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USA Today
15-07-2025
- USA Today
We love national parks, but these 12 state parks are just as awesome
The U.S. National Park Service's 63 national parks rightly get a lot of love. Visiting these significantly preserved natural sites across the American landscape, like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Acadia, understandably inspires awe and wonder. But all that wonder also leads to big crowds. America's national parks attracted 331.9 million people last year alone. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, you might want to consider visiting one of the thousands of state parks across the country. Some of them even rival national parks in terms of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and historic significance. Here are my top picks for state parks that are just as cool and interesting as the country's most popular national parks. FAMILY TRAVEL MADE EASY: 101 fresh vacation ideas for the best trip ever (updated for 2025) 1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Big Sur, California In California, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park draws nature lovers and photographers to an expanse that stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. Trails wind throughout the park's coastal scrub, coastal prairie grasslands, and evergreen and redwood forests, where you might spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, California condors, and other wildlife. An 80-foot waterfall that tumbles from granite cliffs into the waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a popular feature with visitors. FAMILY FUN: The ultimate guide to Monterey's beaches (and where to stay near each) 'I don't like to play favorites, but I'll admit that Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is pretty darn close to the top of my state parks list,' says FamilyVacationist cofounder and editor-in-chief Christine Sarkis. 'The first time I visited, on a hike to one of the swimming holes, I crossed a bridge and glanced down to see people picnicking—complete with a little table and tablecloth—right in the middle of a shaded section of the wide shallow stream. Their toes in the water, enjoying the warm summer day: That image really sticks with me as a perfect California moment.' Where to stay: Book a guest room or suite at Big Sur Lodge and you'll get a complimentary day pass to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park as well as Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera State Park. 2. Fort Robinson State Park Crawford, Nebraska Occupying more than 22,000 acres in Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, Fort Robinson State Park served its namesake purpose from the early days of the Old West until after World War II and was the site of Crazy Horse's surrender and the 1879 Cheyenne Breakout. Today visitors can learn about that history; explore more than 60 miles of trails; take a horse, Jeep, or stagecoach ride through the park; go fishing on nine ponds; observe bison and other wildlife; and even watch plays during the summer at Post Playhouse. AFTER DARK: 12 family-friendly hotels and resorts with stellar noctourism experiences 'Fort Robinson has all the history, adventure, and sweeping scenery of a national park, minus the crowds,' says Jenn Gjerde, marketing manager at Visit Nebraska. 'Make it a full adventure by checking out nearby gems like the otherworldly Toadstool Geologic Park or the frontier charm of High Plains Homestead. It's the kind of trip you never forget.' Where to stay: Gjerde recommends staying at one of the park's lodging options, which include campsites, cabins, and rooms in a historic lodge. 3. Niagara Falls State Park Niagara Falls, New York America's oldest state park helps visitors explore this natural wonder spanning the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York State. At Niagara Falls State Park, families can take a three-mile guided trolley tour to the park's most scenic vistas, learn about the history of the falls at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, take an elevator 180 feet down for a close-up view of the falls, or board the Maid of the Mist to admire the cascades from the water. There are also hiking trails, an observation tower, and even an aquarium at the 400-acre site. Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls, Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls are all good options for families within walking distance of the park. 4. Sand Harbor State Park Incline Village, Nevada Nevada's Sand Harbor State Park makes it easy to enjoy the waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Activities here include swimming, kayaking (like clear-kayak trips with Clearly Tahoe), standup paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. The accessible paved Sand Point Nature Trail allows all visitors to take in panoramic views of the lake, and the Tahoe East Shore Trail has been called 'America's Most Beautiful Bikeway.' The park also hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every summer. BY THE WATER: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families 'Visiting Sand Harbor State Park was truly a dream come true—I never imagined seeing water so blue outside of the Caribbean or Mediterranean!' says Maria Wyatt Uhl, senior account director at Allied Global Marketing. 'It was the perfect place for a girls' trip with my four-year-old daughter and my twin sister; there was so much to do for every age. Kayaking together on that crystal-clear lake was an unforgettable highlight and made for precious memories we'll cherish forever.' Where to stay: Boutique hotel The Incline Lodge offers stylish rooms, amenities like an indoor pool and daily wine reception, and a convenient location in Incline Village. 5. Curt Gowdy State Park Cheyenne, Wyoming Choose your own adventure at Curt Gowdy State Park. This site in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains features 35 miles of well-marked trails for hikers of all skill levels. Don't miss the waterfall at the west end of Crow Creek Trail and Kate's Trail, a one-mile scenic concrete trail accessible for all visitors. The park is also a prime spot for mountain biking, earning the 'epic' designation from the International Mountain Biking Association. Three reservoirs offer water sports and fishing opportunities, and wildlife watchers might spot mule deer, elk, yellow-bellied marmots, and a range of migrating birds. EASY ESCAPES: Everything's included at these stress-free all-inclusive family resorts right here in the U.S. Where to stay: There are 179 campsites and cabins at the park if you want to stay in the heart of the outdoorsy action. Or stay at Little America Hotel & Resort, where you'll find family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and games and accommodations like the new Wyoming Suites with a separate living area and fully stocked kitchenette. 6. Letchworth State Park Castile, New York Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' Letchworth State Park offers some dramatic scenery in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Genesee River rushes through a gorge and over three major waterfalls between cliffs that are as high as 600 feet in some places. More than 60 miles of trails provide options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The accessible mile-long Autism Nature Trail features eight different sensory stations, and the Humphrey Nature Center houses exhibits and hosts environmental programming. Another fun way to experience the park? A whitewater rafting trip with Adventure Calls Outfitters. Where to stay: Campsites and cabins are available seasonally at the park. Glen Iris Inn is a collection of properties at the park with lodging options that range from guest rooms to house rentals depending on the size of your group. 7. Franconia Notch State Park Franconia, New Hampshire Located in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park could keep you occupied for days. You'll definitely want to walk through the magical Flume Gorge and ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. But you should also plan some time to visit the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza and Historic Site and New England Ski Museum; swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or pedal boat at Echo Lake; and hike trails that lead to sites like Artists Bluff, Lonesome Lake, and Kinsman Falls. Where to stay: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain offers suites that can sleep up to 12 and amenities like two outdoor pools and an on-site winery. You can also camp at the park for a more outdoorsy option. 8. Chattahoochee Bend State Park Newnan, Georgia One of Georgia's largest state parks at almost 3,000 acres, Chattahoochee Bend State Park is just 45 minutes south of Atlanta but feels worlds away. Miles of trails wander through the site for hiking and biking, and an observation platform provides views of the Chattahoochee River and forest. The Riverside Trail travels along the water, and there's a boat ramp for accessing the river, which is a popular spot for paddling and fishing. The park also hosts a variety of ranger-led interpretive programs, including animal track hikes and programs about the fish and birds that call the park home. MAKE MEMORIES: The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember 'There are lots of reasons that Chattahoochee Bend is a great state park to visit, but the one that springs to mind first is the wide diversity of ecosystems that are available to experience at the park,' says Phil LaRue, president of the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park. 'Chattahoochee Bend has granite outcrops, mixed hardwood forests, pine forests, wetlands, boulder fields, and open grasslands, and all of these are accessible from the thirteen-plus miles of trails. If you like exploring nature, then Chattahoochee Bend should definitely be at the top of your list.' Where to stay: The park recently opened three new cottages (including ADA-accessible options) and also offers a range of campsites. If you'd rather not rough it, Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Newnan is a good option, with free daily breakfast and lots of room for the family. 9. Cimarron Canyon State Park Eagle Nest, New Mexico Scenic views and interesting geology are some of the trademarks of Cimarron Canyon State Park. The Cimarron River flows through the narrow, forested canyon, which is located along New Mexico's Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Several waterfalls can be admired along the Clear Creek Trail, while the Maverick Trail is a good choice for wildlife watching. (The park sits within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area.) Fly fishing and horseback riding are other good ways to enjoy the park. Where to stay: There are four campgrounds at the park. Or go for the other end of the extreme and stay at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley for a high-end family vacation. 10. St. Andrews State Park Panama City, Florida If the beach is one of your favorite places to be, put St. Andrews State Park on your list. This gorgeous spot sits on more than 1,200 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay on the Florida Panhandle. Its beach was ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S. by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards, and the rock jetty at the park is a great place for snorkeling. Surfing, fishing, and kayaking are other popular activities at the park, and two short trails help visitors explore the land portion of the site, where you might spot various bird and butterfly species. BACK TO NATURE: 10 best Florida state parks to visit on your family vacation 'St. Andrews State Park is one of my favorite places to unwind,' says Shane Williams, a logistics management specialist who's lived in Panama City Beach for more than 15 years. 'There is a little something for everyone between hiking the trails, paddleboarding, camping, fishing, or just lounging on the beach. It's a must stop for anyone visiting Panama City Beach, especially families!' Where to stay: The park offers campsites and glamping tents. Or book a bunkbed room or suite at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront and enjoy the hotel's pool, lazy river, and free breakfast buffet. 11. Custer State Park Custer, South Dakota Situated in the Black Hills, Custer State Park ranks as South Dakota's first and largest state park (and it's super budget-friendly, too). Start off at the visitor center, where you can learn about the almost 1,300 bison that can be found within the park's 71,000 acres. Then drive Wildlife Loop Road, where you also might spot pronghorn antelope, elk, and mountain goats. Hiking, biking, and horse trails traverse the park, while Jeep tours offer another way to take in the site and its wildlife. On the last Friday in September each year, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup takes place, which helps ensure the park's bison herd and the park itself remain healthy. Where to stay: There are nine campgrounds at the park along with Custer State Park Resort, which offers lodge rooms and cabins. Black Hills Bungalows and Buffalo Rock Lodge and Cabins are two other options for an outdoorsy family getaway. 12. Petit Jean State Park Morrilton, Arkansas Arkansas's first state park, Petit Jean State Park sits between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. More than 20 miles of trails lead visitors to the park's unique geological features like Cedar Falls and Bear Cave. Lake Bailey offers fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating, and there's also a swimming pool for cooling off after a hike. The park's mountaintop driving tour is a good way to get an overview of the site, with several overlooks for taking in the scenic views. Where to stay: Cabins, campsites, and the historic Mather Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are options for staying within the park. If you'd prefer a hotel, there are a number of chain options in nearby Russellville, like Comfort Inn & Suites Russellville I-40 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Russellville. We love national parks, but these 12 state parks are just as awesome (without the big crowds) originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found 23,000-Year-Old Human Footprints Where They Shouldn't Exist
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Researchers determined that footprints in White Sands National Park in New Mexico are from the oldest migrants to North America. The footprints first made headlines after a study published in 2021 claimed that they were thousands of years older than the Clovis people of New Mexico, who had long been thought to be the first North American culture. Who these nomadic people were—or whether they stayed in New Mexico or moved on—is still unknown. An endless ocean of white sprawling across New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Park glitters with dunes of gypsum sand. From those sands have surfaced footprints that would rewrite human history. Found in ancient clay that had long since hardened to stone, the footprints were thought to be anywhere from 21,000 to 23,000 years old. Controversy surrounded the finding—if these tracks really were that ancient, it would mean that they were even older than the Clovis people from the late Pleistocene, whose name comes from a site in New Mexico that was thought to be the oldest known settlement in North America. Whether or not these tracks really did predate the Clovis culture would be debated for years until the investigation was reopened. Archaeologist and geologist Vance Holliday—now a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona—started researching the geologic strata of White Sands in 2012. In 2019, researchers from Bournemouth University in the UK teamed up with the U.S. National Park Service for the excavation that resulted in the discovery of the footprints, and some of Vance's data on the ages of seeds and pollen in the area was used to date the prints for a study published in 2021. If the age of the footprints was correct, that would make them 10,000 years older than the Clovis people. With doubts surrounding that study, Vance became determined to prove their age, and finally succeeded by dating the mud rock they were imprinted on. 'The issue of the arrival of the first Americans has long been contentious and the record from the White Sands locality generated considerable debate focused on the validity of the dating,' he said in a new study recently published in the journal Science Advances. The age of the footprints coincides with the final phase of the Pleistocene epoch, otherwise known as the Last Glacial Maximum. Ice sheets that blocked the Bering Land Bridge between Asia and North America made human migration impossible. This could potentially mean that the first people to settle in North America crossed over before Earth plunged into a deep freeze—a time period which aligns with the age of the footprints, as confirmed by Vance. What is now the Tularosa Basin was once the bottom of a paleolake called Lake Otero that formed after the snow and ice melted. Flows of melted snow brought dissolved gypsum to Lake Otero, which emerged as an expanse of white sand when the lake evaporated into a dry playa. Erosion may have erased some of this history forever, but beneath the sand, fossils of megafauna like mammoths and ground sloths were still preserved—alongside the controversial footprints. Whoever made these prints traveled through marshlands before Lake Otero formed and walked through gley—mud that is too waterlogged for oxygen to penetrate. Organisms in the mud instead turn to iron and manganese compounds in this mud to survive, chemically breaking down these compounds and turning the mud shades of blue, green, or gray. The gley was radiocarbon dated to anywhere between 20,700 and 22,400 years old, supporting previous findings that came close to that range. Before this, Vance had relied on pollen remnants and the seeds of the aquatic plant Ruppia cirrhosa (also known as spiral tasselweed or ditchgrass) to date the impressions. 'At the time that the human tracks were created […] there was an extensive body of standing but shallow water or wetlands in proximity to the trackways throughout the period of human activity,' Vance said. If this is proof of what could be the first humans who migrated to the Americas, then why did they only leave footprints? The absence of artifacts might be explained by nomadic life. Vance thinks that one of the trackways was easily walked over in only seconds, and hunter-gatherers might have only been passing through the basin while holding onto tools and supplies that were not easily replaced. Who these enigmatic people were remains a mystery burried in the sands of time. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two black bears involved in separate food-related conflicts in Glacier, one euthanized
Black bears rummage through dumpsters. (Photo courtesy of FWP) On June 5, an aggressive food-conditioned black bear was euthanized in West Glacier, according to a news release from Glacier National Park said. The park said another black bear and cub could be relocated or euthanized after someone left a backpack unattended and the bears found food in it. The euthanized bear was a 4-year old female black bear. The bear consistently attempted to enter vehicles and buildings on private property inside the park and was eventually successful in entering at least one building and a vehicle. In 2022, the bear was captured in Kalispell by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and relocated to Puzzle Creek, south of Marias Pass. The bear was seen in the West Glacier area last year, but the increase in food-conditioned behavior began in June of this year. On June 7, the Going-to-the Sun Road was opened to its entirety for hiker and biker access, but was closed in the afternoon above the loop after a female black bear with a cub-of-the-year received a food reward from an unattended backpack. Wildlife rangers are attempting to discourage the bears' bad behavior. If unsuccessful, the bears may have to be relocated or euthanized per the park's Bear Management Guidelines. 'Once a bear receives a human food reward, it is very likely to become food conditioned,' the park said. 'Food rewards can include items such as human food, trash, livestock feed, and pet food. 'Over time, food conditioned bears may become bold or aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food. Once a bear has become food-conditioned, hazing and aversive conditioning are unlikely to be successful in reversing this type of behavior, and these bears are euthanized. Food-conditioned bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns.' The park asked visitors to never let a bear get their backpacks, don't stop near bears on the road, and view them from at least 100 yards. It said roadside bears quickly become habituated to people, and habituated bears may learn to frequent campgrounds, where they gain access to human food. 'To protect human life and property, bears that seek human food must be lethally removed from the population,' the park said. For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit Bear Safety – Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service).
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Racing to Save California's Elephant Seals From Bird Flu
Visuals by Loren Elliott Text by Emily Anthes In late 2023, bird flu arrived on the rocky shores of the Valdés Peninsula in Argentina, ripping through the local colony of southern elephant seals. More than 17,000 seal pups died. It could take decades for the population to recover, experts announced in April. 'It really hit a whole generation on that colony pretty hard,' said Sarah Codde, a marine ecologist at the U.S. National Park Service. Sea lions, some dead, on beaches of Río Negro province, Argentina, in August 2023. Juan Macri/Associated Press Now, a team of ecologists, epidemiologists and veterinarians is scrambling to keep the same thing from happening to northern elephant seals. The seals, which live along the Pacific Coast of North America, were hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century. Since then, they have staged a remarkable comeback. But the animals face several serious threats, including coastal erosion, extreme weather and warming temperatures. And their low genetic diversity makes them especially vulnerable to an outbreak. 'The concern is that any disease could wipe them out,' Dr. Codde said. Today, the Point Reyes National Seashore in California is home to roughly 4,000 of the marine behemoths. During the breeding season, the beaches become bona fide petri dishes, bringing large numbers of susceptible seals into close contact with one other as well as shorebirds that could be harboring the bird flu virus, known as H5N1. Dr. Codde and her colleagues form one line of defense, venturing onto the beaches multiple times a week to conduct population counts and assessments. It's a task that requires patience, sharp eyesight and the willingness to occasionally approach multi-ton males for a closer look at the numbers on their plastic flipper tags. This breeding season, Dr. Codde also worked with a graduate student at the University of California, Davis, to collect nasal swabs from young seals, which will provide insight into whether any form of influenza is circulating in the colony. While Dr. Codde monitors the population at large, the Marine Mammal Center is keeping a close eye on individual seals that are sick. The center's main hospital, in Sausalito, rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured seals, sea lions and sea otters; last year, it treated more than 1,000 animals. 'Our clinic is a little thimble,' said Dr. Dominic Travis, a wildlife veterinary epidemiologist and the chief programs officer at the Marine Mammal Center. 'We get a sample size out of the ocean. But those things show up to us for a reason, right? They're an unhealthy sample.' During the breeding season, the center sees a lot of underweight, malnourished elephant seal pups, many of which are still too young to fend for themselves or even swim. Sometimes, they also see elephant seals with parasites or traumatic injuries, such as dog bites or blunt force trauma from boat propellers. For the last few years, the Marine Mammal Center has been testing any patients with bird-flu-like symptoms, which include respiratory and neurological problems, for the virus. It has now expanded that testing to every patient; all animals are swabbed when they are admitted. The swabs are then sent to the University of California, Davis, for rapid bird flu testing. So far, none of the hospital's patients have tested positive for the bird flu virus that has been causing mass die-offs in wild animals. But experts know that the situation could change in an instant. 'It's always a risk,' said Dr. Cara Field, the center's director of conservation medicine. 'We don't know what might come our way.' The Marine Mammal Center is also part of a larger local network of programs and organizations working to expand flu surveillance in marine mammals — especially at a time when government funding is uncertain. Given how widespread the virus is in wild birds, and how ubiquitous the birds are on the beaches, there's not much that experts can do to keep the virus entirely at bay. 'So the best that we can do now is be prepared,' Dr. Field said. Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424.
The Hill
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Why would the US government ever refuse the US dollar?
In a moment of remarkable irony, Toby Stover vs. United States National Park Service may go down in history as the case that put America's legal tender on trial — at the hands of its own government. At its core, this lawsuit challenges the National Park Service's growing refusal to accept cash — U.S. dollars — at dozens of federally funded national parks. One such site is none other than the historic home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in New York's Hyde Park. There, a woman offered to pay her entry fee in U.S. currency, clearly marked 'Legal Tender for All Debts, Public and Private.' Park officials refused. Reflect for a minute on that. The Park Service, a federal agency, is declining to accept money issued by the U.S. Treasury, backed by federal law. And in this instance, it happened at the home of FDR, the very president who, in 1935, ordered the inclusion of the Great Seal of the United States on every dollar bill to bolster confidence during the Great Depression. Today, the federal government refuses to accept those very same bills on the hallowed grounds of his historic residence. According to the plaintiff's May 12 filing in the Washington, D.C., Federal District Court, entrance fees to a national park are bound by the U.S. Treasury's legal tender statute, which states that 'United States coins and currency … are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues.' Refusing to accept cash for public entry fees appears to directly violate this statute. The question at hand is not whether the Park Service prefers digital payments — it is whether federal agencies can legally refuse the nation's own money. This isn't a glitch in the system. It's a symptom of a larger, and dangerous, trend. Scores of parks across the country have implemented or are transitioning to 'cashless' payment systems. This includes iconic places like Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier and Lake Mead. Even our more local Great Falls National Park went cashless in January. As the U.S. National Park Service turns its back on cash, however, other federal institutions are moving in the opposite direction. According to the IRS's chief counsel, Taxpayer Assistance Centers are required to accept cash from taxpayers pursuant to federal law. And in the U.S. Congress, Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) recently reintroduced the Payment Choice Act, a bill with bipartisan support that would require retailers to accept cash for purchases of $500 or less in brick-and-mortar establishments. An increasing number of state and local jurisdictions are passing 'cashless bans' in the absence of a federal law, requiring retailers to accept cash to ensure access and inclusion for all consumers and to guarantee essential commercial continuity in times of disaster. So while these local governments affirm cash as a public right, the U.S. National Park Service is refusing the only form of payment that requires no permission, no technology and no third-party intermediary charging fees to facilitate a simple transaction and/or selling your data to other companies. That contradiction should trouble us all. In the Toby Stover case, the National Park Service argues that if visitors can pay digitally, refusing to do so is a 'self-inflicted' injury. This logic is deeply flawed. The right to engage in commercial transactions should not be contingent on smartphone access or digital literacy. Tendering cash is an exercise of one's basic right to permissionless transactions. There is also a practical vulnerability here. Digital systems depend on power and internet connectivity. What happens when the grid goes down following natural disasters, computer glitches or cyberattacks? At many parks, visitors could be turned away, not because they didn't want to pay but because they brought the one form of payment the U.S. government no longer respects — its own currency! Will history remember Toby Stover vs. U.S. National Park Service as the case that helped rescue the dollar's dignity, or as the beginning of its quiet demise? In a democracy built on laws and liberty, the answer matters. Jeff Thinnes is CEO of JTI, Inc., which supports the Payment Choice Coalition, a group of companies advocating for the right to use cash for reasons of resilience, national security, privacy, fairness, safety and freedom of choice.
