Thousands of visitors leaving Indianapolis after the solar eclipse have caused major traffic congestion on roads leading out of the city, with Interstate 65 northbound and I-74 towards Illinois heavily affected. The Indiana Department of Transportation advises drivers to expect delays and be patient, while those flying out of Indianapolis can also anticipate a busy airport.
Following the total solar eclipse in northern Vermont, heavy southbound traffic congestion was reported on interstates and other roads as visitors left the state, causing backups in various towns and cities. Vermont Emergency Management advised travelers to be patient and avoid using breakdown lanes to allow emergency traffic to pass through.
Governor Hochul and state leaders are preparing New York residents for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse, advising travelers to plan for congestion and use 511NY for updates. State parks' campgrounds are nearly sold out for the day of the eclipse, and residents are encouraged to purchase effective eclipse-viewing glasses and avoid traveling on the day of the event. Cell phone service may be overloaded, but 911 calls will still go through, and various preparations are underway, including school closures, traffic management, and store closures for employees to view the eclipse.
The WM Phoenix Open faced challenges on Saturday as large crowds and wet weather led to congestion and safety concerns, prompting organizers to close the gates and stop alcohol sales. The decision was made to alleviate congestion and ensure public safety, despite some attendees being turned away. Officials are now addressing concerns and considering options for ticket refunds, while emphasizing that the priority was protecting the safety of fans.
Las Vegas is completely booked for private jets over Super Bowl weekend, leaving tech billionaires and others scrambling for slots to land their jets. The congestion is fueled by the LIV Golf tournament and the NFL reserving slots for teams and owners. However, Taylor Swift is guaranteed a slot for her private jet to cheer on her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Private jet operators are charging premium fees, with one doubling the cost of a flight from Los Angeles. The situation is highly profitable, but it's causing frustration for those who left it too late to book a slot in Las Vegas.
Sinus problems such as congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip are common, and older adults are more susceptible to these issues. Causes can include respiratory infections, allergies, and environmental irritants. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops or rinses are recommended for relief, along with steroid nasal sprays for respiratory viruses and antihistamine nasal sprays for allergies. Nonallergic rhinitis and atrophic rhinitis can also cause sinus trouble, and treatments include avoiding triggers, using saline nasal spray, and prescription nasal sprays. If symptoms persist, a specialist may need to examine the nose with an endoscope or perform a CT scan. Home remedies such as steamy showers, hydration, chile peppers, and humidifiers can also provide relief. Additionally, chronic heartburn, obstructive sleep apnea, and medication side effects can contribute to nasal symptoms and should be addressed with a healthcare professional.
The Automobile Club of Southern California predicts a record number of 9.5 million Southern California residents will travel during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season, a 3% increase from last year. Nationally, 115.2 million people are expected to travel, making it the second-busiest holiday season on record. The busiest stretch of freeway during this period is predicted to be the southbound 5 Freeway between Bakersfield and Los Angeles on the evening of Dec. 27. Travelers are advised to plan their trips before lunchtime or after 7 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended his decision to move cargo from Mexico City's principal airport, stating that operations at the airport are "very risky" due to operating at 150% of its capacity. The government-mandated flight cuts, set to take effect in January, have been criticized by industry groups and will also impact the usage tax collected from passengers. The move comes after the president scrapped the construction of an unfinished airport upon his election. Ratings agency Fitch recently revised the outlook of the trust managing the airport's outstanding bonds to negative, citing concerns about maintenance and passenger congestion.
The Panama Canal is experiencing a major pileup of vessels, with 154 ships waiting to cross due to ongoing drought conditions. The scarcity of rainfall has forced the canal to reduce the draft of ships passing through, causing congestion and longer wait times. The U.S., the largest user of the canal, is heavily impacted, with 40% of its container traffic passing through the canal annually. Water conservation measures and lower water level restrictions have been implemented, affecting vessel weight and requiring some ships to unload cargo. The situation is expected to worsen, leading to potential route diversions and increased costs for businesses and consumers.
Caltrans has begun a $39 million project to improve safety and alleviate congestion on Interstate 5 between Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and the Highway 50 interchange. The project will include the construction of auxiliary lanes, ramp meters, and upgrades to intelligent transportation systems. With the area experiencing development and airport expansion, the project aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. The stretch of I-5 currently sees 175,000 vehicles and 21,000 trucks daily, and the project is expected to support economic development in the region.
The new MSG Sphere in Las Vegas has caused concerns and delays due to distracted drivers stopping to take pictures and videos, causing congestion near the venue. While the venue has gained global attention for its light shows, drivers have expressed worries about safety and the ongoing construction in the area. MSG Sphere officials have been working with Clark County officials to ensure compliance with safety regulations, but if issues arise, adjustments will be made. The first event at MSG Sphere will be a U2 concert on September 29.
Minneapolis is expecting around 200,000 people to attend the Twin Cities Pride Festival and Taylor Swift's concert this weekend, causing potential congestion and large crowds in the downtown area.
President Biden has sent his labour secretary to California to resolve the ongoing pay negotiations between employers and dockworkers, which have led to sporadic walk-outs and damaged productivity at many terminals in the US. The situation has worsened following news of a 72-hour strike at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert in Canada. Growing congestion at the Panama Canal is also causing concern for supply chain executives. Biden can invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to force a resumption of normal port operations. However, the latest data from Danish box watchers eeSea shows comparatively minimal disruption.
The largest terminal operator at the Port of Long Beach, California, Total Terminals International (TTI), will close for both the day and night shifts on Monday due to an unofficial dispute over wages, safety, automation, and pension benefits. The Harbor Trucking Association warns that the closure will worsen congestion, and the ripple effect of moderate stoppages will push the industry further back in picking up containers. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has been accused of "red tagging" equipment for safety checks, removing it from service.