Ham Radio Field Day: How Operators Prepare for Power and Cell Service Outages

By Andrew Danielson

Spring seems to be in the air, with summer knocking on the door.

For many Americans, summer is the time for taking life a little easier, going on vacation, weekends at the lake, and soaking up the warm weather and temperatures.

But for amateur radio operators, summer, particularly the month of June, brings a chance to practice their emergency communication skills in a national event called “Field Day.”

“The purpose of Field Day is to get outside and to test kind of the EmComm side of amateur radio,” Adam Warrix, KD9NRT, said using the abbreviation “emcomm” to describe emergency communications.

Warrix is a past president of the Fort Wayne Radio Club. A science teacher at Snider High School, Warrix first received his amateur radio license in 2019 after observing ham radio’s use on a field research trip he had taken to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Amateur radio operators, also called “ham radio operators,” are individuals licensed by the federal government to own and operate personal radio stations.  These radio stations must be operated in accordance to federal regulation, as overseen and enforced by the FCC – the Federal Communications Commission.

Screenshot of Field Day locator page from the National Association for Amateur Radio

Before they receive an amateur radio license, ham radio operators must successfully pass required knowledge examinations covering electronic theory, radio signal propagation, federal laws governing radio transmission, and related material.

Upon successful completion of these exams, hams are assigned a federally-issued callsign. In Warrix’s case, his assigned callsign was KD9NRT, although there are many other combinations of letters and numbers available and used in the amateur radio service.

As of 2026, there are approximately 734,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the United States according to licensing statistics published on the website of the ARRL – the American Radio Relay League. In Indiana, the amateur radio operator population sits at just over 15,000 individuals.

One of the core reasons that the federal government allows and encourages the existence of the amateur radio service is their ability to provide radio communications during times of local and national emergencies.

But providing emergency communications doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and training. Field Day provides a perfect opportunity for ham radio operators to train and practice those emergency communications skills.

Local radio amateur Dr. Josh Long (callsign W9HT) explained that Field Day is all about identifying what assets are needed for a portable amateur radio station, such as what kind of antenna to use. 

Long is a young ham with plenty of experiences. A licensed amateur radio operator for 26 years, Long’s interest in radio communications was sparked by a Montgomery Ward receiver he was gifted by his parents as a child.

Now a professor of economics at Indiana Institute of Technology, Long currently serves as the director of the Central Division of the American Radio Relay League, a geographical area encompassing the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

Long has personal experience using his amateur radio station to provide emergency communications.

In 2008, Fort Wayne was struck by a winter storm that included large amounts of ice. With power outages caused by ice buildup plaguing the city, the local chapter of the American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for residents affected by the storm.

During the emergency, Long volunteered his services as a ham radio operator, helping pass general welfare messages via a portable amateur radio station he set up at the Red Cross shelter at the Coliseum.

Nationally, amateur radio has played a vital part in providing emergency communications for other parts of the county hit by severe weather.

In 2024, the American Radio Relay League posted a press release detailing the EmComm activations by ham radio operators following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Those efforts included providing emergency communications support to towns and residents who had lost power and cellular service due to damage to the power grid.

In 2025, the American Radio Relay League detailed efforts radio amateurs made to provide emergency communications during the Jan. wildfires that ravaged portions of California in a press release. Some of those efforts included using amateur radio stations to report on weather conditions.

In between emergency communication activations, amateur radio operators practice their communication skills and abilities by participating in training events and exercises like Field Day. Field Day gives amateurs practice in not only learning how to set up portable radio stations, but also in the skills needed to communicate a message across the country quickly.

“It [Field Day] needs to test emergency communications,” Warrix said.

Field Day has been held annually since 1933 according to the American Radio Relay League. A mixture of competition, socializing, and EmComm skill training, Field Day has a lot of features packed into one event.

Long said that Field Day covered a multitude of training aspects when it comes to setting up a portable radio station.

 “It’s not just the technological stuff, it’s the environmental stuff like bugs or weather” Long said.

Several local amateur radio clubs in and around Fort Wayne, Indiana participate in Field Day, including the Fort Wayne Radio Club. In just the past couple of years, the Fort Wayne club has held its Field Day event on the campus of Purdue Fort Wayne as well as the historic Old Fort, a recreation 1812 War-era fort in downtown Fort Wayne.

But choosing a site for Field requires careful planning.

Field Day lasts a little over 24 hours, so amateur radio participants must request permission to stay overnight for their Field Day activation. The Fort Wayne Radio Club’s activations for Field Day also take into consideration public access for visitors to the site as well as technical operating parameters needed to make the activation successful.

But Field Day is more than a chance to practice one’s communication skills in a simulated emergency. It’s a chance for ham radio operators to socialize with one another and build community. 

One local amateur radio operator, Bill Rodgers (callsign K3HZP), has participated in Field Day since he was first licensed in 1959.

“We just set up in the field and operated it,” Rodgers recalled, talking about his first Field Day event over 60 years ago. “I remember going through the barbed wire fence to get to the field.”

That was when Rodgers was growing up in Pennsylvania. A retired electrical engineer with his doctorate in electrical engineering from Ohio State University, Rodgers continues to enjoy participating in Field Day, most recently with the Whitley County Amateur Radio Club.

Rodgers’ experiences are the very core of Field Day – setting up a radio station and joining one’s friends and acquaintances to test out radio communication skills and gear.

The reality is that emergencies don’t come for the asking (or the refusal). They strike at one’s home, community, and country, whether that happens in the height of summer vacation or the middle of the freezing winter.

While many Americans enjoy all that summer has to offer, ham radio operators will be busy at Field Day training and preparing, ready to help fill the communication void should an emergency happen.

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Fallout Season 2: A Thrilling Continuation of One of the Best Video Game Adaptations Ever Put To Screen

By Elijah Noggle, SCO Cultural Critic

Back in 2024, Amazon Prime Video graced us with what I would consider one of the best video game adaptations of all time- The Fallout TV series. Historically, video game adaptations (film or TV) have a reputation of being hit or miss, but Fallout is one of the ones that really stood out. It didn’t try to reinvent what Fallout was or ignore the source material (looking at you, Halo series).

It had a deep reverence for what came before and its new story fit perfectly into the established lore. And just to clarify before i continue, I haven’t played the Fallout games but I have a friend who has and they’ve filled me in on how the series fits into the established canon.

Now we have the heavily anticipated Season 2. After being teased in Season 1, this follow-up takes us to the area of New Vegas. This season takes a lot of inspiration and pre-established lore from the fan-favorite 2010 video game Fallout: New Vegas.

It’s a little hard to explain what’s going on in this season since there are actually a lot of plot threads. Or to explain without spoiling the first season. But basically in a broad sense, it expands the story of this series and the journeys of most of its characters. We get more exploration of many characters from Season 1 and more locations and lore about the wasteland.

One thing I can definitely say for sure is that this season has more impressive action sequences than the first one did. Feels a bit like the creative team and the studio were more willing to drop the budget for the special effects needed to craft these types of sequences. In particular, the scenes that feature Brotherhood power armor were incredibly fun to watch.

Without giving too much away, I’ll say, one of my favorite main characters this season was probably Cooper Howard aka The Ghoul. Cooper, much like in Season 1, is the lens through which we learn about what was going on over 200 years ago before the bombs dropped.

Those scenes were, again, some of my favorites not only because they give us so much context on how what was going on back then informs what’s going on in the wasteland, but they help us understand the juxtaposition between the dark and morally grey Ghoul as he is now, and the well-intentioned movie star he used to be. The ghoul is a stark representation of how the wasteland changes people. It’s hard to root for him as a person, but damn, he is a really compelling character that I hope Walton Goggins can win some kind of award for.

One of the strongest positives of this season for me was the connection to the game Fallout: New Vegas. (without spoiling anything too major) From what I understand about the pre-existing lore of the fallout universe, and especially what was established in New Vegas, this season of TV remains remarkably true to the details. The way these sets were designed, especially the Vegas strip itself, is so well put together and looks almost identical to the game.

Robert House, a character taken directly from New Vegas, feels completely in line with how he was portrayed in the game. Many of the factions from New Vegas like the New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion are well fleshed out, building naturally on what was established about them in the video game. Overall, another impressive showing by the creative team, further proving their deep appreciation and understanding of this franchise.

My biggest criticism of Season 2 is the pacing and overall structure of some of it. This season is juggling a lot of plot lines. Storylines that are being continued from Season 1, and some new threads. The issue is that it feels like the creative team had a bit of trouble properly balancing screen time for all of these plot lines. This results in a couple of them feeling less fleshed out, or less focused on than others. There’s a particular group established early on in the season that doesn’t even show up again until the final episode, and I found that strange, and slightly frustrating.

It is setting up a Season 3 and I know not everything can be fully resolved, but you may be disappointed at some plot threads being left on a cliffhanger by the end of the season. Despite these issues though, I do think that for the most part overall, the season’s overarching story does come together pretty well, and there are some really good payoffs to things that were set up throughout the season. The writing is still top notch and the season finale is one of my favorite episodes of TV I’ve seen in recent memory.

To conclude this review, I wouldn’t say Season 2 is quite as good as Season 1 in terms of overall quality due to the pacing issues, but it is still a very worthy successor and it comes highly recommended from me. I think I would give this at least a solid 8/10.

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Taking Flight: Allen County, Indiana’s Aviation History

By Andrew Danielson

Southwest of downtown Fort Wayne, the thunderous roar of jet engines pulses through the air at Fort Wayne International Airport. Passengers concentrate on gate departure and arrival times as they hurry through the long corridors of the travel edifice. A voice announces baggage claim details over the PA.

But Fort Wayne International isn’t the only airport in the city.

Across town, located off of West Ludwig Road, the buzz of a small single-propeller plane cuts through the air, sounding like an enormous dragonfly. Suddenly, a small white speck hurtles down a runway, sailing into the air in a graceful arc. Flight operations are in full swing on this crisp, clear day at Smith Field Airport, a small airport on the north side of Fort Wayne.

As I stood and watched that small airplane begin its flight into the wild blue yonder, I realized that I was seeing almost 100 years of aviation history. For this airport is the birthplace of commercial aviation in the Summit City.

Historic Hangar built in 1930

Smith Field: The Origins of Fort Wayne Aviation

Smith Field first opened as the Paul Baer Municipal Airport in June of 1925, according to the History of Fort Wayne & Allen County, Volume 1 (History of Fort Wayne).

The History of Fort Wayne article on aviation detailed how Smith Field was named after the first American ace (a pilot who shoots down at least five enemy aircraft) Paul Frank Baer. Baer had served as a pilot during World War 1, first in the French Foreign Legion. When the United States joined the war in 1917, Baer became part of the US military as a pilot.

Following the war, Baer was a hero of his hometown, the Summit City. It was only fitting that Fort Wayne’s first official airport should be named after this American hero.

However, that all changed in World War II.

A documentary by PBS Fort Wayne explained that in 1940, the Army Air Corps (the forerunner of the US Air Force) was building air fields across the country.

For Fort Wayne, the choice came down to either converting Baer Field (as Smith Field was then called) to an army air corps base, or building a brand new airport for the army.

The fear was that if Baer Field became primarily a military airfield, Fort Wayne could lose its bustling commercial air traffic. Baer Field was doing a roaring business, and Fort Wayne didn’t want to lose this valuable asset to the city’s economy and quality of life.

The final decision? Build a brand new air field on the southwest side of Fort Wayne.

At the time of its completion in 1941, the new air field cost $10 million according to the Fort Wayne Airport Authority’s website.

But the new airfield needed a name.

As explained in the History of Fort Wayne, the army’s tradition was to name these kinds of military installations after military aviators.

Fort Wayne residents, on the other hand, preferred to name the new airfield either after the Revolutionary War hero General “Mad” Anthony Wayne or the aviation pioneer and Fort Wayne native Art Smith.

In a compromise, it was decided to rename Baer Field in honor of Art Smith, while the new airport took on the name of Baer Field.

The decision was appropriate, as it honored two of Fort Wayne’s aviation heroes, Paul Baer and Art Smith.

Art Smith: Fort Wayne’s Aviation Pioneer

Art Smith was a rock star of the early aviation world.

The History of Fort Wayne recounts that Art Smith was the first American pilot invited to Japan. Smith had received an invitation extended by the Emperor of Japan to come put on exhibitions of flying.

In the course of his career, which included being a stunt pilot, military pilot instructor, and air mail pilot, Smith amassed an enviable number of awards and a network of famous friends.

The National Air and Space Museum records that Art Smith, known as the “Bird Boy” of Fort Wayne, received a tremendous outpouring of tributes upon his untimely death in an airplane crash in 1926. Tributes came from the giants of aviation, including Orville Wright, the first human to ever fly an airplane. Famed pilot Charles Lindbergh also paid homage, circling the city of Fort Wayne three times in honor of Smith’s legacy.

Today, a monument to Art Smith, at a height of nearly 40 feet, stands in Memorial Park in downtown Fort Wayne on the same location in which Art Smith first took off in his homemade airplanes.

Wartime Innovation at Smith Field

Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of Smith Field’s history is the fact that it served as a top-secret military installation in addition to its commercial activities during World War II.

According to the History of Fort Wayne, the US military built and designed what is the predecessor to today’s guided missiles or weaponized drones, the TDR-1 Assault Drone. A twin-engine aircraft that could carry explosives and be guided by radio control via an early form of television, the TDR-1 was flown to Smith Field, electronics installed in the cockpit, and then shipped to the military via a rail line that ran alongside the airport.

TDR-1 missiles were unmanned, being remotely piloted. They saw action for a limited period of the war, being deployed against the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre. Eventually, the project was ended by the military for a variety of reasons.

Today, only one example of a TDR-1 assault drone exists in the world according to the History of Fort Wayne. That example is currently on display in Pensacola, Florida at the U.S. Naval Air Museum.

Historic Hangars and Rare Architecture

But Smith Field is not known for just its wartime efforts.

The airport actually hosts two historically significant architectural elements, both hangers.

Hangar 2, with its three large doors and spacious interior, was unusual at the time of its construction in 1930 as mentioned in the PBS Fort Wayne documentary. Its size was enough to accommodate the large passenger aircraft of the time, such as the Douglas DC-3, which could carry about 20 passengers.

But perhaps the most unusual and rare historic artifact at Smith Field is its Carousel Hangar.

The National Park Service describes the Carousel Hangar at Smith Field as, “…the only example of Clark W. Smith’s patented design ever built.”

The outside of the Carousel Hangar

Smith’s design was to build a rounder hanger that looks very similar to a grain silo. A door in the side can be rolled back, revealing the interior of the hangar and the carousel network.

The network itself consists of a series of long, metal tracks, sticking out of a central, rotating hub like spokes in a wheel. There are enough tracks to support up to four small planes.  

Scott Noble, a local private pilot who stores his small plane in this Carousel Hangar, explained the basic function of the hangar design.

He said that the carousel network can be rotated around the central hub (just like a carousel).

“You could put your airplane in this and then they would just move it to wherever they needed to,” Noble explained.

Scott Noble’s plane inside the carousel hangar
Detail of the central hub of the carousel

Basically, if a pilot wants to get his airplane from this hangar, they simply need to open the doors of the hangar, rotate the carousel until their particular plane is pointed to the exit of the hangar, start up the engine, and taxi out on to the runway.

One of the neat features of this carousel method of plane storage is that the entire assembly can be rotated by hand. It does take a little muscle to get the carousel moving, but the entire mechanism is remarkably compact and efficient.

Smith Field’s Role in Modern Aviation

Even though Smith Field is more than a century old, it continues to be a hive of aviation activity.

With the edition of a brand new terminal building in 2013, Smith Field only seems to be increasing both activity and size.

“Look at how big this thing is,” Noble said excitedly. “I mean, this is double or triple the size of what it used to be.”

New Terminal Building

The reality is that Smith Field serves a vital role in the aviation industry of the Fort Wayne area.

According to the Fort Wayne Airport Authority’s website, Smith Field has been designated the primary reliever airport for Fort Wayne International.

But what is a reliever airport you might ask?

As explained on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website, a reliever airport is, “An airport designated by the Secretary of Transportation to relieve congestion at a commercial service airport and to provide more general aviation access to the overall community.”

Basically, a reliever airport takes the pressure off a main commercial airport like Fort Wayne International. For example, while Fort Wayne International handles large aircraft and numerous commercial flights for passengers, Smith Field can handle the smaller planes of general aviation and private pilot flight traffic.

This isn’t to say private pilots can’t fly in and out of Fort Wayne International – it just means that private pilots and general aviation traffic have another option available to them for takeoff, landing, refueling, and storing their personal planes.

That’s good news for everyone. Fort Wayne International can keep an efficient flow of large commercial traffic coming in and out of the city while Smith Field serves all of the smaller airplane traffic.

But Smith Field is important for more than its reliever role.

Sweet Aviation, a local business owned by the founder of Sweetwater Sound Chuck Surack, currently operates out of Smith Field. According to Sweet Aviation’s website, the business provides, “…maintenance, charter, detailing, aircraft rentals, and robust flight training.”

Inside the new terminal building

In addition to Sweet Aviation, Smith Field also hosts the Aviation Center, which is home to Ivy Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Built in 2012 at a cost of $2.3 million, the Aviation Center is a large facility – 21,000 square feet – and it provides both hangar and classroom space for Ivy Tech’s programs.

Beyond its commercial use, Smith Field also serves as the introductory location to young people to the world of flight.

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which sees young people taken on airplane rides by private pilots, has several upcoming rallies scheduled for the airport,  sponsored by the EAA’s Chapter 2. Through this program, young people are introduced to the excitement of soaring into the sky and the world of aviation.

A Historic Airfield with a Modern Mission

Smith Field has so much to offer the northeast Indiana community.

Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, Smith Field’s historic past is firmly recognized, an indelible testament to its honored service in times of peace and war.

But Smith Field also looks forward to the future, serving as the birthplace for the flight dreams of young aviators today, and the pilots and aircraft mechanics of tomorrow.

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Outdoor Warning Sirens: Obsolete Technology or Valuable Safety Devices?

By Andrew Danielson

Tornado siren.

For those of us in the Midwest, outdoor warning sirens, commonly called “tornado sirens” are a sound that is almost familiar, frequently triggering during periods of severe weather.

But with the advent of modern technology, such as severe weather alerts sent to one’s cellphone or broadcast on television, a debate has erupted in the public sphere.

Are tornado sirens effective tools that can save lives, or are they relics of a bygone and technologically illiterate past?

Following the deadly floods in the US last year, particularly in Texas, that debate has only intensified.

Screenshot of warning sirens test results from May 6, 2026 (Allen County website)

History of a Siren

Don Sell (WB9TYJ) is a licensed amateur radio operator and a recently retired professional meteorologist that provided aviation weather reports to air traffic control at Fort Wayne International Airport. He outlined some of the background history to outdoor sirens.

According to Sell, warning sirens got their start in World War II.

At the time, the sirens were intended to warn residents of incoming air raids. With cellular technology not even invented and television just starting to enter the family home, these blaring trumpets of alarm were new technology for the era.

Following the Second World War, the sirens changed purpose from warning of incoming raid sirens to warning of impending nuclear attack. It was the Cold War, and fears of a nuclear conflagration erupting between the United States and the Soviet Union provided a perfect use for the sirens.

Sell said that tornado sirens first came to be used as severe weather alarms following the 1974 tornado outbreak.

That outbreak of severe, damaging weather was no joke.

On April 3-4 of 1974, the central and eastern portions of the United States, as well as parts of Canada, experienced one of the most severe tornado outbreaks in history according to an article on the webpage of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The federal agency stated that the outbreak of tornadoes was so deadly that over 6,000 people were injured, with 335 “direct fatalities” and financial losses extending into the billions.

The Limitations of a Tornado Siren

But how effective a tornado siren may be in America today is up for debate.

Jim Elliott (KE9IWX) is another meteorologist that worked with Sell at the Fort Wayne International Airport providing aviation weather reports. He shares Sell’s hobby of amateur radio and provided some of the pros and cons of outdoor warning systems.

Elliott said that the sirens are intended primarily to warn people who are outdoors, such as folks enjoying an outdoor sporting or music event or perhaps walking across the PFW campus between classes. For these folks, a tornado siren would be perfect since everyone is outdoors and should be capable of hearing the siren’s warning wail.

But what about people in their homes?

Elliott said that sirens have limitations when it comes to warning people who are indoors.

“Today’s homes are well insulated,” Elliott said. “Sometimes, if I’m in my house, I cannot hear those sirens.”

The Financial Cost of a Tornado Siren

There is another angle to the impact of outdoor warning sirens, and that’s the financial cost of maintaining or repairing the current outdoor tornado siren system.

Last year, Channel 21 published an article about the Allen County warning siren system, interviewing Bernie Beier.

Beier is the county emergency management and disaster preparedness director, and a military veteran with combat experience having served with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Beier estimated that Allen County would need anywhere from $700,000 to possibly $1.2 million to totally update the current warning system, according to Channel 21’s article.

Finances are a common theme in the on-going national discussion about outdoor warning sirens.

Officials in Texas, following the deadly July, 2025 flash flooding that killed over 100 people, have been mulling over the prospects of installing outdoor sirens as a last line of defense to warn communities of rising flood waters.

NBC published an article discussing the possible effectiveness of outdoor warning sirens that were used in one Texas community, Comfort, which was downstream from the harder hit areas of Texas.

Comfort had recently installed a two-siren warning system, according to the NBC report. Comfort experienced no fatalities during the flash flooding – a stark contrast to the experience of communities lying upstream in Kerr County which did not have outdoor warning sirens.

NBC did clarify in the article that outdoor warning sirens are meant for folks outdoors, not asleep in their homes. Many of the fatalities that occurred in Kerr County were people who were indoors.

 However, the lack of victims in Comfort versus those in Kerr County suggests that possibly, outdoor warning sirens may have been a contributing factory in saving peoples’ lives.

How Outdoor Warning Sirens Function

Yet another aspect of tornado sirens is the technology used versus modern cellular systems. Today’s smartphones have access to emergency alerts, and public TV and radio stations will also broadcast severe weather warnings.

“Everybody has a cell phone,” Elliott said.

That proliferation of technology should mean that the majority of a community’s population will receive automatic alerts sent directly to their personal device, negating the need for tornado sirens.

But what if cell coverage is spotty or knocked out?

“Those alerts may not get through,” according to NBC. “Particularly in rural areas with bad service or in the night when phones are off.”  

Even modern technology isn’t fool proof. There’s debate on whether or not cellular and internet service are truly reliable.

“You’re dealing with cell towers, you’re dealing with cellular networks, you’re dealing with the internet,” Sell said. “How reliable is that when a tornado comes ripping through here and tears everything up?”

Warning Siren Upkeep

Efforts are being made by volunteers and warning siren officials to keep track of how Allen County’s warning sirens are doing.

Jim Moehring (KB9WWM) has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 2000, upgrading to the top-level amateur radio license “Amateur Extra class,” in November of 2001.

Moehring said that he was intrigued by emergency communications particularly after the 9/11 terror attacks that struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon.

Since that time, Moehring has become heavily involved with emergency communications provided by ham radio operators, particularly through a program called ARES – the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

According to the American Radio Relay League, ARES “…consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment … for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.”

Moehring has served on a variety of local and state-level positions with ARES. He currently serves as the emergency coordinator of Allen County, as well as the district three coordinator, which includes 11 counties throughout northeast Indiana.

One of the services that the ARES team in Allen County provides is to help with the monthly tornado siren tests.

Moehring explained that the radio amateurs in the ARES team collaborate with officials in Allen County in charge of the sirens, to test the performance and ability of the outdoor warning system.

Held the first Wednesday of every month at noon (except for times of inclement weather when the public may confuse a test with an actual weather emergency), Moehring said that the monthly tests are a good way for radio amateurs to test their equipment and to give back to the community.

“It’s part of our community service to do that,” Moehring said.

He explained that he has 10-12 operators who fan out across the county and listen to their assigned siren. Once the sirens have finished their activation, operators use their portable amateur radio sets to communicate to Moehring in an organized, on-the-air gathering called a “net.”

Operators report on the status of their assigned siren, including listing how long the siren was activated, whether or not the siren rotated (not all sirens are designed to rotate), and whether the siren had good volume output.

Moehring said that the warning sirens in Allen County are turned on and off remotely by officials via a series of tones sent over radio waves. 

He explained that one of the benefits of ham radio operators participating in the test is that officials can easily get a status report of many sirens in a short period of time.

“It makes the job of making sure the sirens are working much easier,” he said, “Because it takes us about 10 minutes to get all the reports in.”

Moehring said that sirens who don’t have a volunteer listening for the siren require officials to either send out a staff person to that site or call someone living near the siren. That can take up a lot of valuable time, so the service the hams provide is welcomed by officials.

Moehring shared a similar viewpoint when it comes to the effective of sirens to warn people indoors.

“They’re not effective for anything indoors unless you happen to be right underneath one or very close to one,” he said.

Are Sirens the Answer?

It’s difficult to draw a conclusion as to the effectiveness of the sirens. The expense of the system makes it prohibitive for counties and small communities to invest in the necessary resources required to maintain and update these systems.

On the other hand, it appears that alternative means of warning are not as bulletproof as could be wished. A damaged cellular system or failure of internet service providers could potentially knock out two of the most modern means officials have of warning citizens of impending weather dangers.

Perhaps the best way of viewing warning sirens is that they are an older technology that serves a useful purpose – to act as a backup and final means to warn residents of impending danger.

If residents have access to any other forms of technology, they should have those devices ready to go and be monitoring for severe weather as it approaches their community.

“The best way is through your local media – the radio, the TV stations,” Elliott said. “Also, the NOAA weather radio is a great source [of severe weather information] as well.”

For Sell, the reliability of modern technology and alerts all depends on cellular and internet systems remaining active and functional.

Whatever communities decide to do in regard to warning sirens, there will hopefully always be volunteers like Moehring who will support their communities with their radio sets and their volunteer service.

For more information on NOAA weather radio, please visit the following web link. https://www.weather.gov/nwr/

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The Lifetime Cost of Renewables: Investing Now to Save Later

By Cincade Drudge

From rising fuel prices to worsening climate change, the global energy debate increasingly centers on one key question: Are renewable energy sources truly worth the cost? While wind turbines, solar farms, and battery storage systems often require large upfront investments, experts argue that the long-term economics of renewable energy tell a very different story.

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are frequently criticized for their installation costs. However, evaluating energy systems based only on initial construction expenses ignores the broader financial picture. The lifetime cost of energy, which includes installation, operation, maintenance, fuel, and eventual decommissioning, provides a far more accurate measure of economic value.

When viewed through this lens, renewable energy has become one of the most cost-effective forms of electricity generation in the world. Unlike fossil fuels, which rely on finite and often volatile fuel markets, renewable energy sources depend on naturally replenishing resources such as sunlight and wind. Because these resources are free, renewable systems avoid many of the long-term costs associated with coal, oil, and natural gas.

One of the most important tools used to compare energy costs is the levelized cost of energy, or LCOE. LCOE measures the total cost of building and operating an energy source over its lifetime, divided by the amount of electricity it produces. Over the past decade, renewable energy technologies have seen dramatic reductions in LCOE due to technological improvements, increased efficiency, and large-scale production. Solar and wind energy now provide some of the cheapest electricity in much of the world.

Wind energy demonstrates how high upfront costs can translate into long-term savings. Onshore wind farms typically cost between $1.3 and $2.2 million per megawatt to install, while offshore projects can cost significantly more due to difficult ocean construction and maintenance conditions. Despite these high startup costs, wind turbines have relatively low operating expenses once operational. Maintenance, insurance, land rental, and repairs generally average only one to two cents per kilowatt-hour produced.

Wind turbines are designed to operate for roughly 20 to 25 years, and many continue functioning even longer with upgrades and maintenance. Because turbines require no fuel, electricity generation costs remain relatively stable over time. Most wind farms recover their initial capital investments within the first decade or two and continue generating comparatively inexpensive usable electricity afterward. As turbine technology continues improving, efficiency gains and lower maintenance demands are expected to further strengthen wind energy’s long-term economic viability.

Solar energy has experienced an even more dramatic decline in costs. Since 2010, the price of solar power has fallen by more than 80 percent, largely due to cheaper photovoltaic panels and advances in manufacturing efficiency. Utility-scale solar farms now cost around $1 million per megawatt to construct, while residential systems average between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives.

Once installed, solar systems are relatively inexpensive to maintain. Since sunlight is free, operating costs are minimal, averaging only around $10 to $15 per megawatt-hour. Most solar panels last between 25 and 35 years, gradually losing small amounts of efficiency each year rather than suddenly failing. Even after their estimated lifespan, many panels continue producing usable electricity at reduced output levels.

The falling LCOE of solar energy has made it one of the cheapest electricity sources available today. Federal tax credits (current status uncertain), state incentives, and net metering programs have further improved the financial outlook for residential and commercial solar adoption. For many homeowners and businesses, solar panels represent not only an environmental decision but also a long-term economic investment capable of producing decades of reduced energy costs.

Beyond direct financial savings, renewable energy also avoids many of the hidden costs associated with fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas production contribute heavily to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health problems.

These damages often impose economic burdens on governments and communities through healthcare expenses, environmental cleanup, and disaster recovery costs. Because these external costs are rarely reflected in the market price of fossil fuels, traditional energy sources can appear cheaper than they truly are. When these factors are included, renewable energy becomes even more economically advantageous.

Despite the promising economics of renewables, challenges and costs remain. Wind and solar generation are intermittent, meaning electricity production depends on weather conditions and time of day. To ensure reliable power delivery, renewable systems often require battery storage, backup generation, or modernized electrical grids capable of distributing energy more efficiently. These infrastructure improvements involve significant investment and remain a major barrier in many regions.

Geography and local policy can also complicate renewable energy expansion. Some areas lack the environmental conditions necessary for efficient renewable production, while others face political resistance or restrictive zoning laws. Policies such as solar setback regulations can limit where renewable projects may be built, slowing the transition toward cleaner energy systems.

Still, the broader trajectory of renewable energy suggests continued growth. Technological improvements in battery storage, grid efficiency, and manufacturing are steadily reducing costs while improving reliability. As economies of scale continue expanding, many analysts expect renewable energy to become even more financially competitive in the coming decades.

Individuals also play a role in shaping the future of renewable energy. Supporting community solar projects, advocating for clean energy policies, and investing in residential renewable systems when financially possible can help accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Public awareness and political engagement will likely play a major role in determining how quickly renewable infrastructure expands.

Ultimately, the debate over renewable energy is no longer simply about environmental responsibility. Increasingly, it is about long-term economic sustainability. While renewable systems often require significant upfront investment, their low operating costs, stable energy production, and reduced environmental impacts make them one of the strongest long-term energy investments available today. The question is no longer whether renewable energy is affordable over its lifetime, but whether societies are willing to invest in the future now rather than pay far greater costs later.

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When the Climate Changes the Cost of Living: How Rising Temperatures Are Driving Up Food Prices

By Cincade Drudge

Climate change is often discussed in terms of melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. But for many Americans, especially here in Indiana, one of the most immediate and tangible effects shows up in a much more familiar place: the grocery store. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns grow more unpredictable, the cost of producing food is increasing, and those costs are steadily being passed on to consumers.

At its core, climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels. While these shifts may seem gradual, their effects on agriculture are anything but subtle. Farming depends heavily on stable weather conditions, and even small disruptions in temperature or rainfall can significantly impact crop yields. As these disruptions become more frequent, the stability of the food supply is increasingly at risk.

One of the clearest ways climate change affects food prices is through extreme weather. Droughts, floods, and heatwaves can damage crops or wipe out entire harvests. A drought, for example, can severely reduce corn production, while excessive rainfall can delay planting or flood fields before crops have a chance to grow. When supply drops but demand remains steady, prices rise. This basic economic principle is now playing out more frequently due to climate-related disruptions.

Indiana Corn Corp Sourced From MyHomeIndiana.com

However, the issue extends beyond just crop loss. Farmers are also facing rising production costs as they attempt to adapt to changing conditions. More frequent droughts mean greater reliance on irrigation systems, while unpredictable weather increases the need for fertilizers, pest control, and crop insurance. Each of these adjustments adds to the overall cost of farming. These expenses do not stay on the farm; they move through the supply chain and ultimately show up in the prices consumers pay for food.

Transportation and distribution systems are also vulnerable. Flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted supply chains can delay the movement of goods, increasing costs for producers and retailers alike. Because the modern food system is highly interconnected, disruptions in one region can ripple across the country. A drought in a major agricultural region, whether in the United States or abroad, can influence global prices, which in turn affect local grocery bills in Indiana.

In a state like Indiana, these challenges carry particular weight. Agriculture is a central part of the state’s economy, generating over $31 billion in annual sales. Crops such as corn and soybeans dominate production, but they are also especially sensitive to weather conditions. Warmer temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have already made growing seasons less predictable. A hot, dry summer can significantly reduce yields, while excessive spring rain can delay planting and shorten the overall growing period.

Research suggests that these trends could worsen in the coming decades. Some studies indicate that corn yields could be cut in half under higher global temperature scenarios expected within this century. Even under more moderate warming levels, such as those targeted by international agreements, yields could still decline by nearly 20 percent. For Indiana farmers, this represents not just an environmental challenge, but an economic one with direct consequences for income stability and long-term planning.

Livestock producers are also feeling the effects. Higher temperatures place stress on animals, reducing productivity and increasing the need for cooling systems and additional feed. These changes drive up the cost of producing meat and dairy products, which again translates to higher prices for consumers.

While rising food prices affect everyone, they do not affect everyone equally. Low-income households are particularly vulnerable because they spend a larger share of their income on food. Even modest price increases can place significant strain on household budgets. Rural communities face a unique double impact, as many residents are both consumers and participants in the agricultural economy. Farmers themselves face increased financial risk, balancing the possibility of higher prices with the reality of more unpredictable and costly production conditions.

Despite these challenges, there are pathways forward. One important approach is the development of climate-resilient agriculture. This includes planting drought-resistant crops, improving soil health, and using more efficient irrigation systems. These strategies can help stabilize production even as environmental conditions change.

Strengthening local food systems is another potential solution. By relying more on locally produced food, communities can reduce their exposure to global supply chain disruptions. Policy also plays a crucial role. Government support for agricultural research, infrastructure improvements, and financial assistance for farmers adapting to climate change can help mitigate some of the economic pressures.

We, as consumers, too, have a role to play. Reducing food waste and supporting sustainable farming practices can contribute to a more resilient system. While individual actions alone will not solve the problem, they are part of a broader effort to create stability in the face of uncertainty.

Ultimately, however, the most effective way to address rising food prices linked to climate change is to confront climate change itself. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the pace of global warming are essential to preventing further disruptions to the food system. Without broader action, the trends already being observed are likely to intensify.

For Hoosiers, climate change is no longer a distant or abstract issue. It is becoming an economic reality that affects everyday life. As grocery bills continue to rise, the connection between environmental change and personal cost is becoming harder to ignore. What was once seen primarily as an environmental concern is increasingly understood as a direct challenge to economic stability and food security, both in Indiana and beyond.

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Urban Heat Islands in Fort Wayne: A Growing Local Challenge 

By Cincade Drudge

It starts as a walk. The kind you’ve taken a hundred times before, down the same familiar city streets, past the same buildings, maybe heading to a nearby store or just trying to get some fresh air. But something feels different. The heat seems to cling to the pavement, rising up toward you with every step. There’s no breeze between the buildings, no tree-shade to break the sun. Even as the evening sets in, the air doesn’t cool the way you expect it to. You find yourself wondering: Has it always felt this hot? 

As we find ourselves heading into the warmer seasons of the year, this question becomes more and more common. City folks increasingly find themselves victims of the sweltering effects of Urban heat islands, often referred to as UHIs, which are an increasingly visible part of city life, especially during the summer months.  

The concept is simple: urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. But the causes and consequences are far more complex. As cities expand and natural landscapes are replaced with concrete, asphalt, and buildings, heat becomes trapped, creating pockets of elevated temperatures that can reshape how communities experience their environment. 

In Midwestern cities like Fort Wayne, this effect is especially noticeable. Paved roads, parking lots, and rooftops absorb heat throughout the day and release it slowly at night, preventing the city from cooling down. While rural areas benefit from vegetation and open space that allow for quicker temperature drops, urban environments hold onto heat. The difference can be striking, sometimes as much as 8 degrees warmer than the surrounding areas. 

At the heart of the urban heat island effect is a shift in land use. Trees and green spaces, which naturally cool the environment through shade and evapotranspiration, are often replaced with materials that do the opposite. Asphalt and concrete have low reflectivity and high heat absorption, meaning they store solar energy and gradually release it back into the air. Buildings can also trap heat by limiting airflow, creating what some describe as “heat canyons” between structures. 

This buildup of heat comes with a range of environmental costs. Temperatures remain elevated well into the night, increasing overall exposure during heat waves. As a result, energy demand rises, with more residents relying on air conditioning to stay comfortable. This not only leads to higher utility bills but also puts added strain on local power grids. Increased energy use often means higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when electricity is generated from fossil fuels, contributing to a cycle that reinforces climate change. 

Beyond environmental impacts, urban heat islands pose serious public health risks. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those without reliable access to air conditioning, face the greatest risks. Heat can also worsen air quality by accelerating the formation of ground-level ozone, while raising water temperatures in nearby rivers and streams, affecting local ecosystems. 

Fort Wayne has taken steps to better understand and address this issue. In a recent local study, volunteers collected ground-level temperature data across the city, revealing just how uneven heat distribution can be. Some neighborhoods were recorded as much as 10 degrees hotter than others, highlighting how urban heat islands are not evenly spread but concentrated in specific areas. 

Afternoon Temperature Chart From Fort Wayne Study. Sourced from WFFT-TV

One of the most effective solutions to this problem is also one of the simplest: planting more trees. Expanding tree canopy coverage helps reduce both surface and air temperatures by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air. Even a single mature tree can make a measurable difference, and when scaled across neighborhoods, these efforts can significantly reshape local microclimates. 

Local initiatives, including those supported by organizations like the Community Greenways Fund, are working to increase tree coverage and promote green infrastructure. These efforts often focus on neighborhoods with fewer existing trees, helping to address both environmental concerns and social disparities. In addition to cooling benefits, trees improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance overall quality of life. 

However, it is important to note that the effects of urban heat islands are not felt equally. Communities with less tree cover and more pavement tend to experience higher temperatures, and these areas are often home to lower–income populations.  

This creates a situation where those with the fewest resources are exposed to the greatest environmental risks. At the same time, city infrastructure, from roads to power systems, faces increased stress under prolonged heat, leading to higher maintenance costs and long-term challenges for local governments. 

Addressing urban heat islands requires a combination of strategies. Tree planting is a key piece, but it is not the only one. Cities can invest in green infrastructure such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement, all of which help reduce heat absorption while improving water management. Reflective materials used in “cool roofs” and “cool pavements” can also limit how much heat is absorbed in the first place. 

Policy plays an important role as well. Local governments can implement zoning regulations that encourage green space, provide incentives for sustainable development, and invest in long-term environmental planning. Partnerships between city officials and community organizations help ensure that these efforts are both effective and equitable. 

Public awareness is another critical factor. Many residents may not fully realize how much impact something as simple as a tree can have on their neighborhood’s temperature and livability. Encouraging community involvement in tree planting and maintenance can strengthen not only environmental outcomes but also civic engagement. 

Urban heat islands may not always be as apparent as other environmental issues, but their effects are felt every day, on sidewalks that radiate heat, in homes struggling to stay cool, and in neighborhoods that bear the brunt of rising temperatures. As cities like Fort Wayne continue to grow, the challenge will be finding ways to build and adapt in a way that keeps communities not just functional, but livable. 

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Jacob Kaufman and ‘Heart of Iris’ Debut Concept Album at PFW

By Elijah Noggle, SCO Cultural Critic

Kaufman and his band will bring the album to life in a full live performance on Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in Neff Hall Room 101.

Recently, I sat down to speak with Jacob Kaufman, a performance and songwriting major at PFW and a talented, passionate musician with some unique influences. Kaufman and his band, Heart of Iris, have been hard at work on their ambitious debut album, which was recently released on streaming platforms. The band will perform the album live in its entirety Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in Neff Hall Room 101.

This self-titled concept album is a passion project for Kaufman. When asked about his musical influences, he said that while he does pull from aspects of art rock and progressive rock, the vast majority of his inspiration actually comes from films and novels – particularly horror. He cited the works of the great Stephen King and H.P Lovecraft, to be more specific. He’s a massive fan of cosmic horror, which heavily informs the album’s themes.

Cosmic horror, Kaufman explained, is “the fear of the unknown or the unknowable, or in other words, it’s the thinking man’s horror.” The music is a very diverse and unique blend of all of these influences. “It utilizes elements of art rock, but I wanted to go for an entirely unique sound in itself,”  Kaufman said.

Kaufman also discussed his philosophy on strong songwriting. He spoke about how what can really elevate a song’s quality is when the music matches up with the lyrics. He compared his approach to an acoustic performance, which I thought was really interesting.

“If you go to an acoustic show, you’re there to listen to the storytelling – the acoustic guitar is just there to help move the story forward but it’s just a chord progression,” Kaufman said. That was essentially how he approached this album creatively. “When I wrote this album, the goal was to make the music that you hear just as important as the lyrics that you listen to and then also they ebb and flow and work in tandem with each other,” he said.

Because it is a concept album, this dynamic between the lyrics and the instrumentation really complements the story, and helps to more effectively communicate the story and what the characters are experiencing.

Kaufman and I also spoke about his extensive musical background prior to his journey here at PFW and making this album. To Jacob, experience is everything – a sentiment I think a lot of us, regardless of the field we are in, can relate to. With more than 1,000 performances in his career, he explained how that helped him develop as an artist and as a performer.

“Taking those opportunities, taking the risk, and getting the experience is what turns you into a great musician,” Kaufman said. “It makes future endeavors easier and better.”

From a marketing perspective, Kaufman emphasized his goal of accessibility. “Prog rock in general can get a little crazy and technical, and I wanted to write something that was both musically interesting, and at the same time digestible for the masses,” he said. “I would like to see more interesting music on the radio – I think a lot of us would.”

I really liked this sentiment because Jacob’s music balances complexity with catchy, melodic songwriting in a way that is very accessible. And I too would really love to see a wider variety of music on the radio, or in other words, a prioritization of music that was made for the love of the craft rather than popularity.

Kaufman is a highly skilled musician, and learning about his creative process was a very enjoyable experience. This was a really fascinating interview to do. It offered an in-depth look at his artistic vision, and audiences can experience it firsthand when Heart of Iris performs April 9.

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Climate Policy in a Divided Nation: Why States Take Different Paths

By Cincade Drudge

Climate change policy in the United States is anything but consistent. Our policies can be described as fragmented and contradictory, with no real uniform policies linking all the states. This lack of connection is not an accident. It reflects a deeper reality for the United States: while the federal government sets broad environmental standards (or chooses not to set standards), much of the authority over energy, infrastructure, and regulation lies with the states. The result is a country where climate policy is shaped as much by geography and economics as it is by politics.

At the center of this divide is the all too familiar distinction of “red” and “blue” states. These labels, while imperfect and reductive, point to broader governing ideas that influence how states approach climate change. Some states prioritize rapid emissions reductions and regulatory action, while others focus on economic stability, energy independence, and market–driven solutions. Neither approach exists in a vacuum, and both are shaped by the practical realities each state faces.

“Red, Blue, and Purple” States by Control of State Legislatures. Sourced from CenterForPolitics.org

Of course, as the labels of red and blue would suggest, one of the most significant drivers of these policy differences is political ideology. Over the past several decades, national party platforms have increasingly influenced state-level policy decisions. Democratic leadership has generally supported emissions targets, renewable energy mandates, and participation in climate agreements. Republican leadership has often emphasized skepticism toward regulation, opposition to carbon taxes, and support for domestic energy production.

Public opinion tends to mirror this divide. Surveys consistently show that concern about climate change and support for government intervention vary widely across regions. In some areas, climate change is framed primarily as an environmental and public health issue. In others, it is discussed more as an economic or regulatory question. These differences in framing shape not only policy outcomes, but also the political feasibility of certain solutions.

Needless to say, state economics also plays a decisive role. States that rely heavily on fossil fuel production face a different set of incentives than those with more diversified economies. In energy-producing states like Texas and West Virginia, policies that restrict oil, natural gas, or coal can carry immediate consequences for jobs and tax revenue, which will affect local communities in these areas. By contrast, states with less dependence on these industries may find it easier to adopt aggressive emissions targets or transition toward renewable energy.

State Government Fossil Fuel Revenue. Sourced from Resources for the Future

Even within this divide, the picture is more nuanced than it first appears. Texas, often categorized as a red state, leads the nation in wind energy production. This growth has been driven less by climate-focused mandates and more by favorable geography, existing infrastructure, and market incentives. It serves as a reminder that positive climate outcomes, like expanding renewable energy, can emerge from very different motivations than expected.

Demographic factors further shape how climate policy is experienced and debated. States with large urban populations often face visible environmental challenges such as air pollution, heat islands, and flooding. These conditions can make climate action feel immediate and tangible. In more rural states, concerns may focus on energy costs, agricultural impacts, and land use. It should be noted, though, that some policies, like those perceived to increase fuel or electricity prices, can face almost universally strong resistance, regardless of their environmental intent.

At the core of these differences is a divide over the role of government in addressing climate change. Some states favor regulatory approaches, such as mandating emissions reductions, setting renewable energy standards, and adopting legally binding climate goals. While others emphasize limited intervention, focusing on voluntary action, innovation, and market-driven solutions.

These contrasting philosophies are reflected in areas like transportation policy, where some states are phasing out gasoline–powered vehicles while others resist mandates but still support electric vehicle production for economic reasons. These approaches often extend into the legal system, where states challenge federal climate policies as either too aggressive or too weak, contributing to ongoing uncertainty and shifting policy direction.

However, at the end of the day, we will all feel the effects of climate action or the lack thereof. Some may experience higher upfront costs associated with transitioning to cleaner energy systems, alongside long-term environmental and public health benefits. Others may benefit from lower regulatory burdens and stronger ties to traditional energy industries, while facing a slower shift toward renewable energy and more potential for future climate ramifications.

At the same time, the impacts of climate change itself do not follow political boundaries. Extreme weather, shifting growing seasons, flooding, and heat waves affect communities across the country, regardless of how their states approach policy. This shared vulnerability exists alongside deeply different strategies for addressing it.

Climate change will ultimately affect all communities, regardless of how policy is divided today. While state-by-state approaches may seem workable in the short term, the long–term consequences of inaction will extend across the entire country. The United States may not yet be politically aligned for a unified national response, with a government largely against climate action, but the need for broader dialogue is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Climate policy is not a simple binary choice; it reflects a complex balance of economic priorities, political beliefs, and regional realities. As pressures from climate impacts grow, the push for a more coordinated and forward-looking approach will only become more urgent.

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Review: Marvel Television’s Wonder Man, a Fascinating Stroll Through Marvel’s Hollywood Boulevard

By Elijah Noggle, SCO Cultural Critic

On January 27, the newest TV series in the long running Marvel Cinematic Universe released all eight of its episodes, and I am really excited to share my thoughts on it. Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Simon Williams, a struggling actor in the MCU’s version of Hollywood/Los Angeles, who has powers but must keep them a secret for the sake of his career. He learns that esteemed director Von Kovack is doing a remake of the 1980s cult classic Wonder Man, and sees this as the opportunity of a lifetime. He is accompanied by veteran actor Trevor Slattery, a returning character first introduced all the way back in 2013’s Iron Man 3.

This is easily one of the most unique MCU series to date. It was such a pleasant surprise! My favorite Marvel projects tend to be the ones that feel different compared to everything else. For example, WandaVision was a tribute to television sitcoms, and Werewolf By Night was an homage to 1930s monster movies.

And Wonder Man is another one of those for me. It’s essentially a love letter to Hollywood, taking place in the MCU’s version of the famous capital of American cinema. There are several references to real life actors and real life movies, making this version of Los Angeles feel more like the real life one, only that it just so happens to be in a world where superheroes exist.

One of the strongest aspects of this series is the character writing. Simon Williams is a very compelling character. He’s also flawed in a way that makes him relatable. For example, something you see a lot in the series is that he sometimes has trouble trusting others. It feels like a consistent theme in the series. Also, I found Trevor compelling in this series because he truly does care about the art of acting, but at the same time has to deal with his past playing The Mandarin, a literal terrorist on live television. Furthermore, Yahya Abdul Mateen II and the great Sir Ben Kingsley are at the top of their game in these roles.

The writing in this series overall has a really genuine sincerity and earnestness to it. These characters’ struggles in the world of Hollywood feel very real. It doesn’t rely on the same type of quippy humor that Marvel movies and shows have been known for in the past- it instead chooses to mostly focus on the emotional beats and the characters, which works in its favor. Whenever there was humor, for the most part it felt natural to me.

The most noticeable flaw in this series is the pacing. Multiple times in this season, there were episodes that felt like they didn’t quite advance the plot as much as they could have. This results in some plot points not feeling quite as fleshed out as they could. Without directly spoiling anything, episodes 2, 4, and 5 exemplify this quite a bit. Episodes where it feels like the characters go on a “side quest” of sorts.

I just have to mention though (without spoilers) that even though episode 4 titled “Doorman” does grind the pacing to a halt, this one-off episode focusing on an entirely different character ended up being one of my favorite episodes of the entire series. It really showcased this show’s artistic vision and willingness to take risks.

The show’s visual look and cinematography feel very in line with this show’s identity of being about Hollywood and the experience of a struggling actor. Someone online mentioned that it felt like an A24 production, and I couldn’t agree more. Tonally, I love how different it felt to me compared to many of the marvel projects I’ve watched in the past few years.

Wonder Man was a really enjoyable watch. It’s got a couple of small issues I think could be ironed out if this received a second season. But overall, the amount of heart present in this season of TV really elevated it for me. It was very focused in what it wanted to say about Hollywood, the experience of acting and what goes into making a movie, and even superheroes. I would give this an 8.5 out of 10. I think you can really enjoy this even if you have never seen any MCU film or series, so I heavily recommend it.

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