journey worker lineman

How to Become a Journeyman Lineman

Are you 18 years of age or older? Do you have a high school diploma or an equivalent certification? Are you interested in a career that is both exciting as well as physically and mentally challenging? As a journeyman lineman, you get the opportunity to work in a job that is not only demanding but exciting.

In This Article

What is a Journeyman Lineman?

A journeyman lineman is a professional who installs, repairs, and maintains electrical and telecommunications systems. They are the brave men and women who ensure that the lights stay on and that our calls and emails go through.

Linemen maintain electrical and telecommunications equipment in power stations and telephone poles. Keeping this complex web of cables and poles running at top-notch efficiency with a minimal casualty is no easy task. The work usually involves working with high voltage electricity and the repairs that are needed may at times be high above the ground. That is why a state job as a journeyman lineman usually requires not only years of experience but also certification.

Journeyman Lineman Salary

According to Salary.com , the average hourly wage for a Journeyman/Lineman in the USA is $39 as of June 28, 2021. The range typically falls between $36 and $40. The hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors. Factors including  education , certifications, additional skills,  the number of years  you have spent in your profession, and what region you serve can impact pay.

How do you become a Journeyman Lineman?

Achieving a journeyman’s status often requires the lineman to complete an apprenticeship program. Once complete, you may apply for a journeyman’s license typically at a fee.

As with most lines of work, the first requirement is that the applicant needs to be 18 years of age. A high school diploma or its equivalent is also required.

The candidate needs to have completed at least one year of algebra and also needs to undergo an aptitude and drug test. Once accepted, they will have to complete up to five years of training as an apprentice before attaining the journeyman status.

Certification

To obtain a certification, there are a few steps that an applicant needs to complete. The first step is enrolling in an apprenticeship program. Employers usually require that interested job applicants complete three to five years of classroom and on-the-job training.

The second step is joining recognized journeyman organizations such as the Fiber Optic Association and the National Association of Journeymen Linemen, which provide valuable resources, education, and certification.

The third step is understanding and adhering to certification requirements which are essential for passing a credential exam.

The last step is passing the credential exam and reviewing the organization’s continuing education requirements for recertification.

Upon attaining a journeyman’s status, after completing the necessary training, the applicant may be required to take the extra step of being licensed by the state. Paying attention to the necessary requirements is paramount as each state’s requirements are unique.

Completing hours of the apprenticeship program as well as completing a state-administered exam are some of the requirements for licensing.

Where Do Linemen Work?

Once you have completed all the training requirements and you have racked up enough experience, you may be faced with the age-old question: where do I work?

A journeyman lineman’s job in the United States is quite desirable, especially working for states such as California. In my opinion, applicants should consider jobs as electrical linemen as these usually exploit a broad range of skills. Electrical Linemen in the USA also report medical as well as dental coverage.

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Journeyman Lineman Job Description

Journeyman linemen are electricians work on power lines that originate from power plants and extend to individual homes or buildings. They install power lines, repair overhead and underground electrical cables, and perform maintenance on power lines. They may work at utility companies, energy companies, or telecommunications companies.

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Journeyman Lineman Job Description Template

We are looking for a highly skilled journeyman lineman to join our company. You will be running overhead and underground electrical cables, installing electricity meters, and inspecting power lines and wiring for repair or replacement.

To ensure success as a journeyman lineman, you should possess extensive experience as a lineman and the ability to work independently. A top-notch journeyman lineman will be someone whose expertise results in the safe and efficient provision of power supply to our customers.

Journeyman Lineman Responsibilities:

• Installing transmission and distribution lines between power plants and individual buildings or homes.
• Reading and interpreting electrical wiring diagrams.
• Digging trenches or climbing poles to repair or maintain underground and overhead electrical cables.
• Installing electricity meters at residential homes and buildings.
• Performing inspections to prevent power outages by replacing or repairing components.
• Clearing away tree branches or other hazards near live power installations.
• Troubleshooting power outages and problems with electrical lines and wires.
• Attending to call-outs and performing repairs in an efficient and timely manner.
• Reporting progress, complications, concerns, and delays to the supervisor.
• Adhering to safety standards at all times, as well as complying with company and industry regulations.

Journeyman Lineman Requirements:

• One-year certificate in electrical repair, or similar.
• Demonstrable apprenticeship under a senior journeyman lineman.
• At least 2 years' post-training work experience in a related role.
• Extensive experience with climbing gear, digger derricks, aerial lifts, backhoes, tensioners, pullers, and cranes.
• In-depth knowledge of federal safety regulations and guidelines, including those outlined by OSHA.
• Knowledge of wiring diagrams, as well as electrical and building codes.
• Superb troubleshooting abilities.
• Great organizational and time-management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Availability to perform repairs outside of business hours.

Related Articles:

Electrician job description, line worker job description, journeyman lineman interview questions, electrician interview questions, line worker interview questions.

How To Become A Lineman

If you are good with your hands, like to work outside, and have a knack for fixing things, a career as an electrical lineman may be just the right fit for you.

The job of a lineman is essential in expanding and repairing power lines and telecommunications systems. Linemen (and women) earn a good income in a field that will never face outsourcing. You might want to also check out our article “ is public utilities a good career path ” to learn more about this industry.

The job is not right for everyone, though. Linemen must stay prepared to travel and work in stressful conditions at times. They face the risk of electrical shock, falls, and other job-related injuries.

Read on as we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this line of work and explain how to become a lineman, including what kind of training your future employers may require.

If you are considering other energy careers, you can read our guide about whether energy is a good career to get more details about the industry.

What Does A Lineman Do?

Most linemen work for utility companies installing, maintaining, and repairing power systems. Their jobs can involve working on electrical cables or telecommunications lines above or below ground.

Companies need linemen to perform technical work such as installing switches and transformers. Linemen also perform manual labor like putting up poles and stringing cables between power poles and buildings.

All linemen must observe strict safety protocols to protect everyone on the job site from falls or contact with live wires. These electrical professionals use a variety of hand tools and power tools, plus soldering irons, electrical testing devices, and other equipment.

More experienced linemen may take on supervisory responsibilities and perform management tasks like writing up reports and coordinating with contractors on a job site. With additional education or certifications, they may oversee training, serve as site safety officers, perform project management, or even transition to the business side of the company.

Linemen with specialty training may operate machinery such as light equipment and vehicles. Others with technical expertise may become wiremen or other types of electricians.

While many linemen work for utility providers, others work for electrical contractors, telecommunication companies, and government agencies. Whoever the employer may be, linemen can generally expect to travel to a variety of job sites rather than being stuck in one place. Some linemen serve vast territories.

Related: Is telecommunications equipment a good career?

Skills Needed To Be A Lineman

Some lineman skills are obvious—companies are looking for workers who are dependable, in good physical condition, and willing to take calculated physical risks. It also helps to be handy with tools, tech, and equipment. If you did well in math, science, and technology courses in high school, you might be a good candidate.

Other skills may not be apparent but can make a job candidate stand out. Linemen must pay strong attention to detail. That helps them make sense of complicated manuals and perform delicate work safely for the good of the lineman and the rest of his crew. 

A lineman with some math skills is an asset since the job often involves numbers, computation, and spatial reasoning. A successful lineman might also stand out among applicants if they have training and experience with all the specialty tools, vehicles, equipment, and measurement devices that line crews use.

Don’t minimize the importance of having a good attitude and personality, either—or working well as part of a team. Professional line crews take pains to be safe, but climbing up high and working on electrical systems—or using equipment to dig down and lay telecommunications cables—exposes linemen to more hazardous conditions than an office worker. 

After a hurricane or other natural disaster, linemen are some of the first to hit the scene to make sure first responders and medical workers have the power they need. The job requires a sense of adventure along with an eye for safety.

Lineman Education & Training

Apprenticeship.

Most lineman positions require a high school diploma or GED. A large part of lineman training happens on the job during an apprenticeship. Local unions often oversee apprenticeships, pairing apprentices with senior linemen. Apprenticeship programs usually involve registration with the state.

There are no official linemen licenses or certifications, so senior linemen who oversee apprenticeships usually decide how long an apprenticeship will last—often three or four years. A common standard is 7,000 work hours plus some classroom time. To complete an apprenticeship, most linemen also need to demonstrate their mathematical ability by having coursework in  geometry and algebra. Some trigonometry may also be helpful.

Upon the successful conclusion of the lineman apprenticeship, the apprentice graduates to the status of Journeyman Lineman and gains a new level of independence and responsibility.

National Public Power offers a Pre-Apprenticeship program to help you get started!

Training + Qualifications

If you do not want to pursue an apprenticeship from the start, you may see whether you can enroll in a lineman program at a technical college. You will have to look at job listings to determine if a technical college program is worthwhile for the type of work you would like to pursue. A course may be able to take the place of part of the apprenticeship period.

Other prospective linemen receive electrical systems training in the military. Some gain experience by working on a line crew as a groundman . As the name implies, they perform manual labor on the ground but can learn more about the type of work that linemen do.

Besides learning how to be a lineman, other preparation that prospective employers may require includes additional certifications for related job duties, such as a commercial driver’s license that enables workers to navigate big trucks.

Some linemen pursue an associate’s degree in electronics, which can be useful, especially if you want to specialize down the line. However, this is not a requirement to be an entry-level lineman.

Finally, some employers may require a doctor’s note stating that you are physically fit enough to manage all the moving and climbing that linemen must perform.

Pros and Cons of Being a Lineman

In many ways, the things that make being a lineman a fun and exciting job for some people would make it unappealing to others. Some people like scaling heights, hitting the road, and working up close with electrical equipment. Others would like to stay grounded, both in terms of heights and electrical currents. Consider your own temperament as you weigh these benefits and drawbacks of being a lineman.

• Work that’s outside and up high
• Opportunity to work with your hands
• No college degree requirement
• Ability to specialize down the road
• Long-term employment opportunities
• Frequent shifts in job site locations
• Chance to earn overtime during or after an emergency or disaster
• Exciting working conditions
• Work that’s important and allows you to see the fruits of your labor
• Union support
• Veteran-friendly environment
• A job that involves heights, which for many produce fear 
• Hazardous work environment due to potential falls, shocks, electrocutions, and vehicle or equipment accidents
• Strenuous manual labor 
• Irregular, weekend, overnight, and holiday hours, especially during emergencies
• Working conditions in the cold, heat, rain, and snow
• Math skills requirement
• Thousands of hours of training, usually as an apprentice, before gaining independence
• Travel, even out of state, for training and work
• Physical fitness requirement to stay in shape and light enough to climb to installation and repair sites

How Much Does A Lineman Make?

Keep in mind that lineman salaries vary widely depending on location. Generally, linemen on the West Coast—notably California and Alaska—can expect the highest wages, followed by New Englanders. Average wages in these states range from about $36 to $46 per hour.

With that in mind, the median annual income for all American power-line installers and repairers in is wpDataTable with provided ID not found! , according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Telecommunications linemen earned less—$56,750 per year during the same period, the federal government reported.

Both of those numbers are median salaries, meaning that half of lineman workers made more and half of workers made less. The highest-paid power linemen make nearly six figures, while the lowest-paid telecommunications linemen made less than $30,000. On the whole, linemen can usually make a comfortable living

Lineman Job Outlook

Another perk of the profession is longevity. While telecommunications technology continues to improve rapidly, the industry still relies on professional linemen to install and maintain equipment. If you become a lineman, you may need to undergo periodic training to keep up with new equipment and protocols, but the work itself appears likely to remain steady. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees little to no change in demand for linemen for the rest of the decade.

The really good news is that there is minimal risk of job automation replacing this career!

Lineman Schools

One good thing about becoming a lineman is that you can learn most of the skills on the job.

The drawback is that while you earn money during your apprenticeship period, you will earn substantially less than the wages that fully-trained linemen earn.

Apprentices earned, on average, about $48,500 per year in 2018. That is certainly a living wage, and the number jumps by tens of thousands of dollars per year for journeyman line installation and repair workers.

Apprenticeships tend to last between three and four years.

You may decide to pursue training through an academic program to get your career off the ground faster. The Northwest Lineman College charges between $18,825 and $20,326 for a 15-week training course, depending on which of their campuses you attend. The amount includes tuition, fees, and equipment. Additional advanced training, such as to become a certified crane operator, is additional. In the case of a crane operation certificate, the cost is about $1,900.

The Southeast Lineman Training Center of Trenton, Georgia, offers its 15-week training program for $17,995, which includes tools, lab fees, certification, manuals, and tuition.

If you determine that a training program might help jump-start your career but you are apprehensive about the price, schools may extend a favorable loan. 

Some prospective linemen may receive tuition help through the federal government’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. You should see if you qualify by visiting your local unemployment office (which the government may call a “career center” in your town).

Remember that individual employers may seek additional certifications beyond the basic lineman training or apprenticeship program. If so, either they or your local union can help you find out where you can get training and at what price.

Other Career Paths Similar to Linemen

If you have considered how to become a lineman and it seems close to what you are looking for, keep in mind some of these other options.

Electrical engineers design equipment like the items linemen use. Engineers must earn at least a bachelor’s degree but can develop, build, and test the next generation of goods and gear,

Electricians provide a range of installation, maintenance, and repair work. They can take a variety of jobs or start their own small business. Some electricians have only a high school diploma, while others may have additional certifications, a college degree, or even advanced degrees.

If you like the idea of working on power and telecommunications lines but want to work on a different portion of the process, consider a job at a power plant or working for a telecommunications company.

Power plant staff work at the facilities that generate the electricity flowing through a line crew’s power lines. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers work at the other end of the line, setting up and maintaining communications devices in clients’ homes and offices. These related career paths require at least a high school diploma and possibly some post-secondary training or certification.

*Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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What is a journeyman lineman and how to become one

A journeyman lineman is a skilled professional who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. They work on power lines and electrical cables, often using tools like bucket trucks and aerial lifts. Their duties include reading wiring systems, reporting issues to supervisors, and performing regular inspections. They also need to adhere to safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe work environment. They may need to use tools like trenchers and cable plows to cut trenches for laying underground cables. They also need to be able to operate a number of different construction tools such as diggers and excavator/backhoe/bucket trucks.

How long does it takes to become a journeyman lineman?

It typically takes 1-2 years to become a journeyman lineman:

• Year 1: Completing a certificate program in electrical line work or a related field.
• Year 2: Gaining the necessary work experience, which may overlap with on-the-job training. This includes tasks such as installing and maintaining power lines, troubleshooting electrical problems, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Salary $77,257
• Growth Rate 7%
• Jobs Number 9,469
• Most Common Skill CDL
• Most Common Degree High School Diploma
• Best State Oregon

Journeyman Lineman career paths

As a journeyman lineman, your career path may lead to a foreman, superintendent, or project superintendent role. You might also consider becoming a facilities manager or project manager. Some linemen choose to become managers or supervisors, while others pursue careers as electricians, technicians, or field service technicians. Your skills and interests can guide you toward the right career path for you.

Key steps to become a journeyman lineman

Explore journeyman lineman education requirements, most common journeyman lineman degrees.

High School Diploma

Bachelor's

Start to develop specific journeyman lineman skills

A journeyman lineman's skills include assisting in on-the-job training of apprentices, operating maintenance and repair underground and overhead electric distribution or transmission systems, and troubleshooting electrical problems on company and customer equipment. They install and connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, outlets, electrical components, and electrical systems, and mount and install meter and other electric equipment, such as transformers and circuit breakers, using electric lineman hand tools. They also perform construction and required maintenance and repairs on electrical lines, operate bucket and derrick trucks, backhoe, aerial lift, digger truck, chain saw, and line testing equipment, and demonstrate an exemplary team player work ethic.

Complete relevant journeyman lineman training and internships

Research journeyman lineman duties and responsibilities.

Journeyman linemen assist in on-the-job training of apprentices and other crew members, operate and maintain power lines, and troubleshoot electrical problems. They install and connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, outlets, and electrical components, and mount and install electric equipment using hand tools. They also perform construction, maintenance, and repairs on electrical lines and equipment, including overhead and underground facilities.

• Install switchgear, capacitors, voltage regulators, risers, lightning arrestors, and other protective devices.
• Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturb or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
• Use a variety of construction equipment to complete installations, such as digger derricks, trenchers, or cable plows.
• Maintain and repair all overhead distribution equipment to include cabling, transformers, and all associate overhead distribution equipment.

Prepare your journeyman lineman resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your journeyman lineman resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a journeyman lineman resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Journeyman Lineman Resume templates

Apply for journeyman lineman jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a journeyman lineman job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Journeyman Lineman?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average journeyman lineman salary

The average Journeyman Lineman salary in the United States is $77,257 per year or $37 per hour. Journeyman lineman salaries range between $52,000 and $114,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do journeyman linemen rate their job?

Journeyman lineman reviews.

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Journeyman Lineman FAQs

Do linemen make good money, how long does it take to be a lineman, is it hard to become a lineman, what is the difference between a journeyman and a lineman, search for journeyman lineman jobs, journeyman lineman jobs by state.

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Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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A BETTER LIFE STARTS WITH THE IBEW

We Need Lineman Now

The IBEW Advantage If you are a NON-union journeyman Lineman, then you deserve all the benefits that come with being part of an important, essential profession.

The IBEW offers non-union linemen a better life, and we strongly encourage them to explore the many benefits of joining our team – we know YOU will see the difference!

The IBEW Journeyman Lineman Receive

• Higher Hourly Wages
• Quality Family Healthcare!
• Better Retirement Benefits and Pensions!
• A Strong Voice in the Workplace!
• Job Security and Satisfaction!
• Recognition and respect you deserve as a UNION lineman!

Interested In Becoming An IBEW Outside Construction Lineman

Click on the state you want to work & fill out contact form, ibew construction linemen: a career you can be proud of, highly trained lineman.

Outside construction lineman primarily install and maintain the overhead distribution and transmission lines that move electrical power from power plants to local consumers such as businesses, homes and factories. They also install and maintain poles and towers and underground systems.

Transform Your Career

As a UNION outside construction lineman, not only will you be working in an important and exhilarating profession, you will also be able to enjoy a gratifying, life-long career with all the personal and financial benefits that come with being a member of the IBEW!

Lineman Health Benefits

LINECO - is a multi-employer self-funded, self-administered welfare benefit plan set up to provide medical, dental, vision, and disability benefits as well as Life Insurance for outside members of the IBEW working under bargaining agreements between the IBEW and the NECA.

Already a lineman and want a better life?

Get the jobs, pay and benefits you deserve – while receiving IBEW upgrade training that keeps you at the forefront of the industry.

Take The Test

(10th District Requirements)

What Is Needed To Qualify For The Construction Lineman Exam

• You need either a US DOL certificate from an approved apprenticeship program or proof of 11,000 documented hours in the trade. Accepted documentation of hours can be W2’s, check stubs or tax transcripts.
• You cannot have been in an IBEW apprenticeship and dropped out. (wait period is 2 years passed their estimated top out date)
• Your W2’s will be used to calculated hours by taking the gross income and dividing it by your hourly wage for that year.  A check stub from each year is good but not required. If you can’t provide a check stub, then we divide your gross wage by the IBEW journeyman lineman rate for the jurisdiction you are taking the test in.
• Once those hours are verified, you can take the test.  70% is a passing score.
• You can retake the test within a month. If you fail 3 times then they have to apply to the apprenticeship.
• You can’t see the ones you missed except the transformer portion because they are manually graded and score is inputted by the examiner on the electronic test before it is submitted

ELECTRICAL TRAINING ALLIANCE

The electrical training ALLIANCE (previously called NJATC) was created over 70 years ago as a joint training program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the IBEW. Residential Wireman Journey-Level Worker Lineman Journey-Level Worker Tree Trimmer Journey-Level Worker Inside Wireman Telecommunication VDV Installer-Technician

The  National Electrical Annuity Plan  (NEAP) was established on December 11, 1973. Both  plans  provide  retirement  and related benefits to employees in the  electrical industry.  Eligible individuals can receive a pension or disability benefit, separate from Social Security or other pension benefits.  National Electrical Benefit Fund You probably don't realize it but every day you go to work, you are working your way toward your retirement.  On your first day of covered employment, you became a participant in the (NEBF). 

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What Is the Difference Between a Journeyman & a Lineman?

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Many people confuse the terms of lineman vs. electrician vs. journeyman. If you're considering training to be an electrician, you'll need to understand that a lineman is an electrician who works installing wiring outside, while an inside electrician is called a wireman, according to electricianschooledu.org . The electrician you see perched in a truck-mounted bucket or climbing a telephone pole to install outside wiring is a lineman, while the electrician who repairs wiring in your office is a wireman. A journeyman, Merriam-Webster explains, is a worker who has the training and experience to do the job well, but isn't yet a master.

A journeyman is a competent lineman (outside electrician) or wireman (inside electrician) who has completed an apprenticeship but hasn't yet become a master electrician.

Lineman vs. Electrician Descriptions

An electrician may tell you it's a great job and then advise you to become a lineman, leaving you confused. That's because a lineman is a type of electrician, one who works installing outside wires or lines. Linemen – also called line workers or linemen electricians, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on linemen – install, test, troubleshoot and repair all types of outside wiring. Some climb up poles or ride up in buckets to string wire between poles or make repairs on telephone and electrical lines, while others install wiring underground.

Electricians who work inside, in residential and commercial buildings, are technically called inside wiremen to differentiate from outside wiremen, though they are often referred to just as electricians. They may work in new construction, laying the original wiring, or in finished buildings that need wiring repairs, according to the BLS electrician's report. Electricians refer to blueprints with technical drawings to identify the locations of power equipment. They may work individually or confer with engineers and architects to design the wiring for new construction.

Electrician Education Requirements

The route to becoming an electrician is through an apprenticeship that typically lasts four or five years. A high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement; however, inside wiremen sometimes complete a technical program – like a two-year course of study at a community college – before entering an apprenticeship, and usually receive credit toward some of their apprenticeship. Since outside linemen often work for companies like utilities or cable television providers, the companies may provide a sort of lineman school to teach them the skills of the job.

It's important to decide whether you want to be an inside or outside electrician because the training for each is different. The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee is a clearinghouse for apprenticeships, according to electricianschooledu.org. Electrical unions and nonprofit cooperative organizations administer most of the apprenticeships. As an apprentice, you'll learn about the job by assisting experienced electricians, with your responsibilities increasing as you gain skills.

After completing your apprenticeship, you'll need to pass tests required by your state or locality to become a licensed electrician. Once you pass the tests you become a journeyman, which means you have the skills to perform the job but are not yet a master of it. Becoming a master electrician can take about seven years or so. The BLS gives wireman vs. lineman salary data: the median salary for wiremen was $56,180 in May 2019 and $96,580 or more as master electricians, while the median for linemen was $72,520 and $103,500 or more as master electricians. A median salary is one where half earn more and half earn less.

Wiremen and Linemen Industry

Linemen work outside whether it's steamy hot or icy cold. They often work up high and sometimes must climb poles. Wiremen who work in finished buildings must sometimes wedge themselves into compact, hard-to-reach spaces or climb ladders to get to the electrical equipment. The electrician industry is highly unionized, which provides some protection. Nevertheless, wireman is No. 22 on Business Insider's list of most dangerous jobs, while lineman is No. 11. The most dangerous job: loggers.

Electrician Job Growth Trend

The BLS expects the need for linemen to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about average for all jobs. The need for wiremen should grow 10 percent, however, due to increased construction and alternative power sources.

• Merriam-Webster: Journeyman
• Electricianschooledu.org: Comparing Careers for Electrical Wiremen and Linemen
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Electricians
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Line Installers and Repairers
• Business Insider: The Most Dangerous Jobs in America

Barbara Bean-Mellinger is a freelance writer who lives in the Washington, D.C. area. She writes about business and career topics for bizfluent.com, careertrend.com, Harbor Style Magazine, the Charlotte Sun and more. Barbara holds a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh and has won numerous awards in B2B and B2C marketing.

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Lineman: Job Description, Salary, and Skills for 2024

If you have ever seen power lines that run above the street or in your backyard, you have witnessed the handiwork of a lineman. These skilled professionals climb poles, repair lines, and connect new homes and businesses to the power grid.

Linemen are an essential part of the workforce that keeps electricity flowing into homes and businesses. They ensure that power lines are safe and reliable even in the harshest weather conditions.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the lineman profession. We will explore the job description and responsibilities of these skilled workers, explore the range of salaries offered for this work, and break down the skills and education necessary to become a lineman.

We will also discuss the different types of lineman specializations and the path to become a journeyman lineman. We hope by the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of what it means to be a lineman and the benefits of pursuing this profitable career.

Job Description of a Lineman

A lineman is responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical power systems, such as poles, transformers, and transmission lines. They work outdoors, often in harsh weather conditions, and must be able to climb poles and work at heights for long periods of time.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a lineman include:

• Inspecting and repairing power lines and equipment
• Installing and maintaining electrical power systems
• Climbing poles and working at heights
• Working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Operating and maintaining tools and equipment
• Responding to emergencies, such as power outages
• Communication with team members and supervisors

Required Qualifications

To become a lineman, several qualifications are required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Line worker training program completion or experience as an apprentice
• Knowledge of electrical power systems and equipment
• Ability to climb poles and work at heights for long periods
• Physically fit and able to lift heavy objects
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and problem-solving skills

Safety Measures

Safety is a top priority for linemen, as the job involves working with electricity and at heights. To ensure the safety of themselves and others, linemen follow strict safety measures, including:

• Wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, hard hats, and safety glasses
• Properly securing equipment and tools
• Proper use of fall protection and climbing equipment
• Adhering to OSHA regulations and guidelines

In addition to the above measures, linemen receive extensive training in safety procedures and are required to attend regular safety meetings to stay up to date on best practices.

The job of a lineman requires a high level of skill, physical ability, and dedication to safety. With the required qualifications and safety training, linemen play a vital role in maintaining and repairing electrical power systems, ensuring that communities have access to reliable electricity.

Salary and Skills information is not included in this section.

Types of linemen.

A lineman is a skilled professional who specializes in installing and repairing electrical power systems. Their job requires them to work with high-voltage electrical lines on poles or in underground systems. There are several types of linemen, each with unique job duties and responsibilities.

Distribution Lineman

Distribution Linemen work mostly in residential and commercial areas, installing, maintaining and repairing power lines that distribute electricity from substations to homes and businesses. With a focus on lower voltage systems, distribution linemen use bucket trucks and other specialized equipment to climb poles, repair power outages, and install new power lines. Their work environment can range from rural neighborhoods to busy urban areas.

Transmission Lineman

Transmission Linemen handle high voltage lines that typically stretch over long distances. They work on larger towers and poles mounted with higher voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from power plants to substations. Due to the height of the structures they work on, they must have a deep understanding of safety practices and be comfortable working at great heights.

Substation Lineman

Substation Linemen work at electrical substations, which are facilities that transform high voltage electricity into a lower voltage that can be distributed to homes and businesses. They install, repair and maintain electrical equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches. Their work is essential to keep the electrical grid running smoothly and efficiently.

Journeyman Lineman

Journeyman Linemen have completed a formal apprenticeship program and hold a Journeyman Lineman license in their state. They typically work on both distribution and transmission lines and possess a high level of expertise in electrical power systems. Journeyman Linemen often supervise other linemen and are responsible for complex installations, repairs, and maintenance of power systems.

Linemen are highly trained professionals who play an essential role in keeping the public safe and connected to the power grid. Each type of lineman possesses a unique set of skills and knowledge that must be acquired through education, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. The compensation for linemen is competitive, and their skills are in high demand, making it a stable and lucrative career choice.

The Work Environment of a Lineman

Linemen play a vital role in keeping the lights on, ensuring electrical power is delivered safely, and maintaining power lines’ integrity. Working as a lineman requires a specific skill set, including physical endurance and the ability to work in complex environments. Understanding the lineman’s work environment is essential for those considering this career path.

Outdoor Work Environment

As a lineman, you are required to work in a range of outdoor settings, which can include both urban and rural locales. This means that you can expect to work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and storms. This requirement also means that you should be prepared to work in adverse weather and be physically capable of performing your job duties in all weather.

Working Conditions

Linemen work in a variety of working conditions, ranging from safe to hazardous. When completing their work, they may face risks such as live power lines, severe weather, and heights. Given these working conditions, linemen must adhere to strict safety regulations to ensure their protection and their team’s safety. These can include wearing personal protective equipment and using safety equipment such as harnesses and ladders.

Physical Demands

Working as a lineman is no ordinary job. Linemen must be physically fit and able to perform work in unique and challenging environments, such as climbing poles, towers, and working on platforms at significant heights. Linemen also need to work efficiently and effectively, which can include prolonged periods of time standing and lifting heavy equipment, such as wires and transformers. As such, exceptional physical conditioning and strength are a must.

The job of a lineman is challenging, and the work environment that linemen work in requires discipline, skill, and a strong work ethic. Those considering this career should be prepared to work outdoors in different weather and temperature conditions, maintain strict safety protocols, and maintain physical endurance and strength. However, a career in this field offers excellent job security, benefits, and a competitive salary. Working as a lineman requires the ability to leverage your physical strength and mental fortitude to tackle complex challenges in a unique and rewarding field.

Skills Required to Be a Lineman

Being a lineman requires a unique set of skills that go beyond just being able to work with electricity. Here are some of the essential skills required to be a lineman:

Technical Skills

Linemen need to have an in-depth knowledge of electrical systems, safety procedures, and other technical aspects of their work. They must be proficient in working with various tools and equipment used in the field, including power drills, pliers, saws, and hydraulic presses. Additionally, they must be able to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints to carry out their job effectively.

Physical Fitness

Linemen have to work in extreme weather conditions, which can include extreme heat or cold, high winds, and heavy rain. They must also have excellent physical endurance as they will need to climb poles often and spend long hours standing or sitting in bucket trucks. Linemen must have a high degree of balance and coordination, as working at heights can be dangerous.

Communication Skills

Linemen work in teams, and effective communication is essential to ensure that the job is carried out safely, efficiently, and accurately. They must be able to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing, and be able to record detailed information about maintenance or repair work, using technical language.

Problem-Solving Skills

As a lineman, one should be able to identify, diagnose and solve electrical problems quickly and efficiently. Anything from faulty equipment to power outages can occur, and liner workers must be able to respond rapidly and come up with workable solutions. They must use good judgment to determine if repairs or replacement procedures will be the best approach, while also ensuring their safety and that of their team.

Being a lineman demands a high level of technical knowledge, physical endurance, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills are crucial to ensure that jobs are carried out efficiently, safely, and accurately, thus making linemen an essential part of the electrical trade.

Education and Certification Requirements

To become a lineman, certain education and certification requirements need to be met.

High School Diploma or Equivalent

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to become a lineman. This is because the job demands a certain level of basic math and reading proficiency. Strong communication and teamwork skills are also necessary for success in this field.

Apprenticeship Programs

Linemen typically start their journey through an apprenticeship program. This program provides on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It typically lasts between three to four years, depending on the program. During this time, apprentices learn about safety procedures, electrical theory, and other topics relevant to the job.

Lineman Schools or Colleges

Some linemen choose to attend lineman schools or colleges. This formal education can help prepare them for the job by providing additional training and certification. These programs typically last between six months to two years, depending on the level of education desired.

Certifications and Licenses

Linemen are typically required to hold certain certifications and licenses to perform their duties. The certifications vary depending on the location and type of work being performed. For example, a lineman may need to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a first-aid certification. Certifications such as the Journeyman Lineman Certification or the Certified Lineman Training Program can also help boost a lineman’s credentials and may be required by some employers.

Becoming a lineman requires a specific set of education and certification requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and an apprenticeship program is typically the starting point for most linemen. Formal education at a lineman school or college is an option for those looking for more advanced training. Finally, certifications and licenses are necessary for success in this field.

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary range.

As of 2021, the average salary of a Lineman in the United States is around  $76,000  per year. However, the salary range can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and specific industry.

Job Outlook and Growth Projection

Lineman is considered an essential profession in the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Lineman is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for electricity and the need for skilled Lineman to maintain and repair electrical power lines.

Factors That Affect Salary Variations

Several factors can affect the salary of a Lineman, including:

Geographic Location

The location of the job can significantly impact the salary range of a Lineman. The salary range is largely influenced by the cost of living, the state’s economy, and market demand in the area.

Level of Experience

The level of experience is another critical factor that affects the salary variation. Lineman with many years of experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who have recently entered the industry. Employers usually pay more for experienced workers because they have developed their skills over time and can perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

Where the Lineman works can also influence the salary range. Lineman working for government entities, such as state and local authorities, tend to earn more than those working for private organizations. This is mainly due to the job security and benefits offered by government jobs.

Education and Certification

Education and certification are additional factors that can impact the salary range. Lineman with a degree or certification in Electrical Engineering or a related field tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with no certification. Additionally, several employers may require Lineman to obtain specific certifications, such as a CDL license or OSHA safety training, for certain job roles.

The salary range of a Lineman may vary depending on several factors such as geographic location, level of experience, industry, and education. With the demand for skilled Lineman on the rise, this profession is expected to offer several career opportunities and a stable income.

Advancement Opportunities

Linemen have a career path that offers plenty of opportunities for promotions and career advancement. As a lineman gains more experience and develops their skills, they can take on leadership roles and become supervisors. This allows them to oversee other lineman and manage projects, increasing their responsibilities and earning a higher salary.

In addition to promotions within the company, linemen can also advance their careers by pursuing continuing education and training. For example, they can obtain a certification in a specialized area like fiber optic splicing or become proficient in advanced techniques such as pole climbing and bucket truck operation. By doing this, linemen become more valuable to their employer and increase their earning potential.

Continuing education and training also helps linemen keep up with the latest technological advancements in their field, such as smart grid technology and automated meter reading. Lineman who stay abreast of these changes and are able to implement them in their work will be highly valued by employers.

One way for linemen to receive continuing education and training is through apprenticeships and trade schools. Many companies offer apprenticeship programs to provide hands-on training to aspiring linemen. These programs usually last around four years and include both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trade schools also offer courses in lineman education, which often provide a more focused and accelerated curriculum.

Another option for continuing education is to attend conferences and workshops. Industry events provide an opportunity for lineman to network with peers and learn about the latest industry trends and technologies. These events often include presentations from subject matter experts and hands-on training opportunities.

There are plenty of opportunities for advancement for linemen, both in terms of promotions within their current company and through continuing education and training. Those who stay current with industry trends and develop their skills will position themselves for success and increased earning potential.

Job Prospects and Opportunities

Being a lineman offers a wide range of opportunities and job prospects in various industries. Linemen are not just limited to working for electric companies, they can also work for construction companies, telecom companies, and even in the transportation industry.

Opportunities Available in Different Industries

The electric power industry is the most common sector where linemen work. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power systems, whether it is for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Another sector where linemen can work is in construction. Linemen can help install electrical systems in different types of buildings such as hospitals, schools, and factories.

In the telecom industry, linemen play a crucial role in the installation and maintenance of communication lines and networks. They are responsible for ensuring that communication lines are functioning well to avoid communication disruptions that could result in significant losses for various industries.

Linemen also have job prospects in the transportation industry. They can work for railroads or in the airfield lighting maintenance sector as the job requires similar skills to electrical power installation and maintenance.

Factors Affecting Job Prospects

The demand for linemen is expected to grow as the need for alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power increases. This shift from traditional power sources to renewable sources requires the installation and maintenance of new power systems, and linemen are needed for this work.

Another factor that affects job prospects is the aging electrical grid infrastructure. The infrastructure needs upgrading, and the maintenance and repair of this infrastructure require linemen’s expertise, resulting in increasing job opportunities.

The overall growth of the economy also affects job prospects for linemen. As the economy grows, there is an increase in the construction of new buildings, generating job opportunities for linemen. In contrast, a recession can cause a decrease in job prospects as companies respond to declining demand with cutbacks.

Conclusion:

Being a lineman offers a wide range of job prospects and opportunities in multiple industries. The demand for linemen is expected to remain steady or increase as the infrastructure ages and the shift towards renewable sources continues. The job market’s growth is primarily linked to economic growth, with an expanding economy providing more job opportunities for linemen.

Working as a Lineman – A Day in the Life

Working as a lineman can be a challenging and rewarding career that requires dedication, skill, and physical fitness. A typical day in the life of a lineman involves a combination of outdoor work and office tasks.

Daily Activities

One of the main responsibilities of a lineman is to install, maintain and repair electrical power lines. This may involve working on both high and low voltage lines, climbing poles or towers, and using specialized equipment to complete the job. Linemen must also follow safety protocols and pay attention to weather conditions to ensure that they can perform their work safely.

In addition to working with power lines, linemen may also be responsible for reading work orders, communicating with team members, and completing paperwork or digital reports. They must have good communication skills to work with team members, customers, and other individuals who may be impacted by their work.

Challenges Faced by a Lineman

Linemen face many challenges on the job, including working in dangerous conditions, extreme weather, and dealing with emergencies. They must have a strong sense of responsibility and accountability, as any mistakes they make can have serious consequences for themselves and others.

Additionally, linemen often work long hours and may be required to respond to emergency situations at all hours of the day or night. They must be physically fit and mentally alert to handle the demands of the job.

Examples of a Typical Day

A typical day for a lineman may start early in the morning, with a briefing from the team leader on the day’s tasks and safety protocols. The linemen will then head to the job site, where they may need to climb poles, work from a bucket truck, or use other specialized equipment to complete the job.

Throughout the day, linemen will communicate with each other and other team members to ensure that everyone remains safe and that the job is completed efficiently. They may also need to troubleshoot issues with power lines or equipment to determine the root cause of the problem.

At the end of the day, linemen will return to their office or basecamp to complete paperwork or digital reports related to the day’s work. They may also need to prepare for the next day’s tasks, ensuring that they have the necessary equipment and supplies.

Working as a lineman can be a challenging and rewarding career, requiring a combination of technical skills, physical fitness, and mental alertness. Linemen play an important role in ensuring that electrical power is available to those who need it, and their hard work is essential to the functioning of our modern society.

Challenges and Risks of Being a Lineman

Working as a lineman comes with various challenges and risks. Here are some of the most common ones:

Risks related to working with high voltage power lines

Linemen work with high voltage power lines, which means they are exposed to dangerous electrical currents as part of their daily job. Even with preventive measures and safety equipment, there is still a risk of electrocution or electric shock. Sometimes, the risks are not just limited to the lineman but can also pose a danger to the public.

Physical injuries and health hazards

Linemen perform physically demanding work, and the job comes with a high risk of physical injuries. Falls, burns, cuts, and broken bones are just some of the hazards that linemen face while performing their duties. Additionally, the physical strain can lead to long-term health issues, such as back pain or joint problems.

Coping with long hours and extreme weather conditions

Linemen work long hours, and their job cannot be delayed or rescheduled in the event of extreme weather conditions. This means that they have to work under all kinds of weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. They may have to work in cramped spaces or on top of power poles, which can be exhausting and stressful.

To cope with these challenges, linemen rely on their training, experience, and support from their team members. They take regular breaks to prevent fatigue and ensure their safety. They also use specialized equipment to make their work as comfortable and safe as possible, such as insulated tools, harnesses, and helmets.

Being a lineman requires physical strength, technical skills, and emotional resilience. The risks and challenges associated with the job cannot be overlooked, but for those who are passionate about it, the rewards are just as significant. Linemen are often praised for their commitment to keeping the lights on and ensuring the safety of the public, making their work a crucial part of modern society.

Future Trends and Innovations for Linemen

As technology continues to advance, the job of linemen is also evolving. In the future, linemen will increasingly rely on technology to improve safety measures and increase efficiency. Here are some of the technological trends and innovations that will impact linemen in the coming years.

Technological Advancements and their Impact on Linemen

One of the most significant technological trends that is already having an impact on linemen is the increasing use of drones. Drones can be used to inspect power lines and other infrastructure from the air, which can save time and increase safety by reducing the need for linemen to climb poles or work at heights.

Another important trend is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI can help predict potential power outages and other issues by analyzing data from sensors on power lines and other infrastructure.

New Equipment and Tools to Improve Efficiency and Safety

New equipment and tools are also being developed to improve the efficiency and safety of linemen’s work. Here are some of the most promising innovations:

Smart helmets:  These helmets have a built-in camera and heads-up display (HUD) that can provide linemen with real-time visual information about their surroundings. For example, a smart helmet could help a lineman identify potential hazards that might not be visible from the ground.

Robotic arms:  Robots are being developed that can climb poles and towers to perform maintenance and repairs. These robots could reduce the need for linemen to work at heights and improve safety by reducing the risk of falls.

Electrical gloves:  Electrical gloves are being developed that can detect the presence of high voltage without requiring a physical connection between the glove and the power source. This technology could help prevent electrical accidents and improve safety for linemen.

The future of the lineman profession looks bright. As technology continues to advance, linemen will have access to new tools and equipment that will make their jobs safer and more efficient. By staying up to date with these trends and innovations, linemen can continue to play a crucial role in our energy infrastructure for years to come.

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Schools: Elementary Schools: 21 | Middle Schools: 10 | High Schools: 8

City of Daly City

Nestled between Daly City and South San Francisco, Colma is a small, unincorporated town that offers the best of all worlds. Hop on the BART, and head into nearby San Francisco for a day of sightseeing, shopping and urban adventure. Or, take a quick drive to the west and watch the sun set over the Pacific. Or head east to The Bay Trail to stroll along the miles of shoreline of the San Francisco Bay.

Weather: Cool, dry summers and mild winters. Average High: 64° | Average Low: 49°

Population: ~1,500

Schools: Elementary Schools: 2 | Middle Schools: 2 | High Schools: 0*

There are 8 high schools in Daly City, the nearest neighboring city.

City of Colma

A diverse and welcoming community, San Carlos incorporates all the opportunity that comes with living in the greater Bay Area while maintaining its comfortable, small-town feel. With excellent schools, beautiful parks and a vibrant downtown area, San Carlos is a great option for those seeking a family-friendly vibe.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with cool, dry summers and mild winters.

Population: ~30,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 9 | Middle Schools: 5 | High Schools: 1

City of San Carlos

Bakersfield

Live music, museums, unique dining and more await you in Bakersfield. Located in the center of the state, Bakersfield is a convenient launching point to all of the state’s primary attractions: north, south, east and west. As the largest city in Kern County, it is considered a gateway to epic outdoor recreation in the lower Sierras.

Weather: Hot desert climate with long, dry summers and short, cool winters. Average High: 84° | Average Low: 58°

Population: ~384,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 141 | Middle Schools: 79 | High Schools: 53

City of Bakersfield

Visit Bakersfield

Nicknamed the “heart of California,” Madera is known for its strong family and community values. Situated near the geographic center of the state in the San Joaquin Valley, this city provides easy access to all that California has to offer.

Weather: Steppe climate with hot, dry summers and wet winters. Average High: 89° | Average Low: 50°

Population: ~66,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 41 | Middle Schools: 34 | High Schools: 27

City of Madera

Formed after the California Gold Rush, Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and sits in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. This city is known for its fresh produce stands, abundant parks, thriving Tower District and lively community.

Weather: Semi-arid climate with moist winters and hot, dry summers. Average High: 78° | Average Low: 54°

Population: ~532,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 164 | Middle Schools: 91 | High Schools: 74

City of Fresno

The Monterey area is a popular destination along the California coastline. Its unique combination of natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, beaches, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities and good food make it a fun town to live and vacation in.

Population: ~28,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 9 | Middle Schools: 9 | High Schools: 8

City of Monterey

Salinas is a vibrant city on the California coast, and less than 20 miles from Monterey Bay. Blending small-town charm with modern-day convenience, Salinas offers everything from rock climbing to museum tours to rodeos and everything in between.

Population: ~155,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 54 | Middle Schools: 30 | High Schools: 23

City of Salinas

Moss Landing

Moss Landing is a historic fishing village located at the mouth of one of California’s largest wetland areas. With a host of fresh seafood options, year-round ocean-related activities and unique accommodations, Moss Landing is the perfect town for any nature lover.

Population: ~1,450

Schools: Elementary Schools: 1 | Middle Schools: 1 | High Schools: 1. Since Moss Landing is so small, many residents of Moss Landing send their students to schools in neighboring communities."

Merced, the gateway to Yosemite, is a fun, laid-back city built on agriculture, the arts and the great outdoors. Home to everything, from the world’s largest cheese factory to one of the premiere military air museums on the West Coast, there’s something for everyone in Merced.

Weather: Semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold, short winters. Average High: 76° | Average Low: 48°

Population: ~84,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 15 | Middle Schools: 13 | High Schools: 12

City of Merced

In Santa Cruz, the fun only begins at the beach. With wineries, over 14 state parks, museums, farmers markets and outdoor activities like hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and mountain biking, there’s plenty to do for the whole family in this mellow coastal town.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.

Population: ~65,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 29 | Middle Schools: 25 High Schools: 22

City of Santa Cruz

Oakland is a unique city with tons of style and an undeniable vibe. Spend your morning getting breakfast on the bay, your afternoon strolling around Lake Merritt and your evening at a quirky outdoor street festival. One thing’s for sure: if you live in Oakland, you LOVE “The Town.”

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with long, warm summers and short winters.

Population: ~433,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 140 | Middle Schools: 107 | High Schools: 76

City of Oakland

Situated on the southeast end of the San Francisco Bay, Fremont is a thriving town full of history. Offering scenic views, an array of parks and wildlife areas and easy access to all the Bay Area—and the Monterey Peninsula—have to offer, you’re certain to find something you love in Fremont.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with long, warm summers and short winters. Average High: 69° | Average Low: 48°

Population: ~241,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 56 | Middle Schools: 28 | High Schools: 21

City of Fremont

Located on the eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay Area, Livermore is close enough to everything to be convenient, but far enough to retain its relaxed, small-town vibe. Full of wide open spaces and a unique mix of agriculture and science, Livermore is a town completely its own.

Weather: A semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Average High: 72° | Average Low: 47°

Population: ~90,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 21 | Middle Schools: 15 | High Schools: 11

City of Livermore

Hayward is an affordable and centrally located home base that makes it easy to explore every corner of the Bay Area. Enjoy beautiful lakes, the gorgeous views from the Hayward Hills and easy access to both natural and urban areas.

Population: ~159,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 43 | Middle Schools: 26 | High Schools: 25

City of Hayward

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to the headquarters of Apple Inc., Cupertino is much more than just a tech haven. With an abundance of parks, vineyards, museums and open spaces to explore, you and your family will live your own California Dream in this vibrant community.

Weather: Warm and temperate climate. Average High: 71° | Average Low: 50°°

Population: ~59,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 11 | Middle Schools: 6 | High Schools: 6

City of Cupertino

In the heart of California’s high-tech Silicon Valley, San Jose offers a rich tapestry of delicious dining, epic outdoor escapes and world-class art, sports and cultural events. One of the largest cities in the U.S.—a fact even most locals don’t realize—San Jose’s sprawling geography enables it to retain a more small-town feel.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average High: 77° | Average Low: 56°

Population: ~1M

Schools: Elementary Schools: 245 | Middle Schools: 155 | High Schools: 93

City of San Jose

Stockton is a large city surrounded by mile after mile of waterways. This is a city where people embrace any reason to have a party, and an array of annual events ensure there’s always something to do.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Average High: 78° | Average Low: 51°

Population: ~313,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 117 | Middle Schools: 100 | High Schools: 51

City of Stockton

Located less than an hour south of Sacramento, the historic town of Lodi is a centrally located haven of wine, nature and modernity with easy access to nearly everything Northern and Central California has to offer.

Weather: A hot Mediterranean climate with dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average High: 74° | Average Low: 46°

Population: ~67,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 30 | Middle Schools: 22 | High Schools: 16

City of Lodi

Walnut Creek

The perfect blend of quiet and urban, Walnut Creek is all about enjoying the variety that is the spice of life. Situated at the foot of Mount Diablo and with easy access to both BART and great wilderness areas, this city offers a little bit of something for everyone.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and short winters.

Population: ~70,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 21 | Middle Schools: 18 | High Schools: 12

City of Walnut Creek

Antioch is a small but growing city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Nestled along the banks of the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta, this Contra Costa County city is a beautiful place to live and visit as well as one of the region’s most affordable communities.

Weather: A semi-arid climate with long, hot summers and short winters.

Population: ~112,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 34 | Middle Schools: 25 | High Schools: 21

City of Antioch

With over 30 miles of shoreline, a variety of museums, historic landmarks and a thriving craft beer scene, Richmond is a diverse city with a small-town vibe. Centrally located to all the Bay Area has to offer, this area is also one of the more affordable in the East Bay.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Population: ~111,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 39 | Middle Schools: 26 | High Schools: 21

City of Richmond

Concord has the perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation and city culture. Centrally located just east of San Francisco, it’s the perfect town for those who want to live at their own pace but still have access to all that the Bay Area has to offer.

Population: ~129,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 191 | Middle Schools: 123 | High Schools: 23

City of Concord

San Franciso

From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the historic cable cars, the Painted Ladies to Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco is often voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With a compact 7x7-mile footprint, the city is one of the most walkable and bikeable in the U.S.—but don’t be fooled by its “small” size. Famous for its picturesque skyline, delicious food, epic sports teams, and world-class museums and cultural events, this is a place you can build your home—and leave your heart.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate. Average High: 65° | Average Low: 50°

Population: ~881,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 64 | Middle Schools: 13 | High Schools: 78

City of San Francisco

Nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, Santa Rosa is a winning combination of small-town charm and modern convenience. As a bustling city surrounded by farms and vineyards, this town is the perfect place to enjoy California’s gorgeous scenery, without the crowds.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Population: ~177,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 78 | Middle Schools: 55 | High Schools: 42

City of Santa Rosa

Davis is the most populous city in Yolo County. The vibrant university means the city has much to offer in the way of things to see and do, and the UC Davis Arboretum provides a nature escape in the form of acres of beautifully manicured gardens, trails and a tranquil lake.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Population: ~69,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 20 | Middle Schools: 13 | High Schools: 8

City of Davis

Marysville sits at the heart of Yuba County between two rivers in a historically gold-rich mining region of Northern California. It’s a small, family-friendly town with the perfect mix of modern amenities, historical landmarks and open spaces.

Population: ~12,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 15 | Middle Schools: 14 | High Schools: 12

City of Marysville

Chico is a unique small city in Northern California that blends nature, tradition and technology to create a fun, thriving environment. With a vibrant downtown, a college vibe, and a central city plaza that hosts informal gatherings and large seasonal events, there’s always fun to be had in Chico!

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with very hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average High: 75° | Average Low: 47°

Population: ~103,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 34 | Middle Schools: 27 | High Schools: 21

City of Santa Chico

Downtown Chico

Willits, the Gateway to the Redwoods, is a beautiful, small frontier town in the heart of Mendocino County. With towering redwoods to the north and east and the rugged Mendocino coastline to the west, Willits is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Weather: A temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.

Population: ~4,800

Schools: Elementary Schools: 9 | Middle Schools: 8 | High Schools: 7

City of Willits

The biggest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, Eureka is a historic port town surrounded by a towering redwood forest. A truly unique place, Eureka has a fun, lively blend of nature, history and modern amenities.

Weather: A Mediterranean climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average High: 59° | Average Low: 46°

Population: ~27,000

Schools: Elementary Schools: 18 | Middle Schools: 13 | High Schools: 12

City of Eureka

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Lifelong best friends complete 600-mile journey in motorized toy cars

KEY WEST, Fla. (Gray News) – Two lifelong best friends have just completed a nearly 600-mile journey in motorized toy cars.

Cassie Aran and Lauren Lee, both 29, drove 596 miles from Jacksonville to Key West, Florida – a trek along the entire east coast of the state.

The women began their record-long journey over three months ago and arrived at their final destination in Key West on Saturday.

In a Facebook post , the City of Key West Government posted photos of Aran and Lee celebrating their arrival.

The best friends chronicled their adventure on social media to support their fundraiser aimed at helping animal shelters.

According to a report from WJXT , Aran and Lee were attempting to set a Guinness World Record for “Longest Distance by Toy Cars.”

However, the two will not officially be certified by Guinness World Records because of a financial dilemma.

During their journey, the women received a notification from Guinness that they were “no longer allowed to raise money towards saving animals unless they paid them $16,000,” according to Aran.

Although they said it was heartbreaking to give up their dream of holding a Guinness World Record, the women said it was far more important to them to donate the money they raised to animals in need.

So, they forfeited the Guinness title.

“We are so incredibly sad that we had to make the decision to choose between the record title and saving animals...but I know we made the right move,” Aran said in a post on her YouTube Channel . “I hope so many animals get saved from kill shelters and get the life they deserve because of this very sad decision. I hope you guys will still stay here for our 600-mile journey to the finish line in Key West. I love you guys and I’m going to go cry now..but I still stand by my decision 1000%.”

Aran and Lee have been best friends since kindergarten. They said the toy car journey was a way to honor their childhood memories, as they used to ride them around the neighborhood growing up together.

The women told WJXT that the adventure was so much fun that they plan on taking another long journey in toy cars again soon.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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A Plan to Remake the Middle East

While talks for a cease-fire between israel and hamas continue, another set of negotiations is happening behind the scenes..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From New York Times, I’m Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily.

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Today, if and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a ceasefire fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East. My colleague Michael Crowley has been reporting on that plan and explains why those involved in it believe they have so little time left to get it done.

It’s Wednesday, May 8.

Michael, I want to start with what feels like a pretty dizzying set of developments in this conflict over the past few days. Just walk us through them?

Well, over the weekend, there was an intense round of negotiations in an effort, backed by the United States, to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

The latest ceasefire proposal would reportedly see as many as 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

US officials were very eager to get this deal.

Pressure for a ceasefire has been building ahead of a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah.

Because Israel has been threatening a military offensive in the Southern Palestinian city of Rafah, where a huge number of people are crowded.

Fleeing the violence to the North. And now they’re packed into Rafah. Exposed and vulnerable, they need to be protected.

And the US says it would be a humanitarian catastrophe on top of the emergency that’s already underway.

Breaking news this hour — very important breaking news. An official Hamas source has told The BBC that it does accept a proposal for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

And for a few hours on Monday, it looked like there might have been a major breakthrough when Hamas put out a statement saying that it had accepted a negotiating proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire proposal does not meet his country’s requirements. But Netanyahu says he will send a delegation of mediators to continue those talks. Now, the terms —

But those hopes were dashed pretty quickly when the Israelis took a look at what Hamas was saying and said that it was not a proposal that they had agreed to. It had been modified.

And overnight —

Israeli troops stormed into Rafah. Video showing tanks crashing over a sign at the entrance of the city.

— the Israelis launched a partial invasion of Rafah.

It says Hamas used the area to launch a deadly attack on Israeli troops over the weekend.

And they have now secured a border crossing at the Southern end of Gaza and are conducting targeted strikes. This is not yet the full scale invasion that President Biden has adamantly warned Israel against undertaking, but it is an escalation by Israel.

So while all that drama might suggest that these talks are in big trouble, these talks are very much still alive and ongoing and there is still a possibility of a ceasefire deal.

And the reason that’s so important is not just to stop the fighting in Gaza and relieve the suffering there, but a ceasefire also opens the door to a grand diplomatic bargain, one that involves Israel and its Arab neighbors and the Palestinians, and would have very far-reaching implications.

And what is that grand bargain. Describe what you’re talking about?

Well, it’s incredibly ambitious. It would reshape Israel’s relationship with its Arab neighbors, principally Saudi Arabia. But it’s important to understand that this is a vision that has actually been around since well before October 7. This was a diplomatic project that President Biden had been investing in and negotiating actually in a very real and tangible way long before the Hamas attacks and the Gaza war.

And President Biden was looking to build on something that President Trump had done, which was a series of agreements that the Trump administration struck in which Israel and some of its Arab neighbors agreed to have normal diplomatic relations for the first time.

Right, they’re called the Abraham Accords.

That’s right. And, you know, Biden doesn’t like a lot of things, most things that Trump did. But he actually likes this, because the idea is that they contribute to stability and economic integration in the Middle East, the US likes Israel having friends and likes having a tight-knit alliance against Iran.

President Biden agrees with the Saudis and with the Israelis, that Iran is really the top threat to everybody here. So, how can you build on this? How can you expand it? Well, the next and biggest step would be normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

And the Saudis have made clear that they want to do this and that they’re ready to do this. They weren’t ready to do it in the Trump years. But Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has made clear he wants to do it now.

So this kind of triangular deal began to take shape before October 7, in which the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia would enter this three way agreement in which everyone would get something that they wanted.

And just walk through what each side gets in this pre-October 7th version of these negotiations?

So for Israel, you get normalized ties with its most important Arab neighbor and really the country that sets the tone for the whole Muslim world, which is Saudi Arabia of course. It makes Israel feel safer and more secure. Again, it helps to build this alliance against Iran, which Israel considers its greatest threat, and it comes with benefits like economic ties and travel and tourism. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been very open, at least before October 7th, that this was his highest diplomatic and foreign policy priority.

For the Saudis, the rationale is similar when it comes to Israel. They think that it will bring stability. They like having a more explicitly close ally against Iran. There are economic and cultural benefits. Saudi Arabia is opening itself up in general, encouraging more tourism.

But I think that what’s most important to the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is what he can get from the United States. And what he has been asking for are a couple of essential things. One is a security agreement whose details have always been a little bit vague, but I think essentially come down to reliable arms supplies from the United States that are not going to be cut off or paused on a whim, as he felt happened when President Biden stopped arms deliveries in 2021 because of how Saudi was conducting its war in Yemen. The Saudis were furious about that.

Saudi Arabia also wants to start a domestic nuclear power program. They are planning for a very long-term future, possibly a post-oil future. And they need help getting a nuclear program off the ground.

And they want that from the US?

And they want that from the US.

Now, those are big asks from the us. But from the perspective of President Biden, there are some really enticing things about this possible agreement. One is that it will hopefully produce more stability in the region. Again, the US likes having a tight-knit alliance against Iran.

The US also wants to have a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia. You know, despite the anger at Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, the Biden administration recognizes that given the Saudis control over global oil production and their strategic importance in the Middle East, they need to have a good relationship with them. And the administration has been worried about the influence of China in the region and with the Saudis in particular.

So this is an opportunity for the US to draw the Saudis closer. Whatever our moral qualms might be about bin Salman and the Saudi government, this is an opportunity to bring the Saudis closer, which is something the Biden administration sees as a strategic benefit.

All three of these countries — big, disparate countries that normally don’t see eye-to-eye, this was a win-win-win on a military, economic, and strategic front.

That’s right. But there was one important actor in the region that did not see itself as winning, and that was the Palestinians.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

First, it’s important to understand that the Palestinians have always expected that the Arab countries in the Middle East would insist that Israel recognize a Palestinian state before those countries were willing to essentially make total peace and have normal relations with Israel.

So when the Abraham Accords happened in the Trump administration, the Palestinians felt like they’d been thrown under the bus because the Abraham Accords gave them virtually nothing. But the Palestinians did still hold out hope that Saudi Arabia would be their savior. And for years, Saudi Arabia has said that Israel must give the Palestinians a state if there’s going to be a normal relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Now the Palestinians see the Saudis in discussions with the US and Israel about a normalization agreement, and there appears to be very little on offer for the Palestinians. And they are feeling like they’re going to be left out in the cold here.

Right. And in the minds of the Palestinians, having already been essentially sold out by all their other Arab neighbors, the prospect that Saudi Arabia, of all countries, the most important Muslim Arab country in the region, would sell them out, had to be extremely painful.

It was a nightmare scenario for them. And in the minds of many analysts and US officials, this was a factor, one of many, in Hamas’s decision to stage the October 7th attacks.

Hamas, like other Palestinian leaders, was seeing the prospect that the Middle East was moving on and essentially, in their view, giving up on the Palestinian cause, and that Israel would be able to have friendly, normal relations with Arab countries around the region, and that it could continue with hardline policies toward the Palestinians and a refusal, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said publicly, to accept a Palestinian state.

Right. So Michael, once Hamas carries out the October 7th attacks in an effort to destroy a status quo that it thinks is leaving them less and less relevant, more and more hopeless, including potentially this prospect that Saudi Arabia is going to normalize relations with Israel, what happens to these pre-October 7th negotiations between the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel?

Well, I think there was a snap assumption that these talks were dead and buried. That they couldn’t possibly survive a cataclysm like this.

But then something surprising happened. It became clear that all the parties were still determined to pull-off the normalization.

And most surprisingly of all, perhaps, was the continued eagerness of Saudi Arabia, which publicly was professing outrage over the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks, but privately was still very much engaged in these conversations and trying to move them forward.

And in fact, what has happened is that the scope of this effort has grown substantially. October 7th didn’t kill these talks. It actually made them bigger, more complicated, and some people would argue, more important than ever.

We’ll be right back.

Michael, walk us through what exactly happens to these three-way negotiations after October 7th that ends up making them, as you just said, more complicated and more important than ever?

Well, it’s more important than ever because of the incredible need in Gaza. And it’s going to take a deal like this and the approval of Saudi Arabia to unlock the kind of massive reconstruction project required to essentially rebuild Gaza from the rubble. Saudi Arabia and its Arab friends are also going to be instrumental in figuring out how Gaza is governed, and they might even provide troops to help secure it. None of those things are going to happen without a deal like this.

Fascinating.

But this is all much more complicated now because the price for a deal like this has gone up.

And by price, you mean?

What Israel would have to give up. [MUSIC PLAYING]

From Saudi Arabia’s perspective, you have an Arab population that is furious at Israel. It now feels like a really hard time to do a normalization deal with the Israelis. It was never going to be easy, but this is about as bad a time to do it as there has been in a generation at least. And I think that President Biden and the people around him understand that the status quo between Israel and the Palestinians is intolerable and it is going to lead to chaos and violence indefinitely.

So now you have two of the three parties to this agreement, the Saudis and the Americans, basically asking a new price after October 7th, and saying to the Israelis, if we’re going to do this deal, it has to not only do something for the Palestinians, it has to do something really big. You have to commit to the creation of a Palestinian state. Now, I’ll be specific and say that what you hear the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, say is that the agreement has to include an irreversible time-bound path to a Palestinian state.

We don’t know exactly what that looks like, but it’s some kind of a firm commitment, the likes of which the world and certainly the Israelis have not made before.

Something that was very much not present in the pre-October 7th vision of this negotiation. So much so that, as we just talked about, the Palestinians were left feeling completely out in the cold and furious at it.

That’s right. There was no sign that people were thinking that ambitiously about the Palestinians in this deal before October 7th. And the Palestinians certainly felt like they weren’t going to get much out of it. And that has completely changed now.

So, Michael, once this big new dimension after October 7th, which is the insistence by Saudi Arabia and the US that there be a Palestinian state or a path to a Palestinian state, what is the reaction specifically from Israel, which is, of course, the third major party to this entire conversation?

Well, Israel, or at least its political leadership, hates it. You know, this is just an extremely tough sell in Israel. It would have been a tough sell before October 7th. It’s even harder now.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is completely unrepentantly open in saying that there’s not going to be a Palestinian state on his watch. He won’t accept it. He says that it’s a strategic risk to his country. He says that it would, in effect, reward Hamas.

His argument is that terrorism has forced a conversation about statehood onto the table that wasn’t there before October 7th. Sure, it’s always in the background. It’s a perennial issue in global affairs, but it was not something certainly that the US and Israel’s Arab neighbors were actively pushing. Netanyahu also has — you know, he governs with the support of very right-wing members of a political coalition that he has cobbled together. And that coalition is quite likely to fall apart if he does embrace a Palestinian state or a path to a Palestinian state.

Now, he might be able to cobble together some sort of alternative, but it creates a political crisis for him.

And finally, you know, I think in any conversation about Israel, it’s worth bearing in mind something you hear from senior US officials these days, which is that although there is often finger pointing at Netanyahu and a desire to blame Netanyahu as this obstructionist who won’t agree to deals, what they say is Netanyahu is largely reflecting his population and the political establishment of his country, not just the right-wingers in his coalition who are clearly extremist.

But actually the prevailing views of the Israeli public. And the Israeli public and their political leaders across the spectrum right now with few exceptions, are not interested in talking about a Palestinian state when there are still dozens and dozens of Israeli hostages in tunnels beneath Gaza.

So it very much looks like this giant agreement that once seemed doable before October 7th might be more important to everyone involved than ever, given that it’s a plan for rebuilding Gaza and potentially preventing future October 7th’s from happening, but because of this higher price that Israel would have to pay, which is the acceptance of a Palestinian state, it seems from everything you’re saying, that this is more and more out of reach than ever before and hard to imagine happening in the immediate future. So if the people negotiating it are being honest, Michael, are they ready to acknowledge that it doesn’t look like this is going to happen?

Well, not quite yet. As time goes by, they certainly say it’s getting harder and harder, but they’re still trying, and they still think there’s a chance. But both the Saudis and the Biden administration understand that there’s very little time left to do this.

Well, what do you mean there’s very little time left? It would seem like time might benefit this negotiation in that it might give Israel distance from October 7th to think potentially differently about a Palestinian state?

Potentially. But Saudi Arabia wants to get this deal done in the Biden administration because Mohammed bin Salman has concluded this has to be done under a Democratic president.

Because Democrats in Congress are going to be very reluctant to approve a security agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

It’s important to understand that if there is a security agreement, that’s something Congress is going to have to approve. And you’re just not going to get enough Democrats in Congress to support a deal with Saudi Arabia, who a lot of Democrats don’t like to begin with, because they see them as human rights abusers.

But if a Democratic president is asking them to do it, they’re much more likely to go along.

Right. So Saudi Arabia fears that if Biden loses and Trump is president, that those same Democrats would balk at this deal in a way that they wouldn’t if it were being negotiated under President Biden?

Exactly. Now, from President Biden’s perspective, politically, think about a president who’s running for re-election, who is presiding right now over chaos in the Middle East, who doesn’t seem to have good answers for the Israeli-Palestinian question, this is an opportunity for President Biden to deliver what could be at least what he would present as a diplomatic masterstroke that does multiple things at once, including creating a new pathway for Israel and the Palestinians to coexist, to break through the logjam, even as he is also improving Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia.

So Biden and the Crown Prince hope that they can somehow persuade Bibi Netanyahu that in spite of all the reasons that he thinks this is a terrible idea, that this is a bet worth taking on Israel’s and the region’s long-term security and future?

That’s right. Now, no one has explained very clearly exactly how this is going to work, and it’s probably going to require artful diplomacy, possibly even a scenario where the Israelis would agree to something that maybe means one thing to them and means something else to other people. But Biden officials refuse to say that it’s hopeless and they refuse to essentially take Netanyahu’s preliminary no’s for an answer. And they still see some way that they can thread this incredibly narrow needle.

Michael, I’m curious about a constituency that we haven’t been talking about because they’re not at the table in these discussions that we are talking about here. And that would be Hamas. How does Hamas feel about the prospect of such a deal like this ever taking shape. Do they see it as any kind of a victory and vindication for what they did on October 7th?

So it’s hard to know exactly what Hamas’s leadership is thinking. I think they can feel two things. I think they can feel on the one hand, that they have established themselves as the champions of the Palestinian people who struck a blow against Israel and against a diplomatic process that was potentially going to leave the Palestinians out in the cold.

At the same time, Hamas has no interest in the kind of two-state solution that the US is trying to promote. They think Israel should be destroyed. They think the Palestinian state should cover the entire geography of what is now Israel, and they want to lead a state like that. And that’s not something that the US, Saudi Arabia, or anyone else is going to tolerate.

So what Hamas wants is to fight, to be the leader of the Palestinian people, and to destroy Israel. And they’re not interested in any sort of a peace process or statehood process.

It seems very clear from everything you’ve said here that neither Israel nor Hamas is ready to have the conversation about a grand bargain diplomatic program. And I wonder if that inevitably has any bearing on the ceasefire negotiations that are going on right now between the two of them that are supposed to bring this conflict to some sort of an end, even if it’s just temporary?

Because if, as you said, Michael, a ceasefire opens the door to this larger diplomatic solution, and these two players don’t necessarily want that larger diplomatic solution, doesn’t that inevitably impact their enthusiasm for even reaching a ceasefire?

Well, it certainly doesn’t help. You know, this is such a hellish problem. And of course, you first have the question of whether Israel and Hamas can make a deal on these immediate issues, including the hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and what the Israeli military is going to do, how long a ceasefire might last.

But on top of that, you have these much bigger diplomatic questions that are looming over them. And it’s not clear that either side is ready to turn and face those bigger questions.

So while for the Biden administration and for Saudi Arabia, this is a way out of this crisis, these larger diplomatic solutions, it’s not clear that it’s a conversation that the two parties that are actually at war here are prepared to start having.

Well, Michael, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

On Tuesday afternoon, under intense pressure from the US, delegations from Israel and Hamas arrived in Cairo to resume negotiations over a potential ceasefire. But in a statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that even with the talks underway, his government would, quote, “continue to wage war against Hamas.”

Here’s what else you need to know today. In a dramatic day of testimony, Stormy Daniels offered explicit details about an alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump that ultimately led to the hush money payment at the center of his trial. Daniels testified that Trump answered the door in pajamas, that he told her not to worry that he was married, and that he did not use a condom when they had sex.

That prompted lawyers for Trump to seek a mistrial based on what they called prejudicial testimony. But the judge in the case rejected that request. And,

We’ve seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world.

In a speech on Tuesday honoring victims of the Holocaust, President Biden condemned what he said was the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the United States after the October 7th attacks on Israel. And he expressed worry that too many Americans were already forgetting the horrors of that attack.

The Jewish community, I want you to know I see your fear, your hurt, and your pain. Let me reassure you, as your president, you’re not alone. You belong. You always have and you always will.

Today’s episode was produced by Nina Feldman, Clare Toeniskoetter, and Rikki Novetsky. It was edited by Liz O. Baylen, contains original music by Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for The Daily. I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• May 9, 2024   •   34:42 One Strongman, One Billion Voters, and the Future of India
• May 8, 2024   •   28:28 A Plan to Remake the Middle East
• May 7, 2024   •   27:43 How Changing Ocean Temperatures Could Upend Life on Earth
• May 6, 2024   •   29:23 R.F.K. Jr.’s Battle to Get on the Ballot
• May 3, 2024   •   25:33 The Protesters and the President
• May 2, 2024   •   29:13 Biden Loosens Up on Weed
• May 1, 2024   •   35:16 The New Abortion Fight Before the Supreme Court
• April 30, 2024   •   27:40 The Secret Push That Could Ban TikTok
• April 29, 2024   •   47:53 Trump 2.0: What a Second Trump Presidency Would Bring
• April 26, 2024   •   21:50 Harvey Weinstein Conviction Thrown Out
• April 25, 2024   •   40:33 The Crackdown on Student Protesters
• April 24, 2024   •   32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Michael Crowley

Produced by Nina Feldman ,  Clare Toeniskoetter and Rikki Novetsky

Edited by Liz O. Baylen

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Dan Powell

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

If and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a cease-fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East.

Michael Crowley, who covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times, explains why those involved in this plan believe they have so little time left to get it done.

On today’s episode

Michael Crowley , a reporter covering the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The New York Times.

Background reading :

Talks on a cease-fire in the Gaza war are once again at an uncertain stage .

Here’s how the push for a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia looked before Oct. 7 .

From early in the war, President Biden has said that a lasting resolution requires a “real” Palestinian state .

Here’s what Israeli officials are discussing about postwar Gaza.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries and often travels with the secretary of state. More about Michael Crowley

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Norwegian cruise employee arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people on board

A Norwegian Cruise Line employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing multiple people during an Alaska cruise.

Personnel onboard Norwegian Encore saw Ntando Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late on Sunday evening, according to an affidavit signed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Matthew B. Judy.

Sogoni, a South African citizen, had joined the ship that day in Seattle.

Ship security officers took him to the medical center for evaluation. When he was taken to an exam room he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” attacking a security guard and a male nurse, the affidavit said.

He then ran to another exam room, grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman there for a medical assessment “several times in the arm, hand, and face.” The woman was a U.S. citizen.

“Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed two guards with the scissors before they could subdue and detain him,” the affidavit said. He allegedly stabbed one in the head and the other in the back and shoulder. The injuries were not life threatening. 

The attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. PDT on Monday, according to the document. The ship was west of Vancouver Island and roughly 16.5 miles from land at the time.

Sogoni was held in the ship’s jail until Encore reached Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said in a news release that he is charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

An attorney for Sogoni was not listed.

A Norwegian spokesperson told USA TODAY that a "newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior."

"The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

Relevant law enforcement authorities were "immediately" contacted and took custody of the employee upon the ship's arrival in Juneau. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships," the spokesperson added. "We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

Senior ship leadership has been monitoring the situation, and senior company executives traveled to Juneau to meet and help the passenger. "We will continue to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation," the spokesperson said.

The news comes after a Carnival Cruise Line guest pleaded guilty in February to assaulting a fellow passenger and smashing a glass in their face.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Cruise worker accused of stabbing 3 with scissors arrested in Alaska

Federal officials arrested a man accused of assault with a deadly weapon after an incident on a Norwegian ship.

A 35-year-old man working for Norwegian Cruise Line was arrested in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday after allegedly stabbing three people aboard a ship with medical scissors on Monday.

The U.S. District Attorney’s office charged Ntando Sogoni, identified as a South African national, with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Sogoni faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, Norwegian hired Sogoni the day before the stabbing. He joined the Norwegian Encore in Seattle.

The affidavit said that crew members saw Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat on Sunday and that security officers escorted him to a medical center for an assessment. He then “became irrational and attempted to leave.” The FBI said Sogoni attacked a security guard and a nurse before running into a room where a 75-year-old woman was being examined.

Using a pair of scissors, the affidavit said, Sogoni stabbed the woman in the arm, hand and face. Security officers intervened, and Sogoni stabbed two guards in the head and back. None of the injuries were life-threatening, according to the affidavit.

Sogoni was detained and held in a jail on the ship until it arrived at its next port in Juneau, according to the affidavit. Based on information from Norwegian security, the stabbing is estimated to have occurred at 1:50 a.m. west of Vancouver Island, B.C.

Norwegian did not comment on the status of the victims or what vetting Sogoni received before beginning employment. The company told The Washington Post that it is assisting authorities in the investigation.

“We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships,” Norwegian said in an email statement. “We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions.”

The company did not confirm whether the trip continued as scheduled, but online cruise trackers show the Encore in Skagway, Alaska, as of Wednesday — aligning with the cruise itinerary.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

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‘RHOBH’ stars Dorit and PK Kemsley separate after 9 years of marriage

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“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars Dorit and Paul “PK” Kemsley have announced their separation after nine years of marriage. 

“We as a couple have been subject to a lot go speculation about our marriage. We have had our struggles over the last few years and continue to work through them as two people who love each other and share two amazing children together,” the couple wrote in a joint statement released Thursday via social media. 

“To safe guard our deep friendship and maintain a harmonious environment for our children we have made the mutual and difficult decision to take some time apart and reevaluate our relationship while we prioritize our children,” they added.

“We appreciate your love and support while we continue to do the work necessary throughout this journey.”

The Kemsleys’ marital strife was a hot topic on the most recent season of “RHOBH,” which premiered last fall. 

“It’s not like we’re heading to divorce court, but we were disconnected. PK and I, we really are very co-dependent and connected. So it’s the first time in the 13 years we’ve been together that we felt this disconnect,” Dorit told Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast in November 2023.

“When we came into this season, it was really important for me to be open and honest and talk about it because it’s the reality.”

However, the Beverly Beach by Dorit designer — who wed PK in a stunning New York City ceremony at the famed Rainbow Room in March 2015 — shut down rumors that she and PK were living apart. 

“This was one of those times where I just knew — especially because we were open and very vulnerable when talking about it in the season — even if we weren’t going to address it, then it could take on a life of its own,” she said of her and PK’s swift reaction to debunking the gossip in an October 2023 statement. 

“So we immediately put out a statement.” 

Dorit noted that surviving two robberies in the span of two years caused friction in their relationship. 

In 2021, she was home alone with the duo’s children — son Jagger, 10, and daughter Phoenix, 8 — when armed men broke into the family’s Encino, Calif., home to steal about about $1 million in high-end goods.

She experienced a second robbery roughly a year later in December 2022, claiming that  three men followed her before aggressively stealing $10,000 in cash , which she had taken out for Christmas gifts. 

“Not having my partner there [after the home invasion] made life very difficult and it obviously caused some problems,” she said of PK diving into work and travel after the first instance.  

“But we ultimately — thank goodness — never separated. We had our challenges and we continued to work through them and get better and better and stronger and that’s not always something that happens overnight.”

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Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska

Updated on: May 8, 2024 / 6:27 AM EDT / CBS/AP

A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska's capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney's office says the man, identified as 35-year-old Ntando Sogoni,  is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the late evening on Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he "became irrational and attempted to leave," and "physically attacked" a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a "shipboard jail," the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office says.

If convicted, Sogoni faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence.

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