5 things you need to know this weekend
Fidel Castro dies at 90
The world says goodbye this weekend to Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary turned ruthless Communist dictator. The former Cuban president died at age 90, announced his brother, current president Raúl Castro, Friday night on state media. For 47 years, Castro maintained his grip over the island nation by forging close bonds with the Soviet Union, Venezuela and China. Some world leaders mourned his death, but it likely was drowned out by the thousands cheering, dancing and banging on pots and pans in the streets of Miami. Saturday marks the first in a nine-day mourning period for Fidel Castro, who will be cremated. After two days of observances in Revolution Plaza in Havana, Castro’s ashes will be transported across the country to the eastern city of Santiago. The final mass and ceremony will take place on Dec. 4, and his ashes will be interred in the cemetery of Santa Ifigenia. Here's a look at the life of Fidel Castro.
Big games cap college football's rivalry week
Michigan and Ohio State will meet for the most anticipated The Game (that's what it's called) in a decade Saturday (noon ET, ABC). The No. 2 and No. 4 bitter rivals face off in Columbus. Also sure to draw eyeballs: No. 16 Auburn at No. 1 Alabama (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) in the Iron Bowl. Alabama (11-0, 7-0 Southeastern Conference) has won the past two meetings and 23 games in a row overall. Alabama already clinched the SEC West title and will face Florida in the conference championship game. There are roughly seven contenders in the playoff picture as it stands now in the various conferences. Here's how to watch all of Saturday's games.
Local businesses show their stuff on Small Business Saturday
Still have holiday shopping to do? Local businesses want you to head to their stores Saturday. Last year, 95 million customers spent $16.2 billion in small and local retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. The day, always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has become a sales powerhouse, driving traffic to local and small businesses during the all-important holiday season. Organizers say this year is poised to be big, especially in places like Chicago, which is launching a rewards program. In many places, music, demonstrations and other festivities help lure shoppers.
In Europe, all eyes on the politics of the French election
Last weekend, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy lost in a conservative primary that chooses the party's nominee for next year’s presidential election. With him out of the race, a runoff will be held Sunday between the two top vote-getters: former prime ministers François Fillon and Alain Juppé. The primary is the latest global test of rising populism and anti-elite sentiment following Donald Trump's victory in the United States and Britain's Brexit vote. The winner's toughest competition next year could be Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front, amid the deeply unpopular presidency of Socialist François Hollande.
Get ready for a long ride home
Traveling for the holidays? Get ready to join thousands of your friends on the trek back home this weekend. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted last week that some 48.7 million travelers would take a trip of at least 50 miles over the holiday, a 2% increase over last year. Of those, 89% will be driving to their destinations. So, what's the best time to hit the road for the trip home? Using historical Google Maps traffic data, Google determined the worst time to travel is after 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Sunday after Thanksgiving continues to be one of the most popular travel times. According to Waze, the number of reported accidents doubled as people returned home from their holidays last year.
And the essentials:
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch this weekend? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Fantastic Voyage and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, as well as Madam Secretary
Be inspired: 5-year-old Oliver wants to be a cop one day. For now, he visits nursing homes giving flowers and hugs
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