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Tag: october

  • Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will fly by Earth Friday — Here’s how you can see it

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    An interstellar comet first spotted passing through our solar system in July is beginning its departure from our corner of the universe — but first it will fly by Earth, and scientists are capturing stunning new images during its approach.Related video above: Why asteroid 2024 YR4 is unlikely to hit Earth in 2032Known as 3I/ATLAS, the comet will make its closest pass by us on Friday, coming within about 167 million miles (270 million kilometers) of our planet, but on the other side of the sun. For reference, the sun’s distance from Earth is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers).Comet 3I/ATLAS won’t be visible to the naked eye and the optimal viewing window, which opened in November, has passed. Those hoping to glimpse it will need an 8-inch (20-centimeter) telescope or larger, according to EarthSky.The Virtual Telescope Project will share a livestream of the comet at 4:00 a.m. UTC on Saturday, or 11 p.m. ET Friday, after cloudy weather prevented a Thursday night streaming opportunity, said Gianluca Masi, astronomer and astrophysicist at the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Italy and founder and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project.The comet is expected to remain visible to telescopes and space missions for a few more months before exiting our solar system, according to NASA.Astronomers have closely tracked the comet since its initial discovery over the summer in the hopes of uncovering details about its origin outside of our solar system as well as its composition. Multiple missions have observed the object in optical, infrared and radio wavelengths of light — and recently, scientists captured their first glimpses in X-rays to and discovered new details. The ingredients of an interstellar cometComets are like dirty snowballs left over from the formation of solar systems.A comet’s nucleus is its solid core, made of ice, dust and rocks. When comets travel near stars such as the sun, heat causes them to release gas and dust, which creates their signature tails.Astronomers are interested in capturing as many observations of the comet as they can because as it nears the sun, material releasing from the object could reveal more about its composition — and the star system where it originated.“When it gets closest to the sun, you get the most holistic view of the nucleus possible,” Seligman said. “One of the main things driving most cometary scientists is, what is the composition of the volatiles? It shows you the initial primordial material that it formed from.”Scientists have used powerful tools, such as the Hubble Space and James Webb Space telescopes, along with a multitude of space-based missions, such as SPHEREx, to study the comet.The SPHEREx and Webb observations detected carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulphide and water ice releasing from the comet as it neared the sun, according to the ESA.Preliminary estimates indicate that the interstellar comet is 3 billion to 11 billion years old, according to a study coauthored by Seligman and Aster Taylor, a doctoral student and Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellow at the University of Michigan, in August. For reference, our solar system is estimated to be about 4.6 billion years old.Carbon dioxide turns directly from a solid into a gas in response to temperature changes much more easily than most elements — which means the comet has likely never been close to another star before its brush with the sun, Seligman said.All eyes on 3I/ATLASThe interstellar comet faded from the view of ground-based telescopes in October, but it remained in sight for missions such as PUNCH, or Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere, and SOHO, or the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. The object also made its closest approach of Mars on October 3, coming within 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) of the red planet — and the spacecraft orbiting it.While the government shutdown has prevented data sharing from any NASA missions that have observed the comet since October 1, the ESA’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter attempted to capture views of 3I/ATLAS in October.The cameras aboard those missions are designed to study the relatively close, bright surface of Mars, but ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter managed to observe the comet as a fuzzy white dot.“This was a very challenging observation for the instrument,” Nick Thomas, principal investigator of the orbiter’s camera, said in a statement, noting the comet is around 10,000 to 100,000 times “fainter than our usual target.”ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice, will also attempt to observe 3I/ATLAS in November using multiple instruments despite the comet being farther from the spacecraft than it was when observed by the Mars orbiters. But astronomers don’t expect to receive the observations until February due to the rate at which the spacecraft is sending data back to Earth.“We’ve got several more months to observe it,” Seligman said. “And there’s going to be amazing science that comes out.”X-raying an interstellar visitorComets that originate in our solar system emit X-rays, but astronomers have long wondered whether interstellar comets behave the same.Although previous attempts to find out were made as two other interstellar comets passed through our solar system in 2017 and 2019, no X-rays were detected.But that all changed with 3I/ATLAS.Japan’s X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, or XRISM, observed 3I/ATLAS for 17 hours in late November with its Xtend telescope. The instrument captured X-rays fanning out to a distance of 248,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) from the comet’s solid core, or nucleus, which could be a result of clouds of gas around the object, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. But more observations are needed to confirm the finding.X-rays can originate from interactions between gases given off by the comet — such as water vapor, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide — and the continuous stream of charged particles releasing from the sun called solar wind. Comets, which are a combination of ice, rock, dust and gas, heat up as they approach stars like the sun, causing them to sublimate materials. XRISM detected signatures of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen near the comet’s nucleus. The European Space Agency’s X-ray space observatory XMM-Newton also observed the interstellar comet on December 3 for about 20 hours using its most sensitive camera. A dramatic image released by the agency shows the red X-ray glow of the comet.The X-ray observations, combined with others across various wavelengths of light, could reveal what the comet is made of — and just how similar or different the object is from those in our own solar system.

    An interstellar comet first spotted passing through our solar system in July is beginning its departure from our corner of the universe — but first it will fly by Earth, and scientists are capturing stunning new images during its approach.

    Related video above: Why asteroid 2024 YR4 is unlikely to hit Earth in 2032

    Known as 3I/ATLAS, the comet will make its closest pass by us on Friday, coming within about 167 million miles (270 million kilometers) of our planet, but on the other side of the sun. For reference, the sun’s distance from Earth is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers).

    Comet 3I/ATLAS won’t be visible to the naked eye and the optimal viewing window, which opened in November, has passed. Those hoping to glimpse it will need an 8-inch (20-centimeter) telescope or larger, according to EarthSky.

    The Virtual Telescope Project will share a livestream of the comet at 4:00 a.m. UTC on Saturday, or 11 p.m. ET Friday, after cloudy weather prevented a Thursday night streaming opportunity, said Gianluca Masi, astronomer and astrophysicist at the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Italy and founder and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project.

    The comet is expected to remain visible to telescopes and space missions for a few more months before exiting our solar system, according to NASA.

    NASA/ESA/David Jewitt (UCLA) via CNN Newsource

    Hubble captured this image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21.

    This image, provided by NASA, shows the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on Nov. 30, 2025, about 178 million miles (286 million kilometers) from Earth. (NASA, ESA, STScI, D. Jewitt (UCLA), M.-T. Hui (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory), J. DePasquale (STScI) via AP)

    NASA, ESA, STScI, D. Jewitt (UCLA), M.-T. Hui (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory), J. DePasquale (STScI) via AP

    This image, provided by NASA, shows the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on Nov. 30, 2025, about 178 million miles from Earth.

    Astronomers have closely tracked the comet since its initial discovery over the summer in the hopes of uncovering details about its origin outside of our solar system as well as its composition. Multiple missions have observed the object in optical, infrared and radio wavelengths of light — and recently, scientists captured their first glimpses in X-rays to and discovered new details.

    The ingredients of an interstellar comet

    Comets are like dirty snowballs left over from the formation of solar systems.

    A comet’s nucleus is its solid core, made of ice, dust and rocks. When comets travel near stars such as the sun, heat causes them to release gas and dust, which creates their signature tails.

    Astronomers are interested in capturing as many observations of the comet as they can because as it nears the sun, material releasing from the object could reveal more about its composition — and the star system where it originated.

    “When it gets closest to the sun, you get the most holistic view of the nucleus possible,” Seligman said. “One of the main things driving most cometary scientists is, what is the composition of the volatiles? It shows you the initial primordial material that it formed from.”

    Scientists have used powerful tools, such as the Hubble Space and James Webb Space telescopes, along with a multitude of space-based missions, such as SPHEREx, to study the comet.

    FILE - This photo provided by Gianluca Masi shows the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it streaks through space, 190 million miles from Earth, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, seen from Manciano, Italy. (Gianluca Masi via AP, File)

    Gianluca Masi

    This photo provided by Gianluca Masi shows the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it streaks through space, 190 million miles from Earth, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, seen from Manciano, Italy.

    The SPHEREx and Webb observations detected carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, carbonyl sulphide and water ice releasing from the comet as it neared the sun, according to the ESA.

    Preliminary estimates indicate that the interstellar comet is 3 billion to 11 billion years old, according to a study coauthored by Seligman and Aster Taylor, a doctoral student and Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellow at the University of Michigan, in August. For reference, our solar system is estimated to be about 4.6 billion years old.

    Carbon dioxide turns directly from a solid into a gas in response to temperature changes much more easily than most elements — which means the comet has likely never been close to another star before its brush with the sun, Seligman said.

    All eyes on 3I/ATLAS

    The interstellar comet faded from the view of ground-based telescopes in October, but it remained in sight for missions such as PUNCH, or Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere, and SOHO, or the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. The object also made its closest approach of Mars on October 3, coming within 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) of the red planet — and the spacecraft orbiting it.

    While the government shutdown has prevented data sharing from any NASA missions that have observed the comet since October 1, the ESA’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter attempted to capture views of 3I/ATLAS in October.

    The cameras aboard those missions are designed to study the relatively close, bright surface of Mars, but ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter managed to observe the comet as a fuzzy white dot.

    This diagram shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. It will make its closest approach to the Sun in October.

    Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    This diagram shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. It made its closest approach to the Sun in October.

    “This was a very challenging observation for the instrument,” Nick Thomas, principal investigator of the orbiter’s camera, said in a statement, noting the comet is around 10,000 to 100,000 times “fainter than our usual target.”

    ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice, will also attempt to observe 3I/ATLAS in November using multiple instruments despite the comet being farther from the spacecraft than it was when observed by the Mars orbiters. But astronomers don’t expect to receive the observations until February due to the rate at which the spacecraft is sending data back to Earth.

    “We’ve got several more months to observe it,” Seligman said. “And there’s going to be amazing science that comes out.”

    X-raying an interstellar visitor

    Comets that originate in our solar system emit X-rays, but astronomers have long wondered whether interstellar comets behave the same.

    Although previous attempts to find out were made as two other interstellar comets passed through our solar system in 2017 and 2019, no X-rays were detected.

    But that all changed with 3I/ATLAS.

    Japan’s X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, or XRISM, observed 3I/ATLAS for 17 hours in late November with its Xtend telescope. The instrument captured X-rays fanning out to a distance of 248,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) from the comet’s solid core, or nucleus, which could be a result of clouds of gas around the object, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. But more observations are needed to confirm the finding.

    XRISM captured an image of comet 3I/ATLAS in X-ray light.

    JAXA/ESA via CNN Newsource

    XRISM captured an image of comet 3I/ATLAS in X-ray light.

    X-rays can originate from interactions between gases given off by the comet — such as water vapor, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide — and the continuous stream of charged particles releasing from the sun called solar wind. Comets, which are a combination of ice, rock, dust and gas, heat up as they approach stars like the sun, causing them to sublimate materials. XRISM detected signatures of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen near the comet’s nucleus.

    The XMM-Newton observatory spotted a red X-ray glow around the interstellar comet on December 3.

    ESA/XMM-Newton/C. Lisse; S. Cabot & the XMM ISO Team via CNN Newsource

    The XMM-Newton observatory spotted a red X-ray glow around the interstellar comet on Dec. 3.

    The European Space Agency’s X-ray space observatory XMM-Newton also observed the interstellar comet on December 3 for about 20 hours using its most sensitive camera. A dramatic image released by the agency shows the red X-ray glow of the comet.

    The X-ray observations, combined with others across various wavelengths of light, could reveal what the comet is made of — and just how similar or different the object is from those in our own solar system.

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  • Paris prosecutor reports 4 more arrests in connection with Louvre jewel heist

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    Paris prosecutor reports 4 more arrests in connection with Louvre jewel heist

    Paris prosecutor has been giving more details about the latest on the investigation into the heist at the Louvie Museum, confirming many of the details that we had understood already about the two men currently in custody that they are in their 30s, that they were known to police before the heist for things like low level delinquency, petty thefts, and that they had been tracked down thanks to DNA that had been found on one of the helmets they left behind. They are of Algerian nationality. And come from the outskirts of Paris. What the prosecutor said though is that they do believe that there were 4 people involved in the heist on the day itself. 2 others remain at large, and that she wouldn’t give that many details because this was an ongoing investigation. She also pointed out that whilst these other two were at large and they were looking for altogether they had not excluded the possibility that someone else may have been involved, whether to commission the theft or in other ways. She also added that there was no suggestion that anyone on the inside of the Louvre had been complicit in the heist. The latest details then an investigation that continues and no sign yet, she explained of the jewels themselves. Melissa Bell, CNN, Paris.

    Paris prosecutor reports 4 more arrests in connection with Louvre jewel heist

    Updated: 5:56 AM PST Nov 25, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    The Paris prosecutor is reporting four more arrests in connection with the jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in October. Two men and two women from the Paris region were taken into custody on Tuesday morning.The loot, valued at around $102 million, hasn’t been recovered. It includes a diamond-and-emerald necklace Napoleon gave to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels tied to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl-and-diamond tiara.This is a breaking news story and will be updated.Video below shows Louvre thieves escaping via truck-mounted lift

    PARIS —

    The Paris prosecutor is reporting four more arrests in connection with the jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in October. Two men and two women from the Paris region were taken into custody on Tuesday morning.

    The loot, valued at around $102 million, hasn’t been recovered. It includes a diamond-and-emerald necklace Napoleon gave to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels tied to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl-and-diamond tiara.

    This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

    Video below shows Louvre thieves escaping via truck-mounted lift

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  • Housing Tracker: Southern California home values rise slightly in October

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    Southern California home prices rose in October, stopping a five-month skid that saw the average home value fall more than $14,000 since April.

    In October, the average home price across the six-county region climbed to $860,773 — a 0.01% increase compared to September. However, prices were still down 1.4% compared to October 2024.

    Economists and real estate agents say a variety of factors have slowed the market, including high mortgage rates, rising inventory and economic uncertainty stemming from tariffs. The same factors continued in October, but the uptick reflects a slight dip in inventory as more sellers choose to hang on to their homes.

    Listings in L.A. County fell 2% month-over-month, and the share of homes with price cuts dropped slightly as well. But there’s still inventory aplenty compared to 2024. In October, there were 19% more homes for sale than there were last year.

    Back then, rising mortgage rates were knocking many buyers out of the market. Values started increasing again when the number of homes for sale plunged as sellers backed away, unwilling to give up mortgages they took out earlier in the pandemic with rates of 3% and lower.

    Real estate agents say homeowners increasingly want to take the next step in their lives and are deciding to move rather than hold on to their ultra-low mortgage rates. But many first-time buyers, without access to equity, remain locked out.

    Add on the economic uncertainty and you get a market that’s noticeably downshifted.

    If the Trump administration’s policies end up pushing the economy into a recession, some economists say home prices could drop much further.

    For now, Zillow is forecasting that the economy will avoid a recession and home prices will increase over the next year. The real estate firm expects that one year from now, home prices in the Los Angeles-Orange County metro region will be 1.4% higher than they are now, though that number is lower than the estimated national increase of 1.9%.

    Note to readers

    Welcome to the Los Angeles Times’ Real Estate Tracker. Every month we will publish a report with data on housing prices, mortgage rates and rental prices. Our reporters will explain what the new data mean for Los Angeles and surrounding areas and help you understand what you can expect to pay for an apartment or house. You can read last month’s real estate breakdown here.

    Explore home prices and rents for September

    Use the tables below to search for home sale prices and apartment rental prices by city, neighborhood and county.

    Rental prices in Southern California

    The median rent across Los Angeles ticked down for the second consecutive month, dipping to $2,206 in October. The downward trend has continued in most markets across Southern California, but the January fires could be upending the downward trend in some locations.

    Housing analysts have said that rising vacancy levels since 2022 had forced landlords to accept less in rent. But the fires destroyed thousands of homes, suddenly thrusting many people into the rental market.

    Most homes destroyed were single-family houses, and some housing and disaster-recovery experts say they expect the largest rent increases to be in larger units adjacent to burn areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, with upward pressure on rents diminishing for units that are smaller and farther away from the disaster zones.

    A recent L.A. Times analysis of Zillow data found that in ZIP Codes closest to the fires, rents rose more than in the rest of the county from December to April.

    Other data sources show similar trends.

    In Santa Monica, which borders the hard-hit Palisades neighborhood, the median rent rose 2% in October from a year earlier, according to data from Apartment List.

    Apartment List does not have data for Altadena, but it does for the adjacent city of Pasadena. Rents there rose 1.2% in October from a year earlier.

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    Jack Flemming, Hailey Wang

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  • Presents to arrive in time for the holidays, but may be more expensive

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    Consumers don’t have to worry about products arriving in time for the holidays, though they may be facing higher prices, say officials at one of America’s largest ports.

    Imports at the Port of Long Beach are flowing smoothly through its facilities despite the government shutdown and tariff uncertainties, port executives said. Still, they acknowledge that the volume and prices of products in the millions of containers coming through the port suggest that imports are becoming more costly and consumers are more cautious.

    Until now, retailers, manufacturers and other intermediaries have absorbed much of the cost of tariffs, but that is changing as it becomes more apparent which tariffs are here to stay, Mario Cordero, chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, said Friday during a virtual news conference.

    “Consumers will likely see price escalation in the coming months as shippers continue to pass along the cost of tariffs on goods, and a higher percentage of these costs will be passed on to the consumer,” he said.

    Cordero, who drinks Starbucks coffee, said he’s seen the price of a cup of coffee increase by 15% and that more consumers are going to discount stores to find deals. However, potential price hikes could be offset if the United States and China strike further trade agreements.

    The Port of Long Beach, a gateway for trade between the United States and Asia-Pacific, released new data that offers a glimpse into how President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are affecting goods imported from key trade partners, such as China.

    This week, the U.S. Supreme Court also started to hear arguments as the justices examine the legality of Trump’s tariffs.

    Over the past year, the port saw a drop in the movement of containers filled with certain goods such as winter apparel, kitchen appliances and toys that people typically buy as gifts, a sign that consumers are likely wary about spending.

    Still, the impact of tariffs on cargo volume hasn’t been as bad as some experts predicted. Cordero said some experts had projected that the port could see as much as a 35% drop in cargo volume.

    “Clearly today, it’s fair to say that the worst scenarios some predicted did not occur,” Cordero said. “The challenges were many, and there’s no doubt that many companies and their workers suffered, but cargo volume is turning out to be just as high this year as it was last year.”

    In fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 2024 to September 2025, the port surpassed 10 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the first time, up 11% from the same period last year. TEU is a measurement used to describe cargo capacity for container ships and terminals.

    While the port saw a decline in the amount of TEUs moved in October compared with the same period in 2024, Cordero said he thinks the port will end 2025 in “positive territory.”

    In October, there were 839,671 TEUs moved. That’s because retailers and shippers started shipping goods earlier than normal to avoid fees and to stock up their warehouses because of tariffs.

    The Port of Long Beach is an economic engine for California. Officials say it helps create 691,000 jobs in Southern California. More than 2.7 million U.S jobs are connected to the Port of Long Beach, they say.

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    Queenie Wong

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  • Food Events: Game Dinners, Saint Arnold Brews and Opera at the Deli – Houston Press

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is serving up a weekly series of imaginative game dinners, offering everything from venison and fowl to elk, now through November 26. Each week brings a new off-menu prix-fixe special, like Seared 5 Spice Duck Breast with black currant sauce, Venison Backstrap Chicken Fried Steak, and Braised Wild North American Elk Osso Buco, with suggested wine pairings available for an additional cost. 

    On Saturday, October 12, honor Filipino American heritage with a special full-day Filipino American History Month Celebration at POST Houston, 401 Franklin, from noon to 9 p.m. Folks can enjoy a bustling marketplace of Filipino vendors, traditional cuisine, live performances and more. 

    State Fare Kitchen and Bar, 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing, celebrates fall with a three-course Saint Arnold beer pairing dinner, offered from October 13–31. For $55, enjoy dishes like Cocoa-Chili Braised Short Rib, Brown Butter Pierogi and Texas Pecan Tart, each paired with Saint Arnold seasonal brews including its iconic Pumpkinator. 

    On Wednesday, October 15, highly anticipated Energy Corridor concept Kirkwood is teaming up with The Lymbar for an exclusive multi-course wine dinner featuring the wines of DAOU Vineyard. The special evening will be held at The Lymbar, 4201 Main, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the wine-paired dinner at 6:30. Highlights include a decadent Lobster Ballotine, richly layered Braised Short Rib and a trio of sweet and savory bites, including Sticky Toffee Pudding and Roquefort blue cheese. Tickets are $110 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

    Lyric Market, 411 Smith, has a series of events in its fall lineup, including Cocktails For A Cause on Wednesday, October 15, featuring a special Happy Hour and Silent Auction in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast; a Sip & Bloom Floral Workshop on Thursday, October 16; the Tastes & Treasures Pop-Up Artisan Market (Halloween Edition) on Friday, October 18;  Ravioli Making Class on Thursday, October 23; and more.

    Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, 1743 Post Oak, teams up with Houston’s innovative opera company HOPERA for Divas at the Deli, an evening of food, song and laughter for one-night-only on Saturday, October 18. The 6:30 p.m. dinner features a buffet of East European favorites like Beef Mouton Rothchild, Chicken Breast with Cherry Roman Sauce and Snapper Isabelle, plus Kenny & Ziggy’s legendary cheesecake for dessert. While you dine, HOPERA co-founder Brennan Blankenship and contralto Davia Bouley perform famous operatic arias with live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $75 per person, including tax and gratuity, and must be purchased in advance by Tuesday, Oct.ober 14, by calling 713-871-8883.

    This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Free Chicken, Taco Day Deals and Oktoberfest Fun – Houston Press

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    Nando’s PERi-PERi is rolling into Houston with its Texas-sized food truck tour. The custom “Fire Truck” will pop up around the city serving up free PERi-PERi chicken and chips, select menu favorites, pastel de nata, and more, alongside Afro-Luso beats, giveaways, and surprise guests from October 6–18. Follow its IG to find out where the truck’s going next.  

    On Tuesday, October 7, The Little Taco Shop, 3411 Kirby, will celebrate National Taco Day with discounted tacos and cocktails from 11 a.m. to close. Guests can enjoy $3 tacos all day and take advantage of buy-one, get-one frozen margaritas and canned cocktails, including house margarita, paloma, blue lychee, and pink guava flavors. 

    On Wednesday, October 8, Backstreet Cafe will host its 42nd Anniversary Pop-up Wine Dinner at Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer. The evening kicks off with a passed bites reception at 6 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner from chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega paired with acclaimed Sonoma wines from Kosta Browne, known for its expressive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Tickets are $140++. 

    Chef Jane Wild continues her monthly supper series Janes Dine Inn on Friday, October 10, celebrating seasonal flavors with an intimate, five-course, family-style Harvest Moon Dinner at Jane and the Lion Bakehouse, 4721 North Main. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by the seated supper at 7 p.m. Tickets are $111 per person, gratuity included. 

    The Houston International Festival is taking place at 2509 Alabama, held from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 11. The event brings together global flavors, live bands and DJ sets across multiple genres, family-friendly activities, cultural performances, pop-up art displays and an exclusive VIP section with premium seating. Tickets are $10 GA (free for kids) and $50 VIP. 

    Biggio’s, 1777 Walker, is bringing Bavarian celebrations downtown with an Oktoberfest bash featuring seasonal bites from the kitchen and brews from Saint Arnold, Karbach, Eureka Heights and more. Admission is free—just bring your beer stein spirit from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

    This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Redemption Song: Erika Weathers

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    Weathers (above, center in pink) is an author and wrote a book about her breast cancer survival and journey, “Free Me 2 Be Me.” The book, which was self-published in 2021, is available on Amazon. Photo courtesy of Weathers

    Erika Weathers was on a roll when she learned that she had breast cancer in 2004. Then, at 33, Weathers was living in Vinings, and working as a flight attendant for a local airline. She loves to travel, work out, and act, and those jobs and activities allowed the Middletown, New York native, to see the country, meet people from around the world, and entertain others. On that day, however, traveling, Zumba classes, and reading scripts were the last things on her mind. 

    “I was in the prime of my life,” said Weathers by phone from her home in Atlanta. 

    There is no history of breast cancer in Weathers’ family. She was the chosen one, and she still doesn’t know why she was chosen to go through what she went through.

    “I’m the first one. It was like, ‘Why me? What’s going on in my body?” she said.  

    About getting the news that her life was going to change, she said, “That was devastating.” 

    Weathers, 56, is far from alone. Breast cancer will affect millions of Americans this year. Whether you are male or female, adult or child, the odds that you know someone who has had breast cancer inject itself into their life is high, according to data from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF).

    1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Weathers (above) was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. “Early diagnosis is key. Early detection, get it out of you, and get on with your life,” Weathers said. Photo courtesy of Weathers

    1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the organization’s data. This year, there will be an estimated 316,000-plus women and nearly 3,000 men diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. One of those women was once Weathers.

    Along with skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in this country. But there has been a significant decrease in breast cancer deaths since 1989, according to the American Cancer Society data. Early detection and awareness are reasons for thousands of lives being saved.

    “Early diagnosis is key. Early detection, get it out of you, and get on with your life,” Weathers said. 

    The early detection of the cancer, Weathers’ positive attitude, and willingness to fight can all be listed as reasons she survived her first diagnosis. Along with being a flight attendant, Weathers is a realtor for HomeSmart, an Arizona-based brokerage firm, and an actress. Weathers has had roles in several Lifetime projects and routinely goes out on auditions. She also volunteers as a poll worker during local elections, and don’t forget those Zumba classes. She has also been an instructor in the past. 

    “I always have a positive mindset. You can only do what you can do, but it’s always better to have a positive mindset when you do it,” she said. “I just have to make everything work.” 

    That positive mindset came in handy when Weathers was challenged again. She was re-diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and again in late 2024. She had just finished celebrating 16 years of being cancer-free before this. Both times, she faced facts and approached hormone therapy treatments and radiation treatments with faith and a positive attitude. But it wasn’t easy. It never is, she said.

    Erika Weathers (above) rang the bell at Emory University Hospital Midtown on May 9, 2025, and celebrated with family and friends. Photo courtesy of Weathers

    Following surgery on her left breast, the right had been removed years earlier. Weathers got the chance to go through a national rite of passage for cancer patients. During her first battles, she never got the chance, but she did this time around. 

    On May 9, 2025, she rang the bell at Emory University Hospital Midtown. That day, she was surrounded by family and friends. 

    Weathers is also an author. She wrote a book about her breast cancer survival and journey, “Free Me 2 Be Me,” which was self-published in 2021, after she was laid off during the COVID pandemic. The time off work as a flight attendant allowed Weathers to focus on telling her story. 

    “I took advantage of that time. I used to always say I wanted to write a book about my life,” said Weathers, who added that she wrote the book about her entire life and not just the cancer part of the story. 

    In the book, she also discusses her relationship with her father, Ronald Weathers, who, along with her mother, Jackie Zoldan, twin brother Chris, other brother Erik, and stepmother Carol Weathers, has impacted her life.

    Asked if she has any advice for breast cancer patients going through what she went through, Weathers simply said they have to keep on keeping on.

    “Get on with your life,” she said. “It just depends on how you are. I’m always looking for the next best thing to do in my life.” 

    Weathers is working on a second book, preparing for more real estate training, and working the polls for the upcoming November elections.

    Along with her career as a flight attendant, Weathers (above) is a working actress. Photo courtesy of Weathers

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for the past 40 years, it has been the national month of observance in the United States. Weathers enjoys speaking to groups and individuals as an advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors. She remembers needing to talk to someone who understood what she was going through

    “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who has been through it,” she said.

    Erika Weathers has been through it and back. 

    “I just like to know that I can get to the finish line and to know that I can do anything I can set my mind to,” Weathers said.

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Chefs Battle and a Hot New Restaurant Debuts Lunch

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    On Monday, September 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Third Place, 420 East 20th, will host Diane and Willet Feng of Burger Chan for a one-day pop-up of their Borrowed Goods concept, this time, featuring coconut curry beef rendang lasagna and and fresh spinach lasagna.

    Lombardi Family Concepts will host its second annual Chef Battle Royale with head-to-head competitions at two of its Houston restaurants, with two nights each offering a five-course menu, side-by-side tastings paired with Noble Wine and voting to crown the evening’s winner. On Wednesday, October 1, diners can experience the culinary showdown at Lombardi Cucina Italiana, 1745 Post Oak, and on October 22 at Toulouse Café and Bar, 2180 West Gray, where executive chefs Mauro Gianinazzi and Emmanuel Hodencq will swap cuisines to tackle each other’s specialties. Tickets are $250++ per person.

    Mayahuel, 811 Buffalo Park Dr. Suite 130, will debut weekday lunch service beginning Wednesday, October 1, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef Luis Robledo Richards brings a modern Mexican approach to midday dining with dishes like tortilla soup in a tomato-ancho broth, cochinita torta, and chicken milanese, plus a rotating prix-fixe menu featuring a starter, dessert, and a taco trilogy based on fresh market finds.

    Spooky season means that Nickel City, 2910 McKinney, will once again transform into cclaimed Halloween pop-up Black Lagoon, rocking a darkly immersive atmosphere and brand-new cocktail menu from October 1–31.

    Folks are invited to PAWZtober Fest at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown, 1700 Post Oak, on Saturday, October 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free Tex-Mex fundraiser benefs Lone Star Pawz, a local animal rescue for cats and dogs; and guests can enjoy live music from The Guzzlers, raffle prizes including Houston Texans and Astros tickets, and 20 percent off their meal with a raffle ticket purchase.

    The 21st annual H-E-B Wine Walk hits The Woodlands Resort, 2301 North Millbend, on Saturday, October 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring more than 50 wine tasting tents, 40 craft beers and dozens of culinary offerings from top local restaurants and chefs. Tickets start at $79 for general admission.

    On Wednesday, October 8, James Beard Foundation will host its Taste America walk-around tasting at The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 West Loop South, featuring more than 20 Houston chefs, including TasteTwenty honoree Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk. Beginning at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. VIP), guests can enjoy bites like African Palm Butter Chicken, Tuna Tiradito, Coconut-Vanilla Bean Flan, and Pad Thai–Oatmeal Fluffernutter while enjoying beverages and activations from national and local sponsors. Tickets start at $175 and benefit the James Beard Foundation’s mission to support independent restaurants and the broader food system. 

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Cheesesteaks, Burgundy Wines and Epic Chef Collabs

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Burger Bodega founder Abbas Dhanan continues his smash hit cheesesteak pop-up, Bas’s Cheesesteak, on Monday, September 22, held at Burger Bodega, 4520 Washington, beginning at 6 p.m. Pre-orders drop this Friday via @basscheesesteaks, with pickup beginning at 5 p.m.

    Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette, 4224 San Felipe; 963 Bunker Hill, is celebrating fall with a special three-course wine dinner paired with pours from Reynolds Family Winery, available September 25 through October 5. Seasonal highlights Hokkaido scallops, Alaskan halibut, and an Autumn Empress cocktail.

    On Thursday, September 18, Four Seasons Hotel Houston speakeasy Bandista, 1300 Lamar, will host DC’s buzzy Press Club for a special bar pop-up from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring five signature cocktails in one-hour seatings. The following evening, on Friday, September 19, guests can start the night at Bayou & Bottle with a 4:30 p.m. baijiu tasting led by spirits expert Lewis Hart.

    Then at 6 p.m., Vancouver’s acclaimed Laowai takes over Bandista with five house cocktails that earned it a spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Reservations are required. Then on Sunday, September 21, the hotel will close out Texas Cocktail Week with a festive pan-Latin brunch at Toro Toro from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring cocktails from guest bartenders alongside Richard Sandoval’s signature brunch spread. Reservations recommended.

    Guests are invited to a Louis Jadot Wine Dinner at Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park, on Thursday, September 25. Chef and co-owner Philippe Verpiand presents a four-course dinner featuring wines from Burgundy’s largest producer, Louis Jadot, with highlights include white tuna sashimi with pomegranate-ginger vinaigrette, seared Gulf red snapper with caramelized fennel and blue crab bisque, pheasant breast with morel sauce and a dessert of breaded reblochon cheese with truffled honey and mesclun. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $115 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

    On Thursday, September 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Periwinkle Foundation’s annual Iron Bartender competition returns to Lyric Market, 411 Smith, bringing together six top bartenders from Houston’s best bars and restaurants. Guests can sip on competing cocktails, vote for the People’s Choice Award, and watch as one finalist takes home the Iron Bartender title. Tickets are $75 for tastings, or $350 for the cocktail dinner, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.

    Epic farm-to-table festival Chefs For Farmers kicks off Thursday, September 25, with the CFF x BMW Surf & Turf Supper at Navy Blue, where Chef Aaron Bludorn joins visiting stars Alberto Marcolongo (Benoit NYC, Alain Ducasse) and Lamar Moore (ETC, Chicago) for a multi-course, locally sourced feast with expert drink pairings. The weekend continues with the big event on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 at Autry Park, featuring unlimited tastings, live entertainment and new activations like The Rosé Ranch, Tailgate Experience and Texas Love BBQ Zone. Proceeds benefit the Houston Food Bank and Urban Harvest. 

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Jalisco, Omakase and Texas Cocktails Await

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, continues its regional Mexican tasting menu series with a deep dive into the vibrant cuisine of Jalisco, the birthplace of mariachi, tequila and birria. The four-course menu runs $75 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional beverage pairing for $36, offered during dinner service Monday through Saturday now through September 27.

    Now through September 30, Aya Sushi, 5407 Bellaire, is rolling out a $135, 18-course Anniversary Omakase, curated by chef Yoshi Katsuyama and highlighting guest favorites from all four seasons. Reservations available on OpenTable.

    On Sunday, September 14 through Sunday, September 21, Houston hosts its first Texas Cocktail Week, celebrating bartending craft and Southern hospitality. Cocktail Passport holders gain access to tastings, pop-ups, guest shifts, and masterclasses at top bars across the city, including Julep, Camaraderie, Bandista and more. The week also features a Guest Bartender Series with award-winning talent from around the country and Global Bar Partners spotlighting international flavors.

    Azumi, 4444 Westheimer, will host an immersive, cocktail-style evening showcasing the artistry of Japanese cuisine on Tuesday, September 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy the dramatic carving of an entire bluefin tuna before enjoying freshly prepared sashimi, hand rolls, nigiri and raw bar specialties, alongside premium sake pairings, lychee martinis and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $150 per person plus tax and fees.

    Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is sending summer off with a five-course dinner paired with Napa Valley’s Cakebread Cellars wines on Thursday, September 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Highlights include Oysters Rockefeller, Brown Butter Scallops, 5 Spice Duck Breast and more, with tickets for $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

    On Sunday, September 21, Brennan’s chefs José and Lily Arévalo will be joined by culinary talents from Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, Davis Street, LaJade’s Catering and State of Grace for a benefit dinner supporting Biblica’s mission to bring hope to fatherless children in El Salvador. Held at Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, the evening begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $150.

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Tailgates, Tacos, Tequila and the Return of Bernie’s Burger Bus

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Five years after closing, Bernie’ Burger Bus brings its fan favorites back for a limited-time collaboration with PINCHO. Now through October 5, alll Houston PINCHO locations will serve reimagined Bernie’s classics, including The Bernie’s Burger, Honor Roll fries and the Cookie Butter Milkshake. A portion of proceeds benefits the Periwinkle Foundation.

    Central Market is bringing the flavors of Germany to Texas with its in-store Passport Germany event, running September 10–23. Texans can enjoy tasting strolls, cooking classes and a wide selection of German products, from authentic sausages, Frikadelle, Rouladen and Currywurst to pretzels, marzipan pigs, specialty wines and sodas, pumpkin displays, and sweet treats like Apple Torte and Bee Sting Cake.

    On Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m., CultureMap Houston hosts The Tailgate at 8th Wonder, 2202 Dallas, for an evening of food, drinks and game-day fun. Tickets are $35 GA and $60 VIP.

    On Friday, September 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, invites guests to a casual Sonoma wine tasting at its Courtyard Barl, featuring select wines from Rodney Strong’s storied vineyards. Tickets include wine pours and paired bites for $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dress code is Courtyard Casual.

    Houstonians can celebrate Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day) with $10 red, white and green margaritas at URBE, 1101 Uptown Park, from September 12–16, and at Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer, Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, and Xochi, 1777 Walker on Tuesday, September 16. URBE is also hosting a ticketed Fiesta ($55) on Saturday, September 13 from 7 to 11 p.m., with Mexican street food, desserts, agave cocktails,and entertainment including folk dancing, live mariachi and a DJ.

    Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak, is ready to help folks celebrate the High Holidays with a traditional prix-fixe Erev Yom Tov menu ($259, feeds four to six). The package features soup, matzo balls, chopped liver, tzimmes, a large Challah, and main courses like prime Angus brisket, apricot-roasted chicken or stuffed cabbage, plus sides, kugels and desserts. Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. Monday, September 15, and picked up by 5 p.m. Sunday, September 21, or 2 p.m. Monday, September 22. The deli also offers a la carte and catering.

    On Tuesday, September 16, both Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen locations, 6401 Woodway, 1140 Eldridge, will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day with a special Mexican Colors Enchilada Plate — featuring three enchiladas in the colors of the flag for $18.95, dine-in only. That evening, the Eldridge location will host a four-course Tequila Dinner at 6:30 p.m., paired with Casamigos tequilas, for $65 per person; reservations are required. 

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Paint the town blue: L.A. bathes landmarks in light toasting Dodgers victory

    Paint the town blue: L.A. bathes landmarks in light toasting Dodgers victory

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    It was more than 60 years ago this month that the Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox and won their first World Series in front of more than 90,000 baseball fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

    At the time, the Coliseum lit its torch to honor the team’s win, and now, after the Dodgers won their eighth World Series Championship, the Coliseum has once again lit its torch. And for the next two nights, the Coliseum’s peristyle will be illuminated in blue light.

    Ever since the Dodgers’ miraculous comeback victory Wednesday night, some of L.A. County’s best-known buildings and attractions have been finding ways to celebrate the Boys in Blue, from the Pacific Wheel on Santa Monica’s Pier to L.A. City Hall.

    Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose father, Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, helped bring the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958, called for the Coliseum torch to be lit.

    “I thought it would be fitting to light the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum’s torch in celebration of the Dodgers’ victory at the venue the team played their first World Series winning season,” Hahn said. “We love our team.

    “Every corner of Los Angeles is celebrating today,” she said.

    Up in the hills of Griffith Park, the letter “D” on the Hollywood sign was lighted in blue.

    In Inglewood, a spokesperson for SoFi Stadium said the building’s rooftop Thursday night will display “2024 World Series Champions L.A. Dodgers” in blue lighting. A similar message was already on display on its Samsung infinity screen inside the stadium.

    The celebrations will culminate with a victory parade through downtown Friday and separate festivities at Dodger Stadium. Expect to see plenty of blue.

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    Ruben Vives

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Slurp Oysters and “Shuck Cancer”

    Upcoming Houston Food Events: Slurp Oysters and “Shuck Cancer”

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Tacodeli, 1902 Washington, 1715 Post Oak, recently accounced a partnership with Cuvée Coffee, offering ethically sourced, custom-roasted coffee to pair with its assortment of tacos. To celebrate, the taqueria is offering guests a free coffee with any purchase now through November 11.

    Brasserie 19 and Madame Zero Champagne are hosting a Champagne Soirée on Wednesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. at Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray. Guests can expect flowing bubbles in the cocktail hour style event featuring a curated selection of bubbly, Champagne-forward cocktails and bites crafted by chef Michael Hoffman. Tickets are for $125 per person.

    The Whisky X invites whiskey lovers to enjoy an evening of indulgence on Saturday, November 9 at 6 p.m. at Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace. The affair includes over 60 premium brands, expert-led tastings, a cigar lounge and complimentary grooming services, plus gourmet food trucks and great vibe. Tickets start at $45.

    On Saturday, November 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Archway Gallery and chef David Skinner of Ishtia will host A Native Feast, a food journey through Indigenous culture in conjunction with Harold Joiner’s “Homeland: Random Musings of a Native Son,” an exhibition of paintings and mixed media works inspired by his Southwestern homeland. The inventive five-course tasting dinner takes inspiration from the stories of chef Skinner’s Choctaw ancestors and will feature Indigenous ingredients. Tickets are $150.

    On Saturday, November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., wine enthusiasts are invited to uncork a wine-fueled celebration of Spanish wines at Barcelona Wine Bar, 1731 Westheimer. Spain Uncorked will feature “30 insanely good bottles and the diverse flavors of Spain,” alongside culinary bites from seasonal paella to passed tapas. Tickets are $65.

    The Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society will host its third annual Shuck Cancer Houston fundraiser and foodie tasting event, which will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 21 at POST Houston, 401 Franklin. This year’s event will feature more than 25 of Houston’s top restaurants, bars, and wineries offering wine and oyster pairings and a variety of other dishes, including an oyster bar and oyster shooter bar provided by Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House and Prestige Oysters and new participants like Auden, Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine, Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine and Uchi. Tickets are $150 per person. 

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Hot, dry and dusty: When the Santa Ana ‘devil winds’ blow, Southern California takes cover

    Hot, dry and dusty: When the Santa Ana ‘devil winds’ blow, Southern California takes cover

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    There may be no weather pattern more iconically associated with Los Angeles than the Santa Ana winds.

    One of the earliest written descriptions of the Santa Anas comes from the diary of Commodore Robert Stockton on the night of Jan. 6, 1847; the next day his forces captured Los Angeles on behalf of the United States.

    And as the city has grown to assume a prominent place in American pop culture, it has given global renown to this local phenomenon, name-dropped by Raymond Chandler, Nancy Meyers and the Beach Boys.

    The Santa Ana winds are notorious for being hot, dry, and dusty — traits that have earned them the nickname “devil winds” — but the quality that really defines them is their direction.

    Unlike the prevailing winds in Southern California, which flow generally from west to east, carrying temperate air from the Pacific, the Santa Anas flow from northeast to southwest out of the Mojave Desert. What causes this reversal, and why does it produce such a diabolical result?

    Aggressive and impactful reporting on climate change, the environment, health and science.

    To form the Santa Ana winds, the typical first ingredient is a chilled autumn day in the high desert of southern Nevada.

    The chill creates cold, dense air, which is squeezed from aloft by a high pressure system. Normally the surface air would be contained within the Great Basin formed by the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, but the second ingredient is a low pressure system off the California coast, which creates enough gravitational potential to force the air out of the basin and pull it west toward the Pacific.

    Artists illustration of Santa Ana winds

    As it flows downhill, the air is compressed due to the higher weight of the atmospheric column above it. The ideal gas law (PV=nRT, if high school chemistry is just a hazy memory) tells us that when the pressure on a gas increases, its temperature does too. The result is that the descending air heats up by almost 30 degrees Fahrenheit for every vertical mile it sinks.

    The dry desert air, warmed by its descent, rushes toward the coast. But the Transverse Ranges stand in the way, so the air seeks the path of least resistance through the Cajon and San Gorgonio passes. Like water spraying through a narrow nozzle, the winds are accelerated as they enter the canyons, often reaching gale-force strength by the time they exit into Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

    A mild Santa Ana wind can be irritating, giving people nosebleeds and blowing sand in their eyes, but the more severe events can have deadly consequences. The most obvious risk is the high winds — during a particularly forceful episode in December 2011, gusts in excess of 50 mph toppled trees, damaged hundreds of buildings and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.

    The atypical wind direction can pose a specific risk for boats and maritime infrastructure, as harbors that are usually well protected on the leeward side of the Channel Islands are suddenly exposed to forceful gusts and waves.

    Strong Santa Ana winds blast spray from the surf off a beach.

    Strong offshore Santa Ana winds blast incoming waves at Huntington Beach in October 2018.

    (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

    An even greater danger comes from the increased potential for wildfires. Hot, dry air can rapidly extract moisture from vegetation, especially when that air is being continuously replenished by strong desert winds. The Santa Anas often bring triple-digit temperatures and a relative humidity below 10%, leading to drier fuel that can ignite more easily. Moreover, strong winds cause fires to grow and spread more quickly, since the winds provide a steady supply of oxygen, carry sparks and even bend the flames closer to the unburned material ahead of the fire.

    In the last few decades, Santa Ana winds have been associated with several large wildfire clusters, including the 2007 Witch Creek fire, the 2008 Sayre fire and the 2017 Thomas fire, which was the largest wildfire in state history at the time.

    A firefighter is enveloped in smoke as he hoses down flames.

    A firefighter battles the Silverado fire amid heavy Santa Ana winds in Irvine in October 2020.

    (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

    Until recently, the Santa Ana winds were thought to be one of the few bright spots in climate change; a paper from 2019 predicted a future decrease in the frequency of Santa Ana winds, particularly in September and October. The authors suggested that this is due to a projected northward migration of the “Great Basin high” that tends to form over Nevada.

    However, recent analysis published two years later by the same authors suggested that the decreasing trend was mostly confined to a distinct “flavor” of Santa Ana winds that, while they originate from the same location, are caused by a different mechanism and bring intense cold to Southern California instead of heat.

    Although these “cold Santa Anas” can still cause wind damage, they are not typically associated with wildfire activity, and a decrease in frequency would have little effect on fire risk. Unfortunately, it seems those hot, dry days when the wind stings your eyes and sparks fly are here to stay.

    Ned Kleiner is a scientist and catastrophe modeler at Verisk. He has a doctorate in atmospheric science from Harvard University.

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    Ned Kleiner

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  • Our Favorite Couples’ Halloween Costumes

    Our Favorite Couples’ Halloween Costumes

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    The arrival of fall means the festive harvest and spooky season of Halloween is upon us, and there’s hardly a more popular occasion than to dress up for an event or date function with your significant other. Whether you’re into dressing up as classic ghouls or legacy characters, current pop-culture references, or enjoy coordinating twin Halloween costumes, there are plenty of fun things you can brainstorm with your partner to make you stand out. Let’s look at some of our favorite couples’ costume ideas.

    Classic Halloween Costume Favorites

    You can’t go wrong when showing up dressed as iconic Halloween characters, whether it’s classic spooky figures or traditional villains from the quintessential horror catalog. Here are a few of the most fun — bonus points for individual creativity, too.

    Disclaimer: The imagery featured in this article was created or refined with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Although they strive to depict the content accurately, they may not perfectly capture real-life situations or precise details. These visuals are intended solely for illustrative purposes.

    • Vampires – The vampire is an iconic villain that requires a few simple elements such as a cape and fangs, but vampire couples costumes can also be customized to give couples the freedom to make it their own. Props like garlic earrings or a wooden stake also elevate the outfit.
    • Werewolves – Being that they’re part human and part beast, werewolf costumes for couples are easy to incorporate using your normal wardrobe, and there are plenty of ways to achieve a hairy look, from makeup to fake fur.
    • Witches – Couples witch costumes never go out of style since men can just go the warlock route, but those looking to go the extra mile sometimes see the man dressed as the broom or cauldron.

    Man and woman dressed as witches.

    • Skeletons – Skeleton costumes for couples are an easy and recognizable outfit that can be achieved simply through clothing design or can be as elaborate as you want with makeup and other props.
    • Ghosts – While perhaps the most common of all costumes, the ghost is a fairly basic concept that anyone can identify, and the idea that you can use anything from a sheet to other decorative garments means there’s also more anonymity.
    • Pumpkins  – Dressing as two pumpkins from the patch can be a cute way to show others that you’re partners, and all you really need is to wear some orange and highlight a stem and leaf from your head.
    • Scarecrows – Both parties can get as creative as they like when designing their own scarecrow costume, which is not only an underrated choice, but one in which you can utilize your existing jeans and flannel wardrobe — but don’t forget the straw hats!

    Generic Superhero Couples Costume

    You don’t have to spend money on a branded costume to show your affinity for superheroes! A few simple DIY ideas that easily fit the bill include using spandex, capes, masks, and other signifying props or symbolism to help others know who you’re emulating. People will certainly notice if you put in the time and effort, but if you use the notable colors and coordinate your characters as a duo, it can be a real crowd-pleaser. 

    Trendy Pop Culture Costumes

    There are tons of pop culture costumes that come and go with each Halloween season, but there are also many timeless options that are easily recognizable and resonate with all types of crowds. Below are just a few of our favorites. 

    • Bonnie & Clyde – The infamous legacy of Bonnie and Clyde is still a famous costume choice for young lovers, but thankfully, in this instance, their role as robbers is just a guise. Just adorn yourself in garb from the Depression era and don a faux firearm.
    • Tarzan & Jane – If you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side, you can’t go wrong with a Tarzan and Jane pairing, especially if the man already has long hair and the woman owns a solid cheetah-print dress.

    Cute and Fun Couple Costumes

    Just because you feel pressured to wear something current doesn’t mean you have to. There are quite a few other generic costume ideas for Halloween that are immediate crowd-pleasers based on context alone.

    Complementary Concept Costumes

    • Peanut Butter & Jelly – There’s hardly ever been a better combination, right? This works even better when you both dress in clothes as the colored spreads and then wear a bread costume on top. Posterboards are a perfect size.
    • Taco & Hot Sauce – While individually excellent on their own, hot sauce objectively makes tacos better, so it’s a match made in heaven that everyone can appreciate. While you may elect to buy these costumes, using cardboard boxes and paper bags can really show off your creativity.
    • Salt & Pepper – If you’re looking for a staple couples’ costume that clearly indicates you’re with your partner, look no further than the essential seasonings that make everything better. Chef hats and corresponding colored clothing work well enough.
    • Bread & Butter – As you can tell, bread costumes can be very versatile! If you’ve already done PB&J before, one person opting to dress as butter drives the point across just as well. You may just have to find some yellow pants.
    • Popcorn & Soda – If you’re both into movies and enjoy the snacks even more, popcorn and soda are two staple commodities that everyone enjoys at the theater. A large paper bag can actually work nicely for each of these.

    Themed Character Duos

    • Angel & Devil – A little good, a little evil — the contrast alone makes people think your relationship is well-balanced, and these costumes can be fun to customize as well. As long as you have a corresponding headband, you’ll be just fine.
    • Bob Ross & Canvas – While a bit silly, the only better thing than dressing up as Bob Ross is if the other person represents his easel and canvas, which is bound to draw some laughs. Some posterboard makes a nice easel, and if you’re painting, make sure you have the right hair!
    • Classic Slinky – Relationships expand and contract like a slinky, so what better way than to be linked to your partner throughout your outing? It may be harder to walk, but people will understand your need to stretch out. If you go DIY, you might need to get creative with this one.
    • Quarterback & Football – The concept of dressing as an NFL quarterback is fairly common, but whether it’s the man or woman opting to take on the role of the football, that outfit takes the costume the extra mile. If you can wear a full brown outfit and add some tape for laces, you’re golden.
    • Sun & Moon – Are you and your significant other astrology fans or just enjoyers of the cosmos? Well, what more convincing way to show your symbiotic relationship than by portraying the sun and moon? Cutting cardboard into circles and spray paint is all you should need!

    Twin and Sibling-Inspired Costumes

    Twin costumes are continuously sought after by couples due to their mutual commitment requirements and distinguishability amongst the crowd. And while virtually any costume could technically have a twin, using characters that actually look identical or have twins in context makes a much more lasting impression.

    Identical Twins and Sibling Themes

    Here are some of the most common twin costumes for Halloween that you’ll typically see.

    • Thing 1 & Thing 2 – The consistency in this deliverance is what makes it work so well, and there’s simply no conflating who you are. Just dress in red and get some blue cotton candy-looking hair.
    • Hidden Sweaters – There are a ton of characters in the crowded picture series, and they all look the same! Grab your best red and white striped sweater, and you’re halfway there!
    • Brooklyn Plumbers – This classic twin pairing requires green, red, and some overalls, but to really drive the point home, make sure to wear a substantial mustache.
    • Pirates – The beauty of dressing as pirates on Halloween is that they all typically look the same. However, you can certainly add some detail to help you and a partner stand out from any other Buccaneers. Trousers, suspenders, unbuttoned shirts, and bandanas are all in session.

    Couple dressed as pirates.Couple dressed as pirates.

    Pet-Inspired Costumes

    Just about everyone loves animals, and dressing up as your favorite wild creature or even household pet is an evergreen way to show your love for our friends in the natural kingdom. Let’s take a look at some of the most tried and true animal-themed outfits worn each Halloween. 

    Animal Costumes for Singles and Couples

    • Dog & Cat – Whether it’s a generic costume or a representation of your personal pet, you can’t go wrong with a dog and cat duo. Some good ears and customized clothing give you creative freedom.
    • Gorilla & Banana – Arguably everyone’s favorite jungle and zoo animal, we all know how much gorillas love bananas, so dressing as these two shows your commitment to the chase. These costumes are usually easy to find.
    • Bear & Park Ranger – Are they friends or enemies? We’ll leave that to you to decide since these two entities are inextricably connected in one way or another. Dressing as a bear may be a bit tougher, though.
    • Fish in a Bowl – Dressing as a goldfish and then encasing yourself in a glass bowl is a comical way to show your appreciation for the most simple aquatic pet.
    • Buck & Doe – People have a fascination with these creatures since they’re found just about everywhere, and luckily, these costumes are fairly easy to put together with common clothing and makeup.

    Bonding with a Match Over Halloween Costumes

    When you’re in a relationship, it’s the little things like creative planning and attending events with your partner around Halloween that help you to bond on a deeper level. Building this type of connection is important, and what better way than to do so while being clever and innovative with your costume design. If you’re planning to attend a Halloween party or any other fall-themed function that calls for dressing up, try and coordinate with your partner to come up with a concept you both enjoy. At the end of the day, as long as you have fun together, that’s what matters most.

    These couples’ Halloween costumes will make you laugh…and realize you shouldn’t have waited to the last minute to put yours together.

    emojiemoji
    When words just aren’t enough.
    beetlejuicebeetlejuice
    Creepy landlords.
    wayneworldfwayneworldf
    En route to Alice Cooper.
    this is just preciousthis is just precious
    This is just precious.
    soapsoap
    Good, clean fun.
    nerdsnerds
    Extra nerdy.
    googlegoogle
    Getting from point A to B has never been easier.
    GoTGoT
    Khaleesi and Drogo share a tender moment near a bustling parking lot.
    legolego
    Happy for these blockheads.
    moundsmounds
    No one actually likes these candy bars.
    Vincent-Vega-Mia-WallaceVincent-Vega-Mia-Wallace
    Marcellus would approve.

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    Joan Actually

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  • Upcoming Houston Food Events: Dig into Wagyu, Egg Salad and More at a Two-Day Sando Pop-up

    Upcoming Houston Food Events: Dig into Wagyu, Egg Salad and More at a Two-Day Sando Pop-up

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    Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:

    Tavola, 1800 Post Oak, invites guests to a luxurious White Truffle Wine Dinner on Tuesday, October 29 ($285 per person). Crafted by chef de cuisine Michael Lara in celebration of the prized white truffle, highlights include Texas wagyu beef tartare, white truffle ravioli and beef tender medallion, complemented by wines from historic Italian winery Cascina Principe – Vacca. Reservations are available on OpenTable, and the dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.

    Belly of the Beast, 5200 FM 2920, is celebrating its first anniversary with an exclusive dinner on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2, with seatings at 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. Guests can toast to one year with a specially curated menu and handpicked wines.

    On Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Money Cat, 2925 Richmond, will host a Sando pop-up in celebration of National Sandwich Day. Enjoy Japanese-inspired sandos crafted by Chef Yeung, paired with a selection of Japanese coffee from Kohiko Coffee House, with highlights including the Money Cat Sando with chicken thigh katsu, the Egg Salad Sando, the Wagyu Sando and more.

    Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Urban Harvest will host a Sunday Supper at St. John’s School, 2401 Claremont, on Sunday, November 3 beginning at 4 p.m.. Top local chefs will curate a hyper-seasonal menu for the family style, farm-to-table dinner, showcasing products by Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market vendors, local farmers, ranchers and fisherman. Tables start at $2,500 with seating for four.

    On Monday, November 11, Recipe for Success Foundation’s 19th annual Delicious Alchemy Banquet will celebrate Houston’s culinary diversity with an all-female chef brigade presenting ten courses against the beautiful backdrop of Hope Farms, 10401 Scott. Guests can start with botanical cocktails and twilight bites in the Cavnar Family Foundation Chefs Garden before taking their seats at a long “kings” table set for just 80 guests in the United Healthcare Foundation Gathering Barn. The evening runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and Tickets start at $2,500 per person. 

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    Brooke Viggiano

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  • Bitcoin Price Hits $63,000, Is The Market Set For Takeoff?

    Bitcoin Price Hits $63,000, Is The Market Set For Takeoff?

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    Semilore Faleti is a cryptocurrency writer specialized in the field of journalism and content creation. While he started out writing on several subjects, Semilore soon found a knack for cracking down on the complexities and intricacies in the intriguing world of blockchains and cryptocurrency.

    Semilore is drawn to the efficiency of digital assets in terms of storing, and transferring value. He is a staunch advocate for the adoption of cryptocurrency as he believes it can improve the digitalization and transparency of the existing financial systems.

    In two years of active crypto writing, Semilore has covered multiple aspects of the digital asset space including blockchains, decentralized finance (DeFi), staking, non-fungible tokens (NFT), regulations and network upgrades among others.

    In his early years, Semilore honed his skills as a content writer, curating educational articles that catered to a wide audience. His pieces were particularly valuable for individuals new to the crypto space, offering insightful explanations that demystified the world of digital currencies.

    Semilore also curated pieces for veteran crypto users ensuring they were up to date with the latest blockchains, decentralized applications and network updates. This foundation in educational writing has continued to inform his work, ensuring that his current work remains accessible, accurate and informative.

    Currently at NewsBTC, Semilore is dedicated to reporting the latest news on cryptocurrency price action, on-chain developments and whale activity. He also covers the latest token analysis and price predictions by top market experts thus providing readers with potentially insightful and actionable information.

    Through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, Semilore strives to establish himself as a trusted source in the crypto journalism field to inform and educate his audience on the latest trends and developments in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

    Outside his work, Semilore possesses other passions like all individuals. He is a big music fan with an interest in almost every genre. He can be described as a “music nomad” always ready to listen to new artists and explore new trends.

    Semilore Faleti is also a strong advocate for social justice, preaching fairness, inclusivity, and equity. He actively promotes the engagement of issues centred around systemic inequalities and all forms of discrimination.

    He also promotes political participation by all persons at all levels. He believes active contribution to governmental systems and policies is the fastest and most effective way to bring about permanent positive change in any society.

    In conclusion, Semilore Faleti exemplifies the convergence of expertise, passion, and advocacy in the world of crypto journalism. He is a rare individual whose work in documenting the evolution of cryptocurrency will remain relevant for years to come.

    His dedication to demystifying digital assets and advocating for their adoption, combined with his commitment to social justice and political engagement, positions him as a dynamic and influential voice in the industry.

    Whether through his meticulous reporting at NewsBTC or his fervent promotion of fairness and equity, Semilore continues to inform, educate, and inspire his audience, striving for a more transparent and inclusive financial future.

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    Semilore Faleti

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  • Credit card spends drop over 10% from festival spending-led peak in October

    Credit card spends drop over 10% from festival spending-led peak in October

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    After surging to a record high in October on the back of festival season-led accelerated discretionary spending, credit card spends normalised in November, falling over 10 per cent month-on-month.

    Spends for the month stood at ₹1.61-lakh crore, 10.04 per cent lower m-o-m. In October, they had surged over 25 per cent to touch the record of ₹1.78-lakh crore, according to data by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

    Most major issuers registered a double digit decline in spends during the month with spends for the top four issuers falling 7-19 per cent. ICICI Bank saw the highest decrease at 18.7 per cent followed by Axis Bank at 14.5 per cent.

    The share of e-commerce payments in credit cards spends fell to 63.3 per cent in November after steadily increasing for the past three months to 67.6 per cent as of October 2023. On the other hand, the share of PoS (point-of-sale) transactions jumped to 36.7 per cent in November after falling for the last three months to 32.4 per cent in October.

    Other major issuers such as Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, DBS Bank India and Federal Bank too saw a decline in spends, whereas IndusInd Bank and IDFC First Bank saw an increase of 1.8-2.0 per cent m-o-m.

    Cards outstanding

    Even as spends declined during the month, credit cards-in-force continued to grow at a steady pace. Outstanding cards touched a new high of 9.60 crore cards in November, up 1.4 per cent from the previous high of 9.47 crore cards in October.

    The number of credit cards rose by 12.9 lakh during the month, lower than 16.9 lakh cards in October and 17.4 lakh in September, largely due to a decline in the number of cards for banks such as Bank of Baroda, Karur Vysya Bank, and SBM Bank India.

    Among the top four issuers, HDFC Bank was the leader in terms of increase in number of cards, breaking ICICI Bank’s three-month streak. HDFC Bank net added 3.2 lakh cards during the month to a total of 1.95 crore cards, maintaining its position as the largest card issuer in the country.

    SBI Card, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank all saw net additions of less than 2 lakh cards during the month. IDFC First Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank and AU Small Finance were the other issuers to see strong net addition in cards.

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  • Southern California home prices fell last month. Don't expect them to plunge

    Southern California home prices fell last month. Don't expect them to plunge

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    Southern California home prices dipped from October to November, the first decline in nine months.

    The average home price in the six-county region clocked in at $829,557 in November, down 0.1% from October, according to data released by Zillow this week.

    All counties saw drops except Orange County, where values rose slightly.

    Nicole Bachaud, a senior economist with the real estate website Zillow, said the small price declines across much of Southern California can be attributed to two things: Fall is typically a slower time of the year for home sales and buyers are struggling with high prices and high mortgage rates.

    “It’s really challenging,” she said.

    According to the California Assn. of Realtors, only 11% of households in both Los Angeles County and Orange County could afford a median-priced house during the third quarter; that measure stood at 19% in Riverside County and 25% in San Bernardino County.

    When mortgage rates first surged last year, home prices fell in response as buyers pulled away and inventory swelled. But prices started rising again this year as homeowners increasingly chose not to sell, unwilling to give up their rock-bottom mortgage rates on loans taken out before or during the pandemic.

    In most counties, home prices are near their all-time peaks despite November’s small decline. In Orange County, prices are setting records.

    Prospective buyers received a sliver of good news in recent weeks. Mortgage interest rates have fallen from a high of 7.79% to the low-7% range, giving them a bit more buying power.

    But experts don’t expect a significant improvement in affordability.

    Bachaud said mortgage rates are likely to remain high, which will keep inventories tight as many existing homeowners choose to stay put. At the same time, those high rates should also keep prices from surging, since they limit how much people can afford, Bachaud said.

    Overall, Zillow expects home prices over the next year to rise 0.1% in the Inland Empire counties of Riverside and San Bernardino. Across Los Angeles and Orange counties, prices should fall 1.6%. In San Diego County, prices are expected to remain flat, while in Ventura County they should drop 2%.

    When it comes to the rental market, prices are also dropping slightly. Experts say that’s because the number of vacancies is rising as apartment supply expands and consumers worry about the economy and inflation.

    In November, the median rent for vacant units of all sizes across Los Angeles County was $1,900, down 1.9% from a year earlier, according to data from Apartment List.

    If the Federal Reserve’s actions to tame inflation push the economy into recession, home values and rents could drop further. However, there’s growing optimism that the country will avoid an economic downturn.

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    Andrew Khouri

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  • Pokémon Go leader counters for Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff in October 2023

    Pokémon Go leader counters for Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff in October 2023

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    Pokémon Go has its own version of the notorious Team Rocket, called Team Go Rocket. In this Pokémon Go guide, we’ll break down how to find leaders Sierra, Cliff, and Arlo and take them down.

    Below, we list their parties and strategies as it stands in October 2023, with the most recent changes following the the Team Go Rocket Takeover event that activated alongside the arrival of the “Showdown in the Shadows” quest in late Oct.

    How to find leaders Sierra, Cliff, and Arlo in Pokémon Go

    Team Go Rocket leaders can be found in black PokéStops or hot air balloons flying above you with a Rocket Radar equipped.

    To get a Rocket Radar, you must get six Mysterious Components, with one regular Go Team Rocket encounter rewarding one Mysterious Component each.

    With the Rocket Radar equipped, you will then encounter a leader at random. The three leaders are Sierra, Arlo, and Cliff.

    Some Timed Research and Team Go Rocket Special Research tasks require you to beat all three leaders. Completing the Team Go Rocket Special Research will reward you with a Super Rocket Radar, allowing you to find the boss, Giovanni. Beating Giovanni will net you a Legendary Shadow Pokémon.

    Team Go Rocket leader Sierra counters

    Image: Niantic

    Note: Leader Sierra’s team will update in Rocket Balloons from Thursday, Oct. 26 onwards, with the first encounter as Sableye, which can be a possible shadow shiny.

    The previous Sierra team — still active in PokéStops until Friday, Oct. 27, is:

    • Geodude (rock/ground)
    • Gardevoir (psychic/fairy)
      Steelix (steel/ground)
      Sableye (dark/ghost)
    • Houndoom (dark/fire)
      Gyarados (water/flying)
      Victreebel (grass/poison)

    Though coming in to scope out her team first is recommended, if you come equipped with water- and fighting-types, that will help a ton. Her party is pretty diverse, so you may also want to sprinkle in electric-, steel-, and ice-type moves as well, depending on what she’s running. Notably, Sableye is only weak against fairy-type moves, so you’ll want to either bring a Pokémon that knows fairy moves or you’ll want to brute force it.

    We recommend using the following:

    • Raikou with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
    • Magnezone with Spark and Wild Charge
    • Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
    • Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
    • Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse
    • Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
    • Glaceon with Ice Shard and Avalanche
    • Avalugg with Ice Fang and Avalanche
    • Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
    • Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head

    Team Go Rocket leader Arlo counters

    Team Rocket leader Arlo stands in purple fog, readying to battle

    Image: Niantic

    Note: Leader Arlo’s team will update in Rocket Balloons from Thursday, Oct. 26 onwards, with the first encounter as Bellsprout, which can be a possible shadow shiny.

    The previous Arlo team — still active in PokéStops until Friday, Oct. 27, is:

    • Bellsprout (grass)
    • Sharpedo (water/dark)
      Alakazam (psychic)
      Scizor (bug/steel)
    • Magnezone (electric/steel)
      Mismagius (ghost)
      Snorlax (normal)

    If you come with ghost-, fighting-, and fire-type moves, you’ll take down almost every possible encounter in Arlo’s party.

    We recommend using any of the following:

    • Giratina with Shadow Claw and Shadow Force
    • Gengar with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball
    • Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
    • Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
    • Reshiram with Fire Fang and Fusion Flare
    • Volcarona with Fire Spin and Overheat

    Team Go Rocket leader Cliff counters

    Cliff from Team Rocket stands in purple smog, ready to throw a Poké Ball

    Image: Niantic

    Note: Leader Cliff’s team will update in Rocket Balloons from Thursday, Oct. 26 onwards, with the first encounter as Dratini, which can be a possible shadow shiny.

    The previous Cliff team — still active in PokéStops until Friday, Oct. 27, is:

    • Aerodactyl (rock/flying)
    • Gallade (psychic/fighting)
      Cradily (rock/grass)
      Mamoswine (ice/ground)
    • Dusknoir (ghost)
      Slowking (water/psychic)
      Tyranitar (rock/dark)

    Cliff’s potential parties are diverse in typing, so you should match up against him just to see what he has and then plan accordingly. Water-type moves will help you take out Aerodactyl, Mamoswine, and Tyranitar. Ghost-type moves also have some good coverage here. Steel– and flying-type moves will also help you a good amount.

    We recommend using a mix of the following:

    • Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse
    • Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
    • Origin Forme Giratina with Shadow Claw and Shadow Force
    • Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball
    • Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
    • Dialga with Metal Claw and Iron Head
    • Moltres with Wing Attack and Sky Attack
    • Honchkrow with Peck and Sky Attack

    Team Go Rocket leader tips

    If you’re struggling against the leaders, here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

    • They will use their shields on the first two Charge Attacks you use. Using a Pokémon that can charge and use Charge Attacks quickly will help you get rid of their shields, allowing you to freely damage them.
    • You should be prepared for the first Pokémon you use to get knocked out. If you use a Pokémon that gets through shields easily, that’s fine, but your other Pokémon will need to have decent type advantages to defeat any remaining Pokémon.
    • Remember, you can attempt the battle many times using one Rocket Radar, so you can queue up your strongest Pokémon just to see what the leader is carrying. If you defeat them on the first try, great! If not, you can swap your party around for some type-effective counters.
    • The team leaders have high CP Pokémon, so you should definitely be using the highest CP Pokémon you have if you’re struggling.
    • Facing Leaders is an efficient way of earning Shadow Shards for Purified Gems, with each battle rewarding three Shards.

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    Julia Lee

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