Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, April 25, 2025…
- Skiers cruising down Tahoe’s white slopes this winter had a unique chance to learn about the surrounding ecosystem. UC Davis scientists clicked on their skis and led public tours down the mountain.
- The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to stop the government from cutting off legal services to families who were forcibly separated at the U.S.-Mexico border during the first Trump administration.
- It could be another challenging fire year for Californians. According to the latest long range forecasts from AccuWeather, there will be increased fire risks across the state in the coming months.
Ski With A Scientist Program Launches At Tahoe Resort
A newly launched program at Palisades Tahoe is allowing the general public to experience a unique blend of skiing and science education.
The “Ski with a Scientist” program began earlier this year. Each tour features staff with UC Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center, faculty and volunteers who lead participants on a skiing or snowboarding excursion, while also exploring environmental issues that face the surrounding areas.
On a recent tour, UC Davis PhD student Kenny Larrieu started off by describing the areas impacted by 2021’s Caldor Fire. “It was extremely smoky here. There were times where you couldn’t see more than 20 feet in front of you,” Larrieu said.
The wildfire spewed smoke and ash not only into the air but also the lake, creating what looked like falling snow underwater. To show this, he pulled out a laminated image. “I have a picture of what it looks like at the bottom of Lake Tahoe, where you can see a bunch of these particles that just look like tiny specks in the water,” he said. “And that’s what we call lake snow.” To Larrieu’s surprise, the tiny particles disappeared quickly. Using a robot that dives underwater, he discovered phytoplankton helped drag the particles to the lake’s bottom – and clear up the water. “Understanding this interesting physical and ecosystem process will also help us to better understand and predict changes in Tahoe’s clarity going forward,” Larrieu said.
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a motion in federal court to stop the Department of Justice from cutting off legal services for families who were forcibly separated at the U.S.-Mexico border during the first Trump administration.