When the United States men’s gymnastics team that had been selected for the Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo was announced, one thing stood out about the five-man group.

For us, it was the culmination of a year-and-a-half evaluation

The Beijing safety principles

The coaching carousel has, maybe, never spun so early. Last year, zero coaches were fired before Nov. 1. In fact, in the last four years combined, five coaches lost their jobs before November.

This year’s firings are especially noteworthy, too. One man, Ed Orgeron, led his team to the national championship less than two years ago. Another, Clay Helton, coached his program in a conference championship game last year. 

Li'l Cheddar Meat Loaves

As we yearn to reconnect with friends, family, and the world at large, I think that what we’ve gone through has also given many of us a chance to reflect on all the things we took for granted: the outdoors, community, neighborhood restaurants, and the arts.

• The regional licorice divide is real
• People still buy candy corn
• Western states have a serious sweet tooth

There is a movement among those in travel to use the pandemic as a chance for positive change. You see that not only among destinations but also big brands, resorts, and travel agent organizations too.