The parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo is joyfully preparing to host Pope Leo XIV for a Mass, with community efforts focused on both spiritual and physical preparations, reflecting unity and faith ahead of the Pope's visit.
Minnesotans are preparing for an upcoming snowstorm, recalling last year's significant impact. Xcel Energy and MnDOT are ready with plows and crews, while residents stock up on supplies and heed warnings to avoid unnecessary travel. The storm's heavy, wet snow raises concerns for power outages and slippery roads, prompting officials to advise staying off the roads if possible.
New Orleans officials have officially begun preparations for Super Bowl LIX, marking the city's return as a host for the NFL championship after a delay caused by a conflict with Mardi Gras. The city has previously hosted 10 Super Bowls and is now gearing up for the upcoming event, with hopes for a more regular rotation that includes cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
Kylie Jenner has started preparing for her daughter Stormi's sixth birthday bash, known as Stormi World, with a glimpse of multicolored balloons on her Insta Stories. The extravagant annual carnival has previously sparked controversy for its opulence, with the most recent event facing backlash due to its Astroworld theme following the tragic incident at Travis Scott's concert. Despite attempts to scale down the festivities, Kylie faced criticism for insensitivity.
Salem residents prepare for an upcoming ice storm by stocking up on essentials and taking precautions, recalling the challenges faced during the 2021 ice storm. With school closures and concerns about power outages, residents are bracing for the impact of the storm, while the Oregon Department of Transportation urges people to stay off the roads due to the hazardous conditions.
A major storm system that battered Florida and South Carolina is expected to hit the East Coast, bringing torrential rain, high winds, and severe thunderstorms. Coastal flooding, power outages, and road closures have already been reported in Florida and South Carolina. The storm is expected to impact cities along the East Coast through Monday, prompting preparations and travel advisories. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City is preparing for heavy rain and high winds, while Charleston is experiencing dangerous flooding. Residents are urged to stay alert and take precautions.
Pinellas County coastal communities in Florida are preparing for the impact of a weather system expected to bring strong winds and storm surge. Captain Dylan Hubbard has been taking precautions at his marina, such as bringing possible projectiles indoors and preparing low-level doors. A Pinellas County Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project is also wrapping up, aiming to mitigate potential damage caused by high water and strong winds. Despite the weather, beach visitors remain optimistic about the dunes holding up.
The U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) is set to face China PR in a two-game set of friendlies, with the first match taking place on December 2 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The USWNT, led by new head coach Emma Hayes, aims to close out 2023 on a strong note as they prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. The team boasts a roster of fresh faces and players eager to prove themselves. The USWNT has not lost a game in regulation in 2023 and has a dominant defense, having allowed only two goals this year. The match against China PR marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2018.
Theaters across the country are preparing for the release of Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" concert film, encouraging fans to treat the screenings like a live concert experience. Theater owners have made renovations, added extra staff, and relaxed rules on cell phone usage to accommodate the anticipated rowdy Swifties. Souvenir popcorn tubs and cups are being ordered in large quantities, and special themed drinks and food items are being created. Despite concerns about noise bleedover and behavior, theater owners are excited for the event and expect it to be a historic moment in concert film history.
New Yorkers are being urged to prepare for another weekend of heavy rain, marking the fifth consecutive weekend with measurable rain in Central Park. A cold front is expected to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms to Long Island and New York City, with the eastern portion of New York expected to be hit the hardest. Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol have advised residents to take safety measures and prepare for potential flash flooding. The city has activated the Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch citywide, effective Saturday from 2 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Officials in Washington are bracing for a government shutdown as efforts to break a spending impasse have failed. Lawmakers and federal agencies are making preparations for the potential lapse in government funding, with some congressional offices retrieving memos from the last shutdown in 2018 to inform their preparations. Congressional staff members are being offered pay advances, while lawmakers are adjusting staff roles to handle constituent services during a shutdown. The impact of a shutdown would extend beyond Capitol Hill, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors. The White House is urging lawmakers to fund the government and avoid a shutdown altogether.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning and storm surge warning for the Hampton Roads area in Virginia, with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds expected. City officials in various localities have taken precautions, including early school dismissals, cancellation of events, and clearing drains and ditches. Residents are urged to stay informed, avoid flooded roads, and follow evacuation orders if given.
Hurricane Lee is advancing towards New England and eastern Canada, causing concern and preparations among residents and fishermen. Lobster boats have been taken out of the water, traps are being moved to avoid damage, and precautions are being taken to secure property. Parts of coastal Maine are expected to experience high waves, erosion, and power outages. Massachusetts and Maine have declared a state of emergency, and the National Guard has been activated. The storm follows recent severe weather in the region, and residents are urged to stay home and take precautions.
Governor Janet Mills has declared a State of Emergency in Maine ahead of Hurricane Lee, which is expected to bring high winds, heavy rains, and rough surf to the state. Mills has also requested a preemptive Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden. The declaration will allow the Maine Emergency Management Agency to activate and deploy necessary resources. Strong winds and power outages are likely, and the governor urges residents to prepare and exercise caution.