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How heritage brands challenge consumer identityTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why. The FBI, the Homeland Security Department and state agencies have been investigating, but officials say there has been nothing so far to suggest that any drones have posed a national security or public safety threat. In fact, authorities say, many of the drone sightings have actually been legal drones, manned aircraft, helicopters and even stars. President Joe Biden said Tuesday night that there appears to be nothing nefarious about the flying objects. “There are a lot of drones authorized. We are following this closely. So far no sense of danger,” the Democrat said as he left the White House for a trip to Delaware. Despite federal officials' comments, many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly unmanned aircraft — and for the authority to shoot them out of the sky. The House Intelligence Committee grilled federal law enforcement and intelligence officials about the drones during a closed-door meeting Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut told CNN. Authorities told the panel there still is no evidence that drones are posing dangers, Himes said. Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones statewide since mid-November, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that drone-detection equipment supplied by the federal government has yielded little new information. He declined to describe the equipment except to say it was powerful and could even disable the drones, though he said that’s not legal on U.S. soil. Murphy urged Congress to give states more authority to deal with the drones. Meanwhile, the FBI and New Jersey state police warned against pointing lasers at suspected drones, because aircraft pilots are being hit in the eyes more often. Authorities also said they are concerned people might fire weapons at manned aircraft that they have mistaken for drones. The growing anxiety among some residents is not lost on the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from Trump for not dealing with the matter more aggressively. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Monday that the federal government has yet to identify any public safety or national security risks. “There are more than 1 million drones that are lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration here in the United States,” Kirby said. “And there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones that are lawfully in the sky on any given day. That is the ecosystem that we are dealing with.” The federal government has deployed personnel and advanced technology to investigate the reports in New Jersey and other states, and is evaluating each tip reported by citizens, he said. About 100 of the more than 5,000 drone sightings reported to the FBI in recent weeks were deemed credible enough to warrant more investigation, according to a joint statement by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense. Speculation has raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents or clandestine operations by the U.S. government. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said it's unlikely the drones are engaged in intelligence gathering, given how loud and bright they are. And he repeated Tuesday that the drones being reported are not being operated by the Department of Defense. Asked whether military contractors might be operating drones in the New Jersey area, Ryder rebuffed the notion, saying there are “no military operations, no military drone or experiment operations in this corridor.” Ryder said additional drone-detecting technology was being moved to some military installations, including the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. Drone activity in the past week led to an hourlong closure of runways at New York’s Stewart International Airport, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Manhattan, a four-hour closure of air space around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, and the arrests of two men in Boston accused by police of flying a drone too close to Logan International Airport. Trump has said he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, said he has heard nothing to support the notion that the government is hiding anything. He said a lack of faith in institutions is playing a key part in the saga. “Nothing that I’m seeing, nothing that I’ve engaged in gives me any impression of that nature. But like, I get it, some people won’t believe me, right? Because that’s the level of distrust that we face," Kim said Monday. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut last week called for the drones to be “shot down." Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Michael Casey in Boston; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut; Tara Copp in Washington; and Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

India-US Forge New Frontiers in Space CollaborationShelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Health | Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire Health | Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US Health | What’s behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening Health | Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says Health | An Alabama woman is doing well after the latest experimental pig kidney transplant “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The 2024 Formula 1 season may be winding down, but fans already have something to look forward to ahead of 2025. In a first for both, Lego will release a range of hyper-realistic F1-themed sets next year, featuring all 10 teams on the grid. The collaboration, part of a newly announced multi-year partnership, aims to bring the excitement of Formula 1 to Lego enthusiasts worldwide. The collection, set to debut in early 2025, will feature all ten F1 teams, spanning Lego’s Duplo, City, Speed Champions, and Collectibles lines. It comes as F1 prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary, aiming to tap into a broad and diverse audience of fans. The partnership signals a significant step in Formula 1’s strategy to broaden its appeal, particularly among younger fans. “This is a unique collaboration in F1 history—one that engages children of all ages,” said Will Buxton, motorsport journalist and F1 presenter. “From two-year-olds with Duplo to adult collectors building Technic sets, Lego is part of our formative years. Now, it’s helping to foster the next generation of F1 enthusiasts.” Lego’s Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Julia Goldin, emphasised the creative and educational elements of the collaboration. “It’s not just about collecting an F1 car; it’s about storytelling and strategy,” she said. “Young fans can swap drivers, simulate tyre changes, and recreate races, giving them the tools to learn through play. This partnership is about bridging generations—families bonding over a shared passion for racing.” The product line aims to cater to a range of F1 fans, from casual enthusiasts to those deeply invested in the sport’s intricacies. Goldin added: “Our designs reflect the detailed world of Formula 1, from team strategies to iconic liveries. We know fans engage beyond race day, delving into the sport’s history, innovations, and personalities. This collection gives them a hands-on way to explore that passion.” However, the partnership is not without its challenges. Formula 1’s Chief Commercial Officer, Emily Prazer, acknowledged the difficulties in keeping the products up-to-date with the sport’s constantly evolving technology. “Car designs change regularly, so maintaining accuracy is a key focus,” she said. “We’re working with Lego to ensure that future sets reflect these developments, capturing the essence of the sport as it evolves.” Lego’s Creative Lead, Daniel Meehan, described the process of translating F1 cars into Lego form as both complex and rewarding. “The challenge was distilling what makes each car instantly recognisable,” he said. “For Alpine, it’s the balance of pink and blue. Some models are three pieces; others are 200. Striking that balance between simplicity and detail was crucial.” The collaboration extends beyond physical products. In 2025, fans will also experience “Build the Thrill” activities at Grand Prix events, with interactive fan zones offering new ways to engage with the sport. All ten teams are represented in the collection, a first for both Lego and Formula 1. The sets range from Duplo’s simplified Grand Prix builds for younger children to more intricate Speed Champions models. The rollout will begin in January 2025, with additional sets available for pre-order in select regions. “This partnership brings together two iconic brands to deliver something unique for fans,” said Meehan. “We’re offering them a way to bring the excitement of race weekends into their own homes.” Lego and Formula 1 are betting on this collaboration to fuel continued growth in their fanbases. As both brands look to the future, their shared focus on innovation and engagement is set to redefine how audiences experience the sport.

By Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Related Articles Business | Event promoters, hotels and lodging sites soon will have to disclose extra fees up front Business | Should you donate your points and miles to charity? Business | Skip the holiday debt by planning before you spend Business | 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to experts Business | The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .While most modern TVs have decent enough sound quality, it might not feel sufficient for everyone. If you want that immersive experience, adding a new soundbar to your entertainment setup can take things to the next level for you and your guests. These devices offer a simple and easy way to seriously improve your TV's sound, and with theses lingering Black Friday deals , countless models are seeing major discounts -- especially since Cyber Monday is nearby. Major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are offering discounts on great-sounding soundbars, including on some of our favorite models . To help you take full advantage of all the Black Friday offers we've rounded up our top picks below. We'll continue to update this page as bargains come and go throughout the shopping season, so be sure to check back often. Best Black Friday soundbar deals The Yamaha YAS-209 earned a spot on our list of the best soundbars of 2024 as our favorite model with Amazon Alexa built-in. That means it allows you to stream music and control other smart devices on your network totally hands-free. This 2.1-channel system features a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer for powerful bass and has multiple preset sound modes for movies, gaming and more. Specs: 2.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 100 watts | 2.5 inches wide This simple Samsung soundbar is a great option for those who want a basic and affordable upgrade from their TV's speakers. It's an all-in-one system that features two woofers and three tweeters, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS VirtualX support for a more immersive watch experience. It also has Bluetooth built-in for wireless music streaming. Specs: 5.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 100 watts | 4.7 inches wide The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of our favorite soundbars , and it's especially great for streaming your favorite tracks. It can connect with other Sonos speakers in the same room or around your home to all play the same song in unison, perfect for an instant house party. Specs: 2.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth | 200 watts | 25.6 inches wide If you're looking for something a little more high-end, you may want to upgrade to the VIzio Elevate 5.1.4-channel system. It's our favorite soundbar for under $1,000, and it's equipped with 18 total speakers for seriously powerful audio. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support also provide a more immersive watch experience, and it has Bluetooth and Chromecast built-in for easy music streaming. Specs: 5.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 400 watts | 6.7 inches wide The Roku Streambar SE is a compact 2.0-channel soundbar that combines streaming capabilities with enhanced audio performance. It features two front-facing speakers designed to deliver clearer and louder TV audio. The device supports 4K, HD, and HDR streaming, Specs: 2.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 32 watts | 9.6 inches wide If you're looking for a great balance of price and performance, the Vizio M512a-H6 is a standout choice. This 5.1.2-channel soundbar system delivers rich, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos (the best soundbar with Atmos that's less than $500) and DTS:X support, thanks to its up-firing drivers and wireless subwoofer. It's an affordable way to upgrade your home theater setup, offering HDMI eARC for seamless connection and Bluetooth for effortless music streaming. Specs: 5.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 200 watts | 2.2 inches wide The Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX takes your home audio experience to the next level with its 5.1.2-channel setup, delivering room-filling sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Its 11-speaker array, including up-firing drivers, creates a cinema-worthy soundscape, while the 10-inch wireless subwoofer brings powerful, punchy bass. With built-in Wi-Fi, streaming is a breeze via Chromecast, AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect, and customizable sound modes make it perfect for movies, music, and gaming. Specs: 5.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 200 watts | 11.9 inches wide The Samsung HW-B650/ZA stands out as a top pick for its cheap price, clear dialogue and deep bass, thanks to its 3.1-channel setup with a dedicated center speaker and wireless subwoofer. This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X for a more immersive sound experience and comes with multiple preset modes for movies, gaming, and music. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily stream your favorite tunes directly from your devices. Specs: 5.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 430 watts | 7.2 inches wide The Creative Stage soundbar punches well above its price tag, delivering surprisingly robust audio for its compact size. And now, its price tag is even lower. Its 2.1-channel system features two finely tuned drivers and a dedicated subwoofer, ensuring clear mids and deep, satisfying bass. It tops our list of favorite soundbars under $100 . Specs: 2.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 160 watts | 3 inches wide A minimalist Bose offering, this soundbar is also compatible with Bose's Bass Module 500 and 700 if you want deeper bass. Get it now at a considerable sale before it's gone. Specs: 3 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth compatible | 2.2 inches wide The Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar system that delivers immersive audio through its side-firing and up-firing speakers, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. It includes a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers to enhance the surround sound experience. The system features Q-Symphony technology, which synchronizes audio with compatible Samsung TVs for a more cohesive soundstage. Essentially, it's a premium offering, but currently going for almost half of its normal asking price. Specs: 7.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth | 2.3 inches wide If you're looking for more of a budget option, the Hisense HS2100 soundbar is a solid option that you can snag for under $100. It supports DTS Virtual X spatial sound and Dolby Audio for an immersive experience while you're gaming or streaming. Specs: 2.1 channel | Wireless | Bluetooth | 240 watts | 31.5 inches wide Is Black Friday the best time to buy a soundbar? Yes, Black Friday is one of the absolute best times to grab a new soundbar for your home entertainment setup. Not only are these some of the lowest prices we've seen all year, but there's also a much wider selection on sale, which makes it much easier to find a system that fits your needs and your budget. Now that Black Friday is over, you'll want to act quickly to secure these lingering deals. Where will I find the best Black Friday soundbar deals? You'll find plenty of deals available at major retailers, with both Amazon and Best Buy offering some serious discounts at the moment. You'll also want to check smaller online competitors like Crutchfield and B&H Photo , as they carry a pretty large selection of audio tech, and may be offering some under-the-radar deals that haven't been matched at other competitors. You should also check the online stores for popular brands like Bose and Samsung since many manufacturers offer some direct discounts of their own during this time of year. Why should I invest in a soundbar? TV speakers don't deliver big sound these days because our screens have gotten a lot thinner and high-quality components simply won't fit. Additionally, built-in TV speakers often face downward, which can further dilute the sound you hear. A soundbar can really improve your audio, and if you need a little help figuring out which features to look for, be sure to check out our soundbar buying guide . Is Dolby Atmos worth the extra cost? Absolutely. If your budget allows it, we strongly recommend springing for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos. Though traditional surround sound is fine, Dolby Atmos' audio processing can offer a more immersive and enjoyable experience. There's a reason Dolby Atmos is touted as a standout feature by soundbar manufacturers. Should I wait for Cyber Monday soundbar deals? Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the holiday season, which means we're seeing massive discounts across the board. That said, you could wait until Cyber Monday to see if these prices will be better, but the chances are pretty low. Additionally, by waiting until Cyber Monday, you risk the soundbar you want being sold out. These deals are going quickly. CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page , and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. Peruse our gift guide , which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.

EDMONTON — Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says as of April 1 the province is ending photo radar ticketing on all numbered provincial highways. The province also plans over the coming months to review "cash cows” – photo radar spots that appear to prioritize money-making over safety -- with the goal of shutting down 70 per cent of the current 2,200 sites. Dreeshen says far too often photo radar penalizes drivers without improving road safety, adding the province doesn’t intend to offer extra cash to make municipalities whole from the lost photo radar revenue. “The whole point of getting rid of these cash cow locations is to make sure that photo radar is used as a traffic safety tool and not as a revenue generator,” Dreeshen told a news conference Monday. Photo radar will continue to be allowed in school zones, playground zones and construction sites, but beyond these areas, local governments will have to submit their case and show evidence of higher collision rates. At intersections equipped with cameras, running a red light could still net a driver a ticket, but speeding on green will not - starting in the spring. Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, applauded the move. “Our communities have called for change, and I’m proud to say that this government has listened,” she said at the government news conference. Alberta Municipalities president Tyler Gandam said his organization supports local governments using automated traffic enforcement for safety reasons, since the data shows it reduces deaths, injuries and property damage. "It's improving safety in the communities, no question," Gandam said in an interview, adding the government's decision is about political points because getting tickets is unpopular. "If you don't like photo radar, just stop speeding," he said. Gandam said forcing municipalities to go through another approval process represents more bureaucracy from a government that prides itself on cutting red tape. He said photo radar revenue makes up a small portion of any municipality's budget. For him, the issue is about safety, including that of the police officers who will need to enforce traffic safety. Dreeshen said the province has seen a "mixed bag" of data measuring photo radar's effect on collision numbers. "There's lots of folks that will say photo radar is needed to keep these streets safe, but we've also seen municipalities, when they remove photo radar, that we've actually seen safer streets," he said. "We're not banning speed limits," he said. Opposition NDP critic Lorne Dach told reporters Dreeshen's move doesn't appear to be supported by evidence. "The decision-making here seems to be basically based on the minister's decision about popularity rather than public safety data," said Dach. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the government is adding red tape, and that municipalities, including Calgary, use photo radar funding to pay for policing. "If this government wants municipalities to increase property taxes for their largest budget item, they should just say so," he said. The United Conservative Party government has been placing restrictions on photo radar sites in stages. All photo radar sites were removed from ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton last December. Dreeshen said that's shown good results, in part because drivers aren't taken off guard by having to suddenly slow down and disrupt traffic. In 2019, the UCP increased the province’s share of photo radar revenue to 40 per cent from 27. That fiscal year, the revenue generated was $203 million across the province. By last year, total revenue was down to $145 million, Dreeshen said Monday. "At the end of the day, this is going to be a hit to the province (financially) as well." Among the top five revenue-generating sites listed by the government in 2023, four are in Edmonton and area, each collecting between $2.1 million and almost $6 million per year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2024. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press