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Contents: Massive Blizzard Dumps 7+ Feet of Snow Across Sierra Nevada, More on the Way Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day A blizzard has dumped over 7-8 feet of snow over the Sierra Nevada lately, and they are suffering from more snow as the storm refuses to let up. Constant snowfall has been bombarding the area for days, knocking out power, bringing down trees, and closing major highways and roads all over the area. Totals of 10-12 feet have fallen in parts of California such as Huntington Lake, and other places are receiving over 3 feet per day. Yosemite National Park has 15 feet of snow on the ground and temporarily closed for a while before reopening solely during afternoon hours. Entire buildings and vehicles have been buried in the snow, barricading people into their homes and cars. Winter storm warnings are in place across California, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho as the storm produces winds of over 180 mph to add to the danger, making travel impossible. Officials have warned of a high avalanche danger -- avalanches can bury people and buildings in up to 30 feet of snow as of the current conditions -- causing many ski resorts in the area to close, and more snow is on the way. Unfortunately, the snow does not seem to be letting up, and widespread totals of 10-11 feet are projected across the Sierra Nevada by mid-week. Meanwhile, some mountain peaks and snowy areas are projected to receive over 15 feet, which is a whole season's worth of snow! This blizzard does have one big upside, though: water. The western United States has been suffering from a drought recently, but these huge amounts of snowfall will soon melt and seep into the ground, replenishing the area's supply of water for irrigation and daily use. Fact of the Day: The Empire State Building has its own zip code: 10118. Quote of the Day: If we attack our problems with determination we shall succeed. (Franklin Roosevelt) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Salubrious (adj)- Salubrious is a formal word that means “favorable to or promoting health or well-being.” In a Sentence: They picked up several salubrious habits on their wellness retreat in Bali.

Contents: 3,600 Prisoners Escape from Haiti Prison After Violent Protests Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Almost 3,600 prisoners have escaped from Haiti's largest penitentiary amid protests against their government. They reported that heavily armed criminals arrived and freed the prisoners in the jail as a protest after injuring multiple people at the site, and the capital of Port-au-Prince is in chaos. A surge of violence due to protests has taken place over the past few days, and citizens are also afraid of the thousands of criminals now lurking free of the penitentiary. Cars have been destroyed, guns have been fired in public spaces, and police stations have been attacked and burned down in these violent protests, which are mainly against Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Gang leaders have threatened to forcefully take control of the country and oust him if he does not step down, and that could possibly happen if gangs keep the current control they have over a majority of the capital. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Haiti and countries are starting to urge their citizens to leave the island as gang violence increases, with over 1,100 people being kidnapped, injured, or killed in just January. Port-au-Prince has become extremely unsafe for everyone in these conditions, as criminals and gangs are walking the streets with deadly weapons while protests against Ariel Henry continue. Upcoming Events: International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness (Tuesday, March 5) African Games Kickoff (Friday, March 8) International Women's Day (Friday, March 8) Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Saturday, March 9) International Day of Women Judges (Sunday, March 10) Fact of the Day: Lobsters taste with their feet. They also have their teeth in one of their three stomachs. Quote of the Day: You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore. (William Faulkner) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Connive (verb)- To connive is to secretly help someone do something dishonest or illegal. In a Sentence: Roger suspected that his coworkers were conniving to get him fired when in reality they were planning his surprise birthday party.

Contents: US Airdrops Aid Into Gaza for First Time, Ceasefire Could Be on the Way Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The United States has succeeded in executing their first aid airdrop into Gaza, and ceasefire talks are in the works. Aid transport through the Egyptian border crossing is extremely slow, as Israel is blocking the crossing, but aid is starting to be delivered by air as some kind of method of transportation to deliver the aid. Three military planes delivered over 38,000 meals into Gaza recently as a joint effort between the US and Jordan air forces, making it the first aerial delivery by the US of the crucial resources. Multiple other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, and France have also carried out airdrops recently as well, but this was the United States' first. However, airdrops can only drop a certain amount of goods, while convoys of trucks crossing the border can carry hundreds of thousands of meals. While airdrops may provide a little bit of relief, the true saviors are stuck in Egypt-- the numerous aid trucks stuck at the border, waiting to enter while Israel blocks the crossing. Many countries around the world are demanding that Israel allow the trucks in through the border, as they claim to not want any civilian casualties but still do not let in aid to save injured Palestinians, but Israel refuses to budge. Due to this, some countries have resorted to less efficient methods, such as airdrops. These airdrops also come after an incident this week where 112 people were killed and over 760 were injured after Palestinians in need rushed around over 30 aid trucks in the area. Hamas has blamed Israeli forces firing on the groups, but Israel has pinned the blame on the crush of people. UN officials are conducting an investigation into the situation and have reported that bullet wounds have been found in some bodies. Now, Israel has agreed to propose a 6-week ceasefire if Hamas releases all of the hostages who classify as the sick, the elderly, the wounded, and the women. If Hamas agrees to the deal, it will give countries around the world a golden opportunity to deliver the aid that Palestinians need in the Gaza Strip, and it could be done in a more relaxed way due to the peace that would remain in place for a month and a half. Fact of the Day: By slowing their heart rates, sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. Quote of the Day: One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. (Arthur Ashe) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Proximity (noun)- Proximity is the quality or state of being near or proximate. The word proximity is synonymous with closeness. In a Sentence: The apartment's proximity to hiking trails is a definite plus.

Contents: Massive Blizzard Strikes California, Over 10 Feet of Snow Expected Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day A massive blizzard has struck the western US, and it is the largest snowfall of the season for the area. Over 10 feet of snow is projected to fall in parts of the Sierra Nevada, and gusts of up to 150 mph have been recorded in some parts of the mountains. The snowfall can reach 3-5 inches per hour, meaning that 12 feet of snow is easily possible if the storm sits over the area. Zero-visibility conditions are making it very hard to go anywhere outside the house in addition to the feet of snow shutting people in, with travel either extremely dangerous or completely impossible. They are going through the worst of the storm now, but the snow and winds may ease up a little bit in the coming days. However, for now, expect extreme blizzard conditions, and expect them to stay for days. On the other hand, California and Nevada have been struggling with drought lately, and while this may be a life-threatening, dangerous storm, it is a huge boon for the state's water supply. The amount of snowpack they receive can determine how severe their water restrictions will be for the entire year, mainly on things like agriculture and drinking water. Fact of the Day: A group of crows is called a murder. Quote of the Day: You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it’s enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up. (Richell E. Goodrich) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Inveterate (adj)- Inveterate is a formal word used to describe someone who is always or often doing something specified. For instance, a person could be an inveterate liar, or inveterate prankster. Inveterate can also mean "firmly established by long persistence," as in "an inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious." In a Sentence: She's an inveterate traveler who constantly searches for flight deals to her next destination.

Contents: Over 1 Million Acres Burned By Texas Wildfire, Largest in State History Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The Smokehouse Creek Wildfire has burned over 1 million acres in northern Texas, making it the largest wildfire in state history, and it is being propelled by strong winds into Oklahoma, and the situation could get worse. The Texas Panhandle has been quite dry lately, sparking multiple fires near the large town of Amarillo. Two people are dead after the fires scorched their homes before firefighters could reach the scene, and the largest of them is only 3% contained so far. The Smokehouse Creek fire has burned an immense amount of area and has become the largest fire in the state's history; it continues to burn into Oklahoma as strong winds sweep the fire eastward. Meanwhile, the Windy Deuce Fire has burned an additional 142,000 acres and is 50% contained, the Grape Vine Creek Fire has burned 30,000 acres and is 60% contained, and the Magenta Fire has burned 2,500 acres and is 65% contained. The part of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Oklahoma is 40% contained, but the entire fire is only 3% contained in total. In total, the fires have burned an area larger than the state of Delaware, with the Smokehouse Creek Fire alone burning an area larger than Rhode Island. Crops, ranches, towns, and cattle in the area have been decimated as the fires scorch everything in their path, and hundreds of firefighters are rushing to the scene by land and air. However, the weather is not helping, as some light rain recently is about to turn into more dry conditions with powerful winds to fuel the fires. Fact of the Day: The smallest bone in the human body is the stapes bone in the ear-- measuring at just 2-3 millimeters (or 0.1 inches). Quote of the Day: Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong. (Peter T. McIntyre) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Demean (verb)- To demean someone or something is to cause that person or thing to seem less important or worthy of respect. In a Sentence: By refusing to condemn the unlawful actions of her supporters, the governor demeaned the office she was elected to hold.

Today is a leap day! Enjoy this extra day of the year, because we won't have another one until 2028! Contents: Toyota Recalls Hundreds of Thousands of Tacoma Pickups Over Axle Issue Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Toyota has recalled another load of cars due to issues-- this time, it is the Tacoma pickup. Over 381,000 2022-2023 Toyota Tacoma pickups are being recalled due to a problem where the rear axle can become loose. Due to excess metal from welding, the bolts may not be tightened properly, causing them to eventually become loose and even fall off. This can cause multiple issues such as oil leaks, unstable driving, and odd vibrations from the back of the car. If you are experiencing any of these issues from your Tacoma, make sure to take it to the dealership to fix them before the axle possibly becomes detached. Toyota will notify owners in April, where they can bring it into the shop for no cost to inspect for possible issues. The brand continues recall vehicles as issues pop up with everything from airbags to axles in various models, but it still has millions of trusted customers. Fact of the Day: Since an Earth year is 365.242 days, not exactly 365.25, the calendar is still a few minutes off because of the extra time. Due to this, only centuries divisible by 400 are leap years (1600 and 2000 were leap years, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 weren't). Quote of the Day: When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there. (Zig Ziglar) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Jeopardy (noun)- Jeopardy is defined as "exposure to or imminence of death, loss, or injury"; it is synonymous with danger. In legal contexts, jeopardy refers specifically to the danger that an accused person is subjected to when on trial for a criminal offense. In a Sentence: Rather than risk placing passengers in jeopardy, the pilot waited for the storm to pass before taking off.

Contents: US's Odyssey Loses Power, Japan's SLIM Makes It Through Lunar Night Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day We have some space news from both Japan and the US today, as some unexpected things have happened with both of their moon landers. NASA's Odyssey, which just touched down a few days ago, is stopping operation early due to communication issues. After its rough landing on the surface, operators have had trouble collecting data from the lander due to the fact that it is tipped over onto its side, and they are expected to permanently lose contact with the vehicle very soon as it loses power. The solar panels are facing the wrong way, meaning that the Sun's light won't reach them to supply the lander with solar energy. Meanwhile, Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down on January 19, and has re-awakened in a miraculous wake up that Japan never expected. After landing in a tough position where the solar panels were facing the wrong way (just like the Odyssey), the lander couldn't generate enough power to keep itself running. However, after sending some grainy images of its landing spot and then shutting down, it came back to life on January 29 and was nicknamed the 'Moon Sniper' due to the precision with which it landed-- just 165 feet from its target spot! Then, on January 31, SLIM entered the lunar night, where temperatures plunge to almost -208˚ Fahrenheit, and entered a dormant period. Japan didn't expect the lander to wake up, as it wasn't designed to survive such cold temperatures, but it managed to make it through and has re-established communications with Earth. Fact of the Day: Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5%. If the tie is tied too tightly, it can increase eye pressure and even cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Quote of the Day: Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. (Napoleon Hill) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Translucent (adj)- Translucent describes something that is not completely clear or transparent but is clear enough to allow light to pass through. In a Sentence: They admired the translucent gemstones on the display at the museum.

Contents: Hungary Finally Approves Sweden's Application to Join NATO Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Sweden has finally been accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which makes up most of Europe and North America. Numerous European countries have chosen not to join NATO due to various reasons, such as an obligation to stay neutral (Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, etc.) or close ties to Russia (Belarus, Armenia, etc.). Some countries have positive relations with Russia and still remain in NATO, such as Hungary or Turkey, and this has proved as a hurdle for recent countries to obtain membership. To be allowed into NATO, countries must satisfy a checklist of items, which include principles such as upholding democracy and having firm military control over the country. Then, to formally be allowed into the organization, all current members must give permission. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden became concerned over a potential invasion and applied to join NATO, the latter of which has remained neutral for hundreds of years. Most member countries swiftly approved, but Hungary and Turkey held out over recent concerns. However, in March of 2023, both countries approved Finland's application, extending NATO's border with Russia and eliminating their fears of invasion. Turkey later approved Sweden's application in January 2024 after they implemented some new rules against terrorism. Hungary was then the last country left to approve the application, and they finally made Sweden the 32nd member country with an approval this week. This is a huge step forward for both Finland and Sweden, as NATO's Article 5 -- an attack on a member country is an attack on the entire organization -- ensures that Russia keeps away from their land. Fact of the Day: The most shoplifted food in the world is cheese-- 4% of the world's cheese is stolen. Quote of the Day: I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. (Bill Cosby) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Retinue (noun)- A retinue is a group of helpers, supporters, or followers. In a Sentence: The venue relies on a retinue of workers to carry out large events.

Contents: Houthis Strike British Vessel in Red Sea, Causes Environmental Disaster Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Yemen's Houthi rebels have struck another vessel in the Red Sea, and this one is causing an environmental disaster. The cargo ship has caused an 18-mile oil slick in the ocean, and the 41,000 tons of fertilizer that it is carrying could soon worsen the situation. It is anchored but taking on water, and environmentalists are pushing to get the ship towed to a port in Djibouti or Yemen as soon as possible. In retaliation to the ongoing strikes, the US and UK launched a round of strikes into Yemen that hit multiple Houthi arsenals and bases, as well as one helicopter. The Houthi continue to launch strikes on vessels in the Red Sea, which are a threat to the global economy. The Suez Canal is one of the most important water routes in the world, and any ship passing through it is at risk from a Houthi attack. However, they have clearly stated that they will not stop until Israel stops its war against Palestine, which does not have an end in the near future. Upcoming Events: 2024 Leap Day (Thursday, February 29) World Seagrass Day (Friday, March 1) Zero Discrimination Day (Friday, March 1) World Wildlife Day (Sunday, March 3) Fact of the Day: You can actually die laughing; intense laughter can trigger a heart attack or suffocation. Quote of the Day: Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration. (Thomas Edison) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Caterwaul (verb)- To caterwaul is to make a very loud and unpleasant sound. Caterwaul can also mean “to protest or complain noisily.” In a Sentence:The woods were quiet until the sound of a chainsaw caterwauling in the distance broke the calm.

Let's go over today's news! Israel launched a large military operation in Jenin, killing at least 3 people with around 13 other injuries. The defense forces put out a statement saying that they launched an "extensive counterterrorism effort in the area of the city of Jenin and the Jenin Camp." Excessive heat continues in the United States throughout the July 4th weekend, with highs of about 120°F in Las Vegas and 110°s throughout the south and west. There have been excessive heat advisories in Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida.