Five Things to Know for Dec. 1: Winter Storm, Ukraine Talks, Caribbean Strikes, Hong Kong Blaze, Pope in Beirut

The Trump administration plans to expand an immigration enforcement operation to New Orleans this week. Local officials say they have been given few details, creating anxiety and uncertainty in immigrant communities.

Winter storm strains travel on a busy day

Large parts of the United States are contending with a severe winter system on one of the year’s busiest travel days. A new storm pushing out of the Plains is moving toward the Northeast after a post-Thanksgiving blast dumped record November snow in Chicago, closed highways across several states and forced thousands of flight cancellations. The system will bring another round of snow and ice to many of the same areas today, spreading into the interior Northeast by Tuesday. Forecasters also warn of heavy coastal rain in parts of the Ohio Valley and possible flash flooding across the South. As of early today, 30 states remain under weather advisories, watches or warnings.

Ukraine peace talks: envoy to Moscow as officials urge caution

The U.S. is sending special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow as President Donald Trump said a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war could be near. Over the weekend, the president voiced optimism that there is a "good chance" an agreement could be reached soon, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged caution, describing the negotiations as "delicate" and saying "more work remains to be done". Officials say they are negotiating not only an end to fighting but also terms aimed at positioning Ukraine for long-term stability and prosperity.

U.S. ramps up strikes on suspected trafficking boats; tensions with Venezuela

The White House confirmed President Trump spoke recently with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as the U.S. stepped up strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Venezuela has accused the U.S. of "murder" after acknowledging that some of its citizens were among more than 80 people reportedly killed in the strikes. Details of the presidential conversation have not been disclosed. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the expanded military activity, and the administration has warned of possible further strikes or other actions in the region.

Hong Kong mourns after deadly high-rise fire

Hong Kong is mourning after a massive blaze tore through a residential complex in the Tai Po neighborhood last week, killing at least 151 people and leaving dozens still unaccounted for. The fire raced through multiple high-rise towers while the complex was under renovation and wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation and are examining whether flammable materials, including polystyrene boards covering some apartment windows, helped fuel the rapid spread.

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Beirut, calls for peace

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut on Sunday for his first foreign trip as pontiff. The visit comes a week after an Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital killed five people and injured dozens. Speaking to reporters on the papal plane, the pope said he had traveled to Lebanon and Turkey to deliver a message of peace amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. His schedule includes meetings with political leaders and young people, an interfaith gathering and public masses.

Other headlines to watch

- A jury is set to hear the murder trial of Brian Walshe in the death of his wife, nearly three years after her disappearance; proceedings begin at 9 a.m. ET.
- A photo retrospective highlights the most striking images that defined 2025.
- A mass shooting that interrupted a birthday celebration left three children and one other person dead.
- Conservationists warn that fewer than 10 individuals of a rare porpoise species remain, prompting urgent calls for action.
- AI-driven toys — from interactive teddy bears to robotic companions — are entering the market, offering real‑time responses and raising questions about privacy and child development.
- Movie theaters saw a box-office boost over Thanksgiving weekend thanks to two new releases.
- Illegal betting by Americans is on the rise; analysts are tracking the numbers and implications.

Check your local forecast for up-to-date travel and weather information.