Happiness can be difficult to quantify. Despite this, researchers have endeavored to identify the top happiest cities in the world. The results for 2026 were announced earlier this month in the annual Happy City Index. Only one US city made it into the top 50.

In March, the infamous CVS Pharmacy located at the corner of Snelling and University in St. Paul was at last laid to rest. After shuttering its doors in 2022, the former pharmacy stood vacant for years, accumulating moth balls and a bad reputation. While the CVS was a local eyesore, it was once a place to pick up groceries and prescriptions in a food and pharmacy desert.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is closing Highway 280 between I-94 to Highway 36/I-35W for repairs and improvements until later this year. Drivers should anticipate some traffic and delays, but the project should improve road and safety conditions on the Highway.

Last year, the City of New Ulm, Minnesota, approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a new, tiny home development. New Ulm’s approval of GartenDorf and similar projects demonstrates the City’s willingness to use PUDs to explore different and even unconventional housing types to combat the current housing shortage.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will kick off on February 6 in Milan-Cortina. The Winter Paralympic Games will follow a month later on March 6. Athletes competing in this year’s Games will be able to stay in six Olympic Villages across northern Italy. Each location is designed to utilize existing structures to the extent possible, and many are planned to serve local communities long after the Games have ended.  

Earlier this month, the American Planning Association (APA) released its annual trend report for 2025. The document identifies some of the major themes of 2025 and speculates what planners can expect in the new year. If you’re in a bit of a rush on your way to a New Years party – don’t worry. We compiled a list of the highlights from the report!

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has has devastated ash tree populations in the Midwest and eastern states since it was first identified in the US over two decades ago. Now, researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a promising defense against it.

Last week, the longest government shutdown in US history came to a close. The shutdown began at the beginning of October, when Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution or full appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year. 43 days later, Congress passed a deal which reopened the government . . . with some caveats, especially for the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry.

Today, voters across the country will head to their local polling place to cast their votes for the 2025 election. Several closely watched races have made headline news recently, including the mayoral race in New York City and a redistricting ballot measure in California. While it hasn’t necessarily made first-page news, there is another item on the ballot this election that is worth some attention. In addition to voting for Mayor, St. Paul residents will be asked to consider if the City should amend its charter to allow for administrative citations.

Some of our partners and clients are getting ready to launch a new cannabis retail store in Mankato, Minnesota – say hello to Voyager Cannabis Co.! In collaboration with the stellar team at Brand Ink, SHC helped to design the graphics and wallpaper for the store, which is scheduled to open later this fall.

The Westside Pavilion mall in Los Angeles California was a cultural touchstone for generations. But, much like other shopping malls across the county, it struggled to find its footing in recent decades. After closing in 2019, adaptive reuse efforts reshaped the former mall to meet the demands of the current market.

After decades of battling flooding issues, the Lake Hiawatha Golf Course in Minneapolis is getting a makeover. The City’s Park & Recreation Board recently voted to reduce the number of holes on the course in favor of expanding wetland and woodland areas for flooding mitigation. Now, they are seeking public comment on the proposed designs.

Good news for fairgoers and commuters alike: After being closed for maintenance and repairs since last October, Interstate 94 reopens temporarily to accommodate State Fair traffic.

Six new roundabouts are coming to the City of Baxter. The project, which will reshape the intersection of Highways 210 and 371, has been dubbed the “buttonhook.” The unique design has raised a few eyebrows.

A new business incubator, food hall, and community event center is coming to St. Paul’s East Side. Located on Payne Avenue, Plaza del Sol is anticipated to open this December, following a $11 million renovation effort.

Within its first year of operation, the Amtrak Borealis line saw over 205,000 passengers, more than 70,000 riders than originally projected. The success of the Borealis line and another Midwest route, the Empire Builder (which connects Chicago to the Pacific Northwest), demonstrates a growing demand for rail travel options in the region.

On June 5, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) held lotteries to determine license-holders for the state’s new recreational cannabis market. The lottery was for general applicants and Social Equity Applicants (SEA) seeking cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, retail, and mezzobusinesses licenses.

Many car manufacturers are trading traditional halogen bulbs for LED headlights. While LED lights offer better visibility for drivers, improved energy efficiency, and longer lifespans, they also create increased glare for oncoming traffic.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the work environment. With more people working remotely, many office buildings have struggled to find or hold on to tenants. Minnesota lawmakers are taking a stab at breathing new life into empty office buildings by offering 30% state tax credit for developers who rehabilitate or convert historic buildings.