Latest news with #MichaelSalerno
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
Discover America's best hidden natural wonders: 12 breathtaking views to explore
Discover America's best hidden natural wonders: 12 breathtaking views to explore These are the Most Treasured Views in America The American landscape envies none. If you're looking for the kind of view that takes your breath away – without the crowds that come with more famous landmarks, we've got you covered. Across the United States, there are countless natural wonders that often fly under the radar, offering stunning landscapes, rich history and space to roam. This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking – and perhaps, underappreciated – views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure throughout the nation. Here are 12 of our favorites: Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Glacier Bay National Park, in southeast Alaska, is a jaw-dropping wilderness where massive tidewater glaciers calve into icy waters and humpback whales surface with breathtaking grace. The park is accessible primarily by boat or plane. Most visitors arrive via cruise ship or guided excursion from Juneau, which is reachable by air from Seattle. Once in the park, expect a surreal landscape of snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and glacial ice in hues of aquamarine. — USA TODAY staff Horseshoe Bend, Arizona One of Arizona's most photographed and Instagrammed sites, Horseshoe Bend is near the Arizona-Utah state line where the Colorado River flows. It's part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is adjacent to the Navajo Nation. Horseshoe Bend's name comes from the sinuous river meander around a sandstone formation. It has a lot in common with the Grand Canyon: Horseshoe Bend was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years and is one of Arizona's most visited natural landmarks. It costs $10 to park a car or $5 to park a motorcycle at Horseshoe Bend. The closest town is Page, about 5 miles north. More info at: — Michael Salerno, Arizona Republic Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Found in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America. The dunes are an incredible sight to behold during the day, but the park is also an International Dark Sky Park at night that features some of the best stargazing opportunities in the nation. In a state with thousands of breathtaking views, the combination of daytime and nighttime sightseeing is unmatched at Great Sand Dunes National Park. — David Dishman, The Coloradoan Gordon's Pond Trail, Delaware What makes Gordon's Pond Trail special? These trails offer a coastal vibe that can linger from the summer into autumn. They are known for coastal views and bird watching. These trails are primarily flat. The surface of the Gordon's Pond Trail is a mix of crushed stone and boardwalk, so it's a great option for walkers and anyone on wheels, too. Great blue herons, green herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, dunlins, sanderlings and other sorts of shorebirds abound, making for great photography, too. — Delaware News Journal Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach, Georgia A short hike through scrubby marsh and undulating dunes leads to one of Georgia's most breathtaking sites: a sculpture garden handcrafted over centuries by wind, salt and water. Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach is the final resting place of live oaks and other trees that were around when Gilded Age families with names like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller 'wintered' at the exclusive Jekyll Island Club. Once tethered to the uplands, beach erosion and storms have liberated them from their sentinels, tossing them in gnarled heaps along the north end of the island where tides both soften and harden their resolve. — Savannah Morning News Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakalā is a dormant volcano whose summit often sits above the clouds – especially at sunrise, when the sky erupts in color and reveals the island of Maui below. Most visitors drive up from Kahului (about a two-hour trip), with many booking sunrise reservations months in advance. But beyond the iconic sunrise, Haleakalā offers hiking trails through surreal volcanic landscapes, rare native species, and stargazing unrivaled by anywhere else in Hawaii. — USA TODAY staff Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho The Sawtooth Mountains is a stunning mountain range in central Idaho that was a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway. Sawtooth National Recreation Area has more than 700 miles of trails, 300 mountain lakes and 40 major peaks. Come for the scenic views and stay for the hiking, fishing, boating, rafting and cycling opportunities. Flint Hills, Kansas Imagine more than 14,500 square miles of tallgrass prairie that almost dissects Kansas from north to south. Flint Hills' windblown grasses range from vibrant green to burnt gold depending on the time of year. Much of the land still resembles how it looked when settlers first crossed over 200 years ago. Each year, the burning season lights up the evening and night sky with brilliant orange as fires snake across the land, burning the old and dead grasses, renewing them in the spring. — Time Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal Annapolis Rock, Maryland Annapolis Rock, a popular hiking destination along the Appalachian Trail in southern Washington County, offers stunning views. The overlook near the eastern county line is featured on the Maryland stamp in the U.S. Postal Service's Appalachian Trail collection. "It's an iconic view. It's such a popular destination for tourists and locals. To have it on a national stamp, I think, is amazing," said Dan Spedden, president of Washington County's tourism bureau, Visit Hagerstown. — Hagerstown Herald-Mail staff Shiprock, New Mexico Towering above the landscape in northern New Mexico, Shiprock (Tsé Bitʼaʼí ) stands over 7,000 feet in elevation on the Navajo Nation. The formation, a National Natural Landmark, is one of the most recognizable vistas in the state, having been featured in film, photography, and postcards for decades. Before becoming a media darling, the Shiprock formation was prominent in Navajo history and culture. — Las Cruces Sun-News staff Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Somehow, Oregon is home to only one national park. But if we're forced to pick just one place, an exploded volcano filled with some of the world's purest water in the deepest lake in the United States makes a logical choice. Crater Lake National Park gets so much snow that it's only open to summer activities for a relatively short time. So if you want to drive the Rim Road, take a boat tour, hike mountaintops or swim the lake's bone-chilling water, focus your trip between July and September. — Zach Urness, Salem Statesman Journal Badlands National Park, South Dakota With both the haunting vastness of fictional planet Arrakis in the 'Dune' films and the fiery, jagged landscape of real planet Mars, Badlands National Park is indeed transcendental. Visitors are intimidated by the chaotic, 244,000-acre crater-like vistas, but the national park is very family-friendly and a grandiose memory for all. The must-do Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway is a nice and slow two-hour tour of an earth that seems to have frozen mid-eruption millions of years ago. The rust-orange layers of ancient rock and soil look just as hot to the touch. Visit for details. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus-Leader
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Can I get a Real ID after May 7? Here's how to apply for an Arizona Travel ID
Real ID goes into effect nationwide on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. That's the day you'll need an Arizona Travel ID or other Real ID-compliant document to pass airport security or enter a federal building. But don't panic. You can still get a Real ID after the deadline passes. Arizonans can apply online at (here are the required documents you need) and then an in-person interview is required at a Motor Vehicles Department office or authorized third-party provider. You can make an appointment online for your interview or you can just show up. Expect to wait if you don't have an appointment. After that, it takes about 10 days to two weeks to receive your Arizona Travel ID in the mail. The news you need to start your day. Sign up for AZ Briefing. Can I get a Real ID after May 7? Yes. You can get a Real ID after May 7. If you're getting it in advance of a flight, give yourself at least two weeks of lead time, said ADOT spokesman Bill Lamoreaux. How can I tell if I have a Real ID? The Arizona Travel ID — which is a Real ID — is distinguishable from a standard driver license by a gold or black star on the upper right corner. How much does an Arizona Travel ID cost? An Arizona Travel ID costs $25. When it starts: Phoenix is getting a new flight to this history-filled city Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Support local journalism. Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can you get Real ID after May 7? What to know if you're flying
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
What documents do I need to get a Real ID in Arizona? Here's the list
Real ID goes into effect nationwide on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Starting that day, anyone who wants to pass airport security, board a domestic flight or enter a federal building will need a security-enhanced Real ID, also known as an Arizona Travel ID. In Arizona, it takes about two to three weeks to complete the application process, which can be started online and requires an in-person interview to finish. If you don't have a Real ID by May 7, you can use a passport, passport card or other ID that meets the requirements. If you don't have some form of Real ID, expect to undergo a lengthier amount of TSA scrutiny and potentially be denied boarding. Here are the documents you need to get a Real ID in Arizona. To get a Real ID in Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation requires one primary document for proof of birth, two documents for proof of address and a Social Security number. Acceptable documents for proof of birth include: Certified birth certificate. U.S. certificate of birth abroad. U.S. passport or passport card. Permanent resident card or resident alien card. Unexpired USCIS employment authorization document. I-94 form with an unexpired foreign passport and unexpired U.S. visa. U.S. certificate of naturalization. U.S. certificate of citizenship. Acceptable documents for proof of address must be issued by a business, organization or government agency and include your name and residential address. Documents must be in print. These include: Utility bills. Credit card or bank statements. Insurance policies. If your current legal name differs from the one on your identifying document, such as a birth certificate or passport, Arizona requires additional records to prove a name change. These include: A marriage certificate. A divorce decree. Court orders documenting your name change. Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Real ID requirements: Documents you need in Arizona
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
How can I tell if I have a real ID? Look for this symbol on your Arizona license
When the requirements for Real ID finally take effect nationwide on May 7, air travelers must have a star on their state identification to get through security and board their flight. As the May 7 deadline approaches, people are applying for Real IDs at state motor vehicle offices and approved third-party offices. They arrive with the necessary documents so they'll be ready to fly and avoid the consequences of not having one. But how do you know if your drivers license is Real ID-ready? Here's how to tell if you have a Real ID and what an Arizona Travel ID, the state's version of Real, ID, looks like. The Arizona Travel ID — which is a Real ID — is distinguishable from a standard drivers license by a gold or black star on the upper right corner. Starting May 7, your ID must have that gold or black star in the corner to pass through airport security checkpoints or enter federal buildings. Most states' Real ID cards have a solid gold or black star, or a clear star inside a gold or black circle. The California Real ID has a clear star inside a gold bear, which plays on the California state flag that shows a grizzly bear atop a patch of grass. Recently issued state credentials that are not Real ID-compliant will include the label, "Not for federal identification." A gold star on the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID indicates that it's Real ID compliant. Get weekend plans. Sign up for our Things to Do newsletter. Travel IDs issued since 2023 contain a black star. Regardless of whether the star is gold or black, it signifies a Real ID. The Arizona Travel ID costs $25. An Arizona Real ID is good for eight years. Phoenix airport guide: All the airlines, food and lounges in Terminal 3, Terminal 4 Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What does Real ID look like? How to tell if you have one
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
R.I. judge orders Chevron to hand over documents in state climate change lawsuit
The Frank Licht Judicial Complex, which includes Providence County Superior Court, on Benefit Street in Providence. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) The fate of Rhode Island's first-in-the-nation lawsuit against fossil fuel companies rests in one state judge's hands, following a two-hour hearing in Providence County Superior Court Tuesday morning. Associate Justice William E. Carnes opted not to make an immediate ruling on Chevron Corporation's push to have the case tossed on alleged procedural violations, noting the 'sheer volume of materials' in the seven-year long case. While Carnes postponed a ruling, he noted several shortcomings in the arguments Chevron's lawyers presented, including the lack of local precedent for what the oil and gas company argues was a 'shotgun pleading' that relies on the same phrasing for each of the 21 companies named in the lawsuit. Former Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin in the 2018 complaint sought damages from a host of multinational oil and gas companies, including Chevron, based on the grounds that for each, 'a substantial portion of fossil fuel products are or have been extracted, refined, transported, traded, distributed, marketed, promoted, manufactured, sold, and/or consumed in Rhode Island.' A series of appeals challenging a state court's authority regarding climate change impacts from national fossil fuel companies ended in April 2023 when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the case and sent it back to Rhode Island. On trial in landmark R.I. climate change lawsuit: the meaning of 'and/or' Chevron's attorneys are now seeking to have the entire case tossed on the grounds that the state failed to investigate or prove that any fossil fuel extraction, refinement or production occurred in Rhode Island, violating a clause of state court civil procedure known as Rule 11. 'It's a ludicrous allegation that we were extracting fossil fuels in a state where fossil fuels were never extracted,' Gerald Petros, a Providence attorney representing Chevron, said during Tuesday's hearing. But the state, which has brought in San Francisco law firm Sher Edling LLP to help its case, contended that the 'and/or' in the complaint covered its bases. Even if Chevron never produced or refined oil in Rhode Island, 18 years of business filings with the Rhode Island Department of State and records of local TV and print advertisements prove its local activity, according to exhibits included in court documents. While the state's investigation has yielded some proof of Chevron's local activity, the company has refused to hand over private information relating to its business activity, sales and advertising in Rhode Island, making it impossible for the state to fully substantiate its claim, Matt Edling, partner at Sher Edling, said during the hearing. 'We know this evidence exists but we don't know the depth of it,' Edling said. While Carnes delayed a ruling on Chevron's motion to toss the complaint under alleged procedural violations, he granted in part a request by the state to compel the oil and gas company to hand over documentation of its business activity. Carnes limited the scope of discovery to date back to the year named in the complaint — 1965 — rather than the earlier 1950 start date the state requested. Carnes also ruled that subsidiaries and affiliates of Chevron Corp. were not subject to the court-ordered document sharing based on a 2022 Rhode Island Supreme Court decision. And, as it relates to evidence of natural gas activities, Chevron only has to share records of business that affected consumers, according to Carnes' order. Timothy Rondeau, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha's office, issued a statement Tuesday in response to requests for comment. 'We appreciate the Court's thoughtful review in granting this order, and we look forward to securing relief on behalf of Rhode Islanders and the environment,' Rondeau said in an email. Theodore Boutrous, a partner with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in California which is also representing Chevron, shared the exact same statement provided a day earlier when asked for comment on Carnes' order. Chevron has 90 days to hand over the required evidence to the state. Another hearing on the case is scheduled for May 8, by which time Carnes said he expects to have issued an order on Chevron's Rule 11 motion. In closing remarks, Carnes pledged to be fair to both sides and move as quickly as he could. 'I am going to try to keep a cool, clear head and try to keep as much acrimony out of this as possible,' he said. 'I know there's a lot of water to come over the dam.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
