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  • Here are your top 5 astronomical events for 2024

    Here are your top 5 astronomical events for 2024

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    Every year, avid sky gazers book their calendar full of events that are sure to have you looking up. And 2024 promises to bring a series of events you don’t want to miss.


    What You Need To Know

    • Several noteworthy events are possible in the skies above North America in 2024
    • A coast-to-coast solar eclipse will be found in April
    • A beautiful meteor shower will dazzle in August
    • A new comet could light the skies in October


    North America is set for dozens of potential sky gazing events during 2024. From a pair of eclipses to a brand new comet and several meteor showers, here are the top five astronomical events for North America in 2024.

    1. America’s total solar eclipse

    The most anticipated event of the year across the nation will come in April when the Great American Solar Eclipse will streak across the United States.

    On April 8, 2024, the nation will be greeted by the moon passing right in front of our sun, creating a breathtaking experience for those who can reach totality. While the entire nation will enjoy the eclipse, only a few select states will get the joys of totality.

    Totality occurs when the moon blocks out the entire sun from view, leading to a darker sky resembling if it were dawn or dusk.

    A look at the path of the total solar eclipse.

    Just prior to totality, another phenomenon known as Baily’s beads will occur. These beads look like distinct balls of light found just on the edge of the moon’s surface as it passes in front of the last bit of the sun.

    Baily’s beads are caused by the sun’s light shining through the craters on the surface of the moon and will flicker on and off as the sun passes through the valleys of the moon’s surface.

    Totality will be enjoyed by states like Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York and Maine. Totality will last for nearly four and a half minutes in cities across Texas—the longest in the nation.

    2. America’s penumbral lunar eclipse

    Just two weeks before the total solar eclipse, the nation will be greeted by an eclipse of a different kind. On March 24-25, 2024, the nation will observe a penumbral lunar eclipse.

    Often, during a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the inner shadow of Earth, known as Earth’s umbra. During that passage, the moon darkens noticeably, and can produce a unique nighttime effect.

    But during a penumbral lunar eclipse, the moon stays out of the inner shadow and only breaches Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra.

    During a lunar eclipse, the moon passes by Earth's shadow. (Spectrum News)

    During a lunar eclipse, the moon passes by Earth’s shadow.

    This leads to a less deep and typically less dramatic eclipse. Sometimes it can even be mistaken as a normal Full Moon event versus an actual eclipse.

    Regardless, this eclipse will be found nationwide. The best time to view the eclipse will be around maximum eclipse time, when one half of the moon will appear slightly darker than the other half.

    3. Planets align

    A favorite of sky gazers alike, planetary alignment is expected in late June across the nation. This celestial alignment will feature the planets Jupiter, Mars and Saturn along with our Moon.

    During this alignment, you can expect to find all the planets and our moon situated near one another in the eastern sky during sunrise.

    If you are heading east during your morning commute, you may notice all these celestial bodies shining brightly next to the moon, resembling stars.

    4. Perseid meteor shower

    Often called the most reliable meteor shower of the year, the Perseid meteor shower will happen in the heart of August. The peak of the shower will occur on the nights of Aug. 12 and 13.

    The Perseid shower is caused by Earth’s movement through a debris cloud left behind from the comet Swift-Tuttle, a comet last passed by Earth in 1992.

    Two Perseid meteors, centre and lower left, streak across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower above a forest on the outskirts of Madrid, in the early hours of Monday, July 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

    Two Perseid meteors, centre and lower left, streak across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower above a forest on the outskirts of Madrid, in the early hours of Monday, July 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

    2024 is likely to be a decent year for this shower, as the moon will only be illuminated 50%. This should allow for between 200 to 350 meteors an hour if you can get to a place with no light pollution. For those in cities, expect that number to be closer to 40 to 60 meteors an hour.

    5. A new comet passes by

    While there is a bit of a debate about how big this event may be, October will bring a new comet to the skies of Earth.

    Discovered back in Feb. 2023, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will make its closest pass to Earth’s Northern Hemisphere during October. The comet will be roughly 44 million miles away from our planet, or roughly 100 million miles closer than our closest neighbor, Mars.

    The comet will appear too close to the sun to be seen in early October, but it will get into a better position for observation around and after Oct. 14.

    Comet Hale–Bopp. (NASA)

    Comet Hale–Bopp. (NASA)

    Scientists are still debating how visible the comet could be on Earth, but some scientists believe this could be a very bright passing, outshining some of the brightest stars in our sky during the peak passage.

    A few scientists believe it could be the brightest comet in our skies since Comet Hyakutake in 1996 or Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997. Comet Hale-Bopp was the most observed comet in human history.

    If these hypotheses prove to be correct, Comet C/2023 A3 could feature a very prominent tail that observers could see with their own eye.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Zach Covey

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  • Weather Explained: Why bridges freeze before roads

    Weather Explained: Why bridges freeze before roads

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    It all has to do with the flow of cold air.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Look fast! A brief meteor shower peaks early Thursday morning

    Look fast! A brief meteor shower peaks early Thursday morning

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    The new year starts with the Quadrantid meteor shower. But don’t blink, or you might miss it.


    What You Need To Know

    • Astronomers named the Quadrantids after a former constellation
    • They have a very short peak
    • The peak falls early Thursday morning
    • Moonlight will obscure the fainter meteors



    The Quadrantids aren’t one of the more well-known meteor showers, but they can still bring a decent number of meteors… if you’re looking at the right time.

    Most meteor showers have a peak that lasts a couple of days, but the Quadrantids’ shower is much shorter. It should peak within a few hours of 4 a.m. Eastern Time Thursday morning, according to Sky & Telescope.

    NASA says the Quadrantids produce roughly 120 meteors per hour in perfect conditions, although that can vary quite a bit. And this year won’t have ideal conditions even if you get away from city lights, thanks to a half-full moon hanging in the southeastern sky during the peak.

    If you give it a shot, let your eyes adjust to the dark sky for at least 15 minutes and try to shield the moon from view. The American Meteor Society recommends looking north. Even if moonlight washes out the fainter meteors, you might catch a bright fireball meteor as relatively larger particles burn up in the atmosphere.

    The Quadrantids are unusual, like December’s Geminids, because they come as the Earth passes through the debris of an asteroid, rather than a comet. The name itself is also unusual; it’s from the constellation “Quadrans Muralis,” which didn’t make the cut in 1922’s official, modern list of constellations.

    An image of an etching of an astronomical chart of constellations, showing a quadrant–Quadrans Muralis–above Bootes the Ploughman. Also shown are the dogs Asterion and Chara and the hair of Berenice. (Library of Congress)

    The next noteworthy meteor shower is the Lyrids in April. Unfortunately, the moon will be nearly full for that show.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Different weather conditions can affect your fireworks show

    Different weather conditions can affect your fireworks show

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    Many people are looking forward to the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks shows. However, everything from snow, wind and humidity can affect not only if you can launch those rockets into the sky, but also what they will look like.


    What You Need To Know

    • Heavy snow can make the fireworks’ colors less vibrant
    • Strong winds during fireworks can endanger the public
    • Lightning can strike spectators and unlit fireworks

    Ideal weather

    Clear skies, light winds and low humidity make for a great show. Extra moisture in the air can distort the colors and make them less vibrant.

    Less humidity also means we can enjoy the show a little more because we don’t feel sticky.

    Snow

    (Bradly J. Boner/AP Images for EUKANUBA™)

    Snow is okay when it comes to fireworks.

    The only problems are heavy snow can obscure the colors, and crews need to keep the fireworks dry in times of heavy snow or they might not light.

    Wind

    We also need to have the right amount of wind. Light wind might not clear the smoke quickly enough, affecting how well you can see the fireworks.  

    Too much wind can blow smoke or embers around, endangering people.

    Fireworks smoke

    Smoke from a fireworks display at Chicago’s Navy Pier filters through the skyline on wind currents from Lake Michigan. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

    Rain and lightning

    Light rain is okay when it comes to fireworks, as long as they are covered or in waterproof bags. A wet fuse will not light.

    Storms and heavy rain can lead to canceled or delayed shows. Lightning can pose a major threat, sometimes striking unlit fireworks or even people.

    (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

    Drought

    Drought conditions can also cause problems. The fallout from fireworks can spark fires when there’s a lot of dry vegetation.

    Each year, fireworks spawn many fires.

    (Photo by Heather Morrison)

    If there is a bad drought happening in your area, avoid setting off fireworks. Often, local authorities will ban the use of fireworks in high fire risk or drought conditions.

    However, bigger shows might launch over bodies of water to accommodate for a drought.

    So, keep these in mind if you plan on setting off fireworks. Check the forecast first and stay safe!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Safety tips for driving through the rain

    Safety tips for driving through the rain

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    From drizzle to downpours, driving in the rain could be difficult and dangerous if you are not careful. According to U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, over 3,400 people are killed and over 357,300 people are injured in rainfall-related crashes. 


    What You Need To Know

    • Over 357,000 people are injured in rainfall-related crashes
    • AAA says wet pavements contribute to more than one million traffic crashes each year
    • Check the maintenance of your car before you drive in the rain
    • Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle glides on top of a thin film of water and your tires lose contact with the ground

    We want you to understand the hazards of driving in the rain and how you can drive defensively in the elements. AAA says wet pavement contributes to more than one million traffic crashes each year.

    Before driving in the rain

    Before you drive in the rain, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is prepared. You want to check your windshield wipers and make sure they don’t leave streaks and clear any rain on a single swipe. 

    Plus, you want to check if all your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working as well. 

    Next, you want to check your tire tread depth. The tire tread and inflation of your tires are important in maintaining traction on wet roads. 

    You can check the tread by using a quarter. If you turn it upside down and dip it into the tread of a tire and you can see the entire head of the president, that means you need to replace them.

    You also need to check the tire pressure, as well.

    Driving in the elements

    When driving in the rain, it’s important to leave room between vehicles. Safety experts suggest following the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. In addition, the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests adding an extra two-seconds when you’re driving in heavy rain.

    The NWS also say to be careful during the first half hour of rainfall because grime and oil on the road could mix with water to make them slippery. Check out our “Weather Explained: Slick roads after a dry spell” for more information.

    According to AAA, “with as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road.” To navigate driving in the rain, it’s best to stay toward the middle lanes, since water pools in the outside lanes. Plus, drive at the speed to correspond to the amount of rain on the roads. 

    Beware of hydroplaning

    Hydroplaning is one risk of driving in the rain. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle glides on top of a thin film of water and your tires lose contact with the ground.

    It only happens in a few seconds, but it can feel like your vehicle is veering on its own. You should avoid hard braking and sharp turns. AAA says pressing the breaks will make hydroplaning worse and cause you to swerve out of your lane.

    To reduce your risk of hydroplaning, slow down, turn off cruise control and don’t panic.

    If you feel like your hydroplaning, ease your foot off the gas to regain control of the vehicle and pull over and park your car until the rainfall lightens.

    If you feel your card is skidding, don’t panic and avoid hard braking. Just look and steer in the direction you want your car to go. 

    Turn Around, Don’t Drown®

    Now, if water is over the road because of heavy rain, you should never drive through it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that over half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle has driven into flood water.

    Whenever you encounter a flooded road, practice Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.

    The NWS says it takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.

    An empty vehicle is surrounded by floodwaters on a road in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

    So it’s important to beware and drive defensively in the rain and avoid any hazards if you can. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Keith Bryant

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  • The most sustainable and cost-effective ways to heat your home

    The most sustainable and cost-effective ways to heat your home

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    Winter just began, and the coldest days of the season are on the horizon. Through much of the country, many will reach to their thermostats to crank up the heat… some places more than others.

    It’s important to know what options work best when it comes to heating your home.


    What You Need To Know

    • A large portion of the country needs to heat their homes in the winter
    • Most American homes are heated by a furnace, boiler or heat pump
    • Electricity and natural gas are the most common fuel sources

    The methods of how we heat our homes range from clean and green to the kind that literally cause smoke to rise out of a chimney.

    However, the most sustainable and cost-effective way to heat a home is subjective. The answer varies from one place to another and comes down to what type of fuel sources are most accessible in that location.

    Weather and climate play a role, too. Colder regions favor certain methods over others and vice versa.

    It all stems from the fuel source

    Electricity and natural gas are, by far, the most common heating fuel sources in the U.S. Other sources include propane, wood and oil.

    According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, about 25% of households in the U.S. rely solely on electricity to heat their homes. Electric heating systems are typically the most eco-friendly, but they often come at a higher cost.

    Of course, it’s hard to pin down exact amounts, since energy prices vary by location and fluctuate over time.

    Electric heating is more suitable across the southern U.S., where winters are usually milder and the demand for heating isn’t as high. Using this fuel source across the northern half of the country where it gets and stays colder for longer can send electricity bills soaring.

    In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) stated that natural gas was 3.4 times more affordable than electricity, which is why it might be the better option for heating homes in some parts of the country. The EIA’s 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey reported over 50% of households in the U.S. used natural gas to heat their homes.

    Even though it might come with a slightly bigger carbon footprint, natural gas is far more cost-effective for many Americans, especially for those living in colder climates such as the Midwest and Northeast.

    (American Gas Association)

    The American Gas Association (AGA) claims that annual energy costs for an all-electric home using a cold-climate heat pump can be roughly 37% higher than a home using natural gas as its source of heating, cooking and drying clothes.

    A home heating oil delivery truck climbs a snow-covered road in the Northeast on Feb. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

    On the national scale, oil is not nearly as common as natural gas or electricity. Yet, it was once the most popular fuel in the Northeast, where it is still used in roughly 20% of homes. However, this source of heating is not as environmentally friendly and is often more expensive than electric and natural gas heat.

    The most common heating systems

    The DOE says that most Americans use either a furnace or boiler to heat their home. Both systems can be fueled by natural gas, oil or electricity, but differ in how they provide heat to dwellings.

    The biggest difference between the two is that furnaces heat air, while boilers heat water.

    Over the years, these systems have been improved to be more energy efficient. To see how efficient each furnace or boiler is, the DOE examines its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).

    The AFUE is essentially a percentage measuring how much fuel gets converted to heat. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the furnace or boiler is.

    1.) Furnaces:

    Most modern homes use a central furnace, which burns a fuel source (either oil or gas) to heat air.

    Technician works on a furnace. (Photo by Natalie Sopyla)

    The heated air then flows through a series of ducts, where it is released through vents in each room. Cooler air in the room is then sucked back through a return vent, then it goes back into the furnace to be reheated.

    This method of heating is fast and energy efficient, which is why most households use it.

    2.) Boilers:

    Radiators and baseboard heaters in older homes provide heat via a boiler. Hot water or steam travels through pipes in the home. When the hot water reaches the radiator or baseboard unit in each room, it releases its heat. The cooled water then flows back to the boiler to be reheated. 

    (Pexels)

    Since water takes longer to heat than air, this method can take longer for a home to reach the desired temperature, and might not be seen as the most efficient way to heat a home.

    That aside, boilers are usually better for people who suffer from indoor allergies, as furnace or forced air systems can blow around dust and pollen particles.

    3.) Heat pumps:

    Heat pumps are becoming more common and provide heat to the majority of homes in the Southeast. This system runs on electricity and does not require a fuel source to provide heat, which can significantly cut electricity costs compared to an electric furnace or boiler.

    Serving as both an air conditioning system and a heating system, heat pumps move warm air out and allow cooler air to flow back into a home during the summer. These systems work in reverse when it gets cold outside, and cooler air is pumped out and warmer air pumped in.

    While heat pumps are energy efficient and work well in milder climates, they are not the best option for areas that experience frequently temperatures below 40 degrees. They simply will struggle to provide enough heat, requiring the need for a secondary heating system.

    Secondary sources of heat

    Residences in colder climates will sometimes need a secondary source to generate heat, especially those that rely on heat pumps as their main system.

    To raise the temperatures up a few degrees, some people use space heaters or wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.

    (Pexels)

    These options are good at providing supplemental heat, but aren’t the best and most sustainable choices to heat a home by themselves.

    Each may be enough to heat one room, but you would need multiple fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or electric space heaters to heat an entire home. If the home is large, you could even need more than one in each room!

    Along with the additional costs associated with plugging in multiple space heaters or purchasing wood to burn, these methods come with fire hazards and can increase indoor pollutants, possibly outweighing their benefits.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Shawnie Caslin

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  • The ‘Full Cold Moon’ is here, even though it’s not cold

    The ‘Full Cold Moon’ is here, even though it’s not cold

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    December’s full moon is appropriately called the “Full Cold Moon,” although that name isn’t quite as relevant this year, considering the lack of bitter air around the country.


    What You Need To Know

    • December’s full moon is the “Cold Moon”
    • It’s also sometimes called the Moon Before Yule
    • The moon is fullest Tuesday evening
    • The constellations Gemini and Orion are near the moon all night



    The moon will become its fullest at 7:33 p.m. ET/4:33 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

    December’s full moon is also sometimes called the Moon Before Yule, since it happens near the ancient celebration around the winter solstice. Native American names include the Long Night Moon–also because it falls near the winter solstice and the longest night of the year–and Big Winter Moon.

    No matter the name, you can use the moon to find a couple of constellations. In the evening, it’ll appear right above Gemini and left of Orion. In the morning, Gemini is left of the moon and Orion is below.

    Simulated view of the eastern sky the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 26. (Adapted from Stellarium)

    You can also see the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the northern sky throughout the night.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • The birth of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

    The birth of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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    The heartwarming story of Rudolph guiding Santa through the winter snow helped guide the author to a better life.


    What You Need To Know

    • Robert L. May created Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
    • He wrote the story for his daughter Barbara May Lewis 
    • Barbara says she is Rudolph’s big sister
    • Rudolph has indeed gone down in history

    I had no idea where the story Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer originated, so I had to do some digging.

    The story was always around when I was a child, and yes, I cried when the snow monster took Rudolph over the cliff. Hey, I was four years young!

    Robert (Bob) May wrote the story in 1939. A self-proclaimed outcast, he was smart for his age and skipped a couple of grades. This resulted in him being younger and smaller than his classmates.

    He described himself as a nerdy kid and a loser. I think we can all relate to that sentiment at one point in our lives.

    He used his opinion of himself to help his daughter navigate the challenges of growing up, telling her a bedtime tale of a misfit reindeer.

    Bob always wanted to write an American Novel and eventually found work at Montgomery Ward as a catalog writer. Montgomery Ward was known for giving away free books at Christmas time to children throughout the country.

    May thought Rudolph would be a good character in a book and took pen to paper. After much labor of words, May wrote Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

    Montgomery Ward printed two million copies that year, and Bob received hundreds of letters from children, teachers, and other store managers. It was a huge success. After 10 years, his company gave him the rights to the story.

    With help from May’s brother, a songwriter, they turned the short story into a song. The song found its way to a famous cowboy, Gene Autry, and blew up the charts in 1949. The classic Christmas animation soon followed.

    Rudolph forever earned Bob and his family a comfortable life.

    Rudolph truly went down in history!

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Michael Gouldrick

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  • Bake up a storm with the sweet flavors of winter

    Bake up a storm with the sweet flavors of winter

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    As the holiday season marches along, why not bake up a flurry of sweet treats with a winter theme?


    What You Need To Know

    • Winter weather themed desserts are very popular through the holidays
    • Cold weather months naturally send people into a baking mood 
    • Many winter weather themed desserts contain very few ingredients
    • Baking is a good way to stay cozy and warm during a snow storm

    Who wants to eat a season? Apparently, some folks do exactly that as soon as December rolls around.

    From snowball cookies to marshmallow snowmen, there is no telling what inspiration dessert makers create with the flurry of baking excitement.

    It takes more than just a few snow flurries to get them going, as there is a version of the sugar cookie called the blizzard. The otherwise tumultuous winter storm vision is folded into a bowl with a wooden spoon and it lands on the parchment in a variety of flavors.

    Although these cookies do not contain actual snow as an ingredient, it’s the combination of sugar, vanilla, butter, flour, eggs and baking powder topped with snowflake and pearl sprinkles that makes it look like a mini snow covered island.

    Does this sound too basic sugar cookie for your taste? If you are looking for more oomph in your holiday snack, there are variations on the original. Take the chocolate, cream cheese and marshmallow blizzard cookie versions instead.

    These recipes make up some rip roaring flavorful combinations in every single bite. What makes the blizzard theme fitting is the combination of sugar cookie ingredients combined with a few extra swirls of partially melted white, chocolate and semi-chocolate chips.

    This gives the cookie a marble coloring that adds the vision of windy or whirling snow within the scrumptious treat. 

    If you want to bring back an original snow ball shaped holiday confection, why not go for the pecan-filled snow ball cookies recipe? This recipe contains only a handful of ingredients you may already have on hand in your pantry. Pecans, flour, salt, sugar, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar, to be exact. 

    If you are looking for more fun and easy winter dessert recipes, check here. Or you can just search winter inspired desserts or snowflake cookies and you’ll be blown away at the possibilities.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Heather Morrison

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  • Weather Explained: Increasing your odds of having a white Christmas

    Weather Explained: Increasing your odds of having a white Christmas

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    So, you’re dreaming of a white Christmas? In some cities, a white Christmas is quite a treat!

    In 2004, a freak storm delivered a white Christmas to the residents of Brownsville, TX. It was the first white Christmas for the community, which hasn’t seen measurable snow since 1899.

    If you want to plan your travels next year to increase your odds of a white Christmas, your best bet is somewhere north and in the mountains.

    Aspen, Colorado, for example, has a white Christmas nearly every single year! Why? Not only is it much colder at their elevation (8,000 ft), but the community is farther north and away from large bodies of water. 

    Watch the video above to learn more about the best places to have a white Christmas, and keep up with your forecast to see what Christmas looks like for you!

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    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Pacific storm dumps heavy rains

    Pacific storm dumps heavy rains

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    SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Torrential rain flooded homes and streets in Southern California’s coastal cities Thursday, stranding some drivers in typically idyllic Santa Barbara and compounding holiday travel headaches.

    The downpours targeted Ventura and Santa Barbara counties northwest of Los Angeles County overnight, swamping areas in the cities of Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Santa Barbara, where a police detective carried a woman on his back after the SUV she was riding in got stuck in knee-deep floodwaters.

    Rainfall rates exceeding 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) an hour unleashed flash flooding about 1:30 a.m. in Ventura County, the National Weather Service said. Later in the morning, streets began filling with water in parts of Santa Barbara as the storm delivered another deluge. By midday, the rain and wind had eased and residents ventured outside to look at the damage.

    Sven Dybdahl, owner of olive oil and vinegar store Viva Oliva in downtown Santa Barbara, said he had trouble finding dry routes to work Thursday morning, but most of the heavy rains and flooding had receded shortly before 11 a.m. He said he was grateful that the weather is only expected to be an issue for a few days at the tail end of the holiday shopping season, otherwise he’d be worried about how the rains would affect his store’s bottom line.

    “It will have an impact but thankfully it’s happening quite late,” he said.

    The city of Port Hueneme issued evacuation orders for residences on four streets and warned of potential evacuations on four other streets. About 60 houses were affected by the orders, all in a senior citizen community, said Firefighter Andy VanSciver, a Ventura County fire spokesperson. An evacuation center was set up at a college gymnasium.

    Three people from the senior community were taken to hospitals out of an abundance of caution, and there were multiple rescues of drivers from flooded vehicles, he said.

    The city of Oxnard said in a social media post that many streets and intersections were heavily impacted. “Please stay off the city streets for the next several hours until the water recedes,” the post said.

    “This is a genuinely dramatic storm,” climate scientist Daniel Swain, of the University of California, Los Angeles, said in an online briefing. “In Oxnard, particularly, overnight there were downpours that preliminary data suggests were probably the heaviest downpours ever observed in that part of Southern California.”

    The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oxnard and the city of Ventura at 1:28 a.m. due to a high-intensity thunderstorm, but no tornado activity was immediately observed, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.

    Hours later at Heritage Coffee and Gifts in downtown Oxnard, manager Carlos Larios said the storm hadn’t made a dent in their Thursday morning rush despite “gloomy” skies.

    “People are still coming in to get coffee, which is surprising,” he said. “I don’t think the rain is going to stop many people from being out and about.”

    Pedestrians walk on a flooded sidewalk as rain comes down, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 in Santa Barbara, Calif. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)

    The storm swept through Northern California earlier in the week as the center of the low-pressure system slowly moved south off the coast. Forecasters described it as a “cutoff low,” a storm that is cut off from the general west-to-east flow and can linger for days, increasing the amount of rainfall.

    The system was producing hit-and-miss bands of precipitation rather than generalized widespread rainfall. Forecasters said the low would wobble slightly away from the coast on Thursday, drawing moisture away and allowing some sunshine, but will return.

    The San Diego-area weather office warned that rather than fizzling, the storm was gathering energy and its main core would move through that region overnight through Friday morning.

    Meanwhile, Californians were gearing up for holiday travel and finishing preparations for Christmas. The Automobile Club of Southern California predicted 9.5 million people in the region would travel during the year-end holiday period.

    The Northeast was hit with an unexpectedly strong storm earlier this week, and some parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont were still digging out from rain and wind damage. Parts of Maine along the Androscoggin and Kennebec rivers were hit especially hard.

    Floodwaters were receding throughout northern New England, though some localized areas were still in the flood stage, said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Flood warnings were also still in effect in parts of Maine and New Hampshire, he said.

    At least four people died in Maine as a result of the storm.

    The storm cut power to 400,000 customers in Maine, and restoration was still underway Thursday morning.

    —-

    Antczak reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press reporters Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles and Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Short day, long night: The winter solstice explained

    Short day, long night: The winter solstice explained

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    It’s December, there’s a chill in the air, and more places are seeing snow. With the days getting shorter and the nights longer, the transition to winter is apparent. 

    The winter solstice marks the official start of winter, which will take place on Thursday this year.


    What You Need To Know

    • The winter solstice is a time and not a day
    • This year, the solstice will occur at 10:27 p.m. ET on Dec. 21
    • The solstice is when the Northern Hemisphere’s tilt away from the sun is at its maximum

    The tilt of the Earth

    The tilt of the Earth to the sun is the reason we have our seasons. Believe it or not, the Earth is closer to the sun during our winter.

    It’s Earth’s tilt that gives us our season.

    During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is at its maximum tilt away from the sun, putting the sun at a lower elevation.

    We also get the shortest day and longest night of the year on the winter solstice.

    This year, our winter solstice occurs at 10:27 p.m. ET on Dec. 21.

    If you’re not a fan of the shorter days, don’t worry. After Dec. 21, the days gradually get longer until the summer solstice on June 20, 2024.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Latinos Fed Up With Broken Borders, Moving To GOP: 'I Want Trump Back'

    Latinos Fed Up With Broken Borders, Moving To GOP: 'I Want Trump Back'

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    Opinion

    Public Domain/CBP

    America’s broken borders are a problem for all Americans, not just the poor souls who live along the border with Mexico.

    But especially, and understandably, for Latino Americans.

    ‘I Want Trump Back’

    As a trip to El Paso, Texas revealed to reliably left-leaning Politico Magazine:

    The growing appeal of a pro-Trump, hardline immigration mentality was even evident here, in a city where more than 80 percent of the population is Hispanic or Latino, and in a county where Biden pummeled Trump by more than 35 percentage points three years ago…

    “Get the key and lock the gates,” said Rick Delgado, a Navy veteran who told me he leans Democratic and who keeps a U.S. Customs and Border Protection number in his phone.

    He said he thinks Biden is “doing whatever he can.” But it was the state — not the Biden administration — that had strung razor wire on the Texas side of the Rio Grande and passed legislation that would authorize police to arrest migrants .

    Compared to Biden, Delgado said, Texas’ hardline Republican governor, Greg Abbott, “is doing a better job.”

    “It’s getting really bad with a lot of the people coming in,” said Simental, who was born in the Mexican state of Chihuahua and immigrated with her family when she was 12. She didn’t vote for Trump in 2016, she said. But lately, she’s thinking differently about it.

    “Now,” she told me, “I want Trump back.”

    These stories seem to sound quite a bit different than the usual narrative heard from the talking heads on the TV networks or in the angry ramblings of liberals online. There are some obvious reasons for that.

    RELATED: Kellyanne Conway Says For Democrats It’s Always January 6: They Get In Electric Vehicle And ‘Go Get An Abortion’

    Latinos Also Want to Fix Broken Border

    The typical assumption by many Democrats is that Latino voters would reject Trump because of his stance on enforcing the southern border.

    But as it turns out, they want the border enforced too. They feel similar effects as everyone else – hits to wages, fewer available jobs, drugs in their neighborhoods, and more.

    Politico went to El Paso likely looking for a narrative that was decidedly anti-Trump.

    What they found seems to be an entirely different picture.

    Kellyanne Conway Says For Democrats It’s Always January 6: They Get In Electric Vehicle And ‘Go Get An Abortion’

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    is a professional writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in conservative media and Republican politics. He has been a special guest on Fox News, Sirius XM, appeared as the guest of various popular personalities, and has had a lifelong interest in right-leaning politics.

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    John Hanson

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  • Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

    Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

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    If you notice more sniffles and worsening allergy symptoms this time of year, you may suffer from “Christmas Tree Syndrome,” according to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.


    What You Need To Know

    • Pine pollen may cause sneezing inside your home
    • Mold spores are also a possible culprit
    • Artificial trees can also cause allergies to flare
    • Some types of live trees are better than others for allergies

    If you notice more allergy and asthma symptoms with a live tree in the house, pine pollen is most likely the problem. Otherwise, experts warn that mold spores could grow on your Christmas tree.

    In a 2011 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, researchers took samples from their own Christmas trees and discovered more than 50 kinds of molds.

    (Pixabay)

    Allergies and asthma symptoms aren’t just caused by real trees, either. Even those who opt for a fake Christmas tree could still feel ill.

    If not properly stored in your basement or attic, dust and mold can accumulate or grow on the branches, aggravating symptoms.

    Combating the issue

    According to the American Christmas Tree Association, shaking out and hosing off real trees before bringing indoors can reduce allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. Although you’ll want to let the tree dry off before transferring indoors.

    Since drying off can take a while, experts claim you can use a dry air compressor to speed up the process.

    Using an air purifier and taking down the tree the day after Christmas can also reduce exposure to any mold spores that are still present on the tree.

    Those who decide on an artificial tree should also thoroughly dust and wipe down its branches to remove any allergens before putting up and taking down. This can also apply to any other indoor decorations you decide to put up, too.

    Once the holidays are over, place the tree and its components in an air-tight container and avoid storing it in a cardboard box. Cardboard is an ideal breeding ground for molds to grow on, which could spread to your tree.

    (iStock)

    Provided pollen is your biggest trigger, choosing a fake tree would probably be your best bet. However, if you are dead-set on putting up a live Christmas tree, experts recommend trying a fir, spruce, or cypress.

    Two popular suggestions for those with allergies or who are sensitive to tree scents are the White Fir and Leyland Cypress.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Katie Walls

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  • Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

    Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

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    Burl Ives sang the words “I don’t know if there’ll be snow, but have a cup of cheer”… you’re going to need the cup of cheer, because most of the country won’t wake up to a winter wonderland next Monday.


    What You Need To Know

    • A mild pattern has kept winter storms at bay
    • Very few areas will have at least an inch of snow on the ground on Monday
    • This year’s snow coverage is relatively low compared to the long-term average



    The recent mild pattern has been quite persistent and will stay that way right through the holiday. Here’s what temperatures compared to average look like through Monday.

    The relative warmth is great news for travelers hoping snow and ice won’t snarl their pre-holiday trip. But for those who like seeing a white Christmas, it’s a disappointment. Here’s where one of our reliable computer models predicts at least an inch of snow will be on the ground Christmas morning (which is the definition of a white Christmas).

    Snow will definitely be in short supply this year. For example, those who average three out of four Christmases being white… well, this year is that one-out-of-four.

    Travel weather next week likely involves a couple of weather systems in the central and eastern U.S. that’ll produce both rain and snow. Keep up with your local forecast to see what conditions may be like in your area–rain, snow or shine.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

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  • 19 Must-Try Restaurants in El Paso, TX: Where the El Paso Locals Eat

    19 Must-Try Restaurants in El Paso, TX: Where the El Paso Locals Eat

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    El Paso is a city known for its vibrant food scene, and if you’re looking for some new restaurants in town, you’re in luck. From cozy cafes to sizzling steakhouses, El Paso has it all. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. So get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the must-try restaurants in El Paso, TX that make it a food lover’s paradise.

    1. Park Tavern

    Cuisine Type: Dining and Drinking
    Location: 204 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: Park Tavern

    Park Tavern is a popular dining and drinking establishment. They offer a diverse menu with a variety of options to satisfy any craving.

    2. Cafe Central

    Cuisine Type: Wine Bar, American Restaurant
    Location: 109 N Oregon St Ste 210, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: Cafe Central

    Cafe Central is a charming wine bar and American restaurant. Their menu features a selection of delicious dishes paired perfectly with their extensive wine list.

    3. Anson Eleven

    Cuisine Type: Steakhouse
    Location: 303 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: Anson Eleven

    Anson Eleven is a renowned steakhouse. They pride themselves on serving high-quality steaks cooked to perfection.

    4. House of Pizza Downtown

    Cuisine Type: Pizzeria
    Location: 208 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: House of Pizza Downtown

    House of Pizza Downtown is a popular pizzeria. They offer a wide range of pizza options, from classic favorites to unique creations.

    5. The Pizza Joint

    Cuisine Type: Pizzeria
    Location: 500 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: The Pizza Joint

    The Pizza Joint is a local favorite pizzeria. Their menu features a variety of specialty pizzas and delicious toppings to choose from.

    6. Mamacitas Cafe and Cantina

    Cuisine Type: Dining and Drinking
    Location: 325 N Kansas St, El Paso, TX 79901
    Website: Mamacitas Cafe and Cantina

    Mamacitas Cafe and Cantina is a vibrant dining and drinking spot. They offer a menu filled with flavorful Mexican dishes and a lively atmosphere.

    7. Orange Cow Burgers

    Cuisine Type: Burger Joint, Fast Food Restaurant
    Location: 955 N Resler Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
    Website: Orange Cow Burgers

    Orange Cow Burgers is a popular burger joint and fast food restaurant. They are known for their juicy burgers and wide selection of toppings.

    8. G & R Restaurant

    Cuisine Type: Mexican Restaurant
    Location: 401 E Nevada Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: G & R Restaurant

    G & R Restaurant is a beloved Mexican restaurant. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine with a variety of flavorful dishes.

    9. Ardovino’s Pizza

    Cuisine Type: Pizzeria
    Location: 206 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Ardovino’s Pizza

    Ardovino’s Pizza is a well-known pizzeria. They offer a wide range of pizza options, from traditional flavors to unique combinations.

    10. Crave Kitchen & Bar

    Cuisine Type: New American Restaurant
    Location: 300 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Crave Kitchen & Bar

    Crave Kitchen & Bar is a popular new American restaurant. Their menu features a fusion of flavors and unique dishes that will satisfy any food lover.

    11. Mustard Seed Cafe

    Cuisine Type: Dining and Drinking
    Location: 1140 N St Vrain St, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Mustard Seed Cafe

    Mustard Seed Cafe is a charming dining and drinking establishment. They offer a menu filled with delicious options made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

    12. Rib Hut

    Cuisine Type: BBQ Joint, American Restaurant
    Location: 2612 N Mesa St # ST-3130, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Rib Hut

    Rib Hut is a popular BBQ joint and American restaurant. They are known for their mouth-watering barbecue dishes and flavorful sauces.

    13. Crawdaddy’s Bar And Grill

    Cuisine Type: Bar, Cajun and Creole Restaurant
    Location: 212 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Crawdaddy’s Bar And Grill

    Crawdaddy’s Bar And Grill is a lively bar and Cajun and Creole restaurant. They offer a menu filled with flavorful dishes inspired by the vibrant cuisine of Louisiana.

    14. Tara Thai Restaurant

    Cuisine Type: Thai Restaurant
    Location: 2606 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Tara Thai Restaurant

    Tara Thai Restaurant is a popular Thai restaurant. They serve authentic Thai cuisine with a variety of traditional dishes.

    15. Corralito Steak House

    Cuisine Type: BBQ Joint, Steakhouse
    Location: 2725 N Mesa St Ste 100, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Corralito Steak House

    Corralito Steak House is a renowned BBQ joint and steakhouse. They are known for their tender steaks and flavorful barbecue dishes.

    16. Geogeske

    Cuisine Type: Italian Restaurant, New American Restaurant
    Location: 2701 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79902
    Website: Geogeske

    Geogeske is a unique Italian and New American restaurant They offer a fusion of flavors and a menu filled with creative and delicious dishes.

    bbq plate with brisket, beans, and slaw

    17. L & J Cafe

    Cuisine Type: Café, Mexican Restaurant
    Location: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
    Website: L & J Cafe

    L & J Cafe is a charming café and Mexican restaurant. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine with a variety of traditional dishes.

    18. Caffe Fioretti

    Cuisine Type: Café, Coffee Shop, Restaurant
    Location: 3429 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
    Website: Caffe Fioretti

    Caffe Fioretti is a cozy café, coffee shop, and restaurant. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, delicious food options, and a warm atmosphere.

    19. Tacos Don Cuco

    Cuisine Type: Latin American Restaurant, Taco Restaurant
    Location: 3027 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905
    Website: Tacos Don Cuco

    Tacos Don Cuco is a popular Latin American restaurant and taco spot. They serve a variety of flavorful tacos and traditional Latin American dishes.

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    Marissa Crum

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  • Biden officials shelve plan to require some migrants to remain in Texas after local backlash

    Biden officials shelve plan to require some migrants to remain in Texas after local backlash

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    Washington — A Biden administration plan to require some migrant families to remain in Texas while immigration authorities determined their eligibility for asylum collapsed due to local opposition in the Democratic-led border city of El Paso, according to two U.S. officials and government documents obtained by CBS News.

    Officials in El Paso initially agreed to provide 400 hotel rooms to house migrants enrolled in the initiative, which was set to start in mid-September, according to internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents. But local officials reversed course on hosting the migrants after parts of the plan became public, the U.S. officials said, requesting anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

    The episode, which had not been previously reported, illustrates the immigration dilemma vexing the Biden administration, which faces escalating pressure from Republicans and a growing group of Democrats to reduce the record levels of migration along the U.S. southern border in recent years. The migrant influx has strained federal and local resources, including in large cities like New York City and Chicago, with Democratic leaders who have found themselves openly criticizing a Democratic White House.

    In a statement, DHS said department officials regularly review policy proposals and talk to local and state officials to discuss ways to manage migration flows. Not all proposals, the department noted, are implemented.

    Estrella Escobar, a spokeswoman for Democratic El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, said the city agreed to increase the number of hotel rooms for migrants released from federal custody. But she said the city “never agreed” and “never will” agree to participate in a policy that would require migrants to remain in El Paso under strict monitoring. Those conditions were the source of the mayor’s “opposition,” she added.

    “We have conversations with all our federal partners on the humanitarian crisis we are facing on a daily basis,” Leeser said in a statement to CBS News. “The City of El Paso never agreed to any program in which migrant families would be subject to home curfews or ankle monitoring while under our care.”

    Migrants El Paso Texas
    Immigrants wait to be transported and processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border on May 12, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. 

    Getty Images


    A plan to deter migrant family crossings

    The scrapped plan was part of a broader Biden administration program set up in May to deter illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border by speeding up deportations of migrant families who failed their initial asylum screenings. 

    The policy, known as the Family Expedited Removal Management program, requires certain migrant families traveling with children to undergo a daily curfew and GPS monitoring until asylum officers decide whether they should be allowed to apply for humanitarian protection or be deported. It was set up as an alternative to detaining migrant families, a practice the Biden administration discontinued in 2021.

    The Biden administration has been expanding the so-called FERM program to dozens of cities across the U.S. amid record arrivals of migrant families along the southern border in recent months, enrolling several thousand parents and children so far. But the plan to expand the policy to El Paso would have significantly changed the program, limiting the movement of some migrant families by requiring them to remain near the U.S.-Mexico border. 

    Officials believed the move would’ve discouraged migrant families from crossing into the U.S. illegally due to the risk of being placed in a program that would force them to remain near the Mexican border, insteading of being allowed into the country with court cases that typically take years to complete. 

    But after The Los Angeles Times reported that the administration was weighing the move, Republicans and Democrats alike voiced strong objections. 

    Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to sue the Biden administration, saying federal officials should be requiring migrants to wait in Mexico — like the Trump administration did — not Texas. Progressives and advocates also denounced the proposal, saying it infringed on the rights of migrants by limiting their movement.

    Luis Miranda, a DHS spokesman, said officials are still working to “scale up” the initiative “significantly.” 

    “FERM is one of the tools this Administration is using to manage border encounters in a safe, orderly and humane way, while imposing consequences under the law for those who fail to avail themselves of a lawful pathway,” Miranda said in a statement to CBS News.

    Another setback for Biden’s border strategy

    The collapse of the El Paso curfew initiative is another setback for President Biden’s border policy, one of his worst-polling issues.

    In June, when illegal crossings along the southern border dropped to a two-year low, administration officials touted a strategy that paired expanded opportunities for migrants to enter the U.S. legally with stricter asylum standards for those who opted to cross the border illegally. 

    But unauthorized migrant crossings began spiking the following month. In September, Border Patrol apprehended more than 218,000 migrants who entered the U.S. illegally, the highest level in 2023, federal data shows. The tally included a record 103,000 parents and children traveling as families, a population that officials struggle to process due to the legal and humanitarian concerns around the detention of minors.

    In response to the influx, the administration has ramped up deportations, including by carrying out the first direct removal flights to Venezuela this month. But Democratic officials in New York and Illinois have continued to say their communities are receiving too many migrants too quickly.

    “We’re out of room,” New York Mayor Eric Adams said this week, warning that some migrants could find themselves on the street given the dwindling space in the city’s shelter system, which is housing more than 60,000 new arrivals.

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  • 9/24: CBS Weekend News

    9/24: CBS Weekend News

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    9/24: CBS Weekend News – CBS News


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    Ophelia leaves tens of thousands without power; Denver building pallet shelters for unhoused people and their pets

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  • Mexico makes agreement with US to deport migrants from its border cities amid ongoing surge in illegal migration | CNN

    Mexico makes agreement with US to deport migrants from its border cities amid ongoing surge in illegal migration | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Mexico has made an agreement with the United States to deport migrants from its border cities to their home countries and take several actions to deter migrants as part of a new effort to combat the recent surge in border crossings.

    Mexican officials met with US Customs and Border Protection officials on Friday in Ciudad Juárez,, Mexico, which is across the border from El Paso, Texas, following the recent spike in illegal crossings into the US, which temporarily closed an international bridge and paused Mexico’s main cargo train system.

    As part of the agreement, Mexico agreed to “depressurize” its northern cities, which border the El Paso, San Diego and Eagle Pass, Texas, where the mayor has declared a state of emergency. They will also implement more than a dozen actions to prevent migrants from risking their lives by using the railway system to reach the US-Mexico border, according to Mexico’s National Migration Institute.

    The US Department of Defense is ramping up resources at the US-Mexico border, sending at least 800 new active-duty personnel to the border, where 2,500 National Guard members are already servicing, Department of Homeland Security officials announced Wednesday night in a call with reporters.

    The move comes as migrant crossings along the border are rising, surpassing 8,600 over a 24-hour period this week, according to a Department of Homeland Security official. It is up from around 3,500 daily border arrests after the expiration in May of Title 42 triggered new consequences for those who cross the border illegally. There were more than 8,000 apprehensions on Monday.

    The busiest sectors are Del Rio, El Paso, Lower Rio Grande Valley and Tucson; each facing more than 1,000 encounters over the last 24 hours, according to the official. Eagle Pass is in the Del Rio sector.

    Friday’s meeting was attended by Customs and Border Protection’s Acting Commissioner Troy Miller, the commissioner of Mexico’s National Migration Institute, the governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, members of Mexico’s national defense and national guard and representatives of Ferromex, a Mexican railroad operator, according to the institute.

    Mexican officials vowed to carry out a series of 15 actions as part of the agreement, some in coordination with Customs and Border Protection and Ferromex, which includes deporting migrants to their home countries by land and air.

    The country said it will carry out negotiations with the governments of Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia and Cuba to confirm receipt of their citizens deported from the US-Mexico border. It will also allow US border patrol agents to expel migrants through the Ciudad Juárez international bridge, which connects to El Paso.

    Other terms of the agreement include submitting a daily report of the number of migrants on the train system to Customs and Border Protection’s El Paso sector, establishing checkpoints along the Ferromex rail route and conducting interventions on railways and highways, according to Mexico’s National Migration Institute.

    The institute said Mexico had deported more than 788,000 migrants to their home countries from January 1 to September.

    The agreed-upon actions by Mexican officials raise questions about the country doing work typically designated for the US – from the south of the border – to manage the influx of migrants in recent weeks, which have has strained federal resources and overwhelmed already-crowded facilities, CNN previously reported.

    Many who leave their homes for the United States face long and dangerous treks in hopes of finding better, safer lives. Some may flee violence, while others may immigrate for economic opportunities or to reunite with family, experts say. Deteriorating conditions in Latin America exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic also have contributed to the influx of migrants into the US.

    It is likely the number of border crossings will continue to increase, as more Mexican nationals are making plans to come to the US, Ariel Ruiz Soto, a senior policy analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute in Washington, told CNN.

    US government data show more Mexican families coming to the border, likely to seek asylum, Ruiz said. In July 2022, for example, Customs and Border Protection figures indicate 4,000 Mexican family encounters at the border. A year later, the number had more than quadrupled, reaching nearly 22,000.

    “These are the three levers that are in play right now. … And regardless of what the Biden administration does today or tomorrow,” he says, “the people that are on the way already are going to continue, unless something else happens in the region.”

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  • Influx of migrants overwhelms Texas border communities

    Influx of migrants overwhelms Texas border communities

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    Influx of migrants overwhelms Texas border communities – CBS News


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    Migrant crossings at the southern border have nearly doubled from a few months ago. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez has more from El Paso.

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