• Dennis Dabney, 57, supercommutes from Texas to Arizona nearly every week.
• He said it was the best thing he could've done for career advancement.
• But it can take a financial toll, and it can be difficult to be away from family.

Dennis Dabney, 57, is no stranger to travel.

After serving in the Air Force for 26 years, Dabney started working for his current employer in 2016 in Virginia. As a military family, his wife and two children were used to moving, so when his company asked him three years later to relocate to Fort Worth, Texas, that's what they did.

Then 2022 rolled around, and Dabney was offered a promotion within his company to be a program director — in Phoenix. Dabney was excited about the opportunity, and he viewed it as the perfect chance to advance his career and boost his income.

His wife and two teenage kids, however, had set down roots in Fort Worth and didn't want to move again, and the same applied to his 88-year-old mother, who lived with his family.

So Dabney made the decision with his family to purchase an apartment in Phoenix, live there during the workweek, and commute back to Fort Worth on the weekends.

"I couldn't do this without the support of my family and my wife. And that has been crucial to decisions that I've made over the years about where to go and where to work," Dabney told Business Insider.

"You have to continue to have open communication with your family unit because things change, attitudes change, and you just have to figure out when things are getting out of hand or when things are going smoothly," he said.

Every other Friday, Dabney gets the day off from work, and that's typically when he chooses to book a 2 ½-hour flight back home using a budget airline such as Spirit or Frontier. His family also sometimes visits him while he's in Phoenix. While he said his company helped him with relocating costs, he estimated the supercommute was costing him roughly an extra $20,000 each year.

Supercommuting has grown increasingly popular over the past few years, with more Americans taking advantage of hybrid work environments to opt for longer commutes to work to boost their earnings. The American Community Survey data from the US Census Bureau found that, as of 2021, 3.1 million Americans fell into the supercommute category, or a journey to work that takes 90 minutes or longer.

Dabney loves his job, and while it can be difficult to be separated from his family, he's grateful they allowed him to pursue this opportunity. But he recognizes it's not a possibility for everyone.

"It's just my mindset, my background, and how to leverage all of that and learn how to create the quality of life that I want," Dabney said. "And it's just been a growing and development phase for me in figuring out what I want and what the art of the possible is."

'The whole experience has been very gratifying'

This wasn't Dabney's first experience with a supercommute. Prior to his new role in Phoenix, he was driving five hours to Louisiana every week for a different position in his company, and he made sure to come home every weekend to see his family and support his kids at their various sports tournaments.

"It was a nonstarter ripping my kids out of high school to go to Louisiana and then eventually Phoenix," Dabney said. "We moved quite a bit, but after we got to Texas, I got a clear signal from my family that they didn't want to move anymore."

If his kids were younger, Dabney said, being a supercommuter wouldn't have been possible for him. Doing so at this stage in his life allowed him to become an executive, earn more money to support his family, and find a job that gave him a sense of purpose — helping him feel confident in his decision to work more than a thousand miles away from home.

"The whole experience has been very gratifying," he said. "Having the experience to live in another part of the country that I probably wouldn't have lived in before has also been good."

Of course, the long commute has cons. Dabney said the airfare and second home were expensive, and he recommended that those considering a supercommute be transparent with their company about negotiating a compensation package that could help cover some of those costs.

He also said that, given his military background, he was used to traveling, but those who might not do so as frequently should consider whether they can manage hours each week in a car or on a plane.

As BI previously reported, data from the Stanford economists Nick Bloom and Alex Finan showed commutes of at least 75 miles increased 32% after the height of the pandemic, with hybrid work expanding living options.

It's a signal that more people may start considering the lifestyle Dabney has taken on — and while he said he had "no regrets," he cautioned that those taking on a long commute should have full clarity on its implications.

"I think the way the company looks at it, you are making a choice not to relocate your family to wherever the job site is, and you are deciding on your own to do the supercommuting away from your family," Dabney said. "It took me a while to realize that they don't really owe you anything else."

Are you, or were you, a supercommuter? Are you considering a supercommute? Share your story with this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

Correction: July 9, 2024 — This story was updated to clarify that the American Community Survey data from the US Census Bureau on supercommuting was from the year 2021.

• America faces deep uncertainty in light of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
• To feel horror or anxiety watching an act of political violence is normal, a psychologist told BI.
• But stepping away from the phone may not always be realistic advice, the expert said.

The political climate in the US was already tense amid the 2024 presidential election season.

The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump may have just kicked things into overdrive.

In light of a major act of political violence, Dr. Katherine Porterfield, a clinical psychologist with the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma at Columbia School of Journalism, told Business Insider that it's normal to feel deeply uncomfortable emotions.

As world leaders and politicians call for peace and unity, a poll found 50% of Americans believe political violence is a "very big problem" following the shooting at a Trump campaign event on Saturday that left two people dead.

An alarming 67% of Americans polled said the current political climate makes such violence "more likely" than normal.

Over 60% of those respondents who indicated that political violence is a "very big problem" were 65 years old and above, meaning they would have lived through the infamous assassinations of people like President John F. Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.

"To see any act of violence for a human is going to create a sensory reaction that could be fear, horror, disgust, anxiety, and that's simply the nature of the human being," Porterfield said, adding that the assassination attempt was "very photographed" which can be a jarring experience to witness.

However, she said, simply trying to put down the phone and look away may not always be realistic advice for some people.

So, what are some practical steps the American public can take?

Pause and be aware

Porterfield told BI that the first step is to take a moment to "discern" — pay attention to yourself and acknowledge what your reaction is to distressing news.

Pausing to recognize your emotions is the first step in determining whether you're having a normal reaction to an event or a more severe one.

It'll allow people to be aware of their three domains, Porterfield said: the biological, the psychological, and the social. Otherwise known as the biopsychosocial, she said.

"Once you start paying attention, it really breaks down to three domains, which is your body, the biological; the psychological, which is your feelings and thoughts, 'How are you managing them?'; and then the social. 'Am I turning outward in a way that's health and giving me and other people support?'" Porterfield said.

Taking care of those domains will depend on the individual.

Exercise or simply getting up from the computer desk is a simple way to give the body a "biological break," Porterfield said.

Porterfield said that some people may turn to prayer or meditation to address a psychological need, while others may turn to humor.

For the social domain, people may want to turn to their coworkers or personal relationships to check in on each other.

When emotions become so powerful that they overwhelm coping capabilities — like an inability to work or sleep — seeking help through others, including professional help such as therapy, are great options, Porterfield said.

Control

In the past five years, people have lived through a pandemic, several wars, and now, an assassination attempt on a former president.

Feelings of hopelessness and despair may come as a result, so it's important to take stock in understanding what one can and can't immediately control in their lives, Porterfield said.

"There is some value in looking and saying, 'There are things that I can't do anything about, and there are some things that are more action-focused — I can do something — and that's what I'm going to focus on,'" she said. "And those other things — I'm going to have to recognize are painful."

"That's why therapists all around the world are helping people usually tolerate their feelings," Porterfield added. "Because sometimes that's all you can do."

On doomscrolling

In the digital age of social media and instant live news updates, people can easily be sucked into an endless cycle of doomscrolling on their cellphones.

But devices have become an integral part of human lives, so it may not always be practical to tell someone to stop looking at their phones, Porterfield said.

"I think it's not helpful when we say you shouldn't look at your phone during times of crisis because that's not really realistic," she said.

The psychologist added that staying informed through reliable, trusted news sources can be helpful for some people.

The important distinction, Porterfield said, is to remember the three domains and ensure that you're taking care of your basic needs by simple acts like standing up or getting some air — actions that would help interrupt endless scrolling.

"That's the kind of thing I would encourage people to do to pause and say, 'Wait a minute, do I really need an hour or two of this?' Maybe it's time to stand up."

• An ex-Air Force engineer faces charges related to a deadly C-130 crash caused by a worn propeller.
• Investigators found James Fisher nixed a key propeller inspection because it was "time-consuming."
• Families of the victims said Fisher's arrest seven years after the crash "opens old wounds."

Michael and Teresa Lohrey know that July 10 will always hurt.

On that day in 2017, the two parents lost their 30-year-old son, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Lohrey, when the KC-130T — call sign Yanky 72 — he was aboard crashed in rural Mississippi due to what was later identified as a defective propeller blade that came loose. He and 15 Marines aboard the aircraft were killed.

But seven years to the day after those service members' deaths, Military.com reported that a former Air Force employee was arrested this month, and the federal government alleges that he was responsible for removing a key inspection procedure that could have detected the issue with the propeller. The revelation, seven years after Ryan's death, was a lot to take in.

"It kind of blindsided us," Teresa said of the news, adding, "We're not doing good." Her husband, Michael, said no advanced notice was given on the latest development in the case.

"It's obviously been seven years," Michael said in an interview with Military.com. "You don't ever get over it; it's like losing a child in a murder. Until the case ends, you don't ever get over it."

James Michael Fisher, 67, the former lead engineer tasked with C-130 propeller maintenance at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, was arrested July 2 as part of the investigation into the crash in Mississippi. He was charged with two counts related to false statements and two counts of obstruction of justice as officials continue to probe the cause of the crash.

Federal prosecutors said in an indictment that Fisher "was also one of the key decision-makers who removed the critical inspection procedure in August 2011" — a procedure that might have been able to detect deficiencies in the propeller before it was placed back into service.

The latest development in the criminal investigation caught many of the families off guard, Kelsey McCarty, the co-director of the Yanky 72 Memorial Committee, told Military.com in an interview. Many families and supporters are gathering this weekend around the seventh anniversary to commemorate the lives of the service members who died in the crash, just days after many of the details of the former employee's arrest have gone public.

"It adds a different dimension to it, and it kind of opens old wounds, I'd say," McCarty said. "All the families were surprised by this."

A criminal investigation into the July 10, 2017, crash was opened in 2020, according to the indictment that was made public this week. Aviation and safety experts told Military.com that it's seemingly rare for criminal charges to be filed in connection to airplane crashes, and following the paper trail to identify a person or people responsible is an arduous investigative process.

"It is extremely time-consuming and resource intensive," Greg Feith, a former senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told Military.com. "And, of course, it takes a long time."

Despite completing a crash investigation and a military investigation following the crash, federal agents still thought there was more to the case and began digging into the maintenance culture at Robins Air Force Base.

One key finding federal authorities discovered was correspondence in which a maintenance technician supervisor wanted to remove an inspection because it was "very time-consuming," the indictment states. Agents found an "August 19, 2011, email in which Fisher stated that he had 'no problem' removing the penetrant inspections" — a key way to identify deficiencies in a propeller blade.

Investigators claimed in the indictment that Fisher "attempted to obstruct the criminal investigation by intentionally withholding documents showing that he played a crucial role in removing the critical inspection procedure and providing false statements to federal agents in order to cover up his role in removing the critical inspection procedure."

Retired Col. J.F. Joseph, a Marine Corps pilot who flew the KC-130 himself and is now an aviation consultant, said the information in the indictment is concerning.

"In our business in aviation, if you make a decision based on saving time, money, or convenience, you've probably made the wrong choice," Joseph told Military.com. "But obviously, from a safety culture standpoint, it's incredible that somebody would take a shortcut like this for such a dynamic component as a propeller on a C-130."

The propeller blade, which was not thoroughly inspected, eventually was placed on Yanky 72, which led to the "catastrophic sequence of events resulting in the midair breakup of the aircraft and its uncontrollable descent and ultimate destruction," a Marine Corps crash investigation detailed.

Fisher did not return a phone call or text message seeking comment at a phone number listed for him in public records. Multiple calls to him this week were also not answered.

Service members killed in the crash along with Lohrey were: Maj. Caine M. Goyette; Capt. Sean E. Elliott; Gunnery Sgt. Mark A. Hopkins; Gunnery Sgt. Brendan C. Johnson; Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Snowden; Sgt. Julian M. Kevianne; Sgt. Owen J. Lennon; Cpl. Daniel I. Baldassare; Cpl. Collin J. Schaaff; Staff Sgt. Robert H. Cox; Staff Sgt. William J. Kundrat; Sgt. Chad E. Jenson; Sgt. Talon R. Leach; Sgt. Joseph J. Murray; and Sgt. Dietrich A. Schmieman.

Like many of the men aboard Yanky 72, Ryan Lohrey left behind a large and loving family — including two children and his wife, whom he married just a month before the crash, his obituary stated.

"He was dedicated to what he did," Michael Lohrey said. "He loved what he did; every single day, he loved it." When asked whether Fisher's arrest feels like justice at all, Michael Lohrey said, "Absolutely not."

• Russia has lost at least 100 of its T-90M tanks in the war in Ukraine.
• Oryx, a military analysis website which relies on visual evidence for confirmation, recently reported the milestone.
• Putin has praised the T-90M as the "world's best tank." 

A top Russian tank touted by Russian President Vladimir Putin as the "world's best" has suffered at least 100 losses in the war in Ukraine, according to open-source information.

The losses were recorded by Oryx, an open-source intelligence site that relies on visual evidence to confirm and track war losses on both sides. More T-90Ms may have also been lost in combat but not recorded. Business Insider was unable to independently verify the information.

Losses, per the site's analysis, include destroyed, damaged, and captured vehicles.

The significant losses of the T-90M in combat highlight how the war has threatened heavy armor on both sides, even higher-end systems.

Earlier this year, the Defense Ministry of Ukraine posted footage of a US-made Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle overwhelming a Russian T-90M tank with fire from its 25mm chain gun.

The withering fire eventually incapacitated the vehicle. The incident was just one of the vehicle's many losses.

Drones and loitering munitions, as well as mines and anti-tank missiles, are perhaps the greater threat, as these have also destroyed top Western armor provided to Ukraine, such as the Challenger, Leopard, and Abrams tanks.

Just as Ukraine has been doing with some of its tanks in this threat environment, Russia has equipped some T-90Ms with protective cope cages to shield them against anti-tank weapons and drones. The latter has become a defining threat in this war and has limited how tanks and other vehicles operate on the battlefield.

The cages don't always work, though, as video footage of some T-90M losses have shown. Sometimes the explosive first-person-view drones make it through.

Across the board, Russia's tank losses have been staggering in this conflict. Per Oryx's analysis, Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks so far.

Putin has touted the T-90M as "the world's best tank," praising its weapons, targeting capability, and armor.

"As soon as it approaches positions, no chance is left for anyone or anything," he said in 2023.

The tank boasts a powerful engine, panoramic sight with rangefinder, thermal imagining, multi-layered armor, and ammunition placed outside the unit to prevent a catastrophic explosion.

One of the first reported losses of the advanced T-90M occurred just months into the war, when a Ukrainian journalist shared a photo of the charred vehicle in Kharkiv. At the time, the T-90M was considered among the most technologically advanced battle vehicles in Russia's arsenal.

• Three essential fitness metrics can help you maximize your workouts for longevity.
• Your VO2 max can help assess heart health, while muscle mass and balance are key to staying active.
• This article is part of "Trends in Healthcare," a series about the innovations and industry leaders shaping patient care.

Exercise is one of the closest things we have to a miracle drug when it comes to living a longer, healthier life — and three essential fitness metrics can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Understanding key fitness measurements, from heart health to body composition, can help you streamline your workouts to stay youthful, said Caitlin Donato, a certified personal trainer and the director of fitness at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami.

"If you're going to take 30 minutes out of your day, then make the most of it," she told Business Insider. "Your time is valuable."

Pritikin offers a team of exercise physiologists who work alongside registered dietitians and doctors to create personalized plans for optimizing health.

Part of Donato's job involves guiding clients through an analysis of their fitness level and overall health, which includes a functional movement assessment and an exercise tolerance test.

She said that paying attention to your cardio fitness, muscle health, and stability can help you tailor your workouts to your lifestyle and achieve better performance and long-term health.

"It's not necessarily one size fits all," Donato said. "And if you have the ability to understand what you should be prioritizing over the person to your left or your right, that's where you can maximize your efforts, and that's where you see the most gains specific to what you need."

VO2 max is a key indicator of longevity

A healthy heart is one of the first lines of defense against chronic disease and other risks associated with aging. While a range of metrics can help you keep tabs on your heart, including blood pressure and cholesterol, one exercise-related test can help you see how well your heart is functioning overall.

VO2 max is a measure of how much oxygen your body can use during exercise. Research suggests that the higher your VO2 max, the better your endurance and odds of living longer. An increase in VO2 max can indicate you're getting fitter over time.

"It's effectively a marker of how efficient your body is, how you're metabolizing oxygen. And so we're able to see how that improves with these lifestyle changes, which is really, really neat," Donato said. "VO2 max is one of our best indicators of life expectancy."

Sports-medicine experts suggest mixing steady cardio work at a conversational pace and interval workouts with short bursts of high-intensity exercise to improve VO2 max.

Muscle mass is crucial for healthy aging

Your heart isn't the only muscle that can boost longevity. Building and maintaining muscle helps prevent frailty and promote better health as we age, Donato said.

A growing body of research suggests that lifting weights is just as important for longevity as cardio, and a mix of both is ideal.

Donato said that while muscle mass can start deteriorating in our 30s and 40s, "that's not a foregone conclusion." She added that resistance training could help.

You don't have to lift as heavy as possible or spend long hours in the gym to see results. Focus on good form, and gradually increase your effort to keep making progress.

"A strength routine is not necessarily about improving your one-rep max on a bench press, unless you want it to be," Donato said.

Good balance is linked to a longer, healthier life

Most people know to work on their cardio and strength in the gym but might be missing an underrated fitness measure for longevity: balance.

"When we talk about longevity, we look at balance," Donato said. "It's one of the things we want to make sure that we train for as we age, as our risk of falling and having injury sustained from falling increases."

Studies suggest that while slips and falls are a serious risk as we get older and become less stable, balance training can help.

One low-tech way to assess your balance at home is to stand on one leg for 10 seconds — a basic test that one study linked to a longer life.

To improve your balance and stability, practice simple exercises like a quick step to a knee raise. Core exercises like a Pallof press, plank, or farmer carry can also improve stability by strengthening the abs, hips, and glutes.

Donato said that incorporating exercises that mimic everyday movements — such as getting up from a chair, lifting a child, or carrying groceries — is essential to staying active and independent.

"It's geared toward improving the body mechanics and the movement patterns of the things we do every day, the things we care about doing," she said.

• Road trips are a perfect opportunity to travel to new places and check out the best local spots.
• We looked at popular road-trip restaurants conveniently located by main highways.
• From soul food in Alabama to Texas barbecue, these road trip food stops are worth a try.

Summer's arrival means road-trip season, and these spots are among the best in the country. 

Road trips are often filled with long-haul drives and convenience-store snacks. However, instead of filling up on homemade sandwiches and candy, why not stop off at a local restaurant for a delicious meal to power you through your drive ahead?

Business Insider looked at highly rated restaurants in each state that mentioned road trips or were conveniently located near major highways. We also reviewed customer reviews and popular menu items at each restaurant. All the restaurants on this list had a passing health score and were marked open as of July 15, 2024, though menu item availability is subject to change depending on when you visit. 

Here are popular food stops in every state you need to try on your next road trip.

ALABAMA: Mary's Southern Cooking in Mobile

What to order: Fried chicken, turkey neck special

What customers say: "We were on a road trip and happened to come across this place since it has some good reviews. It's a small place serving food in a buffet style. The chicken was tasty and very tender… The pork chop was very flavorous and tender as well. The only drawback would be that the restaurant is so generous that we couldn't finish the whole box of food. Glad that we stopped by at this place for some southern dishes," wrote Yelp user Kyle C.

Learn more about Mary's Southern Cooking here.

ALASKA: Moose's Tooth in Anchorage

What to order: Spicy Thai chicken pizza, chicken ranch pizza

What customers say: "Very popular and busy location. Good pizza and they offer a ton of interesting options. We ordered a couple of large pizzas and used them for road trip snacks as we toured the peninsula. When you visit Anchorage, do yourself a favor and stop in to get a pizza or three," wrote Yelp user Jeremy N.

Learn more about Moose's Tooth here.

ARIZONA: RelicRoad Brewing in Winslow

What to order: Philly cheese steak sandwich, Canyon Diablo burger

What customers say: "Absolutely amazing place if you are up for some good food and beer on your road trip!! The service is amazing as well," wrote Yelp user Mike L.

Learn more about RelicRoad Brewing here.

ARKANSAS: The Root Cafe in Little Rock

What to order: Curry chicken salad, Root benny

What customers say: "Very cute local restaurant in Little Rock. We were driving through on a long road trip, and the restaurant came out and delivered the food to the car (due to COVID). Everyone was very nice, and the food was delicious," wrote Yelp user Nicole W.

Learn more about The Root Cafe here.

CALIFORNIA: Yaks on the 5 in Dunsmuir

What to order: Sticky buns, bacon overload burger

What customers say: "The garlic burger was incredible and the wings were top notch. The tater tots were a dream… this is roadside diner food at its best," wrote Yelp user ZumaJay Z.

Learn more about Yaks on the 5 here.

COLORADO: Westbound & Down Brewery in Idaho Springs

What to order: Fried chicken, bison burger

What customers say: "If [you're] ever in Idaho Springs go to Westbound and Down. We ate there three times a week. On our last visit, we met the owner, a super friendly, pumped-up guy. We had already paid but asked if I got my military discount, made sure to give it to me, and then gave me a coin. Whenever I come back to Colorado this is an every time stop. Thanks for your outstanding service and food," wrote Yelp user Kyle L.

Learn more about Westbound & Down Brewery here.

CONNECTICUT: The Traveler Restaurant in Union

What to order: Clam chowder, Thanksgiving wrap

What customers say: "What a wonderful respite from our I-95 road trip. Well-made and fresh food, very friendly service, and clean facilities. A surprisingly peaceful environment for being right off the highway. My wife and I loved looking through the stacks of books and puzzles as we waited for our to-go order. See you again on our next trip," wrote Yelp user Paul S.

Learn more about The Traveler Restaurant here.

DELAWARE: Jessop's Tavern in New Castle

What to order: Shepherd's pie, Dutch pot roast

What customers say: "I am so thankful that we discovered this place! I am on a road trip with my husband and brother and we were just passing through the area and were looking for a bite to eat. Everything we ate was amazing. Among us, we ordered the lobster crab cake, the meatloaf sandwich, the chicken entrée (it had a weird name), and the blackberry cider. All of the meals were absolutely phenomenal… every last bite was eaten," wrote Yelp user Kaela M.

Learn more about Jessop's Tavern here.

FLORIDA: Tom's Cuban On The Go! in Ocala

What to order: Cuban sandwich, steak sandwich

What customers say: "A gem of a find! Very convenient stop for a long drive. The food was authentic & staff was friendly. I just marked it on my map for the next road trip," wrote Yelp user Brittney F.

Learn more about Tom's Cuban On The Go! here.

GEORGIA: Zunzi's in Savannah

What to order: Conquistador sandwich, Godfather sandwich

What customers say: "These sandwiches were unbelievable. We found this joint on our road trip escaping from Hurricane Irma. It was just a pit stop on our way to ATL. We weren't expecting how good this place would be. Next time I'm in Savannah I'll definitely stop by again," wrote Yelp user David L.

Learn more about Zunzi's here.

HAWAII: Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa in Kapaa

What to order: Pulled pork, barbecue chicken

What customers say: "Awesome roadside BBQ! The meat just falls apart. No need for a knife," wrote Yelp user Luis M.

Learn more about Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa here.

IDAHO: Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' in Twin Falls

What to order: Bison burger, pulled pork tacos

What customers say: "This is our favorite stop in Twin Falls. Just traveling through on our road trip, but love the vibe in this place! They're known for their smoked brisket, it didn't disappoint. The brisket tacos were the best! Hubby had the brisket sandwich and garlic fries, and they were delicious. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and easy to talk to," wrote Yelp user Jolene W.

Learn more about Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' here.

ILLINOIS: Blue Springs Cafe in Highland

What to order: Fried chicken, meringue pies

What customers say: "We stopped here for lunch on a recent road trip. It was great! On the return leg of our trip, we called ahead and picked up carry-out (walleye filets, side salad, green beans, and coconut pie). The food was great and better than getting fast food," wrote Yelp user Terri W.

Learn more about Blue Springs Cafe here.

INDIANA: Payne's Restaurant in Gas City

What to order: Fish and chips, bangers and mash

What customers say: "We took a road trip with friends specifically to have lunch based on the Visit Indiana article. We all were not disappointed. The fish & chips were great – just like what we ate in York, England! The sticky toffee pudding is to die for – Wow!! We highly recommend a visit to Payne's," wrote Yelp user David C.

Learn more about Payne's Restaurant here.

IOWA: Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines

What to order: Undead Elvis burger, fried mac burger

What customers say: "Their burgers are awesome, and an order of fries is huge! As we are originally from Utah, seeing they had 'fry sauce' was an extra bonus. Their cereal shakes are also fun. We would definitely stop here again on our yearly road trips, just for fun," wrote Yelp user Joni C.

Learn more about Zombie Burger + Drink Lab here.

KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City

What to order: Burnt ends, pulled pork

What customers say: "Oh my god. Saying this was the best barbecue I've ever had would be an understatement. I am the luckiest eater on the planet and one of my friends brought me here during a road trip because she wanted to eat it. I was hesitant. I have never liked barbecue sauce, in fact, I avoid all sauces and condiments like the PLAGUE. But this place had me slathering my sandwich with barbecue sauce and licking my fingers when I was done. I've been craving it ever since and I'm saddened that I don't live closer," wrote Yelp user Janie S.

Learn more about Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que here.

KENTUCKY: Royals Hot Chicken in Louisville

What to order: Fried chicken sandwich, loaded potato wedges

What customers say: "We loved their hot chicken sandwich. It was crunchy and spicy, not too greasy, well priced, and if we weren't on a road trip, we would have gotten one of the many beers they had on tap. It's counter service which I like for lunch on a road trip," wrote Yelp user Dna B.

Learn more about Royals Hot Chicken here.

LOUISIANA: Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl in Alexandria

What to order: Fried chicken, smothered pork chop

What customers say: "Holy moly! How did we get lucky enough to stumble into this place?! The food here is so good, we started planning future road trips through Louisiana. The food was all delicious, flavorful, and completely satisfying! I got the beans and sausage, greens, and mac and cheese. Once we started eating, we realized we must be at somebody's granny's house," wrote Yelp user Mary Beth C.

Learn more about Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl here.

MAINE: Red's Eats in Wiscasset

What to order: Lobster roll, fried clams

What customers say: "The absolute best lobster roll we have ever tried! We stopped here while doing a road trip through Maine and someone had recommended this place along the way. We didn't think it looked that special or any different from the other 1,000 places that advertise their lobster rolls, but boy were we mistaken," wrote Yelp user Jessica K.

Learn more about Red's Eats here.

MARYLAND: Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore

What to order: Pit beef sandwich, Big John

What customers say: "This is one of those roadside eateries you pass by, never giving it a second thought… Being situated in front of a strip club doesn't exactly add to the ambiance. But trust me, and the TV shows it's been featured on… Chaps is where it's at! The food is beyond compare," wrote Yelp user Brook H.

Learn more about Chaps Pit Beef here.

MASSACHUSETTS: B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge

What to order: Pulled pork, beef ribs

What customers say: "We just stopped here on our road trip and had to write a review right away. The brisket burrito was smoky and delicious. The [Buffalo] fried chicken sandwich was delicately breaded, juicy, and moist. Pick-up was very organized and timely," wrote Yelp user Tess L.

Learn more about B.T.'s Smokehouse here.

MICHIGAN: The Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor

What to order: Stuffed French toast, huevos rancheros 

What customers say: "Hard to believe such a place exists in small-town Michigan after struggling to find healthy, fresh, and quality food choices on a road trip through rural Michigan. Friendly service, great coffee, diverse menu, fresh, healthy, and vegetarian friendly. Thumbs up, five stars, highly recommended," wrote Yelp user Camille M.

Learn more about The Mason Jar Cafe here.

MINNESOTA: The Taco King in Albert Lea

What to order: Enchilada burrito plate, shredded beef enchiladas

What customers say: "We stopped while road-tripping to Wisconsin Dells and were greatly surprised! Expecting a fast-food-type Mexican due to the location and was so happy to discover otherwise! The burritos were hot, fresh, and delicious, the al pastor was excellent, and the service was great! Will definitely be stopping again," wrote Yelp user Carrie F.

Learn more about The Taco King here.

MISSISSIPPI: The Pig & Pint in Jackson

What to order: Pork rinds, pulled pork sandwich

What customers say: "We were so happy to stumble upon this place on our road trip to NOLA thanks to my trusty Yelp! We stopped here on a Thursday for lunch with our toddler. The girl at the register welcomed us for our first time and told us what their most popular dishes were… Our food came fairly quickly and the portions were huge! I didn't expect 'chicken fries' to be a glorious sloppy mess of BBQ chicken, beans, sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños. It was AMAZING! It was the best road trip stop we made all day! Definitely going to stop here on our way to NOLA every year," wrote Yelp user Haley S.

Learn more about The Pig & Pint here.

MISSOURI: Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis

What to order: Pulled pork, burnt ends

What customers say: "The best BBQ I've had. Our road trips following the Florida Gators have taken us all over the south and beyond. Had the 'que in Memphis, Birmingham, Lexington, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, and beyond. Pappys is the best," wrote Yelp user Craig J.

Learn more about Pappy's Smokehouse here.

MONTANA: Hummingbird Cafe in Butte

What to order: Larry Bird sandwich, French toast

What customers say: "Super delicious great little spot to stop. I was on a road trip and needed to grab a bite and let my baby out of the car seat. We sat on the patio and had a lovely coffee and lunch. Will definitely stop in again next time I drive through Butte," wrote Yelp user Sara H.

Learn more about Hummingbird Cafe here.

NEBRASKA: Open Range Grill in Ogallala

What to order: Chicken sandwich, steak salad

What customers say: "We stopped at the Open Range Grill on our drive from Denver to Wisconsin, and were so happy that we did! This is a great, family-friendly spot with delicious, fresh food," wrote Yelp user Clare C.

Learn more about Open Range Grill here.

NEVADA: Odeh's Mediterranean Restaurant in Elko

What to order: Lamb chops, chicken shawarma sandwich

What customers say: "My friends and I were on a road trip to Wisconsin so we randomly stumbled upon this cute little place. It was by far some of the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. Come and try it out, you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Emilee K.

Learn more about Odeh's Mediterranean Restaurant here.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Four Aces Diner in West Lebanon

What to order: Eggs Benedict, French toast

What customers say: "Came here for brunch on our road trip! Really good diner food! The place is a little small though. We didn't have to wait long. We sat at the counter. The French onion soup was good. It was on the sweeter side, but that works for me. The scallop omelet was good! Definitely would recommend this place," wrote Yelp user Tina L.

Learn more about Four Aces Diner here.

NEW JERSEY: Tops Diner in East Newark

What to order: Fried chicken, pancakes

What customers say: "We were on a road trip and stopped by this place and it was a great spot. The place was packed but they got us seated pretty fast. There's a lot to cover on the menu from burgers and steaks to seafood […] give this place a try you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Trisha M.

Learn more about Tops Diner here.

NEW MEXICO: Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas in Santa Rosa

What to order: Fish tacos, chicken enchiladas

What customers say: "We found this while on a road trip and were blown away by the quality of the food. Their take on a Cubano is worth the stop. Excellent shrimp taco and quesadillas too! The atmosphere is also great with excellent decor and many items for sale," wrote Yelp user Amanda T.

Learn more about Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas here.

NEW YORK: The Cheese Traveler in Albany

What to order: Grilled cheese sandwich, cured meats

What customers say: "The best grilled cheese (the classic) with fabulous tomato soup. Gourmet everything and a great trip of women running the place. Pretty close to the Thruway. Definitely worth the trip," wrote Yelp user Jim D.

Learn more about The Cheese Traveler here.

NORTH CAROLINA: The Prime Smokehouse in Rocky Mount

What to order: Pulled pork, crab cakes

What customers say: "Stopped toward the end of a long road trip. Absolutely fabulous smokehouse. Had the brisket, ribs, and chicken, which came with a side of cornbread. Everything we had was fabulous and full of flavor," wrote Yelp user Kevin S.

Learn more about The Prime Smokehouse here.

NORTH DAKOTA: Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar in Bismarck

What to order: Spicy pizza, fennel sausage pizza

What customers say: "Stopped for a road trip lunch on our way through North Dakota. The staff was awesome, restaurant/bathroom was clean. The pizzaiola was skilled at her craft. The pizzas were thin, perfectly browned, with a beautiful crust. Topping to pizza ratio was perfection," wrote Yelp user Kiki C.

Learn more about Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar here.

OHIO: Lucky's Cafe in Cleveland

What to order: Waffles, Shipwreck hash

What customers say: "I visited Lucky's while on a road trip to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my dad and my brother. I scoped out the place because I saw it on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' and it looked like my cup of tea… I love how local the food is, and the quality shows! I had the Canoewreck. Curried tofu, hashbrowns, lots of veggies, toast, and fruit. It was so delicious! The dudes were happy with what they ordered as well. I'm sad I don't live near Cleveland because I'd eat here every day," wrote Yelp user Amanda A.

Learn more about Lucky's Cafe here.

OKLAHOMA: The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City

What to order: Cashew mac, orange chicken

What customers say: "Stopped here on a road trip to Phoenix, and the food was so good, we made a point of stopping again on the way back through. Our favorite was the ultimate in comfort food, the Mashed Potato Bowl. We also enjoyed the Mac + Greens bowl, and the CBD soda was refreshing. On our second visit, I went to pick up our order and noticed a fully stocked display case of sweet goodies, so ended up spending nearly as much again on those as for the original order. Worth it," wrote Yelp user Madeleine W.

Learn more about The Loaded Bowl here.

OREGON: Jack Sprats in Cottage Grove

What to order: Sprat rolls, Perfect Flavor burger

What customers say: "My husband and I enjoy visiting Cottage Grove on our yearly road trip to Oregon. We stopped at Jack Sprats two years ago and had a great experience, so decided to stop in again. My husband ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the Cuban sandwich. It did take a while for our food to come out this time, but we figured they had to wait for the oil to heat up as we came early for lunch, just as they were converting the kitchen over from breakfast. The potato salad was a good choice. My iced tea was really delicious. The portions were, once again, extremely generous. We ended up splitting the fish and chips and took the Cuban home for another meal. The menu is varied, and there are some gluten-free options, including some yummy homemade cookies. This place is definitely worth a stop," wrote Yelp user Shelly S.

Learn more about Jack Sprats here.

PENNSYLVANIA: Picasso's Erie in Erie

What to order: Mona Lisa sanwich, Van Gogh sandwich

What customers say: "My entire family loved it here. I ordered the Mona Lisa (turkey, artichokes, spinach, pesto, amazingness). I also ordered mac n cheese as my side. Holy good. Definitely not your average mac and cheese. They have a kid's menu. We ordered the grilled cheese and pickle for my daughter. Best pickle ever lives up to its name," wrote Yelp user Julia E.

Learn more about Picasso's Erie here.

RHODE ISLAND: Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant in Newport

What to order: Lobster roll, clam chowder

What customers say: "Came into town and we were in a bind to get a good meal on a very long road trip. We were not at all disappointed with the meal. The staff was excellent and the food was also great! And so clean! Absolutely a great meal," wrote Yelp user Caroline D.

Learn more about Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant here.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Katie's Sandwich Shop in Gaston

What to order: Chicken salad sandwich, Reuben sandwich

What customers say: "If you're driving up or down I-26 and need a great lunch, look no further. Katie's is the alternative to all those fast-food interstate exit options. Just a quick drive (less than 5 minutes) from the exit you'll find this awesome local place serving up some great sandwiches by some friendly Southern ladies. Bookmark it for your next road trip, and you won't regret it," wrote Yelp user Andrew J.

Learn more about Katie's Sandwich Shop here.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Circle E Drive-In in Murdo

What to order: Bacon cheeseburger, bacon chicken sandwich

What customers say: "One of the best burgers ever! So fresh and delicious. We were traveling from Badlands National Park to Sioux Falls and needed to stop for lunch. The restaurant is close to the highway and was an easy, quick stop. The staff were welcoming and friendly. We sat outside on the patio. I had the cheeseburger and my husband had the Big Al burger. Both were delicious. We shared a small fry and had plenty left over. Very reasonably priced with burgers around $9 and fries $3.," wrote Yelp user Mary A.

Learn more about Circle E Drive-In here.

TENNESSEE: Biscuit Love: Gulch in Nashville

What to order: East Nasty, Princess Biscuit

What customers say: "Best food in Nashville! We ordered ahead via the Yelp app as we were driving into Nashville on our road trip. We got to go right in and bypass the huge line outside to pick up our order! The East Nasty and Princess Biscuit sandwiches were to die for!! I recommend 100%!! Along with the Bonuts," wrote Yelp user Molly E.

Learn more about Biscuit Love: Gulch here.

TEXAS: Tyler's Barbeque in Amarillo

What to order: Chopped brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich

What customers say: "We stopped here on the way to Santa Fe and it was delicious. The jalapeño corn was amazing–highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Kayli M.

Learn more about Tyler's Barbeque here.

UTAH: Centro Woodfired Pizzeria in Cedar City

What to order: Arugula salad, sausage fennel pizza

What customers say: "We were driving through town on a road trip and sick of diners and fast food. We found this place on Yelp, and I thought, If it's half as good as the reviews, I will be shocked. Started with the meatballs and garlic bread, followed with the Brooklyn Pepperoni pizza, and finished with the Nutella baked pizza with whip cream! The food quality was excellent in line with what you would expect at a high-quality metropolitan Italian restaurant," wrote Yelp user Judi M.

Learn more about Centro Woodfired Pizzeria here.

VERMONT: Prohibition Pig in Waterbury

What to order: House burger, brisket sandwich

What customers say: "Was looking for some good BBQ while on a road trip through VT. Pro Pig did not disappoint. The Smoked Wings were some of the best I have ever had, even the pickled carrots served with them were great. The Chopped Whole Hog Sandwich was excellent. Others in my party were very pleased with the Brisket Sandwich and Sweet Tea Half Chicken. Next trip to Stowe, we will definitely be back," wrote Yelp user John D.

Learn more about Prohibition Pig here.

VIRGINIA: Angelle's Diner in Troutville

What to order: Cowboy burger, eggs Benedict 

What customers say: "This diner was delightful. Such a pleasant surprise for me, my husband, and our kids, ages 8 and 10, while traveling from DC. I am not usually a diner fan but Angelle's is not your average diner. It was nice and clean and lives up to its many good reviews," wrote Yelp user Amy B.

Learn more about Angelle's Diner here.

WASHINGTON: Frank's Diner in Spokane

What to order: Chicken fried steak, eggs Benedict

What customers say: "My friend and I are on a road trip from MN to OR and picked Frank's on the name alone. We had no idea that there was so much history behind the restaurant! The staff, so thoughtful, the atmosphere kept us wanting to know more and the food was more than amazing," wrote Yelp user Kim E.

Learn more about Frank's Diner here.

WEST VIRGINIA: Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage

What to order: West Virginia dog, taco dog

What customers say: "Best hotdogs I have ever had! Great road trip stop! The prices are great," wrote Yelp user Scott H.

Learn more about Hillbilly Hot Dogs here.

WISCONSIN: Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern in Monroe

What to order: Hot pastrami sandwich, cheese sandwich

What customers say: "This restaurant was the highlight of our Wisconsin road trip. I loved the place. It has such nostalgia to it. The food was freshly prepared. You could tell because it melted in our mouths! The desserts were amazing. Cheese as a topping was unique. I loved it," wrote Yelp user Krishna C.

Learn more about Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern here.

WYOMING: Anong's Thai Cuisine in Rawlins

What to order: Pad Thai, yellow curry

What customers say: "Some friends and I were road-tripping through Wyoming to Colorado and needed a place to stop for dinner. This place was one of the top-rated places, and we all like Thai food, so we thought, 'What the heck.' We all wish we had this place back in Provo cause we would definitely stop again. The service was quick and helpful but also very personable. It was a great experience, and we didn't have to wait long for our food either! 10 out of 10 would recommend," wrote Yelp user Logan B.

Learn more about Anong's Thai Cuisine here.

• Donald Trump has selected Sen. JD Vance as his 2024 running mate.
• Trump's selection positions a vocal ally as the potential next vice president.
• Vance, 39, would be one of the youngest vice presidents in history if elected.

Former President Donald on Monday announced that he has selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate, adding a vocal ally to a ticket aimed at appealing to Trump's base.

Trump's selection comes just days after he survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Vance almost immediately blamed Democrats for the shots fired at the former president.

"The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination," Vance wrote on X.

Law enforcement has said it continues to investigate the shooter's motives.

In selecting Vance, Trump assures that the Republican Party's 2024 ticket with have neither a woman nor a person of color on it. Some of Trump's advisors had wanted him to select a more diverse potential vice president to underline his efforts to expand the GOP's appeal to communities it has long struggled to win over.

Vance illustrates that Trump remains unencumbered by the concerns that would typically animate a non-incumbent when selecting a running mate. Unlike former Vice President Mike Pence, Vance does not help Trump appeal to a wing of the party that he's trying to win over. Trump also has more governing experience than Vance, who has served less than two years in the US Senate.

A generation ago, selecting an Ohioan would have been considered a potential move to win a key swing state. But Republicans have slowly remade Ohio to the point that Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is up for reelection this November, is the only Democratic statewide elected official. None of the other reported finalists on Trump's list represented a battleground state in the 2024 election.

Vance owes a great deal to Trump, but has not always supported the former president. A once self-described "Never Trump Republican," Vance previously said that he considered voting for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. His memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" was held up in the aftermath of Trump's shocking upset as a way for Americans to understand Trump's appeal. During his Senate GOP primary campaign, Vance apologized and said he was wrong about Trump. The former president's endorsement later catapulted Vance into the US Senate.

Before entering politics, Vance cut his teeth as a venture capitalist, working closely alongside Peter Thiel. Thiel, who spent over $15 million on a super PAC to get Vance elected to the Senate, has reportedly said he won't donate to any political candidates ahead of November.

In Washington, Vance quickly aligned himself with Republicans who wanted to refashion the more establishment-minded Senate GOP into a group more in line with Trump. Vance has been a vocal critic of Ukraine aid, which pitted him against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Ohioian has also been deeply critical of the criminal prosecutions, becoming Trump's first potential vice presidential pick to travel to Manhattan to show his support during the former president's criminal trial. Vance has even gone so far as to question Pence's belief that Trump put his family in danger on January 6.

If Trump wins a second term, Vance would be sworn in as one of the youngest vice presidents in the nation's history. Given that the former president can only serve one more term in office, Vance will be well-positioned to carry on Trump's legacy.

• Parents should prepare teens for college by teaching them budgeting, health, and safety skills.
• Many freshmen struggle with independence and managing finances, health, and problem-solving.
• Parents can model and teach these skills over the summer to help teens transition smoothly.

I spent nearly a decade in the college classroom, teaching composition to freshmen. Not only was it my job to teach students how to write a college-level essay, but I also found myself taking on another role. I involuntarily became a college student life coach of sorts.

The small number of students and the nature of my class yielded plenty of time for conversation. I found that many of my students shared common struggles. Mostly, they were ill-prepared to be a college student — yet their parents and teachers expected them to "act their age."

Though 18 year olds can be viewed as adults, they often walk into my classroom lacking the skills and tools they need to meet the expectations abruptly thrust upon them.

Parents, before you send your sort-of-adult-child to college this fall, use this summer to ensure they have what they need for their next phase of life.

Budgeting

One of the biggest college student woes is that parents and adult kids butt heads regarding money. Parents need to teach their kiddos proactively how to budget, whether the student is failing a class, overspending on food and clothes, or failing to secure a part-time job.

Have your student get a part-time job this summer and ensure they know how to manage their own bank account and spending (and saving). Be frank about how much money you can provide them once they start college, and stick to the budget, no matter what.

Tip: Don't use money as a threat, which only creates an unhealthy parent-child dynamic.

Physical health

Being a college student is stressful and disruptive. A student's physical health is critically important to their overall well-being.

Exercise — whatever kind the student likes — can help them sleep better, manage their weight, and keep stress in check. Balanced meals and snack choices can help prevent the "Freshman 15," which is a common weight gain among new college students. They must also regulate blood sugar so they can sleep and study well.

This summer, physical health needs to be modeled at home when the whole family grocery shops and prepares meals together. Parents can also help make exercise fun.

In other words, parents: Practice what you preach.

Problem-solving

When in high school, many of my college students were used to Mommy or Daddy stepping in on their behalf, managing any issues that would arise. Once in college, students are suddenly expected to navigate their needs independently.

If you haven't yet, instead of swooping in to save your child from making decisions and facing consequences — positive or negative — ask them how they feel about a situation, what they need, and what possible solutions they're considering.

Support them in their emotions and decisions, allowing them to live and learn the lessons. The game of trial and error is the best teacher.

Safety

The best tip here is safety comes first — always. If your child has been raised in a low-crime, family-friendly community, they may not be used to having to think about personal safety. They very well will experience college culture shock if you don't prepare them now.

Things to teach and model this summer include never leaving valuables in a car, always locking the vehicle, and always keeping their bag or purse on them. I'd also recommend teaching them not to be completely enveloped by their phone when walking around campus, including crossing streets and parking lots.

If you haven't already, also talk about sexual health, consent, and alcohol and drug usage. Again, the best way to teach these to kids is to give them opportunities to practice good judgment, as well as follow the rules yourself.

College can be an exciting time for freshmen. To ensure your almost-adult child is prepared, use this summer to teach, guide, and support. Be a proactive parent and set your child up for success.

• Since moving to Indiana, I have to drive two hours to get to the closest Trader Joe's.
• Some items are worth making the trek for, like the granola bites, cacio-e-pepe ravioli, and syrup.
• I also pick up some non-food items each visit, including the pop-up sponges and dog treats.

When I lived in Southern California, I had tons of Trader Joe's locations to choose from. But now that I reside in Southern Indiana — where there are only four stores in the entire state — I drive two hours to and from the closest location.

Because I live so far away, I typically travel to Trader Joe's once a month, stocking up on lots of canned goods and cleaning products. I even bring a cooler to take home perishables.

Here are the 11 things I buy that make the long journey to Trader Joe's worth it.

Trader Joe's granola bites are great for road trips or hiking.

Unlike typical granola fragments, my husband and I love that Trader Joe's granola bites come in more solid pieces. The bites are wrapped in pouches and come with good portions of chocolate chips.

The only drawback is that I can't limit myself to just one pouch, so I like to buy a few boxes at a time.

Trader Joe’s Italian-style wedding soup is surprisingly good.

Despite appearances — yes, the floating meatballs admittedly look a bit strange — this soup is delicious. We tend to crave it in the winter since it has pasta and broth, like chicken noodle soup.

I love the guilt-free feeling of using the pop-up sponges.

These sponges are compostable since they're made from natural vegetable cellulose, which makes me feel a lot less climate anxiety while using them.

They are also very effective in getting all the grease and grime off my cast-iron skillets and hold up well despite being biodegradable.

I love Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli.

I can't be the only one who likes adding dried pepper to plain ravioli — but Trader Joe's cacio-e-pepe ravioli makes it so that I don't have to.

When paired with a side dish, the portion is large enough for two to enjoy. But by itself, it also works great as a larger lunch for one.

My dogs love Trader Joe's grain-free dog treats with peanut butter and banana.

My fur babies love both peanut butter and bananas, so I use these treats for dog training. Sometimes, I'll even give my big dogs two at the end of the day as a reward.

Trader Joe's buttermilk-pancake mix is easy to make.

I like to make pancakes on weekends when my husband and I can have breakfast together. Trader Joe's buttermilk-pancake mix is easy to make — all I need to do is add water and an egg.

Trader Joe's organic Vermont maple syrup is my favorite store-brand syrup.

I'm picky about maple syrup and tend to get mine from farmer's markets. But Trader Joe's organic Vermont maple syrup rivals the bottles I can get locally.

Trader Joe's dark-chocolate-covered almonds have the best almond-to-chocolate ratio.

I love Trader Joe's dark-chocolate-covered almonds because the chocolate layer is decadently thick. The pop of almond flavor also complements the chocolate rather than being overpowering.

I buy Simpler Times lager whenever we have a house project.

Like my dogs, my husband is receptive to bribery. Knowing there are cans of Simpler Times lager in the fridge, he's happy to do the bulk of the yard work on a weekend.

The oven-toasted old-fashioned organic oats make the best oatmeal-raisin cookies.

Even if you're not a fan of oatmeal-raisin cookies, these oats are delicious because of how crunchy and crispy they are from the toasting process. They're so rich and sweet that it's easy to forget they're healthy.

Trader Joe's baked cheese crunchies are my favorite guilt-free snack.

Because these cheese-flavored corn snacks are baked, they aren't greasy. However, they still have all the cheesy flavor you'd expect, making them the perfect snack to pull out from the pantry.

Click to keep reading Trader Joe's diaries like this one.

• An Australian P-8A anti-submarine warfare aircraft targeted and dropped training torpedoes on a US nuclear submarine.
• The exercise occurred off the coast of Hawaii during RIMPAC 2024.
• The crew dropped sonobuoys to track the vessel before targeting it with Mark 54 exercise torpedoes.

The crew of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft shared their experiences tracking a US Navy nuclear submarine and dropping training torpedoes on it off the coast of Hawaii last Wednesday.

The drill, part of the large multinational Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), was a rare opportunity to test the plane's patrol and reconnaissance capabilities against a live target, the aircraft's crew said, per a release on the training.

The P-8A Poseidon, which succeeded the older P-3 Orion, usually serves in a surveillance and deterrence role. Since it first entered service in 2013, it's become widely considered one of the most sophisticated maritime patrol aircraft available, featuring various technical capabilities for detecting and tracking subs and ships. The anti-submarine warfare plane also possesses the ability to engage hostile vessels

The Australian P-8A was joined by a US Navy P-8A and an MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicle, which recorded the exercise, according to a news release from US Third Fleet.

The submarine targeted was the US Navy Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754). The nuclear submarine is the fourth improved Los Angeles-class vessel, featuring a more durable hull that allows the warship to dive deeper than other unmodified vessels of its class.

To find the sub, the Poseidon began with range surveillance, "essentially flying a grid search pattern at low altitude to hunt down the exact location of the submarine," the release said. In the exercise, the P-8s were given the broad coordinates for the submarine's location, but the crew had to independently "establish organic tracking and attack criteria," 3rd Fleet said.

The P-8 turned to its sonobuoys to map the sub's movements. These are acoustic sensors used to find submarines. A float with a radio transmitter remains on the surface while a hydrophone is submerged for detection.

"We dropped sonobuoys to determine the track of the submarine," No. 11 Squadron Commander and Tactical Coordinator, Squadron Leader Tristan Hull, explained.

Hull added that "once we were able to establish position, course, and speed of the submarine we were able to derive a solution that met our attack criteria and appropriate weapon placement to ensure maximum success."

After locating the Topeka, the Australian sub-hunter dropped four Mark 54 exercise torpedoes. Hull described it as a detailed process involving the sonobuoys being placed correctly in the area, the acoustics operator accurately interpreting the information to locate the sub, and then the P-8A pilot flying over the target in time.

It was the first time an Australian P-8A dropped this variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo, the news release noted.

The larger RIMPAC exercise, during which this training occurred, is the world's largest international maritime exercise focused on the Indo-Pacific region. This year's exercise, the 29th iteration, included participants from across the region and beyond.

Tracking, detecting, and engaging submarines in exercises such as this one helps train aircraft crewa to better understand how to identify the various acoustic elements of a sub and how they differ from the feedback and noise of the surrounding ocean.

Maritime patrol aircraft crews routinely track submarines outside of structured exercises. Doing so can provide valuable intelligence about the undersea capabilities of potential foes. Recently, an anti-submarine warfare plane belonging to a NATO ally followed a Russian submarine in the Baltic Sea, and before that, a US plane kept tabs on another Russian sub before it docked off the coast of Cuba.