So far, Colorado and Maine have banned Donald Trump from being on the 2024 presidential ballot, making the Democrats the party most interested in stopping an actual democratic election.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the matter sooner than later, as Trump has appealed the ruling.
And some don’t expect that ruling to go well for the left.
Just ask former Bill Clinton White House Communications Director George Stephanopoulos, who Mediate reports, “determined there is no chance that the Supreme Court will uphold the decision to ban Donald Trump from state ballots in the 2024 presidential election.”
Stephanopoulos spoke with ABC Chief Legal Analyst and Mediaite founder Dan Abrams on Wednesday about the likelihood that the Supreme Court will preside over the decisions out of Maine and Colorado to disqualify Trump from the presidency under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Due to the extenuating circumstances, Abrams said, “there is no doubt in my mind [the Supreme Court is] going to take this case,” and “the advantage that the Donald Trump team has is that if they accept any one of the arguments, he wins.”
‘No Way’
“We could go through the five or so arguments that he has,” Abrams explained. “You have the due process argument, you have definitional arguments, you have questions about whether it’s self-executing or whether you need Congress to make laws, is the president even covered? If he wins on any one of those arguments, he wins. And that’s the challenge that the other side is going to have.”
Stephanopoulos replied, “I think you and I both begin from the premise that the Supreme Court simply does not want to step in and decide the election. That there’s no way they’re going to uphold the Maine decision or the Colorado decision. We may be proven wrong, but what’s the argument?”
Exactly. What is the argument.
Colorado and Maine’s supposed argument that Trump somehow violated the 14th Amendment is flimsy at best.
But in the bigger picture, if your argument is that Trump somehow tried to subvert democracy on January 6, 2021, yet you are a Democrat trying to make sure voters in certain states can’t vote for their candidate of choice – who is really trying to undermine democracy?
Expect the Supreme Court, as even George Stephanopoulos says, to block these ballot bans.
And expect Donald Trump to benefit from these glaring threats to democracy.
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.
FREE NEWS ALERTS
Subscribe to receive the most important stories delivered straight to your inbox. Your subscription helps protect independent media.
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from ThePoliticalInsider.com and that you’ve read and agree to our Privacy policy and to our terms and conditions.
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.
Looking for East Coast vacation destinations and want to optimize your chances of having ideal weather? We’ve highlighted twelve pet friendly destinations where the average monthly temperatures are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities!
Pet friendly vacations often involve spending much of your time outdoors. Whether you’re hiking a trail, playing on the beach, perusing the boutiques and galleries of a quaint town, or exploring a new city, your experience is more enjoyable when the weather cooperates.
The problem is that we all know you can’t control Mother Nature! But you can choose East Coast destinations where the weather is more likely to be ideal during your visit.
What Is Ideal Weather?
Everyone has their own idea of what “ideal weather” means. Some like it hot and sunny. Others prefer cool breezes and moody skies. But we can all agree that, when it comes to our pets, high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous.
We’d hate for you to spend your vacation feeling trapped in your hotel because the weather could be harmful for your pet. So we’ve chosen destinations where the high temperatures average between 65 and 75 degrees (Fahrenheit; 18-23 degrees Celsius) during the suggested month to visit.
Let’s get started with our picks for pet friendly East Coast destinations with ideal weather!
January – Key West, Florida
Our pick for an East Coast destination with ideal weather in January is Key West, Florida. With daily highs in the mid-70s, balmy evenings in 60s, and just 4 days of rain … it’s hard to beat!
Key West is famous for its laid-back, friendly view of life, so it’s not surprising it has a plethora of pet friendly activities. From fantastic beaches to a great selection of pet friendly dining options, it’s a vacation spot that you and your pet will both love.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Key West
Urban dogs visiting Key West will love hitting the shops, bars, and pet friendly restaurant patios on Duval Street. Nature lovers will enjoy the area’s dog beaches, tropical gardens, and parks that are easy on the paws.
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers over 15 acres of native garden and forest to stroll on trails. And right downtown, discover the mini rainforest and parrot refuge at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden. Residents of the garden include rare plants, a guard cat, and rescued parrots and macaws.
Prefer to explore from the water? You will find several options to charter a boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
And, of course, you need to celebrate Key West’s famous fiery sunsets. Mallory Square is filled with entertainers and spectators each evening to bid farewell to the sun. If your dog doesn’t mind crowds, don’t miss it.
For a quieter but just as stunning view of the sunset, head to the Higgs Beach Dog Park. Your dog will be happy to play with her new friends while you admire the sun’s dip into the ocean.
For an East Coast destination with ideal weather in February, we’d choose St. Augustine, Florida! Located 467 miles north of Key West, Saint Augustine’s daily highs near 70, nights in the high 40s, and just 5 days of rain make it perfect for outdoor fun.
The oldest city in the United States, Saint Augustine has been welcoming visitors since 1565. Strolling through town you’ll admire Spanish colonial architecture. And the compact scale of the town means you can see a lot in a short time.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In St. Augustine
Downtown St. Augustine offers boutique-lined streets and restaurants with pet friendly patios. History lovers will want to visit the Spanish Military Hospital Museum where dogs are welcome inside. And don’t miss the city’s oldest attraction … the Fountain of Youth. Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1565, you can stroll the 15-acre archaeological park with your pet as well as sample from the fabled fountain.
Small pet lovers can get an overview of the town on the Red Train Trolley Tour. (Sorry, only small animals able to sit on your lap can ride with you.) For a more in-depth tour, choose one of the city’s offers pet friendly walking tours. Or plan to take a local ghost tour. Dogs are rumored to be sensitive to paranormal energy. Will your pupper sense spirits?
A short drive from downtown is the Fort Matanzas National Monument where you can hike the shaded trails in a live oak forest or splash in the water on the dog friendly beach.
Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In St. Augustine
If you’re looking for an East Coast destination with ideal weather in March, we’d recommend Charleston, South Carolina. Located 276 miles north of Saint Augustine, Charleston is an easy one-day drive. And with average daily highs in the mid-60s, slows in the 50s, and 6 days of rain, you’re sure to get some lovely days to be outdoors.
Charleston is known for its hospitality—and that includes furry visitors, too! In The Holy City (named for all its churches), you will find beautiful parks, an open-air market, and a great food scene. Many restaurants welcome pets on their patio, and they have heaters to keep you comfortable on chilly nights.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Charleston
Love a good urban hike? Then stroll King Street from the West to the East. You’ll pass beautiful historic homes with stunning gardens behind wrought iron gates. When you come to the shopping district, don’t forget to stop for a treat at Woof Gang Bakery. Your pup would never forgive you for passing by without a visit!
When you arrive at the waterfront, turn south toward Waterfront Pier Park. It’s a great spot for watching people. And it’s a stop on the pet friendly water taxi. Pets ride for free, and with a day pass you can hop on and off the taxi all day. Not only does it take you to different Charleston attractions, but it’s also great for spotting dolphins!
A short drive from downtown takes you to Folly Beach. It’s one of several nearby beaches that allow dogs. And the Charleston Tea Plantation is well worth a visit to learn about tea production as well as being a serene place to walk. Several Ashley River estates also offer pet friendly educational tours, gardens, and trails.
What could be better than April in Asheville?! Located 268 miles northwest of Charleston, it’s one of our favorite East Coast destinations for ideal weather. And with average daily highs in the upper 60s, nightly lows in the mid-40s and 7 days of rain, it’s a fantastic time of year to explore Dog City USA!
Whether you prefer sampling artisan beer at a pet friendly brewery or going for a mountain hike, there are plenty of ways to amuse yourself and your dog when visiting Asheville.
Pet Friendly Things To Do Asheville
Start at the welcome center where you can get dog treats and cleanup bags, as well as recommendations for great places to take your pup.
Downtown Asheville has some pet friendly shops (ask first!) and many restaurant patios where dogs are welcome. Once you have filled your bellies, stroll the Asheville Urban Trail. Or for a more challenging hike, look for waterfalls at the nearby DuPont State Forest.
The Biltmore Estate is the most famous attraction in Asheville. Although the mansion itself does not allow pets, the grounds are pet friendly. Enjoy the gardens before dining at one of the estate’s pet friendly restaurants. You will find plenty of places to relax if your partner is touring the mansion while you wait with your pets.
Planning a trip in May and looking for an East Coast destinations with ideal weather? How about Philadelphia or New York … or both?! It’s the perfect time of year to visit to visit these big cities — just before the heat and humidity arrive.
Philadelphia is 606 miles northeast of Asheville and 94 miles south of New York City. May is truly one of the nicest weather months in Philly, with average daily highs in the mid-70s, nightly lows in the upper 50s, and 10 days with rain.
Being so close to Philadelphia, New York’s weather in May is very similar. New York’s daytime highs are a few degrees cooler, due to its proximity to the water. And it typically gets one less day with rain.
Both Philadelphia and New York are rich in history and pet friendly fun. With fantastic architecture, sprawling parks, and topnotch restaurants, they’re both ideal East Coast destinations for great weather in May.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Philadelphia
Get the lay of the land in America’s first planned city by visiting the five public squares (parks) incorporated into the city’s design by William Penn. Want more room to wander? Visit Fairmont Park—the largest city park in the United States. You will find miles of trails to hike. And check their website for special events like free summer concerts on the lawn and kite flying contests.
Or head west to historic Bartram’s Garden, a shady retreat from the asphalt where dogs are welcome on the grounds. In addition to trails and gardens, you’ll also find a public boat launch. You can borrow a kayak for free on Saturdays (bring your dog’s life jacket), or launch your own vessel on the Schuylkill River.
Photo from VisitPhilly.com
Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Philadelphia
Although smaller than Fairmount Park, Central Park is the third most visited attraction in the world! Don’t miss out. Take guided tours of different park areas or explore at random. Your pup will enjoy the shady trails, even on a warm day.
Walks across the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge for magnificent city views. Or go farther afield with your small dog or cat—tiny pets are welcome on public transit in New York City, if they can travel in a carrier in your lap.
A subway ride to the northern tip of Manhattan takes you to Fort Tryon Park. It’s so peaceful, you’ll have trouble remembering you’re still in the city.
Follow your nose to find the most diverse cuisine in the world, or pick up a picnic lunch from the many food carts. Besides hot dogs and soft pretzels, you’ll also find salads, halal food, knishes, and Korean barbecue.
You will also find loads of restaurants with pet friendly patios, as well as several fun dive bars that even welcome dogs inside.
Temperatures start climbing in June, so if you’re looking for East Coast destinations with ideal weather, plan to head north! Our recommendation would be go 487 miles north of New York City and visit Bar Harbor, Maine, where the average daily highs are in the mid-70’s, nights dip down to the low 50s, and they get 9 days of rain in June.
Bar Harbor is a small city overflowing with natural beauty and local charm. From window shopping in town to hiking national park trails, you will find many things to do with your pet. Nearby Arcadia National Park is one of the most pet friendly national parks in America – so allow plenty of time to explore!
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine
Arcadia National Park offers a variety of trails from easy strolls of less than 2 miles to the challenging summit of Mount Cadillac. There are only a few trails in the park where pets aren’t allowed, so pick up a map and talk to a ranger about which trails are best for you.
Or stay in town and stroll the shore path for lovely coastal views. Seek out a lobster roll at one of the many quaint restaurants with pet friendly patios. Or explore the town by water — the ferries are pet friendly, and several boat tours allow dogs to board with you.
Planning Your Stay In Pet Friendly Bar Harbor
We have everything you’ll need to plan a pet friendly trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, starting with our Bar Harbor Travel Guide. There you can search for Bar Harbor hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds that welcome pets. You’ll will also find bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And choose the attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking on Activities.
Finding East Coast destinations with ideal weather in July means heading for higher elevations. We recommend Stowe, Vermont, a lovely village located 310 miles west of Bar Harbor.
Stowe sits at an elevation of 889 feet with the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. In July, Stowe’s average daily highs are in the mid-60s with nightly lows in the low 50s. And with 13 days of rain, you have a better than 50-50 chance of staying dry!
Stowe draws outdoor recreation lovers to its mountains year-round. And that includes pets. With comfortable summer temperatures, even a challenging hike is enjoyable wearing fur.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Stowe, Vermont
Many pet friendly patios in downtown Stowe have heaters for chilly nights. And some stores even welcome polite pups inside.
A big summer attraction is the ride up the mountain on the Gondola Skyride. You can take a round trip ride, or just ride up and hike back down. Either way, your pup will enjoy a snooze aloft while you admire the view.
If you stroll the Stowe Recreation Path, your water-loving buddy can cool off in the river along the way. Dogs trained to be safely off-leash can enjoy their freedom on the connecting Quiet Path, a nearly 2-mile mowed path open only to walkers and joggers.
Don’t miss the Scoop Shop at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in nearby Waterbury. Yes, they have doggie desserts too!
During your visit to Stowe, consider a day trip to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. The 48-mile drive is definitely worthwhile. Dogs can roam this 150-acres former dairy farm off-leash and play in the pond. They’re even allowed inside the gallery.
Looking for an East Coast destination with ideal weather to hide from the dog days of summer? Plan a trip to Alexandria Bay and explore the stunning Thousand Islands region of New York! Located 487 miles west of Bar Harbor, Alexandria Bay enjoys average daily highs around 80 degrees, nightly lows in the mid-50s, and 7 days of rain in August, making it a fantastic place to spend some time!
This off-the-beaten-path vacation destination will thrill you and your pet. World-class camping, boat tours, and easy hikes offer lots of chances to enjoy nature. Lake Ontario is a short drive away. And Alexandria Bay makes a great basecamp to visit Canada, which is just across the St. Lawrence River.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In The Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands region is an archipelago of 1,864 islands straddling the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River. As you might imagine, visitors here should plan to spend a lot of time on the water.
Several state parks offer great places to launch your kayak or canoe—sometimes right from your campsite. The largest, Wellesley Island, starts filling reservations for the best campsites a year in advance, so be sure to plan ahead!
Polite pets can join you on several river cruises offered by Uncle Sam Boat Tours. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on Heart Island, the site of the famous Boldt Castle. But you get stunning views from the water.
Or consider a day trip to nearby Clayton or Cape Vincent where you can take a ferry to Canada! If that’s your plan, don’t forget to pack your passport and a copy of your pet’s vaccination records.
September is harvest season, making it a fantastic time to visit Watkins Glen, New York. In addition to experiencing fall at the local vineyards, the weather in this East Coast destination won’t disappoint. September brings average daytime temps in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-50s, and just 8 days with rain.
A short 181-mile drive south of Alexandria Bay, Watkins Glen sits on the southern end of Seneca Lake, one of the eleven lakes carved by retreating Ice Age glaciers. The claw-like marks crossing central New York give the region its name—the Finger Lakes.
Watkins Glen offers a wide range of outdoor recreation, a quaint downtown, and many, many nearby wineries and breweries, so it’s a convenient base for your adventures. And is an easy day trip to nearby Ithaca, Geneva, Seneca Falls, and Penn Yan.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is known as New York’s Wine Country, and Seneca Lake offers the largest of the area’s local wine trails. Maps of local wineries can be found at the Watkins Glen Visitor Center.
Don’t miss the views from the rim trails at Watkins Glen State Park. And after your hike, cool off by renting a kayak and going for a paddle on the lake. Or hire a captain and kick back while enjoying a pet friendly pontoon boat tour.
Downtown you’ll find several restaurants with pet friendly patios. Or get carryout and head to Clute Park for a picnic on the lakeshore.
Nearby Sampson State Park offers a shoreline where your pup can take a dip (just be sure to avoid the beach with lifeguards). Or stop by the magnificent Taughannock State Park on Cayuga Lake on your way to Ithaca. It’s worth a view of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi (yes, taller than Niagara).
Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In The Finger Lakes
Looking for an East Coast destinations with ideal weather in October? We recommend a trip to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. With average daytime highs near 70, nightly lows in the mid-40s, and six days with rain, October is a beautiful month to explore DC.
Located 302 miles south of Watkins Glen, Washington DC has a low but stunning skyline, highlighted by monuments and memorials that inspire awe. You’re literally steeped in history!
And a few steps from the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, you’ll come across captivating neighborhoods, an eclectic collection of restaurants, and live music at bars and nightclubs.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In Washington, DC
This compact city is often viewed as a collection of neighborhoods. Start with the National Mall and Memorial Gardens, enjoying the walk from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. You’ll find find many interesting sites on the way. Insta-dogs will want to post a picture with Fala the Scottish Terrier at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
The next day check out the Georgetown Historic District. Take a stroll along the waterfront for views of the Potomac. Or rent a paddle board or kayak at Key Bridge Boathouse and go for a paddle on the river. (Just remember to bring your pup’s life jacket.) Then head to nearby Georgetown for upscale window shopping, nightclubs, and fine dining.
A one-day pass ($10 per dog) gives you the privilege of joining the ranks of the K9 Corp, a members-only dog-walking group at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. When you’re ready to connect with nature, hike pet friendly trails at Theodore Roosevelt Island or Rock Creek Park. And be sure not to miss Dupont Circle’s sophisticated outdoor dining, shops, and Victorian architecture.
Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Washington DC
November brings a steady drop in temperatures, so to find East Coast destinations with ideal weather, you’ll have to head south! If average daily temps in the high 60s, lows in the high 50s, and just 4 days with rain sound good, we recommend trekking 956 miles southwest from Washington, DC to Port St. Joe, Florida.
Port St. Joe is located on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This relaxed town offers a gateway to many pet friendly sites along the Gulf of Mexico.
Here you will find dog friendly beaches, boat charters, and restaurant patios that welcome pets. The laid-back vibe will have you and your pet feeling right at home in no time.
Pet Friendly Things To Do Near Port St. Joe, Florida
Does your dog yearn for the feeling of sand between her toes? Take a short drive to Cape San Blas Dog Beach. Or hire a private tour from Bali Hai Charters. Whether you like fishing or just watching the sunset, they will plan a trip that you and your pet will love.
If hiking is more your jam, head to St. Joseph Park where you can access the Wilderness Preserve Trail which covers all 7 miles of the peninsula. For dogs with endless energy, make your next stop St. Joseph Peninsula State Park where you’ll find miles more trails. Scoring a campsite here will also give you a quiet base for visiting other nearby beach towns.
After a day of hiking and beach fun, you’ll be ready to eat. Popular local spot Cone Heads serves up ice cream, burgers, and more in a beach shack atmosphere with pet friendly tables outside.
Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Port St. Joe
Planning a trip over the holidays and hoping to find East Coast vacation destinations where the weather will be pleasant? Look no further than the Big Easy. With daily average highs in the mid-60s, nightly lows in the mid-40s, and just 6 days with rain, December in New Orleans is anything but frightful.
A laid-back attitude permeates the atmosphere in New Orleans. Well-behaved pets are welcome to tag along for most activities. Just be sure to ask permission before bringing them inside any businesses.
You can even take small pets on the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA), which operates streetcars and buses throughout the city. They just require that pets travel in a carrier and the carrier must fit on your lap. Check out their trip planner for help navigating the city easily.
Pet Friendly Things To Do In New Orleans, Louisiana
Although the French Quarter is the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, you’ll also find plenty to do in the University District, Irish, Channel, and the city’s other interesting sections.
Known for delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine (and so much more), New Orleans’ many restaurants offer a large selection of dog friendly patios. Don’t forget to order coffee and beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde.
And you’ll want to eat up! You’ll need the energy to keep exploring.
New Orleans is perched along the Mississippi River, and a ferry ride to Algiers is the perfect way to explore the city from the water.
Be sure your dog get to visit City Bark, a large, off-leash play area in City Park (don’t forget to get your permit first). Recognized nationwide as the archetypal urban green space, City Park covers 1,300 acres and is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, botanical gardens, sculpture garden, and so much more.
By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to relax. Head to The Fly, at Audubon Riverview Park for stunning sunset views. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic dinner.
If you’re a fan of the paranormal, take one of the city’s many ghost tours. Keep your eyes on your pet—some believe they are more sensitive to the ghostly realm.
You will absolutely run out of vacation days before you run out of fun things to do with your pet in New Orleans.
No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit the East Coast, there are destinations with fantastic weather. We’ve done the research so you can go and have fun!
Or do us one better and string all of our destinations suggestions together for a year-long adventure in your van or RV! Who wouldn’t want to spend an entire year in perfect weather?
We all know that road crews and plows work hard to keep roads clear and safe for drivers this time of year.
What You Need To Know
Road crews use salt on roads and other surfaces in the winter
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming
Salt loses its effectiveness once the temperature falls below 15 degrees
In addition to clearing snow and ice from roads, plows also put down a lot of salt on roads and other surfaces this time of year.
The usual freezing point of water – the temperature at which water freezes and becomes ice – is 32 degrees. So if there’s precipitation (snow, sleet, or freezing rain) and the ground is 32 degrees or colder, ice will form on streets and other surfaces.
So, why use salt on roads and other surfaces? It’s simple – salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming.
Interesting fact: road salt is simply rock salt, which is table salt in its natural form.
The big difference is that the table salt that we use goes through a long purification process, while rock salt does not. As a result, rock salt still has impurities and that’s why it’s brownish or gray in color.
(AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Can salt become less effective if it gets too cold? Generally, salt loses its effectiveness once the temperature falls below 15 degrees.
When temperatures are that cold, the salt simply can’t get into the structure of the frozen water or ice to start the dissolving and melting process. Therefore, salt is much less effective or not effective at all when temperatures are bitterly cold.
When wintry weather hits, be careful, take your time and stay safe on the roads – especially when temperatures are cold enough to keep road treatments from doing their thing.
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.
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.
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.
Facing threats and withering criticism from Republicans and Democrats for her decision to keep former President Donald Trump off her state’s primary ballot, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows took to the airwaves Friday to defend her ruling.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collinsasked Bellows about Trump sharing her office’s contact information on social media. Bellows acknowledged that she had received “threatening communications” in the day following her decision.
“I certainly worry about the safety of people I love, people around me, and people who are charged with protecting me and working alongside me,” Bellows added.
The Maine official said that she had been prepared for possible threats to her safety when she ruled on the case. “I really appreciate law enforcement and the people around me who have been incredibly supportive of my safety and security,” Bellows said.
Maine law gives the secretary of state the responsibility to adjudicate challenges to Trump’s eligibility to run for president. Bellows ruled on Thursday that the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone from holding the office who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the government, barred Trump from running for re-election.
The secretary has also faced backlash from across the aisle, with some Democrats arguing that the best way to defeat Trump is by beating him in next November’s election, not by judicial rulings preventing him from running in the first place. Three of Maine’s four Congressional leaders, including Democratic Representative Jared Golden and independent Senator Angus King, have come out against the ruling.
Bellows argued that such considerations shouldn’t have affected her decision about Trump’s eligibility. “I do not have the discretion to choose, or decline to do my duty,” she said in an interview with Politico. “The legislature did not write into the law an exception for complexity or difficult natures of interpretation,” she added. “They didn’t say enforce all of the constitutional qualifications except for the ones that are difficult or complex.”
Bellows said that her decision to bar Trump was akin to other ways a secretary of state might remove a candidate from a ballot, such as in early December to disqualify New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for failing to secure enough signatures.
“I don’t have the right to place on the ballot someone who does not meet the age requirements; if a teenager sought to run for president in Maine, I would have to deny them ballot access,” she said. “The constitutional qualifications for ballot access are not a menu. I do not have the discretion to choose which of those I enforce or do not.”
The matter is likely headed to the nation’s highest court, as other states, such as Michigan, Minnesota, and California, have decided to keep Trump on the ballot, creating a mess of contradictory rulings. Bellows said Friday that she would “welcome the Supreme Court weighing in” on the matter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DENVER (AP) — First, Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump wasn’t eligible to run for his old job in that state. Then, Maine’s secretary of state ruled the same for her state.
Both decisions are historic. The Colorado court was the first court to apply to a presidential candidate a rarely used constitutional ban against those who “engaged in insurrection.” Maine’s secretary of state was the first top election official to unilaterally strike a presidential candidate from the ballot under that provision.
What’s next? Can Trump be put back on the ballot?
Both decisions are on hold while the legal process plays out. That means that Trump remains on the ballot in Colorado and Maine and that his political fate is now in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Maine ruling will likely never take effect on its own. Its central impact is increasing pressure on the nation’s highest court to state clearly whether Trump remains eligible to run for president after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
What’s the legal issue that could keep Trump off the ballot?
After the Civil War, the U.S. ratified the 14th Amendment to guarantee rights to former slaves and more. It also included a two-sentence clause called Section 3, designed to keep former Confederates from regaining government power after the war.
“Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution doesn’t require a criminal conviction to take effect.”
The measure reads: “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.”
Congress did remove that disability from most Confederates in 1872, and the provision fell into disuse. But it was rediscovered after Jan. 6.
All the suits failed until the Colorado ruling. And dozens of secretaries of state have been asked to remove him from the ballot. All said they didn’t have the authority to do so without a court order — until Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’s decision.
The Supreme Court has never ruled on Section 3. It’s likely to do so in considering appeals of the Colorado decision — the state Republican Party has already appealed, and Trump is expected to file his own shortly.
Bellows’s ruling cannot be appealed straight to the U.S. Supreme Court — it has to be appealed up the judicial chain first, starting with a trial court in Maine.
The Maine decision does force the high court’s hand, though. It was already highly likely the justices would hear the Colorado case, but Maine removes any doubt.
Trump lost Colorado in 2020, and he doesn’t need to win it again to garner an Electoral College majority next year. But he won one of Maine’s four Electoral College votes in 2020 by winning the state’s 2nd Congressional District, so Bellows’s decision would have a direct impact on his odds next November.
Until the high court rules, any state could adopt its own standard on whether Trump, or anyone else, can be on the ballot. That’s the sort of legal chaos the court is supposed to prevent.
What is Trump’s argument?
Trump’s lawyers have several arguments against the push to disqualify him. First, it’s not clear Section 3 applies to the president — an early draft mentioned the office, but it was taken out, and the language “an officer of the United States” elsewhere in the Constitution doesn’t mean the president, they contend.
Second, even if it does apply to the presidency, they say, this is a “political” question best decided by voters, not unelected judges. Third, if judges do want to get involved, the lawyers assert, they’re violating Trump’s rights to a fair legal procedure by flatly ruling he’s ineligible without some sort of fact-finding process like a lengthy criminal trial. Fourth, they argue, Jan. 6 wasn’t an insurrection under the meaning of Section 3 — it was more like a riot. Finally, even if it was an insurrection, they say, Trump wasn’t involved in it — he was merely using his free speech rights.
Of course, the lawyers who want to disqualify Trump have arguments, too.
The main one is that the case is actually very simple: Jan. 6 was an insurrection, Trump incited it, and he’s disqualified.
Why has this process taken so long?
The attack of Jan. 6, 2021, occurred nearly three years ago, but the challenges weren’t “ripe,” to use the legal term, until Trump petitioned to get onto state ballots this fall.
But the length of time also gets at another issue — no one has really wanted to rule on the merits of the case. Most judges have dismissed the lawsuits because of technical issues, including that courts don’t have the authority to tell parties whom to put on their primary ballots. Secretaries of state have dodged, too, usually telling those who ask them to ban Trump that they don’t have the authority to do so unless ordered by a court.
No one can dodge anymore. Legal experts have cautioned that, if the Supreme Court doesn’t clearly resolve the issue, it could lead to chaos in November — or in January 2025, if Trump wins the election. Imagine, they say, if the high court ducks the issue or says it’s not a decision for the courts to make, and Democrats win a narrow majority in Congress. Would they seat Trump or declare he’s ineligible under Section 3?
Why was this action taken in Maine?
Maine has an unusual process in which a secretary of state is required to hold a public hearing on challenges to politicians’ spots on the ballot and then issue a ruling. Multiple groups of Maine voters, including a bipartisan clutch of former state lawmakers, filed such a challenge, triggering Bellows’s decision.
Bellows is a Democrat and the former head of the Maine chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Trump’s attorneys asked her to recuse herself from the case, citing social-media posts calling Jan. 6 an “insurrection” and bemoaning Trump’s acquittal in his impeachment trial over the attack.
She refused, saying she wasn’t ruling based on personal opinions. But the precedent she sets is notable, critics say. In theory, election officials in every state could decide a candidate is ineligible based on a novel legal theory about Section 3 and end their candidacies.
Conservatives argue that Section 3 could apply to Vice President Kamala Harris, for example — it was used to block from office even those who donated small sums to individual Confederates. Couldn’t it be used against Harris, they say, because she raised money for those arrested in the unrest after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020?
Is this a partisan issue?
Bellows is a Democrat, and all the justices on the Colorado Supreme Court were appointed by Democrats. Six of the 9 U.S. Supreme Court justices were appointed by Republicans, three by Trump himself.
But courts don’t always split on predictable partisan lines. The Colorado ruling was 4-3 — so three Democratic appointees disagreed with barring Trump. Several prominent legal conservatives have championed the use of Section 3 against the former president.
The state of Maine has removed Donald Trump from its primary ballot, but his campaign is vowing to appeal. It is the second state, following Colorado, attempting to block the former president from running again, alleging that he is disqualified by the 14th Amendment for his role in inciting the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Scott MacFarlane reports from Washington, D.C.
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Nikki Haley faces heavy criticism for failing to mention slavery as cause of Civil War; Nearly 5 million blenders recalled over broken blades, overheating issues
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Right on the heels of the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to bar Donald Trump’s name from appearing on the 2024 Republican Presidential primary ballot, Maine’s Secretary of State has followed suit, declaring Trump’s actions on and leading up to January 6, 2021 disqualify him from re-election.
In her 34-page decision, Shenna Bellows writes, “I am mindful that no secretary of state has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”
Just like in the Colorado decision, Bellows issued a stay on her action, suspending the implementation of the decision until it inevitably makes its way through higher courts.
Still, the decision is a momentous one. Over and over, from impeachment to criminal and civil lawsuits, we’ve seen people hesitant to make Trump face consequences because it’s all so “unprecedented.” No one knows how to enforce a 150-year-old amendment about elected officials engaging in insurrection because they haven’t had to know.
I don’t hold out much hope for the largely Trump-appointed U.S. Supreme Court treating this issue seriously if and when it reaches them, but we are at least seeing necessary precedents being set across the country.
Everyone has experienced it. You’re in the middle of your flight, and all of a sudden, you feel the plane shake or jolt.
The pilot comes on the intercom and announces you’re experiencing turbulence and to buckle up.
But what exactly is turbulence?
What You Need To Know
Turbulence is the unsteady movement of air
Many things can cause turbulence, including fronts, thunderstorms and mountains
Most turbulence is harmless, and engineers designed and built planes to handle it
Turbulence is the unsteady movement of air resulting from eddies and vertical currents. There are many types of turbulence. Let’s explore some.
Convective turbulence
(NWS)
When the sun heats the Earth’s surface, it’s usually uneven because different surface types heat up differently, and this can lead to turbulence.
The heat then rises, and the cool air descends, leading to bumpy rides. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), turbulence is found from the base to the top of where the air stops rising, usually up to the clouds. Above this layer of turbulent air, you’ll find smooth conditions, usually above clouds.
On days where pilots expect convective turbulence, they’ll travel in the morning or evening when heating is not so intense.
Frontal turbulence
(NWS)
Frontal turbulence occurs when warm air meets cold air.
The warm air will lift over the cold air, creating friction between the two air masses and producing turbulence.
Wind shear
Wind shear is the change in wind direction and/or wind speed over a horizontal or vertical distance. It can also cause turbulence, especially when the change is large.
Wind shear often exists in areas of temperature inversions, along troughs and lows and around jet streams.
The atmospheric temperature profile usually goes from warm (the ground) to cold (higher in the atmosphere). In a temperature inversion, that profile goes from cold to warm.
Turbulence will often occur at the top of the inversion since that is where the warm, unstable air sits.
We usually associate lows and troughs with wind shear. This change in wind speed and direction creates turbulence.
The NWS states that a jet stream is a horizontal wind that follows a wave pattern, usually located where there are large horizontal differences in temperature between warm and cold air masses. Turbulence usually occurs where there is a large difference in horizontal wind speeds over a short distance.
Turbulence from obstructions
(NWS)
When wind flows around an obstacle, it can break off and form into an eddy. The NWS defines eddies as gusts with sudden changes in speed and direction, and the size of an object and velocity of the wind can determine the eddy’s intensity.
The NWS says this type of turbulence can cause dangerous impacts when flying. Aircraft can fail to gain enough altitude to clear low objects. When landing, aircraft can experience drops.
Wind around bigger objects, such as mountains, is more noticeable. The wind moving up the windward side helps planes and other aircraft get over the peak.
But on the leeward side, the wind blowing down can cause problems for pilots. The downdraft can push an aircraft into the mountain or cause the pilot to not clear the peak.
Pilots often will gain enough altitude in advance to prevent this.
Your next trip on an airplane
I hope this information will help you relax the next time you fly.
If you experience turbulence, you’ll now know that it’s just wind, and your pilot knows how to manage it.
Engineers also designed and built your airplane to handle it.
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.
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.
It is one of the most mysterious places on Earth, where only a handful of people have visited and an unspecified number of elves and reindeer may live.
It is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, but you won’t find much water here.
It is the home to only one sunrise and one sunset every year.
You may think you know about the North Pole, but there are a lot of interesting facts to share.
What You Need To Know
The North Pole has a multitude of meanings
The ice cover at the North Pole varies by season
The legend of Santa and the North Pole dates to 1866
Where is the North Pole?
Before we answer that question, we have to ask another: Which North Pole are you trying to find? The geographic North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth. It has no time zone, and no matter what direction you are pointing, it is south of where you are standing.
The geographic North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by ice up to 10 feet thick at times, but the exact location can change slightly, based on the Earth’s wobble on its axis.
The geographic North Pole is in a different location than the magnetic North Pole, which is the spot that guides our compasses and other navigation systems. The Earth’s iron core and magnetic field create the magnetic North Pole.
Discovered in the 1830s, the magnetic North Pole is near Ellesmere Island, Canada, about 500 miles from the geographic North Pole.
Weather at the North Pole
It doesn’t take a meteorologist to know the North Pole is cold pretty much all year round.
In the coldest part of the year, between the autumnal and vernal equinoxes (late September to late March), there is no sunlight, and temperatures average around 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
When the North Pole sees nothing but sunlight between late March and late September, temperatures average right around the freezing mark.
These temperatures are warmer than temperatures at the South Pole because the North Pole sits over water.
(AP Photo/David Goldman)
Visitors to the North Pole
While the North Pole doesn’t get many visitors outside those elves we mentioned earlier and the occasional explorer (more on that in a minute), animals are sparsely seen.
You may see a rare polar bear sighting and a flock of migrating birds.
The Arctic tern is usually spotted there and has the longest migration of any bird, traveling round trip from the North and South Poles every year!
Exploration of the North Pole
The main reason for early explorers to seek out and travel through the North Pole was to find a northwest passage or a sea route from the north Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Many expeditions took on this task with no luck, with the earliest being in 1827 by British Admiral William Parry.
A Swedish explorer even tried to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon.
The main debate on who reached the North Pole first is between a pair of Americans, physician Frederick Albert Cook and explorer Robert Peary and their teams. Peary’s team included Matthew Henson, the first African American Arctic explorer.
Over the years, each man called the other a fraud or claimed their expedition was the first successful trip to the Pole. The men then published accounts of their trips in the booklet “At the Pole with Cook and Peary,” which was a best-seller. The debate about the veracity of both men’s claims is still up for debate.
The first verifiable expedition to the Pole was completed in 1926 by Norwegian Roald Amundsen, who was also the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911. Instead of taking a dog-sled, his preferred method to reach the South Pole, he took a dirigible and floated over the Pole with a team of others on board.
The USS Nautilus. (AP Photo)
More fun firsts for the North Pole
The Soviet Union landed the first planes at the North Pole on April 23, 1948, while the first naval vessel, the U.S. Navy submarine USS Nautilus, reached the Pole on Aug. 3, 1958.
One of our favorite facts about the Pole was that Ralph Plaisted of Minnesota was the first to reach the North Pole by snowmobile on April 19, 1968.
Also, Ann Bancroft was the first female to reach the Pole on May 1, 1986, part of the first expedition to reach the North Pole on foot without being resupplied.
Speaking of Santa
We couldn’t end a story about the North Pole without talking about the jolly elf himself.
Stories of St. Nick date back centuries, but no one ever knew where he lived. Many credit American illustrator Thomas Nast with popularizing the idea of Santa living at the North Pole in an issue of Harper’s Weekly in 1866.
The illustration includes the title “Santa Clausville, N.P.,” and at a time when the public had a keen interest in the North Pole, readers understood the abbreviation.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s latest attempt to get on the Maine Republican presidential primary ballot failed Thursday after his campaign tried to recover from a surprising setback in the Super Tuesday state.
Earlier this month, the Maine Secretary of State’s office said that Christie’s campaign fell short of the necessary number of certified signatures needed from Maine voters to qualify for the state’s Republican presidential primary.
His campaign appealed the decision, but a Maine Superior Court judge sided on Thursday with the secretary of state’s handling of the situation.
“We appreciate that the court upheld the integrity of Maine’s well-established ballot access requirements,” Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in a statement. “Every candidate, including presidential candidates, must follow the law to qualify for the ballot. We are glad that the court recognized that Maine law is workable and fair to all.”
Earlier this month, Maine Director of Elections Heidi M. Peckham said in a letter that Christie’s campaign had only turned in 844 of the minimum 2,000 certified signatures required to appear on the ballot.
Candidates faced a requirement of filing signatures with municipal clerks for certification before submitting them to the secretary of state’s office.
A Christie spokesperson responded at the time that the campaign had gathered 6,000 signatures, arguing it was “simply a procedural issue with the way they reviewed signatures and is under appeal.”
But the arguments put forward by Christie’s campaign failed to change the stance in the Maine case.
In a statement to CBS News Thursday following the ruling, a spokesperson for Christie’s campaign said that “we disagree with the court’s decision, and we are evaluating our options.”
According to the decision by Maine Superior Court Justice Julia M. Lipez, Christie “did not separate petition forms by town, as instructed by the Secretary, or, in the alternative, give himself sufficient time to bring those multi-town signature sheets to the relevant municipalities before the November 20 deadline.”
Christie still has the option to file as a write-candidate in Maine. The deadline to do so is Dec. 26, according to the secretary of state’s office.
The news is the latest trouble for the Christie campaign as he faces pressure to drop out of the race and help consolidate support around an alternative candidate to former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the GOP race. Christie’s strategy has centered around going all in on the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary. His campaign has maintained he has a path after the contest, but the struggles in Maine threaten to undercut that tone.
Leading Republican presidential candidates, and even some longshots, are set to be on the ballot in the Maine contest on March 5. Those include Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and pastor Ryan Binkley.
