Remembering Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Peace and Leadership

Hotter and HotterCHATHAM, N.J. — That buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It's unclear if it's drones or something else, but for sure the nighttime sightings are producing tons of talk, a raft of conspiracy theories and craned necks looking skyward. Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights. This week seems to have begun a new, higher-profile chapter: Lawmakers are demanding (but so far not getting) explanations from federal and state authorities about what's behind them. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey's new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. More drone sightings have been reported in New York City, and Mayor Eric Adams says the city is investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. And then President-elect Donald Trump posted that he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “ Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on his social media site. But perhaps the most fantastic development is the dizzying proliferation of conspiracies — none of which has been confirmed or suggested by federal and state officials who say they're looking into what's happening. It has become shorthand to refer to the flying machines as drones, but there are questions about whether what people are seeing are unmanned aircraft or something else. Some theorize the drones came from an Iranian mothership. Others think they are the Secret Service making sure President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property is secure. Others worry about China. The deep state. And on. In the face of uncertainty, people have done what they do in 2024: Create a social media group. The Facebook page, New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it, has nearly 44,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. People are posting their photo and video sightings, and the online commenters take it from there. One video shows a whitish light flying in a darkened sky, and one commenter concludes it’s otherworldly. “Straight up orbs,” the person says. Others weigh in to say it’s a plane or maybe a satellite. Another group called for hunting the drones literally, shooting them down like turkeys. (Do not shoot at anything in the sky, experts warn.) Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, lives near Round Valley Reservoir where there have been numerous sightings. She said she first posted photos online last month wondering what the objects were and became convinced they were drones when she saw how they moved and when her son showed her on a flight tracking site that no planes were around. Now she's glued to the Mystery Drones page, she said. “I find myself — instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it,” she said. She doesn't buy what the governor said, that the drones aren't a risk to public safety. Murphy told Biden on Friday that residents need answers. The federal Homeland Security Department and FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” she said. “I think that’s why so many people are uneasy.” Then there's the notion that people could misunderstand what they're seeing. William Austin is the president of Warren County Community College, which has a drone technology degree program, and is coincidentally located in one of the sighting hotspots. Austin says he has looked at videos of purported drones and that airplanes are being misidentified as drones. He cited an optical effect called parallax, which is the apparent shift of an object when viewed from different perspectives. Austin encouraged people to download flight and drone tracker apps so they can better understand what they're looking at. Nonetheless, people continue to come up with their own theories. “It represents the United States of America in 2024,” Austin said. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it.” Federal officials echo Austin's view that many of the sightings are piloted aircraft such as planes and helicopters being mistaken for drones, according to lawmakers and Murphy. That's not really convincing for many, though, who are homing in on the sightings beyond just New Jersey and the East Coast, where others have reported seeing the objects. For Seph Divine, 34, another member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene, Oregon, it feels as if it’s up to citizen sleuths to solve the mystery. He said he tries to be a voice of reason, encouraging people to fact check their information, while also asking probing questions. “My main goal is I don’t want people to be caught up in the hysteria and I also want people to not just ignore it at the same time,” he said. “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” he added.I can’t sugarcoat how progressives feel at the close of 2024: rough. President-elect Donald Trump won back the White House with a campaign that was bigoted and fascist. And from President Joe Biden’s backing of Israel’s ghastly war in Gaza to his ill-fated decision to seek reelection, progressives aren’t celebrating his tenure, either. The next few years will see an onslaught of challenges. If you look closely, you’ll see signs people aren’t just going to roll over and accept it. Here are five that caught my eye. The American public has had it with economic elites. Union activity has been on an upswing for a few years, with union petition filings in 2024 significantly up over 2023. After a successful national strike in 2023, the United Auto Workers won an election in Tennessee this year, a significant breakthrough in the traditionally anti-union South. And more Amazon warehouse workers and drivers are pushing to join. Meanwhile, communities in places such as Wisconsin fought back against a private-equity takeover of nursing care. And nationally, widespread anger exploded over the greed of health insurance companies. Trump likes to play a populist on TV. But if he moves to slash workers’ rights, cut taxes for CEOs and erode access to health care, he’ll have a fight. The movement for a ceasefire in Gaza drew support from a vast, diverse coalition of young people — with additional support from faith communities, unions, environmentalists and others who’d previously stayed “in their lane.” They haven’t succeeded yet. But they’ve won broad, bipartisan public support for a ceasefire, an arms embargo on Israel and, more generally, foreign policy informed by human rights. Democratic politicians, in particular, won’t be able to avoid this issue. Temperatures continue to rise. Natural disasters worsen, and our leaders fail us on climate. The Biden administration’s signature climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, is unleashing record investments in green jobs, fueling unprecedented growth in renewable power. Meanwhile, Indigenous-led efforts are quietly reintroducing species to their natural habitats. The more local support initiatives such as these win, the harder they’ll be to reverse. One of the worst moments of the 2024 campaign was the ridiculous slander of Haitian Americans in Springfield, Ohio, by Trump, and other right-wingers. Springfield natives turned out to support their Haitian neighbors. Locals flocked to Haitian restaurants, churches and community centers to show their solidarity. The lesson is that, while hardline immigration measures can attract support in the abstract, people feel differently when they realize members of their communities could be affected. Progressives should defend their immigrant neighbors without apology. They may win some unlikely allies if they stand up for what’s right. Forget “red states” and “blue states” — there’s support for progressive ideas in all 50 states. Just look at the election. Several conservative states passed ballot measures to raise the minimum wage, guarantee paid leave, protect abortion access and liberalize marijuana laws. Once you filter out the noise around candidates and ask people about progressive policies directly, even “red state” voters tend to support them. The key is to make candidates run on those policies — without watering them down. Our politics are a mess. But the U.S. isn’t lost — only our leaders are. When Americans organize around our common decency, it will be a lot harder for bullies such as Trump to walk over us. Certo is the communications director of the Institute for Policy Studies. He wrote this for InsideSources.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

As a lifelong bicyclist, I’ve logged tens of thousands of miles commuting in urban areas, pedaling to and from work, enjoying weekend rides through suburban and rural areas, and taking on multiday touring trips. These miles include several Latin American counties and Japan. Over the years, I’ve also been knee-deep in bicycle advocacy circles, most notably in the San Diego area, where I sat on the board of the local bicycle coalition and regularly participated in groups like the California Association of Bicycling Organizations. Given my history, one might assume I’m excited to see the growing network of bike lanes popping up in cities across Colorado, which I once again call home. After all, cyclist, motorist, and pedestrian safety is a shared concern for everyone on the road. But my enthusiasm for bike lanes — specifically those built within the rights-of-way of public highways — is far from absolute. In fact, I’m against them more often than not, especially as “protected” bike lanes have become the new default tool in the bike lane visionary’s toolbox. Bike lanes are often celebrated as solutions for cyclist safety, environmental sustainability, public health and urban transformation. Yet, the reality is far less rosy. These lanes frequently fail to deliver on their promises. Instead, they create significant trade-offs, often compromising cyclist safety, marginalizing riders, perpetuating dangerous misconceptions about road use and hindering urban mobility for everyone. Bike lane advocates make compelling promises that resonate with visions promoting healthier, safer and more sustainable cities. These promises can be distilled into five main areas: safety, environmental sustainability, health, urban renewal and transformation. Bike lanes, especially those separated from motor traffic by barriers, are promoted as life-saving infrastructure that will prevent collisions and encourage “interested and concerned” cyclists or noncyclists to take to the streets. These bike lanes are further touted as aiding in increasing mobility options, including reducing car dependency and providing a transportation option for those who cannot afford automobiles or are unable to obtain or keep a driver’s license. There’s also an environmental angle since bicycles emit no tailpipe emissions and do not combust hydrocarbons. Advocates also regularly point out the poor health of millions of Americans, including the obesity crisis. These promises are aspirational, and the rhetoric behind them has become a powerful force in bike lane advocacy. However, as economist Thomas Sowell once said, “Visions are the foundations on which theories are built. The final structure depends not only on the foundation but also on how carefully and consistently the framework of theory is constructed and how well buttressed it is with hard facts.” Sowell also wrote, “There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs.” Bike lane advocates often fail to acknowledge the trade-offs that come with their implementations instead relying an “anointed vision.” One of the most common justifications for bike lanes is safety. Advocates argue that today’s roads “feel” unsafe to “all ages and abilities” and claim that only the “athletic” or “strong and fearless” are comfortable riding without dedicated lanes separated from motor traffic. Separating cyclists from cars will reduce collisions and encourage new riders, they also say. However, hard evidence often contradicts these claims as the most common crash types between cars and bikes are turning and crossing movements which most bike lanes do little to nothing to mitigate. While bike lanes might “feel safer,” particularly to less experienced riders, they introduce new dangers at intersections, driveways and merging points where conflicts with cars are more likely. Feelings aren’t always reality, but they’re potent and persuasive in grand, anointed visions. In my riding experience and in my years of independent research on crashes, I’ve seen how bike lanes can lead to collisions — referred to among cycling-safety enthusiasts as right hooks, left hooks, drive outs, pullouts and doorings. Many of these collisions are fatal, and surprisingly many bike lane advocates either don’t know what they are, downplay them or outright ignore them. Cyclists using “protected” bike lanes regularly collide with the very bollards, flex posts, wheel stops, or other elements that are supposed to protect them. I saw these crash types increase dramatically firsthand with many protected bike lane projects in the San Diego area despite decades-long warnings from both myself and cycling safety experts on these issues. A lot of cyclists don’t like to hear it, but much of their safety is under their control. This, of course, doesn’t dismiss reckless, inattentive, intoxicated motorists or those ignorant of traffic laws pertaining to cycling, but many crashes are at least in part the fault of the cyclist for not obeying traffic rules. Cyclists fare best when they learn to navigate roads as vehicle drivers, following traffic laws, riding visibly, predictably and in cooperation with other road users. This approach is taught in “bike-ed” programs such as Cycling Savvy. Training cyclists to ride competently is a far more effective and sustainable solution than relying on infrastructure that may introduce new risks. True safety in most on-road cycling encounters comes not from segregation by “protection” but from integration by cooperation. Bicyclists who embark on this journey of education and empowerment often go through a paradigm shift, viewing existing roads suitable and safe for their needs while recognizing the vast trade-offs of bicycle lanes. Promoting bike lanes over education, which is done dogmatically by many of these activists, often promotes and encourages unsafe cycling and problems with other road users, such as motorists. Furthermore, the constant fear-mongering that the roads are inherently unsafe and the cyclist has no control over their situation further discourages cycling. Instead of reducing danger, poorly designed bike lanes following flawed traffic engineering standards can create a false sense of security for cyclists and motorists alike. Bike lanes are promoted as a way to combat climate change by reducing car use and emissions. Yet, the impact is often overstated. Many bike lane users are recreational cyclists or existing riders, not drivers switching modes of transport. As a result, the carbon savings are modest at best. Many cyclists also own cars, especially in Colorado, with long travel distances and the varying hobbies which are impractical by bike. Bicycles have severe practical limitations for most people given their limited range in practical times, minimal cargo capacity, and the inability for most bicycles to carry passengers. While places such as San Diego have a year-round mild climate with few days of precipitation, Colorado, and most of the country have four proper seasons. Only extremely dedicated and passionate cyclists with proper equipment and mindset or those with no other transportation choice take up riding in rain and snow. Moreover, the construction of bike lanes comes with its environmental costs, including resource use and emissions. One proposed “protected” lane project in San Diego requires the use of eminent domain to seize part of the adjacent canyon, home to a rare swath of California chaparral and bird nests, to make room for the new right-of-way of the protected bike lane. One of the photographs in a recent Gazette Editorial showed two gas-powered generators being used to power the equipment for the construction of one of Denver’s protected bicycle lanes. A lot of bike lane activists tie their beliefs to the absurd idea that we can eliminate hydrocarbons or bring on their utopias without environmental impacts. Poorly planned networks can even exacerbate congestion, as reduced road capacity leads to idling motor vehicles and longer commutes. Competent cycling on existing roads achieves similar environmental benefits without these trade-offs. There’s no denying that cycling can improve the health for those who engage in the activity. One doesn’t have to be an athlete to see the benefits, as even regular short and slow cycling trips can improve one’s heart, blood pressure, mental health, and waistline. However, it’s worth questioning whether bike lanes are the best way to achieve this goal. There’s a massive diversity in how people get or stay active, with many who don’t see cycling as part of their exercise programs. Encouraging cycling through education, workplace incentives, and secure bike parking can be just as effective — if not more so — without the expense and challenges of building segregated lanes. Public parks, recreation centers, or gyms might warrant a second look, as well as restoring the safety in parks. In places such as Denver, petty crime and public camping pose safety and quality of life concerns among many residents. In recent years, homeless encampments could be found in many of Denver’s parks and even some of the urban protected bike lanes. This is the case, too, in other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, where the bike lane expansion projects are also underway. The vision of bike lanes as a catalyst for livable cities is appealing. Bike lane advocates look to car-light and bike-heavy cities such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, viewing these places as utopian blueprints for transforming cities back in the United States. In truth, these cities have significant safety issues with their bicycle infrastructure as well, especially thanks to the rise of e-bikes and scooters. But these visions often oversimplify the complex factors that make cities thrive. These visionaries also ignore the cultural differences surrounding the American desires for larger private property and the popularity of the automobile for individual mobility. Most of these people dogmatically demonize single-family housing, zoning, and the popularity of the automobile while insisting they know what’s best for everyone else. That includes feedback from actual taxpaying and contributing locals over political special interest groups or unaccountable bureaucrats. Much of the backlash against building these bike lanes stems from long-time property owners frustrated with the lack of accountability and transparency from the governments that impose them and grow frustrated at the declining quality of the roads, schools, or public safety. I saw this numerous times in the San Diego area, and it appears to be repeating in Denver. Bike lanes cannot achieve these urban transformation outcomes, and their alleged benefits often flow disproportionately to affluent or politically connected neighborhoods, leaving underserved communities behind who may be served better by increased public transportation or even automobiles. Instead of doubling down on bike lanes, I propose a few alternative ideas if governments and cities want to continue encouraging cycling. These proposals cost less taxpayer money, benefit a greater number of people, including noncyclists, and are less intrusive. Training and education are a must for road users. The Colorado Department of Transportation has a bike safety manual similar to the motor vehicle driving manual people use to study for their driver’s licenses. While it’s a great start, the cover shows a woman and child cycling in a dangerous door zone bicycle lane, and it contains other questionable safety items. Such manuals have their place but need improvement. Formal bicycling education courses need to be normalized. I’m a huge fan of Cycling Savvy’s program because they understand the safety issue, but they also help cyclists adopt an empowering, cooperative, and nonvictim-oriented mindset. They also have programs targeted toward group recreational riders and teenagers on e-bikes. More effort to reach out to noncyclists needs to be made as well. The city of Fort Collins hosts an excellent program geared toward motorists about bicycling safety. With education comes enforcement in the form of police handing out warnings for minor infractions along with ticketing and mandatory educational programs for the more severe infractions or for repeat offenders. Also, law enforcement needs to take the issue of bike theft seriously. Bicycle lanes have their place in some contexts and in certain conditions, but their designs need to be scrutinized for safety issues, and most “protected” bike lanes fail miserably for their safety. If governments are going to promote them, they need the backing of their residents, and they need solid safety and use studies of both before and after their installation. Bureaucrats and activists need to be open and honest with shortcomings, especially when their promises do not materialize. Even with these efforts, we shouldn’t be surprised if the mode share for cycling remains relatively low in most cities. At the end of the day, it’s just not that practical a form of transportation for most people. Bike lanes promise a better future, but they often deliver less than advertised. They create trade-offs that compromise safety, marginalize cyclists, and fail to address the root causes of urban mobility challenges. As someone who has spent decades on the road and in the advocacy world, I believe we need a paradigm shift: from segregation to integration, from symbolic infrastructure to meaningful cyclist empowerment. But I also believe individuals should be able to choose the mode of transport that suits their needs best. When we abandon the utopian vision of bike lanes and embrace the realities of trade-offs, we can chart a more practical path forward. Frank Lehnerz is a Fort Collins-based engineer who works in the electric energy industry. His roles in bicycling advocacy included board positions in the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the San Diego Bicycle Club. He also participated regularly in the California Association of Bicycling Organizations. In addition to his passion for bicycling he’s a car enthusiast, telemark skier, shooter, and student pilot.

Festivalgoer overdoses on first day of pill testing trial at Beyond The Valley

Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta feels that there are “still many trophies” left for Inter Milan to win despite the club’s illustrious history. Marotta spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews . He outlined his ambitious mindset for Inter. In each of the past four seasons, Inter have won silverware. Last time around, it was the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri reached the Europa League final in the 2019-20 season, and the Champions League final in the 2022-23 campaign. This is a far cry from where Inter were a decade or so again. They had several years where they were unable to win any major titles. However, throughout Inter’s history there have been many periods where they were successful. Therefore, seeing the Nerazzurri at the top of the Italian – and European – game has a familiar feel. This season, Inter are fighting on a number of fronts. There is Serie A, where they have just won against Como to keep the pressure on in the title race. Next month, Inter will try and win the Supercoppa Italiana for the third season running. And then there are the Coppa Italia, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup to fight for. Beppe Marotta: “Inter Milan Have Many More Trophies To Win” Inter President Marotta noted that “Along my journey, I’ve experienced working with many Presidents and management models.” “I’m a lover of the world of sport and football,” he said. “Passion is what moves me. Nothing gives you a rush of adrenaline quite like football.” Marotta noted that “In sport you have to be ambitios.” “With a view of a winning path forward, and with great results for Inter.” “The history and the trophy cabinet of this club shows us that they’ve already won many trophies,” Marotta said. “But there are still many, many more left for us to win.”

The Sacramento Kings have fired coach Mike Brown less than halfway through his third season with the team mired in a five-game losing streak, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the firing hadn't been announced by the team. ESPN first reported the firing. Brown won NBA Coach of the Year in his first season in 2022-23, when he helped Sacramento end the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 seasons. But Sacramento lost in the play-in tournament last year and was off to a 13-18 start this season, leading to the move to fire Brown about six months after he agreed to a contract extension through the 2026-27 season. The Kings have lost an NBA-worst nine games this season after leading in the fourth quarter with the worst one coming in Brown's final game as coach Thursday night against Detroit. Sacramento led by 10 points with less than three minutes to play only to collapse down the stretch. Jaden Ivey converted a four-point play with 3 seconds left when he made a 3-pointer in the right corner and was fouled by De’Aaron Fox. That gave the Pistons a 114-113 win, leaving the Kings in 12th place in the Western Conference. Brown has a 107-88 record in two-plus seasons in Sacramento with a winning record in both of his full seasons. Rick Adelman is the only other coach to post a winning record in a full season since the Kings moved to Sacramento Brown previously had two stints as coach in Cleveland and spent one-plus season as Lakers coach. He has a 455-304 record and has made the playoffs in seven of his nine full seasons. He won Coach of the Year twice, also getting the award in Cleveland in 2008-09. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA Josh Dubow, The Associated Press

Alex Ovechkin will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a fractured left fibula, the Washington Capitals . The Capitals captain and current NHL leading goal scorer suffered the injury during Monday night's win over the Utah Hockey Club. Ovechkin had a leg-to-leg collision with Utah forward Jack McBain and fell to the ice immediately. He tested the leg out with a brief skate minutes later, but later exited the game and did not return. Alex Ovechkin to the dressing room after this sequence 😩 — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) The Capitals, who are second in the Eastern Conference with 28 points, will be without Ovechkin for the longest period of his career since he entered the NHL in 2005-06. The 39-year-old has only missed 35 games due to injury and other absences were due to suspensions and being in Covid protocol. Ovechkin's previous longest stretch of missed games was six due to an upper-body injury in November 2009. “Everyone’s bummed out,” said Capitals forward Tom Wilson, a teammate of Ovechkin's since 2013. “We were sitting there saying: ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.” Ovechkin has had a red-hot start to the season and had scored five goals in his previous two games before the injury. His 15 goals this season puts him at 868 for his career, 26 behind the NHL record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Many had believed Ovechkin could catch The Great One sometime during the 2025-26 season, but his play early on was changing minds to believe the record could be broken season. Now Ovechkin's pursuit for history will have to wait.Summary Education helps combat the fear of flying. Consider professional courses, run by airlines or other companies. Relaxation techniques aid anxiety when onboard. Fear of flying or 'aerophobia' is very common, with previous studies in the US showing that 17% of all Americans were afraid to fly. Of course, some people will avoid flying completely, whereas many others will take to the skies in fear. There are some ways for any traveler, no matter how big their fear of flying, to overcome this. Planning ahead is key to this, with advance education important as well as preparing yourself to handle the flight itself. We look at five ideas for how to overcome your fear - both before traveling and when in flight. Quick Links Educate yourself in advance Establish why you are afraid of flying and learn the basic facts Consider taking a course Professional-led courses focus on different areas, and can even involve accompanied experience flights Develop trust in the aircraft and crew More comfort with this enables you to focus on your own anxiety issues Use relaxation techniques on the flight Breathing and other relaxation methods can help overcome anxiety Talk to a flight attendant Don’t forget that cabin crew are trained and willing to help 1 Educate yourself in advance Establish why you are afraid of flying and learn the basic facts As with many anxiety-related or other conditions, establishing the cause can help. Once you have worked out what it is about flying that frightens you, you can better find ways to overcome this or deal with it in flight. Education can also help mentally. Many people perceive flying as a dangerous and risky undertaking. This is understandable, considering you are being propelled to 35,000 feet in a sealed metal tube with very powerful jet engines alongside. Flying, of course, has proven itself to be very safe over recent years. Becoming more familiar with aircraft and the aviation industry should help. A few of the main facts that help: There are few aircraft accidents. Accidents, of course, draw significant attention and media coverage, but they are not common. Flying is regularly shown to be the safest form of transport available. IATA in 2015, for example, has explained this with data . It says that there were over 3.5 billion people traveling as passengers on commercial aircraft that year, and during that time, there were 68 accidents, with four of these leading to 136 deaths. It is an often-cited fact that the most dangerous part of your family holiday is, in fact, the car journey to the airport. A new study revealed that global commercial air safety has disparities. Aircraft undergo strict and rigorous maintenance. This is highly regulated, and airlines invest heavily in compulsory and extensive regular aircraft maintenance . The process ranges from daily pre-flight checks to complete overhauls about every six years, almost transforming an aircraft into a new one. Aircraft are designed with safety and redundancy as core principles . There are backups for most systems, and even the use of two engines has evolved carefully over time with strict limitations and safety procedures. The industry is extremely professional. Pilots and air traffic controllers undergo years of training. Aircraft seek to avoid bad weather and turbulence. This is a fear of many. But there are procedures in place to avoid problems area, and aircraft handle safely even in bad conditions. Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here . 2 Consider taking a course Professional-led courses focus on different areas, and can even involve accompanied experience flights Taking things further than self-education, you can consider taking a course related to the fear of flying. Several airlines and other companies offer such courses. These will teach you the basics of flying and its safety, what to expect on a flight, and will likely look at techniques to help onboard as well. Many airlines offer such courses, with classroom-style training, involvement from pilots and medical professionals, and often the chance to take an actual flight under supervision. Fear of flying can hold many back from exploring the world, airlines want to change that. British Airways , for example, offers a number of 'fly with confidence' courses, ranging from an online course to a full-day session incorporating technology, psychology, and a short-haul flight. Virgin Atlantic offers 'Flying without Fear' courses - that have helped two to three thousand people every year since 1997 (read more about this - Simple Flying had the chance to speak to the man who founded the airline's program, Paul Tizzard ). Airports often offer similar courses, and there are even options away from the airport with classroom-based offerings or companies with access to a flight simulator. Some are even starting to use virtual reality headsets for practice experience. You could, of course, also seek more focused professional help. This could be particularly useful in more serious cases. 3 Develop trust in the aircraft and crew More comfort with this enables you to focus on your own anxiety issues One of the key aims of educating or following a course is to better understand the industry, its safety, and procedures. Trusting the process more may not solve your fear of flying, but it will allow you to concentrate more on your own fears. More than just the fear of the flight, this could involve fear of heights, claustrophobia, issues with being strapped in and “trapped” or many other situations. There are many ways to try and improve your handling of these issues, but recognizing them and not fighting them is an important step. 4 Use relaxation techniques on the flight Breathing and other relaxation methods can help overcome anxiety Turning to methods that can help when on a flight. Establishing what your fears are and accepting that they exist will help, but you could still be very anxious. Breathing techniques are well-proven to help relax the body. By slowing your breathing rate, you can stimulate the body’s parasympathetic response. This leads to the body being more relaxed (the opposite happens with the so-called emergency response and fast breathing). There are many different breathing techniques that can be used, but some general methods involve deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Distraction techniques can also work well. Listening to music, reading, or focusing on inflight entertainment are simple but reliable ways to divert attention away from flying. 5 Talk to a flight attendant Don’t forget that cabin crew are trained and willing to help No matter how much you prepare with education and mental focus, you might find the actual flight difficult. Don't be afraid to talk to a flight attendant if you feel anxious during the flight. Flight attendants are well-trained and have seen these issues many times before. They will certainly sympathize and, if possible, will sit near you during take-off (depending on the airline) and may talk you through the sounds and what things mean. Especially on longer flights where there is more, they will help to calm and reassure passengers. Even if they can't talk to you all the time, just watching the crew go about their duties can help, too. Of course, this can be another form of distraction from the flight, but also noting how relaxed and comfortable they are is a reminder of how safe flying is. Some advice on the matter from a from flight attendant's perspective. Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.The Orange County technology company DiscoverIT Solutions Inc. has been awarded a nearly $400,000 contract to purchase and install additional security cameras at Oceanside Harbor. “The harbor project will add 51 new cameras to supplement the nine commercial-grade cameras currently in place,” Deputy City Manager Robert O’Brien said earlier this month. “Assuming no significant delays in the procurement and delivery of parts and equipment, the installation is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.” The new equipment is a response to heightened public concerns about safety at the harbor after a few high-profile, violent attacks earlier this year. The City Council unanimously approved the expenditure for cameras Dec. 18. “The purpose of this project is to achieve near-comprehensive safety camera coverage within the harbor area, including Harbor Village, the marina’s gates, as well as each service building, which house restrooms for the public and slip permittees,” states a report by city staff. Oceanside’s harbor has close to 1,000 recreational and commercial boat slips, and about 10 percent of the recreational slips are leased by boat owners who live aboard their vessel. At present the harbor has about 18 security cameras, only nine of which are considered commercial-grade equipment, according to the report. Some of the cameras don’t record video and some don’t work because of poor Wi-Fi connectivity. “Currently, only one commercial-grade camera partially covers the Harbor Village, an area in the district that is often congested with a large number of visitors, and lined with retail shops, restaurants, kiosks to purchase whale watching tickets and sundries, etc.,” the report states. “Security cameras are an effective means to reduce criminal activity,” it states. “Not only do they serve as a visual deterrent to would-be criminals, they can capture video images necessary to help solve crimes when they do occur.” The new cameras will not be installed in a manner that compromises the privacy of slip renters, the report states. Some will be in fixed positions, some will pan, tilt and zoom focus. About two-thirds of the money will come from the city’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, along with $100,000 from the harbor reserve account and just over $70,000 from the citywide general fund. Harbor officials also have discussed the possible installation of a kiosk or similar structure to check people at the harbor entrances, perhaps to be staffed only overnight when the need for security is greatest.

Lucknow: UP is implementing a ‘ Digital Kumbh ' vision, with AI serving as a pivotal technological component, said Awanish Awasthi, the chief advisor to CM Yogi Adityanath at the ET AI conclave. He said, "During the 2019 Kumbh, AI was pioneered for security surveillance, monitoring crowd movements through camera networks. Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage event, this time the Maha Kumbh is anticipated to witness a gathering of 40 crore. Therefore, AI integration will become paramount across all organisational aspects of kumbh." He said, "The state is in the process of formulating a comprehensive policy for artificial intelligence. Having examined Telangana's existing AI policy framework, a similar initiative is proposed for Uttar Pradesh . A high-level committee, chaired by the principal secretary of IT, has conducted multiple rounds of deliberations with numerous experts and private sector representatives." "Uttar Pradesh aims for a one trillion-dollar economy, having progressed from $250 billion to approximately $300-352 billion. The state's growth trajectory necessitates an increase from 13.2% to 15-20%. Tourism, experiencing 40% growth with 48 crore visitors projected to reach 56 crore, alongside IT sector development, are vital drivers," he said. Awasthi said, "For Uttar Pradesh, establishing Lucknow as an AI hub is paramount. Substantial effort is required, as second-tier cities nationwide, including Ahmedabad, Pune and Indore, have already advanced considerably. We need to establish an AI Innovation Authority for focused development." UP , being India's largest state, possesses an enormous data repository that requires AI-driven analysis and utilisation, he stressed. "We seek assistance from industry leaders like NVIDIA for project implementation. Our technical university is actively progressing in this domain. We must learn from global best practices and align with NITI Aayog's national AI strategy. The National AI Intelligence Portal offers numerous opportunities for development," Awasthi said. He added, "Various international ambassadors, including Israel's, have met with the chief minister to discuss potential collaborations. Achieving our trillion-dollar economy goal necessitates 40% annual growth in high-growth sectors like IT, supported by AI, and tourism. These sectors are crucial for reaching the required 25% overall state growth."

IF we are going to have some sort of a title race, then it is up to Arsenal to really raise their game. But without Bukayo Saka in their team, you really have to wonder whether Mikel Arteta’s mob are capable of giving Liverpool manager Arne Slot some sleepless nights. On this evidence, they may as well drive the Premier League trophy up to Merseyside now. Kai Havertz scored his 12th goal of the season against an Ipswich side who failed to land a glove on their opponents but defended stubbornly. The fact Arsenal made a meal of beating such a limited team does raise some questions over whether they can close this enormous gap at the top. The fact Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League - with a game in hand - merely underlines how much better Slot’s team have been this season. While Arsenal have to keep on plugging away, they must still hope for a major blip from the leaders and at this stage, it still seems unlikely. After squeezing past Kieran McKenna’s team, Arsenal now have away trips to Brentford and Brighton and once again, Saka’s genius on the right will be sorely missed. Maybe, this game was further evidence for Arteta to persuade his board to dip into the January transfer market. Arteta switched Gabriel Martinelli to the right with Leonardo Trossard, who delivered the assist for the first goal, starting out on the left. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS But this was still not particularly impressive stuff from an Arsenal team who really hoped that this year, would be THEIR year. Former midfield favourite Santi Cazorla was welcomed on to the pitch before the game and the crowd sang his name at regular intervals. Although now aged 40, he is - remarkably - still playing in the second tier of Spanish football for Real Oviedo and is only over here because he is on a winter break. He picked up a couple of FA Cup winners’ medals with Arsenal and would dearly love it if his former team-mate - and close friend - Arteta was finally able to win the title. Such was the pace of the game throughout that Cazorla could easily have slotted into the home team’s midfield without any problems. This was Ipswich’s first-ever Premier League trip to the Emirates although their last win at Arsenal came way back in 1979 when Arnold Muhren and Allan Hunter were the scorers in a 2-0 victory. Those were heady days for Ipswich when seasons in European competition were standard but now all they would love is a second successive season in the Premier League. Yet the 4-0 loss at Newcastle on Saturday was their best proper hammering so despite being dominated, at least they avoided another battering. McKenna reverted to the back-three system which sprung a surprise for a 2-1 win at Spurs on November 10 but a repeat never looked likely. To illustrate Arsenal’s dominance in the first quarter of the game, they had a staggering 91 per cent of possession. Yes, 91 per cent. The problem was that they kept trying to walk the ball into the net and their only chance was a long-range shot by Jurrien Timber straight at Ipswich goalkeeper Aro Muric. Yet finally, and predictably, Arsenal found a way past all the blue shirts who were blocking the goal. Visiting defender Ben Johnson failed to cut out a decent cross from Trossard and Havertz was literally standing on the line for a simple tap-in. Yet while he did not have much of a chance for that one, keeper Muric got lucky when he was somehow beaten at his near-post by Gabriel Jesus who was then flagged offside. In the second half, Ipswich had a bit more of the ball without really hurting Arteta’s team. Arsenal somehow failed to make it 2-0 when Gabriel Magalhaes headed wide from a couple of yards out. Martin Odegaard danced his way past a few Ipswich players before seeing his shot deflected for a corner, Declan Rice’s volley was blocked by Dara O’Shea and sub Mikel Merino had a shot well saved by Muric. This was hardly a sitter for Arteta. But even so, you get the feeling that if he is to win a trophy this season it will be the Cup. Liverpool look home and dry in the Premier League.

Pulse Biosciences, Inc. Announces Planned Redemption of WarrantsFirst Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund ( NYSE:FPF – Get Free Report ) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, December 19th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.1375 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.65 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 7.4% per year over the last three years. First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund Trading Down 1.0 % FPF stock opened at $17.93 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $18.64 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.61. First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund has a 12 month low of $16.27 and a 12 month high of $19.74. About First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund is a closed end fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by First Trust Advisors L.P. The fund is co-managed by Stonebridge Advisors, LLC. It invests in fixed income markets. The fund will also invest in below investment-grade securities like junk or high-yield securities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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Summary Education helps combat the fear of flying. Consider professional courses, run by airlines or other companies. Relaxation techniques aid anxiety when onboard. Fear of flying or 'aerophobia' is very common, with previous studies in the US showing that 17% of all Americans were afraid to fly. Of course, some people will avoid flying completely, whereas many others will take to the skies in fear. There are some ways for any traveler, no matter how big their fear of flying, to overcome this. Planning ahead is key to this, with advance education important as well as preparing yourself to handle the flight itself. We look at five ideas for how to overcome your fear - both before traveling and when in flight. Quick Links Educate yourself in advance Establish why you are afraid of flying and learn the basic facts Consider taking a course Professional-led courses focus on different areas, and can even involve accompanied experience flights Develop trust in the aircraft and crew More comfort with this enables you to focus on your own anxiety issues Use relaxation techniques on the flight Breathing and other relaxation methods can help overcome anxiety Talk to a flight attendant Don’t forget that cabin crew are trained and willing to help 1 Educate yourself in advance Establish why you are afraid of flying and learn the basic facts As with many anxiety-related or other conditions, establishing the cause can help. Once you have worked out what it is about flying that frightens you, you can better find ways to overcome this or deal with it in flight. Education can also help mentally. Many people perceive flying as a dangerous and risky undertaking. This is understandable, considering you are being propelled to 35,000 feet in a sealed metal tube with very powerful jet engines alongside. Flying, of course, has proven itself to be very safe over recent years. Becoming more familiar with aircraft and the aviation industry should help. A few of the main facts that help: There are few aircraft accidents. Accidents, of course, draw significant attention and media coverage, but they are not common. Flying is regularly shown to be the safest form of transport available. IATA in 2015, for example, has explained this with data . It says that there were over 3.5 billion people traveling as passengers on commercial aircraft that year, and during that time, there were 68 accidents, with four of these leading to 136 deaths. It is an often-cited fact that the most dangerous part of your family holiday is, in fact, the car journey to the airport. A new study revealed that global commercial air safety has disparities. Aircraft undergo strict and rigorous maintenance. This is highly regulated, and airlines invest heavily in compulsory and extensive regular aircraft maintenance . The process ranges from daily pre-flight checks to complete overhauls about every six years, almost transforming an aircraft into a new one. Aircraft are designed with safety and redundancy as core principles . There are backups for most systems, and even the use of two engines has evolved carefully over time with strict limitations and safety procedures. The industry is extremely professional. Pilots and air traffic controllers undergo years of training. Aircraft seek to avoid bad weather and turbulence. This is a fear of many. But there are procedures in place to avoid problems area, and aircraft handle safely even in bad conditions. Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here . 2 Consider taking a course Professional-led courses focus on different areas, and can even involve accompanied experience flights Taking things further than self-education, you can consider taking a course related to the fear of flying. Several airlines and other companies offer such courses. These will teach you the basics of flying and its safety, what to expect on a flight, and will likely look at techniques to help onboard as well. Many airlines offer such courses, with classroom-style training, involvement from pilots and medical professionals, and often the chance to take an actual flight under supervision. Fear of flying can hold many back from exploring the world, airlines want to change that. British Airways , for example, offers a number of 'fly with confidence' courses, ranging from an online course to a full-day session incorporating technology, psychology, and a short-haul flight. Virgin Atlantic offers 'Flying without Fear' courses - that have helped two to three thousand people every year since 1997 (read more about this - Simple Flying had the chance to speak to the man who founded the airline's program, Paul Tizzard ). Airports often offer similar courses, and there are even options away from the airport with classroom-based offerings or companies with access to a flight simulator. Some are even starting to use virtual reality headsets for practice experience. You could, of course, also seek more focused professional help. This could be particularly useful in more serious cases. 3 Develop trust in the aircraft and crew More comfort with this enables you to focus on your own anxiety issues One of the key aims of educating or following a course is to better understand the industry, its safety, and procedures. Trusting the process more may not solve your fear of flying, but it will allow you to concentrate more on your own fears. More than just the fear of the flight, this could involve fear of heights, claustrophobia, issues with being strapped in and “trapped” or many other situations. There are many ways to try and improve your handling of these issues, but recognizing them and not fighting them is an important step. 4 Use relaxation techniques on the flight Breathing and other relaxation methods can help overcome anxiety Turning to methods that can help when on a flight. Establishing what your fears are and accepting that they exist will help, but you could still be very anxious. Breathing techniques are well-proven to help relax the body. By slowing your breathing rate, you can stimulate the body’s parasympathetic response. This leads to the body being more relaxed (the opposite happens with the so-called emergency response and fast breathing). There are many different breathing techniques that can be used, but some general methods involve deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Distraction techniques can also work well. Listening to music, reading, or focusing on inflight entertainment are simple but reliable ways to divert attention away from flying. 5 Talk to a flight attendant Don’t forget that cabin crew are trained and willing to help No matter how much you prepare with education and mental focus, you might find the actual flight difficult. Don't be afraid to talk to a flight attendant if you feel anxious during the flight. Flight attendants are well-trained and have seen these issues many times before. They will certainly sympathize and, if possible, will sit near you during take-off (depending on the airline) and may talk you through the sounds and what things mean. Especially on longer flights where there is more, they will help to calm and reassure passengers. Even if they can't talk to you all the time, just watching the crew go about their duties can help, too. Of course, this can be another form of distraction from the flight, but also noting how relaxed and comfortable they are is a reminder of how safe flying is. Some advice on the matter from a from flight attendant's perspective. Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

College football team backs out of bowl appearance after losing over two dozen players to transfers READ MORE: Donald Trump slams President Biden for never going to Army-Navy By JAKE FENNER Published: 19:56, 14 December 2024 | Updated: 20:01, 14 December 2024 e-mail View comments College football players opting out of bowl games has become a common ordeal as athletes try to stay healthy for the NFL Draft. But an entire team has decided to forgo its bowl appearance this year after losing too many players. The Marshall Thundering Herd football team has notified officials that they will be backing out of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl this season, according to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger . DailyMail.com After winning the Sun Belt Conference championship, the 10-3 Thundering Herd will no longer be set to play the No.22 ranked Army Black Knights (11-2). This news comes days after head coach Charles Huff decided to leave the team to take the job at Southern Mississippi . Not only has the coach departed, but over 25 players from Marshall have decided to enter the transfer portal - with some of them following Huff. Three of the team's quarterbacks, Marshall's leading rusher from the season prior, three of their top-seven leading receivers, and their star linebacker are among the names that are leaving the team. Marshall University's football team will be backing out of their Independence Bowl appearance Coach Charles Huff departed the school for Southern Miss and over two dozen players have put their names into the transfer portal - including multiple offensive and defensive starters Read More Donald Trump set to watch Army-Navy with Defense pick Pete Hegseth, Ron DeSantis and Daniel Penny The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened this past Monday and will remain open until December 28. Players need to leave their current schools with plenty of time in order to enroll in their new institutions in time for the spring semester. More than 2,800 FBS scholarship players put their names into the portal last season, according to On3 Sports. Not all of those players found new schools, as some withdrew from the portal while others went pro. Now, the NCAA is in the tough position of trying to find a new team to replace Marshall. Teams are considered 'bowl eligible' when they reach a record of 6-6. But this season, all of the teams with that record had been assigned bowl berths. Now, the NCAA has to determine its replacement through a ranking of NCAA Academic Progress Report scores of teams that went 5-7 this season. Share or comment on this article: College football team backs out of bowl appearance after losing over two dozen players to transfers e-mail Add commentBy DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.