeed, papas con rajas (potatoes and poblano peppers) is a popular dish in Mexico.

It’s meatless, which appeals to vegetarians and vegans (if you leave out the cheese), but it’s still quite hearty, thanks to the potatoes and the creamy chipotle sauce that is spooned on top.

The dish also is a boon for busy cooks because it comes together quickly and easily with just two pans — one for boiling the potatoes, another for frying them with the other ingredients. True, it can be scary to roast peppers over an open flame. But if you use tongs to turn them, there should be no burned fingers.

Sliced onion and garlic give the filling a foundational flavor base, and a spicy chipotle sauce adds just the right amount of smoky heat.

I cut the potatoes into large chunks, but you also could opt for a small dice. If you can’t find poblano peppers, substitute Anaheim or Cubanelle. If Cotijta cheese is too expensive, use a crumbly feta instead.

I stuffed the filling into corn tortillas to make them gluten-free (if that’s an issue, check the can of chipotle in adobo to make sure it is, too), but flour tortillas are perfectly acceptable if that’s what you love. If you’re a fan of chopped cilantro, it’s great as a garnish. If you think it tastes like soap, leave it out.

Made too much for one meal? The potato/pepper mixture and chipotle sauce can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Papas con Rajas Tacos

PG tested

For filling

4 or 5 large poblano peppers

4 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 large yellow onion, sliced thin into half moons

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Minced cilantro, for serving, optional

Crumbled Cotija cheese, for serving

8 corn tortillas, for serving

For chipotle sauce

1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 garlic clove, minced

Juice 1/2 fresh lime

Drizzle of honey, or more to taste

Salt, to taste

Roast poblanos over the flames of a gas stove or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and charred all over.

Place peppers in a resealable plastic bag or in a bowl with a plate to cover. Set aside for several minutes until cool enough to handle. (The steam will loosen the skin, making them easier to peel.)

Peel poblanos and remove the stem and seeds. Slice into thin strips or chunks and set aside.

Meanwhile, place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer to cook until they are easily pierced with a fork, about 5-8 minutes. Drain and when cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.

While potatoes are cooking, make chipotle sauce. Add chipotles to a bowl, smash with a fork and then add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice and a drizzle of honey. Mix until smooth and well blended, then season to taste with a pinch or two of salt and more lime juice, if desired.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onions and a pinch of salt and fry for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and turn a golden color.

Add roasted poblano strips, minced garlic, oregano, a pinch or two of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until soft and tender.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and cooked potatoes to the skillet along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Fry for about 5 minutes, stirring only once or twice so the potatoes can brown.

Warm corn tortillas on a stovetop in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or in a 350-degree oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes.

Spoon filling onto warmed corn tortillas, then top with a spoonful (or two) of creamy chipotle sauce, minced cilantro (if using) and crumbled Cotija cheese.

Serves 4.

— Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette

©2025 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.