Larry Wilson: I, Donald Trump, will drop an atomic bomb on Canada

• February 8, 2025

I, Donald John Trump, will drop an atomic bomb on you, Canada, unless you reduce the price of automatic transmissions for use in our great American automobiles immediately.

Unless, of course, you, Canada — the Great White North as we used to call it, and boy, howdy, does that moniker sound better and better every day — are already the 51st of the great United States of America by the time I have decided to drop an atomic bomb on you.

Because even I, Donald John Trump — I know; what’s with the John? If my dotty immigrant mother were around, I could bug her about that — would not drop an atomic bomb, much less a hydrogen bomb, on a sacred state of the formerly greatest country in the world that is by the minute getting great again.

That is the problem, isn’t it, for those of us — and that would be me — who like round numbers. Fifty-one states? Doesn’t sound kosher.  We’d either have to get rid of one — and yes I am looking at you, California — or add one.

And, no, Puerto Rico, I am not looking at you.

Greenland? Now you’re talking.

Plus your Panama, your Gaza, all kinds of states we could be adding. Sixty states? Why not. MORE on that in a minute.

Don’t you just love it, MAGA fans, when I press the all-caps thingy on my phone for emphasis?

You do.

Know who taught me that?

I bet you do. It’s Natalie Harp, who the lamestream press nastily calls The Human Printer, just because she happens to follow my golf cart in another golf cart and when I need something on paper, prints it, because who can read it otherwise on some telephone.

Yes, that nasty National Review refers to her as a mere flatterer, because of the nice things she says about me on OANN. Just because she happens to be hot, and blonde, it calls her “a nursemaid, spoon-feeding an elder only the pudding flavors he prefers.”

BUT I DIGRESS!

Because I need to talk with you, Canada, about the atomic bomb, which will soon be winging its way toward you, either in the bay of a very, very large B-52H Stratofortress, which, yes, is made by Boeing, but never mind that, or in the nose or wherever they put them of a very nasty intercontinental ballistic missile, I’m not telling you which, because that is part of The Art of the Deal — keep ‘em guessing.

Do I have to talk about the price of transmissions to the French-named guy up in Ottawa or wherever, the guy whose dad did the Canada job too, only he was bald, and yet he still kept getting the hotties? Or aren’t they getting a new guy, so maybe I should talk to him.

Or, maybe, you know, I should just drop the Big One — “Boom goes London, boom, Paree, more room for you and more room for me,” as the fella sang — and then we can talk? I’ve got a direct line to King-O-Matic, “Canada’s largest supplier of transmission and drivetrain components,” so maybe I should just get on the horn to them and we can talk turkey before the mushroom cloud.

Because I can tell you who I’m not talking to — that Claudia Sheinbaum, down Mexico way. Know what her gig was before politics? SHE WAS A ‘CLIMATE SCIENTIST’ IN BERKELEY! Fake news, all the way. You see the way she pulls her hair back in some kind of tight bun?

But I don’t digress. Because after I bomb the living daylights out of our supposed good neighbors, you know what I really want to conversicate about here? You bet your bottom shekel you do. Gaza, the Riviera of the Mediterranean, baby!

I realize that the other Riviera, the so-called real one, in France, also happens to be on the Mediterranean. But the Froggies basking topless on those hard pebbles are gonna be just another hoax once the world gets a gander at what Trump can do in the Strip! You think I took this job again just to hobnob with world leaders and let Elon run amok in the fields of USAID? Trump was born to develop, and an opportunity such as this one is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Bibi has already almost flattened the place anyway. Just move out the 2.2 million so-called Palestinians — sorry, not sorry, Michigan voters!

Hey — you know what really levels a place, so ideal for resort development? An atomic bomb.

Larry Wilson is on the Southern California News Group editorial board. [email protected].

​ Orange County Register 

CalOptima rescinds support of senior health center because of fraud concerns with ‘affiliate’

• February 8, 2025

CalOptima Health, Orange County’s insurance plan for low-income residents, has rescinded its support of a new senior health center in Westminster, sending the multimillion-dollar project into limbo.

The CalOptima board of directors on Thursday, Feb. 6, pulled its 2023 endorsement of 360 PACE based on allegations of health care fraud against what staff members called an “affiliate,” 360 Health, which conducted mass COVID testing for the county.

The endorsement is needed to secure state and federal approval of the center, which is 95% complete in Westminster’s Little Saigon at a cost of more than $5 million. It was scheduled to open in July.

The board, however, left the door open to re-endorse the project after its staff looks into the allegations.

“Due diligence is the direction we need to go,” said board Chair Isabel Becerra. The vote was unanimous by the 11-member board, with Director Jose Mayorga absent.

CalOptima Chief Operating Officer Yunkyung Kim said in an interview Friday that staff will report back to the board in 30 days.

“This is the first time we have rescinded a letter of support. We did not make that decision lightly because we do understand PACE is a valuable program for older adults,” Kim said.

Facility much needed

Vietnam refugee Hahn Le, 70, on Thursday told the board that 360 PACE is much needed in the community.

“We have longed for a place like 360 PACE, a center where we can come together, find comfort,” Le said. “A place where we can find and regain a spirit of belonging, where we can heal.”

Stuart Pfeifer, a spokesperson for 360 PACE attorney Eliot Krieger, said the group is hopeful that CalOptima directors will renew their support.

“We were encouraged that the board said this was not a final decision,” Pfeifer said. “We look forward to working with CalOptima on their investigation. We are confident that, once they understand the facts, they will reinstate their letter of support.”

Speaking before the CalOptima board on Thursday, Krieger said 360 PACE was not an affiliate of 360 Clinic, the operating name for 360 Health.

However, Kim said 360 PACE’s application package for a letter of support said it was affiliated with 360 Health in multiple places. They “self-identified,” she said.

CalOptima released to the Orange County Register the application papers — as well as letters of support sent by local government officials, medical services and community groups — which refer to 360 PACE’s affiliation with 360 Health.

The operations plan submitted by 360 PACE identifies the company as a “subsidiary” of 360 Health, touting 360 Health’s experience providing COVID tests to more than 400,000 Orange County residents.

Pfeifer said, “At the time that it applied for CalOptima’s support, 360 Clinic was owned by several entities. Some of the minority owners of some of the entities that owned 360 Clinic also have ownership interest in 360 PACE. … That said, 360 Clinic is not an affiliate of 360 PACE. 360 Clinic has effectively been out of business for four years.”

The 360 PACE center would follow the state model as a “program of all-inclusive care for the elderly.” That model provides health and other services aimed at keeping senior citizens at home rather than at a nursing facility. There are at least two other CalOptima-endorsed PACE centers in Anaheim and Santa Ana, as well as one run by CalOptima, which opened in 2013 in Garden Grove.

PACE programs are funded by Medicare and Medicaid dollars and must be approved by the state Department of Health Care Services and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Whistleblower lawsuit

CalOptima’s concern over 360 PACE was sparked by a whistleblower lawsuit filed in May 2024 that alleged 360 Clinic schemed to illegally solicit kickbacks from doctors and defraud federal health programs.

The suit alleges that 360 Clinic double-billed government agencies for the tests and plotted to get kickbacks from physicians for referrals.

The litigation by former employee Laura Garcia also accuses 360 Clinic officials of conspiring to send patients to medical services either owned by the firm or by relatives of company officials, a violation of federal and state regulations against physician self-referrals.

Pfeifer responded that Garcia’s allegations were “meritless.”

“Ms. Garcia spent one month at 360 Clinic — half that time in employee orientation and training — before her position was eliminated when the company made the decision to shut down,” he said.

The COVID testing company was formed in 2020 at the height of the pandemic by Vince Tien, who ran a family-owned home nursing and hospice business, and Gary Nguyen, along with David Ngo, according to the suit. The lawsuit alleges they worked with Dr. Linh Nguyen, who had been doing COVID-19 testing in Arizona.

According to federal court records, Linh Nguyen pleaded guilty in March 2024 to health care fraud related to his practice in Arizona and was sentenced to 24 months in prison. He cheated health care benefit programs, such as Medicare and Blue Shield, of $3.7 million from 2016 to 2021, according to his plea agreement.

Pfeifer noted Linh Nguyen separated from 360 Clinic after his indictment.

Allegations against 360 Clinic

Garcia alleged in her lawsuit she was laid off to keep her from reporting that 360 Clinic was:

• Falsely reporting to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration that patients had been asked if they had private insurance or the means to pay for the tests.
• Intentionally reporting that initial COVID tests results were either “misplaced” or “false,” bringing  the patients back for retests that were not needed and could be billed again.
• Staffing the test sites with family members or people who had a business relationship with the executives in order to promote the schemes.

360 Clinic also is being audited by the county, which is looking at all of its pandemic contracts. That scrutiny comes after former Supervisor Andrew Do pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting more than $550,000 in bribes to funnel $10 million in pandemic money to the nonprofit Viet America Society.

The money was supposed to be used to feed shuttered seniors and build a Vietnam War memorial, but only $1.4 million was actually spent on meals and the memorial was not completed. According to Do’s plea agreement, some of the money to Viet America Society also went to his two adult daughters.

​ Orange County Register 

When you will earn miles on a flight and when you won’t

• February 8, 2025

By Jason Steele, Bankrate

For decades, one of the perks airline travelers have enjoyed most is the ability to earn frequent flyer miles and redeem them for an award flight or other rewards.

Whether you get them via a travel credit card, an airline loyalty program or both, earning frequent flyer miles can be a great way to fund one or more vacations each year.

But not all airline bookings earn miles, and it’s not always easy to know in advance which are eligible.

Here’s when you should expect to earn miles on your flight, when you won’t, and how the best rewards credit cards can help ensure you’re getting the best return for your spending.

When will you earn miles on a flight?

Not every ticket earns frequent flyer miles, but most do. To earn miles for your flight, you must fly on certain types of tickets and take steps to ensure you receive the mileage credits you’re entitled to.

When you use your frequent flyer account

Before you can earn any miles, you need to create a frequent flyer account with the airline you’re flying. Thankfully, nearly all airlines allow you to set this up for free. In fact, you can even create accounts for your minor children.

But to receive mileage credit for your flights, you must then add your frequent flyer number to your reservation; it’s not enough to simply create the account and then book a ticket without logging into that account or manually adding your number to the reservation.

The simplest way to ensure your number is on the reservations is to log into your account when you book your flight through the airline; in that case, your number will be included by default when you purchase your tickets.

Alternatively, you can decide to use a frequent flyer number with a partner carrier and credit your miles to its program. Many airlines have partnerships with numerous other airlines that allow customers to earn miles in a partner program. Most of these partnerships also allow you to redeem miles for flights operated by their partners.

For example, if you’re flying on British Airways, you can earn miles with its partner American Airlines AAdvantage program. You don’t have to create a British Airways account; you can simply use your American Airlines frequent flyer account number and earn miles in their AAdvantage program.

Once you earn American Airlines miles, you can redeem them for award flights operated by American or for flights with their numerous airline partners, including British Airways.

You purchase tickets

You can earn reward miles or points from most kinds of tickets. For example, you can earn miles if you purchase tickets yourself or if someone else purchases the ticket for you, including employers and clients (assuming they or you add your frequent flyer number to the reservation).

You will also earn reward points or miles if you purchase the ticket with a travel voucher or a gift card. And you’ll earn even more miles when you use an airline credit card to purchase your ticket.

Airline miles used to be awarded based on the distance flown, but many airlines now award miles based on the price of your ticket and your status with the airline’s frequent flyer program. However, most airlines won’t award miles for other purchases such as baggage fees, change fees and seat selection or seat upgrade fees.

When you redeem rewards points for flights

You can even earn frequent flyer miles when you redeem your credit card rewards points for travel reservations booked through the card issuer.

For example, when you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book travel through Chase, you’re essentially using miles to pay for a regular ticket purchased through Chase’s online travel agency. The same is true when you redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points for flights booked through AmexTravel.com. And when you redeem Capital One Miles to pay for flights, you’ll also receive mileage credit. You’ll still need to remember to supply your frequent flyer number.

When will you not earn miles on a flight?

While most airline passengers will be eligible to earn frequent flyer miles for their flights, there are some situations where you may not:

You don’t enter your frequent flyer number

If you don’t put your frequent flyer number in your reservation, either because you don’t have one or because you forgot to, then you won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

Thankfully, many airlines will allow you to retroactively claim credit for a flight. To do so, you will likely have to fill out a form that includes your flight information and reservation numbers.

You don’t complete the flight

Once you’ve purchased an eligible ticket and supplied your frequent flyer account number, the next thing you need to do is actually complete the flight. Simply purchasing a ticket isn’t sufficient to earn miles.

To receive the frequent flyer miles that you’re eligible for, you have to check in for your flight, have your boarding pass scanned at the gate and make it to your destination.

If you miss your flight, or even if the flight is canceled, then you won’t receive any frequent flyer miles. And if for some reason you’re able to board the aircraft without having your boarding pass scanned, then you won’t receive mileage credit.

You redeem frequent flyer miles to pay for your flight

When you redeem your frequent flyer miles to pay for award flights, you won’t earn miles on those flights. You won’t earn any miles on the taxes and fees you must pay for your award flights either.

However, there are rare occasions when your award flight is canceled and you’re accommodated on another airline’s flight that can allow you to earn frequent flyer miles. If this happens to you, always try to add your frequent flyer number to the new reservation on the off chance that you might receive miles.

It’s also important to note that redeeming credit card rewards to pay for a flight through your card issuer’s portal is not the same as redeeming frequent flyer miles to book a flight directly with the airline.

When you “pay with points” through your credit card portal, you’re still, in a sense, paying for your flight and will earn frequent flyer miles as a regular paying customer.

Keep in mind: Transferring credit card rewards to a frequent flyer program to book your flight might net you the most value for those rewards, but it will qualify as an “award flight,” and you won’t earn more frequent flyer miles when you take the flight.

You use a companion pass

You will not earn frequent flyer miles when you travel using a companion pass benefit offered by the airline or its co-branded credit card. The paid traveler will earn miles, but the companion traveling for free will not.

For example, those who travel as a benefit of the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass or with a companion certificate offered by a Delta SkyMiles credit card won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

When you book certain flights through a third party

If you’re booking your flight with a travel agent or under a business travel booking system, you may not earn frequent flyer miles. Booking travel through a third party like a travel agent or online travel portals like Expedia means you could miss out on miles under some frequent flyer programs.

Recently, for instance, American Airlines updated its AAdvantage program terms to specify that only direct bookings with American or partner airlines or those booked through a “preferred travel agency” would earn miles for tickets issued on or after July 11, 2024.

When you book your next business flight through a business travel booking system like SAP Concur, be sure to check whether you’re eligible to earn rewards. If there’s any doubt, it doesn’t hurt to add your frequent flyer number to the reservation just in case.

By the way, this isn’t uncommon in the travel industry; many hotel loyalty programs also don’t award points for stays booked through a third party.

You travel as an airline employee benefit

If you are an airline employee, or you’re using the benefits offered to an employee’s friends or family, then you won’t earn frequent flyer miles.

You receive ultra-discounted fares and fare classes

There are deeply discounted fare classes, often called basic economy or economy lite, that sometimes don’t offer frequent flyer miles.

The airline’s website or mobile app should specify when these highly discounted fares aren’t eligible to earn miles. There are also special fares offered to government and military travelers that may not earn miles.

The bottom line

It’s fun to earn frequent flyer miles and save them for an award flight. But before you get too excited, take a moment to figure out which flight tickets qualify for airline miles and which do not.

All but the most highly discounted tickets that you purchase from the airline or an online travel agency will typically be eligible to earn miles, but if you redeem miles for your ticket, or travel for free as a companion or on an employee pass, then you won’t earn any miles.

Understanding which tickets are eligible for miles before you make your purchase will help you decide if earning miles should influence your decision.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

​ Orange County Register 

Struggling with your mental health after surviving a disaster? Here’s how to look after yourself

• February 8, 2025

By MARIAM FAM

There’s the initial shock and chaos in a collective disaster like the deadly and destructive California wildfires. What to take and what to leave behind when ordered to evacuate? Will your house still be there?

Later, for many, there’s the grief and pain of actually losing a home, the countless threads of daily life woven there, the sense of safety it once provided. The stress, uncertainty and financial challenges of piecing a life back together.

It can take a toll.

Along with meeting urgent physical needs in the aftermath of disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, there are ways for those affected and those who want to support them to take care of the psychological and mental needs that may arise.

“There’s a saying I often use: ‘Just because the fire trucks pull away doesn’t mean the disaster is over,’” said David Kessler, grief expert and author of “Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief.”

Grief, he said, has a long shadow.

Lean into your social network for support

Kat Robinson-Malone gets overcome with emotions as she recalls gathering with friends, neighbors and family to say goodbye to her Tampa home, which was damaged by floodwaters in last year’s Hurricane Helene. Attendees were invited to sign the walls that the family knew would be torn down to rebuild a house that’s more resilient against hurricanes.

In Helene’s and Hurricane Milton’s aftermath, Robinson-Malone has experienced a range of emotions.

“A home is your safe space so there’s that and then layered on top of it is the fact that this is the biggest investment that we have. … It’s frustrating and you have those moments of anger,” she said. “There’s also just sadness and grief.”

But there’s also immense gratitude for the support of neighbors, friends and others, which she said has made a huge difference. Another blessing, she added, was managing to hold onto meaningful objects like the door board on which Robinson-Malone and her husband had over the years marked their 9-year-old daughter’s height.

She found talking to her therapist helpful.

“Your best bet is to talk … and to be aware that the conversation in your head needs to come out,” she said, adding some friends have found support groups.

She’s also learning to let go of guilt over knowing that some others have greater losses or fewer resources.

“We’re all going through this in a different way,” she said. “It’s OK to hold my suffering in a place and hold their suffering in a place.”

Reassure your children and validate their feelings

Kessler knows exactly when his childhood abruptly ended. It was when his family lost their Mississippi home to a 1969 hurricane, when he was 9.

“The change I had to go through took away my innocence,” said Kessler, who lives in Los Angeles. “It took a long time for me to sort of find that safety again.”

Children whose families have been affected by the California fires need their parents’ reassurance that they’re safe, he said.

“What that means is parents really giving them the feeling, ‘I got this. I’m taking care of you,’” Kessler said.

If a child feels scared, or like they’ll never be happy again, parents shouldn’t be dismissive, he said.

Instead, the response could be something like: “My gosh, I can see how scared you are. This has been scary for all of us. I’m with you in being scared and I got this and we’re going to get through this.”

Likewise, he said, the adults should allow themselves to feel their own feelings.

Let those impacted take the lead in how and when they want support

For some, direct exposure to a collective disaster like the California wildfires can be associated with mental health consequences, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, depression and, potentially, post-traumatic stress disorder, said Roxane Cohen Silver, a professor of psychological science at University of California, Irvine.

“Social support is crucial in a time like this,” she said, adding that over time, people may wish to seek professional help.

Silver said it’s important that people who want to provide support let the affected person take the lead in sharing how much they want to talk, what they want to talk about and when.

While making clear they’re available to listen, supporters can also offer concrete assistance such as inviting disaster survivors to stay at their home, bringing them food and calling regularly to offer help, she said.

“Often there is an outpouring of support in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but it dissipates with time,” she said. “It is important for potential support providers to continue to reach out — over months and years. This is a long-term disaster and help will likely be appreciated for a very long time.”

Despite best intentions, sometimes words meant for comfort can feel dismissive, or simply unhelpful.

Lauren Mott, core faculty member in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Phoenix, suggests avoiding phrases such as: “It could have been worse,” “At least you are alive,” “It is just stuff, you can replace it,” and “I know how you feel.”

More helpful, she said, could be saying: “I’m sorry you are going through this,” “How can I help?” “I’m here to listen if you would like to talk.”

“The goal is to be respectful, supportive, and empathetic,” she said by email.

Monitor your feelings and behavior and exercise self-compassion

The impact of a disaster may become evident at different times for affected individuals, Mott said.

She encouraged those affected to pay attention to changes in themselves such as hopelessness or anxiety, increased anger, withdrawing from support systems, and difficulty sleeping or appetite changes. Another area to monitor, she said, is “maladaptive coping, such as turning to substances to numb or avoiding emotions through overworking or over-exercising to distract from the trauma.”

Self-care can include allowing oneself to mourn losses without judgment and focusing on basic needs like eating and sleep. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can be used to manage overwhelming feelings, she added.

“If the emotional distress is impacting day-to-day life, relationships, or symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please seek mental health care from a trained professional,” she said.

Navigating personal and communal losses

The Rev. John Shaver of Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades has experienced personal and communal losses in the wildfires. A church member who had been homebound was killed in the fire, he said. Shaver lost his church and the home where he and his family lived.

Most of his congregation’s members also lost homes, he said.

“I’m trying to watch myself as I would counsel people in grief. It goes in waves,” he said. “What we need, what I need right now is just some people to just listen to us.”

He also emphasized the importance of looking out for the helpers and first responders. He recalled running into firefighters who told him they were sorry. One, though not a Methodist, asked the pastor to absolve his guilt, Shaver recalled.

“I said, ‘You have nothing to be sorry about, but I appreciate your care.’”

For those affected, Shaver stressed the importance of seeking professional help when not feeling well and specifying the kind of support needed.

“I’m saying to people, ‘take some time to pause and journal,’” he said. “For the faith community, take some time to pray.”

“Everybody needs help right now. And it’s not our fault. It’s just our circumstances at this moment.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

​ Orange County Register 

Looking for Boulder 2.0? These cities fit the bill for many remote workers

• February 8, 2025

By Natalia Wolting

With its stunning mountain views, vibrant downtown, and thriving tech scene, Boulder, Colorado, has long been a poster child for remote-friendly living. But if Boulder’s skyrocketing housing costs or bustling pace give you pause, emerging communities across the U.S. offer similar perks. These towns combine affordability, quality of life, and incentives to attract remote workers eager to relocate, MakeMyMove reports.

Why Remote Workers Are Relocating in 2025

68% of full-time workers in the U.S. surveyed said they would be better off living in a different community from their current one. For remote workers, this can become a reality. Many remote professionals are seeking towns and cities that balance affordability, outdoor access, and vibrant local cultures. Whether you’re drawn by financial incentives, first-time homebuyer programs, or lifestyle opportunities — these communities might just be your Boulder 2.0.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. With a plethora of museums, theaters, and a walkable downtown area, Ann Arbor provides a stimulating environment for remote workers. Additionally, the city is located near several beautiful lakes, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Bellingham, Washington

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, Bellingham offers a formula similar to Boulder — easy access to epic natural surroundings and an innovative economic ecosystem. Bellingham boasts a vibrant downtown with a strong focus on independent businesses, a burgeoning craft beer scene, and other cultural attractions to supplement outdoor recreational pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.

Bloomington, Indiana

Often compared to Boulder for its progressive atmosphere and natural beauty, Bloomington’s affordability makes it a top contender. Additionally, Bloomington’s thriving arts scene and university atmosphere echo Boulder’s youthful energy and intellectual stimulation, providing a vibrant environment for remote workers seeking cultural engagement beyond the workday.

Ellsworth County, Kansas

For those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, Ellsworth County delivers. Its rolling hills and open skies are a stark contrast to Boulder’s peaks but offer a similarly serene environment. With its family-friendly culture, affordable housing, and community-driven initiatives, it’s an excellent option for remote workers ready to embrace rural charm.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, Fort Smith is rich in history and brimming with opportunities for outdoor adventure. Known for its warm community, thriving arts scene, and cost of living well below Boulder’s, it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. Fort Smith’s proximity to the Ozark Mountains provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Muskegon County, Michigan

Located along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon County offers stunning waterfront views, sandy beaches and a welcoming community atmosphere. Remote workers can enjoy its historical landmarks, robust outdoor recreation options, and a growing arts and culture scene. Additionally, with housing costs 75% below Boulder, Muskegon County offers a much more affordable lifestyle.

Prestonsburg, Kentucky

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Prestonsburg offers breathtaking landscapes and a deeply rooted sense of community. Known as the “Star City of Eastern Kentucky,” this town combines natural beauty with a growing remote work infrastructure. It’s also only a short drive away from Murray State University.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Located on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington offers beautiful beaches, a historic downtown area, and a relaxed Southern charm. The city boasts a growing film industry, a vibrant arts scene, and a lower cost of living compared to other coastal towns. Plus, it’s a short drive to the Outer Banks for even more exploration.

Additional Benefits for Remote Workers and First-Time Homebuyers

Several of these communities offer relocation incentives and first-time homebuyer programs. Some communities also offer access to coworking spaces like The Mill in Bloomington, networking events, and discounts to a variety of community amenities.

Crafting Your Dream Life

Ultimately, the ideal remote work destination depends on your individual preferences. Whether you crave mountain vistas, rural serenity, or a vibrant college town atmosphere, there’s a community out there waiting to welcome you. Consider your priorities — access to nature, cultural offerings, cost of living, and the overall vibe — to narrow down your search. Look into states that pay you to move and leverage first-time homebuyer programs to make your move more affordable.

In 2025, remote work continues to redefine where and how we live. So, pack your laptop, embrace the freedom of location independence and discover your perfect new home in one of these incredible communities.

This story was produced by MakeMyMove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

​ Orange County Register 

3 steps to uncovering your true financial goals

• February 8, 2025

By Samantha Lamas and Ryan Murphy of Morningstar

What are your top financial goals?

If your goals are hard to pin down, or seem to drift, you’re not alone.

Research suggests that, even when considering important goals, people tend to answer with whatever is top-of-mind, which may not always reflect their true, long-term goals.

It can be helpful to implement ready-made processes that help us be less of a stranger to ourselves and better understand our deeper motivations, rather than fixate on top-of-mind recollections.

3 key steps to better goals

We’ve used our research to inform a three-step process that can help investors more strategically identify their financial goals. This process forces investors to slow down and consider the topic holistically.

In practice, it provides the space and structure that people benefit from as they think deeply about what they want to do over the long term with their hard-earned resources. Here’s what the steps look like.

Step 1: Slow down

First, take out a notepad and write down your top three investing goals.

Think of this as a brainstorming session, which can be useful to get things rolling. But remember that it’s just the first step, and anything written here should be considered “written in pencil.”

Step 2: Use a process

Next, set the notepad aside and review an established list of common investing goals. Consider each alternative, and mark off the goals on the list that are important to you. As you go along, cross out goals that don’t resonate with you.

There’s nothing magical about this master list. The benefit is that it gives people a different perspective on what they might be motivated by, and moreover the opportunity to just evaluate options, rather than having to generate ideas and evaluate them at the same time. Doing two things at the same time is hard (think about trying to drive and read a text message simultaneously).

Step 3: Think carefully

Now, taking both your initial list from the notepad and the marked-up list of common goals into consideration, think about your top three investing goals. Write them down on a new piece of paper. Has your list of top goals changed since Step 1? If so, how?

A simple but effective approach: Build a master list

If your goals changed, you’re not alone. In our research, we found about 70% of people changed at least one of their top three goals after going through this simple three-step process.

After considering the master checklist, some people who initially thought of their goals in broad, vague terms began to formulate ideas that were more specific and vivid. The master list also helped many respondents shift from initial goals that focused solely on financial outcomes (which tend to be impersonal and potentially unmotivating ) to reframe their goals in terms of their emotional and personal values. This process helped them better understand their why (not just their what).

To wrap up

Next time you are faced with the big, scary question of financial planning—“What are your overarching, 30-year, long-term financial goals?”—try using the steps above to aid your decision-making and break the problem down into manageable steps. It can help you make sure that you find your true goals, and not just things that are top of mind. This helps investors be less of a stranger to themselves and to identify their whyas they move toward where they want to go.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar. For more personal finance content, go to  https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance

Samantha Lamas is a behavioral insights researcher at Morningstar. Ryan Murphy is the global head of behavioral insights at Morningstar.

​ Orange County Register 

Protesters, police prepare for more immigration protests

• February 8, 2025

Southern California protests this week drew thousands to the streets to lobby for immigrant rights, leading to fights, arrests, and injuries to police officers.

Now immigration rights activists and police are hoping for the best as they prepare for more rallies.

Representatives of immigration organizations and activists said they hope to see more peaceful protests and more people taking part. Meanwhile, police officials said that violence at one demonstration doesn’t affect how they’ll handle the next one.

The police presence and officers’ response is determined on a case-by-case basis, law enforcement officials said. Those interviewed said they support protesters’ First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, but that demonstrations shouldn’t evolve into breaking the law or putting themselves or others in danger.

Some of the protests came Monday, Feb. 3, and were part of “A Day Without Immigrants.” The effort aimed to show the impact of President Donald Trump’s promised “mass deportations” and other policies that will limit citizenship opportunities and are expected to bring an increase in immigration enforcement.

Protests have been popping up across the region seemingly every day to push for immigrants’ rights. Many have been peaceful, but after six straight days of rallies in Los Angeles, one person — likely a student — was stabbed and one person was arrested during a high school protest Friday, Feb. 7.

In Orange County, members of the Alianza Translatinx, a transgender and immigrant-led group, marched in a Santa Ana protest the week before. The Santa Ana-based group wanted to voice concerns and, as founder Khloe Rios-Wyatt said, “stand against the harmful policies of the Trump administration.”

But there is concern.

“We are cautious about future protests, especially in light of the violence that has occurred at similar protests in L.A. and the Inland Empire,” Rios-Wyatt said. “As an organization led by immigrants, we understand the risks more personally and don’t want to put anyone in a position where they could be arrested or detained.”

Still, they plan to continue joining peaceful protests when it is safe to do so and won’t stop providing the community with “know your rights” information in case they encounter immigration officers.

“Our community, particularly trans immigrant individuals, has been deeply impacted by these policies, and we are seeing heightened fear and uncertainty among those we serve,” Rios-Wyatt said.

The group has been mindful of the risks involved for undocumented members or those on temporary visas when attending protests in light of the violence seen in neighboring counties, Rios-Wyatt said.

No arrests were made at a Monday protest that drew about 150 people, Santa Ana Police Department spokesperson Natalie Garcia said.

“The only protocols that we’re taking is making sure that public safety is No. 1, that our officers are safe,” Garcia said. “We encourage anyone to protest if they want but that they do so peacefully and without damaging any property or hurting individuals or police officers.”

Monday’s event in downtown Los Angeles was one that included violence.

Around 3,000 protesters gathered there, Assistant Police Chief Daniel Randolph told the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Many protesters entered the 101 Freeway, the California Highway Patrol responded and eventually, Randolph said, protesters started throwing items at officers. That led to officers declaring an “unlawful assembly” and a warning for them to leave within 15 minutes.

Five officers suffered minor injuries and there was one arrest on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after someone threw objects at officers. Three rounds of 37-mm and five rounds of 40-mm rubber bullets were used on the crowd, Randolph said.

“The Los Angeles Police Department fully recognizes and respects the rights of individuals to peacefully protest and express their views,” Randolph said at the meeting.

However, he said, if there is “unlawful behavior” such as the “vandalism, violence and threats to public safety” reported by officers during the protest, the department will take action to “restore order.”

As in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire saw violence and arrests during their protests. In Perris, six people were arrested by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies. In San Bernardino, at least five officers were injured and five protesters arrested after officers tried to stop marchers from entering the 215 Freeway, police said.

Just as police will continue to keep order, demonstrators say they will continue to take their viewpoints public during protests.

Wearing a Mexican flag hanging from her belt loop and holding a sign saying “we will return to the streets, stronger than ever, the fight continues,” Kristeena Aranda attended the Monday protest in L.A.

The Inland Empire resident participated to honor her family’s history with immigration. Her grandparents and father came to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1970s and it took her father about 20 years to become a citizen, she said.

“I’m just really proud of them for committing and achieving their goal, for coming here,” Aranda, 21, said. “I’m protesting for immigrant rights. For my grandparents, even though they have their papers and are here legally, it is still so scary for them. They worry that might not matter.”

She knows the march onto the freeway “upset” many.

“For me, I feel like that is the point of a protest, the inconvenience,” Aranda said. “This is the biggest inconvenience that the community is facing, this was a way of making our voices heard, instead of people just being able to drive past us and ignore us.”

While Aranda said police presence puts many people of color on guard, she’ll keep going.

“If anything, it’s something to keep me going, just to show that even with police presence, we’re ready to take that stand for immigrants.”

City News Service contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

What to know about your garden soil following a wildfire

• February 8, 2025

A number of readers have inquired as to the status of garden soil or landscaped ground following a fire.

Burnt soil has obviously lost any mulch that had been present as well as the layer of decomposing organic material or humus just below it. Microbial soil life, from aerobic bacteria to symbiotic mycorrhizae, has also been destroyed. Thus, soil fertility has been lost. In order to correct the deficiencies wrought by fire, copious inputs of compost are a prerequisite for bringing soil back to health.

Another issue concerns ash. If ash covers foliage, it can inhibit photosynthesis, stunting growth, and should immediately be rinsed off with a hose. Ash also elevates soil pH, a problem for us since our soil leans in an alkaline direction and most plants — vegetables, fruit trees, many ornamentals and even California natives — grow best in a slightly acidic pH. Ash may also contain toxic compounds if it comes from incinerated plastic, asbestos, or other hazardous material. If we are talking about wood ash that derives from trees and other vegetation, it will contain up to 50% calcium, an element that increases pH, although beneficial elements such as phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium will also be present, as well as certain micronutrients such as zinc and molybdenum. Ash will also absorb rainfall; if rain is light, the elements in ash will be washed into the earth where they will eventually be taken up by plant roots but if the rain is heavy, it can carry ash away along with any minerals dissolved from it before they can be incorporated into the soil.

If you see weeds coming up in your garden or denuded slope, leave them alone until the rainy season ends.  Where an intense fire burns the earth, roots are consumed along with above-ground vegetation. Should heavy rain then occur, mudslides result since there are no roots holding the soil together. For immediate erosion control on bare slopes, biodegradable coconut blankets are an excellent mudslide preventative measure. You can find them at sandbaggy.com and other sites. Hay netting bulk rolls, available through the website at gutzbusta.com, serve a similar purpose.

Patricia McGrath, who gardens in Silver Lake, wrote me with reports on the efficacy of fire-retardant gel in protecting buildings and plants from fire. Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel is such a product. Its usefulness, however, is limited to approaching fires since it offers protection on the surfaces of structures and vegetation for no more than 36 hours. Such a gel proved itself in a fire of record intensity that swept through the Black Hills National Forest near Custer, South Dakota. Houses sprayed with fire retardant gel were untouched while several dozen houses nearby that went unsprayed burned to the ground.

“Seed banks” are the means by which certain plants regenerate after a fire. Cones of certain pines and cypresses, for example, are serotinous, meaning they act as seed banks awaiting an environmental event — in their case fire — to open. The soil also serves as a seed bank for plants such as the endangered Refugio manzanita. In fact, fire is essential to the germination of its seeds so that if their viability expires and then a fire comes along and incinerates mature plants of this species, that could spell this species’ extinction in the area where the fire occurred. While mulching bare, fire-scorched soil is generally recommended, it should not be more than 2-3 inches deep where native plants have grown since their seeds may not sprout when buried under a thick layer of mulch. Some plants, however, including certain manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) will often resprout from their crowns (where trunk meets roots) after a fire.

Trees burned in a fire should be treated with special care. As long as the tree appears structurally stable, it is advisable to wait three years before considering its removal. Even though it may appear to be dead, there is a chance it is still alive and will regrow. This is especially true if the bark of the tree is intact, even if only at the base of the trunk. Many oak tree species have thick outer bark that protects the inner cambium layer, from which new growth occurs. This growth produces xylem cells to the outside and phloem cells to the inside; xylem conducts water and minerals from the roots up into the tree branches and leaves while phloem conducts sugar made in leaves in the opposite direction.

It must also be noted that dead trees themselves are valuable when it comes to wildlife preservation. More than 80 species of birds depend on dead trees, known as snags. for their sustenance, especially when it comes to satisfying their appetite for insects. In addition to birds, a large number of mammals and reptiles rely on snags for hunting and nesting.

Soil disturbance on slopes should be kept to a minimum in order to allow native vegetation to regrow. Disturbed soil can invite invasive plants into the area, including certain invasive California natives. Reseeding of plants native to a burned area is sensible, but avoid planting seeds where slopes are greater than 35% since they are likely to wash away in the rain.

For a complete discussion of how to restore garden soil and slopes that have been burned in a wildfire, see the “Fire Recovery Guide” published by the California Native Plant Society, available online at cnps.org.

California native of the week: One of the most attractive California native evergreen trees is singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla). It has a symmetrically domed form, an attractive blue-green color and a manageable height of only 30 feet. It’s referred to as monophylla (meaning one-leaved) because its leaves or needles uniquely occur singly, as opposed to all other pine trees where needles are found in bundles of two or more. A bonus of growing pinyon pines is their production of large pine nuts, which is just another term for the edible seeds of pine trees. Most pine nuts commercially sold in the United States come from the related two-needle pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) — edulis means edible — which reaches only 20 feet tall and shares the singleleaf pinyon’s desert mountain habitat. It takes 10 years for the two-needle pinyon to reach its mature height so if you plant one now, you will have a steady supply of pine nuts soon enough. Plant pinyon pines in full sun in well-drained soil where they will only need deep soaking their first two years in the ground. Never fertilize them and, as a bonus, they do shed a lot of needles which, going by the name of pine straw, are useful as mulch.

Does anyone have experience with restoring a burned area, whether in the wilderness or around your home? If so, you are invited to share your story in an email to [email protected]. Your questions, comments, gardening conundrums and successes are always welcome.

​ Orange County Register