Winter weather threatens holiday travel and even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. President-elect Trump's team faces swatting attacks and bomb threats, adding to the political tension. Meanwhile, a drought jeopardizes Northeast cranberry farmers, while the culture of tipping sparks a fascinating discussion on societal expectations and emotional motivations. Lastly, discover the uplifting story of a Newark school undergoing a revitalization led by a passionate principal, showcasing the power of community and education.
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Quick takeaways
Severe weather conditions are severely impacting Thanksgiving travel, with thousands of flight delays and difficult road conditions across the country.
The Trump transition team faces significant security threats, raising concerns about safety and the implications for scientific credibility in his Cabinet appointments.
Deep dives
Travel Challenges During Thanksgiving
Millions of Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving, but severe weather conditions are complicating their journeys. With heavy snow hitting the Rocky Mountains and rain forecasted from the Midwest to the Northeast, over 3,000 flights have already been delayed out of nearly 50,000 scheduled. Travelers between New York City and Washington, D.C. reported heavy traffic on the roads, making the holiday getaway feel more like a crawl rather than a straightforward trip. The combination of inclement weather and high passenger numbers at airports is expected to pose challenges throughout the holiday weekend.
Serious Threats to Trump's Transition Team
The Trump transition team is facing significant security threats, including bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting key cabinet picks. Individuals such as the appointee for attorney general and nominees for the Environmental Protection Agency have been affected. The situation raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these appointments, especially as some candidates have been vocal critics of established medical responses during the pandemic. Experts express apprehension that the appointments signal a potential skepticism of scientific practices that may impact the agencies’ functions.
Impact of Extreme Drought on Farmers
Farmers in the Northeast are grappling with an unprecedented drought that is threatening traditional holiday crops, particularly cranberries. Regions in southern New Jersey are experiencing a dramatic rainfall deficit of about a foot, impacting crucial farming operations. A sixth-generation farmer highlighted the distressing conditions, stating that only three inches of rain have fallen in the past four months, leading to reliance on backup water sources that come with significant costs. The situation has resulted in uncertainty for many farmers as they prepare for the holiday season amid severe environmental challenges.
The weather will be impacting not only holiday travel but even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Several of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet and administration picks were targeted by "swatting" attacks or bomb threats. Eye on America- Americans at a tipping point when it comes to tipping.