MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE COMPILATION! | #MannequinChallenge Photo The womens gymnastics team at Brigham Young University performed an athletic version of the Mannequin Challenge. Credit via Facebook
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? Or the Harlem Shake? Planking? Lip Dubs?
Another video meme has emerged to distract the internet. If you havent seen the Mannequin Challenge in your social media feeds or on your TV screen, you probably will soon.
In this latest viral video genre, groups of people are gathering and freezing themselves in place, often in elaborate poses and scenarios, as one camera-toting person walks through the scene to zoom in on the details. As is often the case, teenagers are leading the way.
Many of the videos are set to the song Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd, making it the unofficial anthem of the meme. (The rap duo recorded its own version of the challenge at a concert last week.)
Its goofy, its creative, its innocent fun. That means we must turn to the inevitable question: Now that theres a good thing, how long until adults ruin it?
We regret to inform you that the Olds have already discovered it. Look no further than the fact that its been written up in The New York Times (sorry), and the Fox N.F.L. Sunday pregame show and the S.E.C. Network performed their versions on TV this weekend. It surely wont be long until marketers get approval to create their own.
While its still fun, there are countless videos to watch if you search for #MannequinChallenge on Twitter. Below is a collection of the more interesting ones, including some N.F.L. and college football teams that celebrated victories this weekend with their own takes.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Oct. 18. MANDEL NGAN / AFP - Getty Images
At this point, we know a lot about how Donald J. Trump campaigns. But we know much less about how he would govern.
Trump has shifted positions on a wide range of issues before, after, and during his campaign, making it difficult to know for certain where he would land if he captured the White House. His circle of advisers is also smaller and less cohesive than past Republican candidates: Numerous policy aides from prior GOP administrations have opposed his candidacy, along with every living Republican president and nominee, with the exception of Bob Dole. That makes it difficult to predict who he would appoint to carry out his plans.
There are some hints from his inner circle at top positions, though: According to senior campaign aides, his transition team is eyeing Rudy Giuliani as a possible attorney general and Newt Gingrich as secretary of state. RNC chairman Reince Priebus is also under consideration as Trump"s chief of staff.
Should Trump follow through on his more sweeping campaign pledges, policy experts and political veterans see the potential for an explosive four years in office.
In a speech this month, Donald Trump outlined a plan for his first 100 days in office that included a range of policy issues and some more personal items. He renewed his pledge to build a border wall, to undo President Obama"s executive orders on immigration and other policies, and potentially to withdraw from NAFTA. On foreign policy, he has advocated an "America First" approach that has alarmed overseas leaders by calling into question alliances like NATO unless countries pay more for protection.
While Hillary Clinton"s agenda is likely to be stymied by divided government if she"s elected, a Trump victory would mean he"d probably take office with a Republican House and Senate, improving his chances of enacting major legislation. In practice, though, it may be difficult to keep his party together after a divisive race in which many lawmakers called on him to drop out in October (some later re-endorsed him).
At the same time, his platform is less reliant on Congress than Clinton"s would be: Many of his biggest promises on trade, immigration, national security, and foreign policy can be achieved through executive action.
"He"s going to try to start with a bang by taking as much of Obama off the books with a stroke of his pen as he possibly can," Brookings Senior Fellow William Galston said. "Then it gets tougher."
Compared to Clinton, there"s tremendous uncertainty about how he would approach the presidency. Would he follow his running mate Mike Pence"s lead, govern within the GOP mainstream, and delegate tasks to more experienced political hands? Or would he feud with Republican leaders and go his own way? When he faces inevitable setbacks will he negotiate compromises, as he has often indicated? Or will he reflexively seek revenge against his perceived enemies, as he has done constantly throughout his campaign?
The first 100 days
Trump"s first moves could include some personal score-settling. He has said he will appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton, who he has threatened to jail in campaign speeches and debates, for her use of a private email server as secretary of state and possibly issues connected to her family foundation. He"s also warned he may sue women who accused him of sexual misconduct, along with media outlets who covered their allegations. Historically, however, Trump has had a tendency to make legal threats and not follow through.
Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. listen to the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri on Oct. 9. TASOS KATOPODIS / AFP - Getty Images
Trump would also have to figure out what to do with his business empire, which experts warn could present unprecedented conflicts of interest. Trump has not released his taxes and there"s much that remains unknown about his debts and business dealings, which could create ethics issues early on. Adding to the mess, Trump has said he"d put his children in charge, a far cry from the type of blind trust that past politicians have used to keep themselves independent from decisions about their finances while they govern.
When it comes to policy, though, his first order of business will likely entail reversing many of President Obama"s executive orders immediately upon taking office.
This would likely begin with immigration, where Trump would end Obama"s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that has granted temporary work permits to many "dreamers" -- eligible young immigrants who lacked legal status. He could also ditch Obama"s instructions to immigration authorities that they strictly focus on removing criminals instead of targeting otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants, a move that could dramatically increase deportations.
Trump could also suspend immigration by refugees from Syria and impose whichever "extreme vetting" requirements he settles on for immigrants from other countries -- the current iteration of what was originally his proposed Muslim ban.
Things get trickier from there, though. His border wall would be "the most difficult to accomplish" on his immigration wish list, former Immigration and Naturalization Service commissioner Doris Meissner said. He would need Congress to approve funding for it in the budget and would face legal obstacles in order to build on vast stretches that pass through private, state, and tribal lands.
Democrats in Congress would oppose construction of the wall out of hand, especially if it"s not attached to immigration reform measures including a path to citizenship for existing undocumented immigrants. Republicans would be divided as well, making passage unlikely. Mexico"s leadership has also made clear they won"t pay for the wall as Trump as promised, and his promise to compel them to do so by cutting off transfer payments by private citizens between Mexico and America may not be legally or politically possible.
Finally, Trump would face the task of nominating a new Supreme Court justice to replace Antonin Scalia, who died last year. He already has put out a growing list of possible names, all of whom are broadly in line with conservative wish lists.
A bumpy foreign policy ride
Trump would almost certainly face a global crisis even before he took office, as allies abroad are alarmed by his "America First" rhetoric and stated disregard for the international institutions the United States has led since World War II.
In particular, Trump"s threats to abandon NATO countries and military allies like South Korea and Japan if they fail to shoulder more of the cost of American protection have caused a firestorm. He would also have to chart a course with allies in the Muslim world like Saudi Arabia, who he has criticized regularly, after promising to ban all Muslims from America.
"He"s taken a stand that is farther than what anyone in the security community has previously advocated," Jacob Shapiro, a professor of international affairs at Princeton, said.
Dozens of foreign leaders, breaking from more typical diplomatic tones towards potential US presidents, have publicly warned Trump would damage relations with their countries and have criticized him in unusually personal terms. A poll by Pew of residents in a variety of European and Asian allies in June found broad opposition to Trump, with majorities and pluralities across the board saying they had "no confidence" in his ability to lead.
Trump listens to a speaker during a meeting with Cuban supporters at Trump National Doral, on Oct. 25 in Miami. Evan Vucci / AP
Presidents have extremely broad authority on foreign policy and Trump has some big ideas, making this the area early in his presidency to watch most. Does he reach out to reassure foreign leaders that some of his campaign lines were for show? Or does he actively start calling into question international agreements, from military alliances to trade deals to the Geneva Convention, which he has said should be altered to allow torture and other war crimes?
"Many of these questions would be shaped by the foreign policy team around him, about which we know nothing," Galston said. "Virtually the entire Republican foreign policy establishment has jumped ship."
In another flashpoint, Trump has called climate science a hoax and said he"d pull out of the Paris climate agreement, a massive global priority already backed by over 190 countries. He"d also look to undo energy regulations that would keep the US on track to meet the deal"s emissions targets that scientists warn are the bare minimum to avoid potentially catastrophic climate change. Among other problems, this would also create instant tension with China which agreed to a major deal with the U.S. on climate emissions ahead of Paris.
When it comes to the war against ISIS, Trump would face immediate questions about how to handle Syria, where he would have an opportunity to put his call for warmer relations with Russia to the test.
It would also be a battleground within the party and likely his own administration. Trump has said repeatedly he"ll look for cooperation with Russia, including on a joint military campaign against ISIS, and not pursue avenues to remove Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. His running mate Pence, however, said in a nationally televised debate with Tim Kaine that he would threaten Assad with military force over his use of indiscriminate bombing and opposes Russian involvement. Trump later said Pence was wrong.
Pence has also threatened consequences against Russia if they"re found to be involved in election related hacks, which Trump has denied is the case despite a consensus assessment by U.S. intelligence officials.
Trade wars
Then there"s Trump"s top agenda item: Trade.
Trump would likely follow through on his campaign promise to reopen talks on NAFTA with Mexico and Canada, which he has threatened to leave if they go poorly. He"s also floated withdrawing from the World Trade Organization, which could set off an international trade war and financial panic, although he has put less emphasis on the idea.
"From what I"ve noticed, he"s moved away from saying he will automatically take the US out of these agreements to saying that he will demand renegotiation," Robert Howse, a professor of international law at New York University, said.
Based on his speeches, Trump could instruct his Treasury Department to label China a "currency manipulator," which may not have much effect in practice. He also could use his authority to slap tariffs on imported goods he believes are illegally subsidized or dumped into the United States from other countries, something that both the current and former administrations have done. Companies could appeal if they believe they"ve been illegally singled out, though, and more blanket nationwide tariffs -- Trump has mentioned major taxes on Chinese goods -- would require Congressional approval.
Once again, though, there"s the question of how many of Trump"s promises have been made for show. He"s been relatively vague on what demands he would make in trade talks, mostly emphasizing his dealmaking ability and plans to hire better negotiators rather than naming specific items he"d address.
Trump"s legislative agenda
While immigration, trade, and foreign policy might define his early agenda, much of Trump"s presidency could be defined by his relationship with Congress.
Once again, the biggest question is whether he delegates policymaking to more traditional Republicans or pursues less conventional ideas that might even cross party lines.
The most likely area of cooperation with Republican leaders is tax reform. Trump has called for a multi-trillion dollar tax cut centered on high earners that"s not incompatible with similar proposals from the House GOP. Unlike other legislative items, Senate Republicans could bypass a likely Democratic filibuster and pass it through reconciliation, a process that requires a simple majority.
Speaker Paul Ryan, should he retain his job, has proposed a variety of budget ideas that could be achieved through the same process. It"s not clear how many pieces Trump would back, however. He"s been especially critical of efforts to overhaul entitlements like Medicare and Social Security while Ryan has made reining in long-term spending on the programs a central priority.
"I assume any efforts to reform entitlements will go by the wayside" if Trump is president, John Feehery, a Republican strategist and former House GOP aide, said.
In general, Trump would likely come into conflict with budget hawks over spending. He"s promised a major infrastructure package to go along with his proposed tax cut, a planned increase in defense spending, and more immigration enforcement.
"We don"t have as many specifics about his plans as Clinton, but we do know most of what he would do would increase the deficit very substantially," Stan Collender, a former Democratic budget aide, said.
Trump would face enormous pressure to address is Obamacare, which he and most other Republicans have promised to repeal and replace should they gain control of government.
Trump arrives on stage during a rally at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. on Oct. 10. DOMINICK REUTER / AFP - Getty Images
The question, however, is what to replace it with. Trump has hewed to the traditional Republican line about allowing insurers to cross state lines and expand health savings costs, but he"s also said he would protect people with preexisting conditions, as Obamacare does. Trump has proposed allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices with drug companies, an item that has generally garnered Democratic support and Republican opposition.
Once again, Trump"s constant flip flops make it hard to discern where he would go. He said earlier in the race he would seek universal health care and even praised Obamacare"s mandate to buy insurance before walking his position back. But without major changes, his current proposals would kick tens of millions of people off insurance gained through Obamacare and remove popular consumer protections. This could be a recurring tension in policy fights, where Republicans have demanded major cuts to social programs while Trump"s instinct are often to promise the moon.
"I think the question is does he work with Paul Ryan or try to work against him," Feheery said. "Ryan has laid out his blueprint and it"s not clear to me how much that will hew to his line."
2016 Venta Espectacular de Colchones de Veterans Day de Sears
Theres a fence separating Fort Bragg from the surrounding communities, but that doesnt really keep them separated.
More than 70 percent of Fort Braggs service members and their families live off post. That doesnt even count the many, many veterans who continued their post-military lives in the shadow of sprawling Fort Bragg. Fayetteville, Spring Lake and other nearby communities are definitely military towns, first and foremost.
So it makes sense that as Veterans Day approaches local businesses big national chains and hometown shops alike want to say Thank you.
Discounts and freebies are relatively small way so say thanks. But that doesnt make them any less appreciated by those who will take advantage of them later this week.
Ive done my best to compile list of all such deals here. If you dont see a local business listed have someone from that establishment contact me at brooksd@fayobserver.com and Ill add it.
All offers are for Veterans Day, unless noted otherwise. Contact each individual business for additional requirements and restrictions.
Thanks and thank you for your service.
Amo Express On the Goat 1139 North Bragg Boulevard in Spring Lake will be offering free brewed coffee to all veterans with a valid ID.
Applebee"sis offering a free meal from a special menu to military veterans and active duty service members with military ID or proof of service. All current and former military personnel will also receive a $5 coupon to be redeemed for additional food and beverage or at a later time.
Bonefish Grill at 210 Glensford Drive in Fayetteville and 190 Partner Circle in Southern Pines is offering free Bang Bang Shrimp to all active duty and retired service members with a valid military ID.
Boston Marketat 1909 Skibo Road is offering all veterans and service members a free brownie or cookie with any purchase.
Carmike Cinemasat 1916 Skibo Road and 4761 Lake Valley Drive will offer a free small popcorn to anyone with a military ID who buys a movie ticket at the box office.
Carrabbasat 4209 Sycamore Dairy Road is offering a free appetizer to active duty service members and veterans with valid ID or proof of service.
Chili"sat 635 Cross Creek Mall is offering veterans and service members a free lunch combo or a free dinner from a select menu. Dine-in only, beverages and gratuity not included. Proof of service required.
Chipotleat 1918 Skibo Road is offering a buy-one, get-one free burrito bowl, salad or tacos between 3 p.m. and closing to all members of the military (active duty, Reserves and National Guard), veterans and military spouses with valid ID.
Cracker Barrel, at 1470 Skibo Road and 1625 Jim Johnson Road in Fayetteville, 1102 East Cumberland Road in Dunn, 3212 N.C. 87 South in Sanford, 3375 Lackey Street in Lumberton and 10975 U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines, will offer veterans a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
Dennys at 5505 Raeford Road in Fayetteville will offer military personnel a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. The offer is for active, inactive and retired military personnel with a valid military ID.
Dominos at 3441 North Main Street in Hope Mills; 705 Grove Street, 596 North Reilly Road, 2922 Bragg Boulevard, 5133 Raeford Road, 5387 Ramsey Street, 5100 N.C. 87 and 8130 Cliffdale Road in Fayetteville; and 110 Spring Avenue in Spring Lake will over a free medium one-topping carryout pizza to veterans with military ID between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Fayetteville Ink and Art Galleryat 234 Hay Street is offering 20 percent off for veterans.
Fazoli"s at 538 North McPherson Church is offering a freeBuild Your Own Pasta Bowl for veterans with proof of service.
Food Lion, which has several stores in the region, is offering all active, retired and honorably discharged military personnel a 10 percent discount on their purchase with a military ID.
K&W Cafeterias at 3187 Village Drive in Fayetteville is offering veterans and active duty troops with a military ID a free dinner that includes a choice of entre, two vegetables, bread and beverage. The offer is for dine-in and take-out customers from 4 p.m. to closing.
Longhorn Steakhouse at 194 Brucewood Road in Southern Pines will offer a free appetizer or dessert to anyone showing proof of military service. No purchase is required. The restaurant will also offer 10 percent off for guests that dine with veterans.
Mission BBQat 1932 Skibo Road in Fayetteville will offer all veterans a free sandwich and a slice of cake.
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproomat 2120 Skibo Road will offer all active duty service members and veterans who have a valid ID or dine in uniform a complimentary craft beer or appetizer.
Olive Garden at234 North McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville and10572 South U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines will offer a free entree from a special menu to active-duty military and veterans. The special menu will include six choices and comes with unlimited soup or salad and bread.
Pressed: A Creative Spaceat 120 Hay Street is offering 20 percent off all Pressed brand tees and sweatshirts over the entire Veterans Day weekend.
Red Lobsterat 533 North McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville will offer all veterans, active duty military and Reservists a free appetizer or dessert with a valid military ID on Thursday, Nov. 10 and Friday, Nov. 11. The free item may be selected from a special menu
Suburban Propane at 3600 Legion Road in Hope Mills and 1111 Wilkes Road in Fayetteville, is offering existing customers with a veteran or active duty military personnel in the family $20 off their next deliver of 100 gallons or more. They are also offering 35 gallons of fuel for those who refer a new customer who is a veteran or active duty military.
For new customers who are veterans or active military, Suburban Propane is offering special new pricing, $20 off the first delivery of 100 gallons or more and no charge tank change out/ safety check/tank rent for one year.
Both offers are good for delivery taken by March 31, 2017.
The Coffee Cupat 108 Hay Street is offering 10 percent off all coffee drinks.
The Wine Cafeat 108 Hay Street is offering 5 percent off of all wines, sake and beers and 10 percent off six bottles of wine or more.
XSCAPE Factorat 136-A Bow Street in Fayetteville is offering 30 percent off for veterans and active duty troops and their families between Nov. 9-13. Use promo code VETERANS atwww.xscapefactor.comto receive the discount.
Golden Tate Torches the Vikings with Game-Ending TD! (Week 9 Highlights) | Lions vs. Vikings | NFl
Free Press sports writers Dave Birkett and Jeff Seidel analyze the Lions" 22-16 overtime victory over the Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016. Video by Dave Birkett, DFP.
Matt Asiata of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by Josh Bynes of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter Nov. 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.(Photo: Adam Bettcher, Getty Images)
What coaches and players said Sunday after the Lions defeated the Vikings in overtimein Minnesota.
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, on this team win Yeah, I think this is probably the definition of one, because of the fact that we had so many contributions from every phase Sam [Martin] punted the ball extremely well. [Matt] Prater was outstanding, and we did a great job in that area. And they covered the kickoff really well Defensively, it was a pretty outstanding game. But all in all, just in terms of our guys hanging in there when things go tough, theyve done well. The offense, when you needed them to move it down and get into position to score, they were able to do so. They did it with poise and did it with a little bit of flair.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, on his teams third straight loss For the first time in three weeks this team really fought like I expect them to fight. Well continue to do these kind of things and well win football games.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, on the play of the Lions offensive line They did a great job. I was telling them after the game it might be the cleanest I have been in a game playing these guys, especially at their place. They were getting off the ball great but the offensive line was doing a great job.
Lions kicker Matt Prater, on the pressure of kicking a last-second, game-tying kick Im confident. More than likely Im not worried about missing it short. I just make kicks, I dont try to overthink it with the guys up front snapping and holding. I expect to make every kick. I dont over analyze it or think too much. I just kick it and hope it goes straight.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford, on the difference with new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur This week I think the game plan was fairly set in place by the time Pat took over. But, itll be interesting to see how we go moving forward and how things will change. I thought Pat did a good job today just keeping it relatively simple. Getting the ball out quick, getting it to our guys in space and then trying to let them create on the perimeter.
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Kellyanne Conway on "Rigged Election," FBI Probe, Poll Numbers, Healthcare
It doesnt matter that the assassination attempt against Donald Trump on Saturday night was actually a non-violent protester who had a sign.Trumps surrogates want you to believe that their candidate was nearly assassinated, and they wont let something as inconvenient as the facts get in the way.
During an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway insisted that the protester from Saturdays rally in Reno, Nevada, was actually a Democratic plant or operative trying to disrupt our rally (he wasnt). She added that, I think people saw a nimble, resilient Donald Trump who would be nimble and resilient as president as well.
Tapper interjected to point out that it wasnt an assassination attempt. It was apparently a local voter, a Republican who says he is supporting Hillary Clinton. He has given money to Hillary Clinton. He has canvassed for Hillary Clinton. But he says hes a Republican. But most importantly, he was not trying to assassinate anyone.
Tapper then asked the all-important question: This was not an assassination attempt, but why is your campaign spreading that it was?
Conway seemed uncomfortable when answering the question, sputtering, Thats really remarkable. That thats what the storyline is here.
She then insisted that the Trump campaign wouldnt retract its claim that the Nevada protester had tried to assassinate Trump unless CNN retractedall the storylines, all the headlines, all the breathless predictions of the last two weeks that turned out not to be true.
Conway isnt alone among Team Trump in trying to cast the Reno incident as a thwarted assassination. Donald Trump Jr.retweeted posts insisting just that, including this one from former political operative and CBS News employee Jack Posobiec claiming that it was an assassination attempt.
In reality, the incident at the Reno rally involved a non-violent protesternamed Austyn Crites, a registered Republican who is supporting Hillary Clinton in this election. An unknown audience member shouted that he had a gun when he was trying to raise a sign, which started the commotion that led to Trump being rushed off-stage.
All of a sudden, because they couldnt grab the sign, or whatever happened, bam, I get tackled by all these people, Crites told KRNV.And somebody yells something about a gun, and so thats when things really got out of hand.
Vikings: Season 4 Returns Comic-Con Full Trailer | History
For a brief time near the end of regulation in an eventual loss, Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison was the teams unlikely hero.
With 27 seconds remaining, he scampered into the end zone on a play added to the teams playbook this week, giving the Vikings their first lead of the game via a rush from the backup tight end.
It was the third time in franchise history a tight end has recorded a rushing touchdown and was set to be the game-winner before the Vikings defense collapsed late in their 22-16 overtime loss.
They didnt see it coming, so it worked out, Ellison said.
The play was nearly a disaster. Just after Ellison crossed the end zone, the football popped free and appeared for a moment to be a fumble. But review showed that Ellison had crossed the goal line for a touchdown.
The only other rushing touchdowns from Vikings tight ends were from Stu Voigt in 1972 and Steve Jordan in 1984.
It was exciting, but a very tough team loss, Ellison said.
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Oklahoma on Sunday (November 6, 2016) near the largest U.S. oil storage hub, prompting some pipeline companies to shut down operations at the site as a precaution. Bloomberg
Beginning in 2009, the frequency of earthquakes in the U.S. State of Oklahoma rapidly increased from an average of fewer than two 3.0+ Mw earthquakes per year since 1978 to hundreds per year in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Thousands of earthquakes have occurred in Oklahoma and surrounding areas in southern Kansas and North Texas since 2009. Scientific studies attribute the rise in earthquakes to the disposal of wastewater produced during oil extraction that has been injected more deeply into the ground.
Two of the most significant earthquakes in these swarms were the November5, 2011 Prague earthquake east of the Oklahoma City area and the September 3, 2016 earthquake near Pawnee, north of Prague. The 2011 Prague earthquake, at reported magnitude 5.6, was at the time the strongest recorded earthquake in the history of Oklahoma. The 2016 earthquake was initially reported to be an identical 5.6 magnitude, but this was later upgraded to 5.8, making it the strongest earthquake on record. Simultaneously, the USGS upgraded the magnitude of the Prague earthquake to 5.7. Numerous seismologists had advised local residents of an even greater risk of earthquakes in 2014, by which time the number of earthquakes had increased to a dangerously high level. In response to the major increase in earthquakes in the Central United States, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) began developing a new seismic hazard model to account for risk associated with induced seismicity. By June 26, 2014, no fewer than six individual earthquake sequences in Oklahoma had been identified and named by the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS). Other swarms have been observed in south-central Kansas and North Texas.
In March2013, a peer-reviewed paper published by a research team led by seismologist Katie Keranen at the University of Oklahoma in the scientific journal Geology reported that "the volume of fluid injected into the subsurface related to the production of unconventional resources continues to rise" and that there was a link between the "zone of injection and the seismicity" potentially triggering the Prague earthquake. On March28, 2016 the USGS released the USGS National Seismic Hazard Map which concluded that the primary cause of the earthquake in Oklahoma in 2011 was pressure on fault lines from cumulative effects of injecting oil drilling wastewater under high pressure into the underground. Although the 2011 earthquake was the largest on record until that time, the USGS reported that the central and eastern U.S. (CEUS) had undergone the most dramatic increase in seismic activity in the United States since 2009 with an average of 318 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 a year up from 24 a year from 1973 to 2008. In 2015 there were 1,010 earthquakes in the CEUS region. By mid-March, 2016 there were already 226 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and larger in the CEUS.
