The Ohio House passed a bill called the "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act." This bill lets public schoolteachers in Ohio talk about the positive impact of religion, especially Christianity, on American history. It does not require schools to teach this, but allows teachers to choose to do so.
Key Facts
The bill passed Ohio's House with all Republicans supporting it and all Democrats opposing it.
It emphasizes the positive role of Christianity in American history.
The bill was introduced by Republican Representatives Gary Click and Michael Dovilla.
The bill is named after Charlie Kirk due to his strong Christian faith and his death.
The bill allows but does not require teachers to highlight positive religious influences.
Critics argue it overlooks the separation of church and state.
Supporters say it clarifies teachers' rights without changing current standards.
The bill now goes to the Ohio state Senate for consideration.
Texas will implement a $1 billion program to help families pay for private school and other educational costs. This program, part of Senate Bill 2, introduces Education Savings Accounts, which provide financial support to students for tuition and educational needs. The funds will be available to many students across Texas, with special consideration for low-income students and those with disabilities.
Key Facts
Texas Senate Bill 2 sets aside $1 billion for Education Savings Accounts (ESA).
The program allows families to use funds for private school tuition, educational therapies, and other resources.
Each student participating in the ESA program can receive at least $2,000 annually.
Students with specific needs, such as those attending private schools or with disabilities, may receive up to $30,000 annually.
The program can serve up to 100,000 students, with priority given to low-income and disabled students if applications exceed the cap.
The initial $1 billion funding could increase to $4.5 billion per year by 2030.
All students in Texas, whether in public, private, or homeschool settings, are eligible to apply.
The rules and implementation of the ESA program were officially filed to become effective soon.
The article discusses a division within the Republican Party over U.S. foreign policy, particularly about support for Israel. President Trump ended his support for Marjorie Taylor Greene, highlighting a deeper conflict between "MAGA" and "America First" factions. This affects how the party views America's international role, especially in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump withdrew his support for Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on November 15.
The Republican Party is experiencing a split over foreign policy issues, focusing on U.S. support for Israel.
There are two main factions: "MAGA" loyalists who continue to support Trump and pro-Israel policies, and "America First" nationalists who want a more non-interventionist approach.
The "MAGA" faction views Israel as a crucial ally based on strategic and religious reasons.
The "America First" group argues that unconditional support for Israel does not align with America's best interests.
This internal conflict could change how the U.S. engages with the Middle East.
The debate underscores a shift from past unified support for Israel to questioning long-standing foreign alliances.
Prairie Farms, a dairy company, recalled some of its fat-free milk on November 25, 2025, because the milk might contain food-grade cleaning agents. The affected milk was sent to stores in Illinois and Wisconsin, and people are advised not to drink it. Prairie Farms is working with the FDA to manage the recall effectively.
Key Facts
Prairie Farms issued a recall for some fat-free milk on November 25, 2025.
The milk may have food-grade cleaning agents that can cause health problems like nausea and diarrhea.
The recall came just before Thanksgiving, a busy grocery shopping time.
The milk was distributed to Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Affected milk containers are marked with the code date "DEC08" and plant code "PLT19-145".
Around 320 gallons of milk were distributed before the issue was discovered on November 24, 2025.
Consumers are advised to return or dispose of the milk for a refund.
Prairie Farms is working with the FDA to ensure a safe recall process.
A strong snowstorm is expected to hit parts of the Great Lakes region during the Thanksgiving holiday, potentially causing some highways to close. Meteorologists warn that heavy snow could make travel difficult or impossible for millions of Americans planning to travel. Weather alerts have been issued for several states, urging travelers to stay informed and prepared.
Key Facts
Up to 3 feet of snow is forecast for parts of the Great Lakes region.
Approximately 82 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving.
National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings, including in Michigan.
Heavy snowfall could impact Interstates 75, 79, 80, 81, 86, 90, and 196.
AccuWeather warns of possible highway closures and chain-reaction accidents.
Travelers are advised to carry a survival kit in case they get stranded.
Major cities like Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, could see heavy snow.
Gusty winds may cause poor visibility and down tree branches, leading to power outages.
Attorneys general from 21 states have sued the Trump administration over new rules that they argue unlawfully prevent some legal immigrants from receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA issued guidance stating that legal permanent residents who entered the U.S. as refugees or asylum seekers cannot receive SNAP benefits, which the states contest. The lawsuit was filed in Oregon and includes multiple states joining the challenge.
Key Facts
21 states are suing the Trump administration over new SNAP benefit rules.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July, changes SNAP eligibility for certain immigrants.
The USDA guidance permanently bars specific immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, from receiving SNAP.
The states argue the law does not stop these individuals from becoming eligible later if they gain legal permanent residency.
The USDA's guidance became effective immediately after release, not allowing states time to adjust.
The lawsuit contends that the USDA did not provide the required 120-day grace period for states.
Fines from implementing the new rules could potentially end SNAP programs in some states.
The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general from multiple states, including California, New York, and others.
Wegmans Food Markets has issued a voluntary recall of Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects cheese sold at Wegmans stores in multiple states on the East Coast between November 14 and 24, 2025. As a precaution, customers are advised to return the cheese for a refund.
Key Facts
Wegmans recalled Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese because of possible Listeria contamination.
The recall covers cheese sold between November 14 and 24, 2025, in several states including New York and Virginia.
Listeria can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
So far, no reported illnesses linked to this cheese have occurred.
The cheese was packaged in plastic tubs with UPC codes starting with 2-77580-XXXXX-7.
Wegmans has removed all affected cheese from store shelves.
Customers can return recalled cheese to Wegmans for a full refund.
The FDA is monitoring the situation and providing updates online.
Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, two members of the West Virginia National Guard, were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., and are in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021. In response, President Trump is sending additional National Guard members to Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, National Guard members, were shot near the White House.
Both victims are in critical condition and have undergone surgery.
Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021.
U.S. Attorney General named the victims in a press conference.
President Trump ordered more National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after the incident.
The Department of Defense plans to deploy 500 additional National Guard members to the city.
The shooting raises security concerns in Washington, D.C.
President Trump has initiated a review of Afghan nationals admitted under the previous administration.
A bill has been reintroduced to Congress to double the number of H-1B visas issued annually, aiming to address workforce shortages in the U.S. The legislation plans to increase the visa limit from 65,000 to 130,000, and boost funding for STEM education in American schools.
Key Facts
The HIRE Act aims to double the annual H-1B visa limit from 65,000 to 130,000.
Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois introduced the bill.
The goal is to solve workforce shortages in fields like technology and healthcare.
The bill proposes more federal money for STEM education in U.S. schools.
The Trump administration has increased oversight and fees for H-1B visas.
Recent visa approvals mostly benefit U.S.-based tech companies.
Supporters say the bill will keep the U.S. competitive in the global market.
Business groups are challenging the new $100,000 H-1B application fee in court.
Online conspiracy theories have emerged about Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a suspect in a shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., because of his past work with the CIA. Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under an initiative for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. Authorities confirmed his CIA ties, but emphasized there is no evidence linking his past work to the recent attack.
Key Facts
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a suspect in a Washington, D.C. shooting involving National Guard members.
Lakanwal is an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
He came to the U.S. under "Operation Allies Welcome" in September 2021.
Social media conspiracy theories have emerged, speculating on his CIA connection.
Officials have not found any link between Lakanwal’s CIA past and the shooting.
Newsweek confirmed small searches of his name in D.C. around the time of the incident.
Lakanwal is currently in custody pending further information release.
A study by the SNF Agora Institute and Public Agenda found three distinct groups within the Republican Party: Trump-first, Constitution-first, and Party-first Republicans. These groups differ in views on presidential power and democratic principles. The study also highlights differing beliefs about the 2020 election results among these groups.
Key Facts
4,500 Americans participated in the study through surveys and focus groups.
84% of Americans surveyed believe democracy is in crisis or facing serious challenges.
Trump-first Republicans, 29% of the GOP, support strong presidential power and a potential third term for President Donald Trump.
Constitution-first Republicans, 34% of the GOP, support checks and balances and oppose a third term for Trump.
Party-first Republicans, 36% of the GOP, are less politically engaged and uncertain about presidential powers.
Only 18% of Republicans believe Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 election.
Confidence in election results varies among the three Republican groups, with Constitution-first Republicans more accepting than Trump-first Republicans.
70% of Americans feel politicians do not care about people like them, showing a general distrust in leadership.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has changed how it interprets rules about immigration verification for housing programs. This update means certain immigrants might not be able to access federal housing benefits, following President Trump's focus on restricting benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Key Facts
HUD updated its rules on immigration verification for housing programs.
New rules restrict federal housing benefits to U.S. citizens and "qualified aliens."
"Qualified aliens" include lawful permanent residents, asylees, and refugees.
The update affects programs like Emergency Solutions Grants and the National Housing Trust Fund.
Programs will now use the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 for verification.
Immigration advocates say the change could deter eligible families from applying for help.
President Trump argues limiting these benefits will help make homeownership more affordable for Americans.
Immigrant families make up about 28% of the U.S. population, according to advocacy groups.
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. A man identified as an Afghan national is suspected of the shooting and is in custody. Authorities plan to provide updates on the situation, including the condition of the wounded and details about the suspect.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot and are in critical condition.
The suspect, believed to be a 29-year-old Afghan national, was arrested.
The shooting happened during the day and was described as a "targeted shooting."
The suspect entered the U.S. in 2021 through an evacuation program for Afghans.
Officials involved in the arrest mentioned that the suspect used a revolver.
The suspect lived in Washington state before the incident and arrived in the U.S. with family support.
President Trump announced plans to send 500 more National Guard troops to D.C.
A 2021 video of JD Vance warning about the risks of not thoroughly checking Afghan refugees is gaining attention again after a shooting in Washington, D.C. The incident involved an Afghan who entered the U.S. under a program started during the Biden administration. President Trump has called for a reexamination of all Afghans who came to the U.S. during this time.
Key Facts
A video from 2021 shows JD Vance expressing concerns about the vetting of Afghan refugees entering the U.S.
The video resurfaced after a shooting in D.C. involving an Afghan national linked to a Biden-era initiative.
The program, called "Operation Allies Welcome," helped Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war.
President Trump has requested a review of all Afghans admitted under this program.
JD Vance mentioned Pew opinion polls suggesting some Afghans might accept suicide bombing in certain situations.
Some Republicans raised concerns in 2021 about the security implications and handling of the Afghan refugee process.
The Department of Homeland Security labeled the suspect in the shooting as "a criminal alien" and deemed it a "terror attack."
The vetting process for these Afghans was a topic of debate, with calls for better oversight and transparency.
An Illinois company, Silvestri Sweets Inc., voluntarily recalled two chocolate products due to potential undeclared allergens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this recall on November 26, urging people with allergies to avoid the products.
Key Facts
The recall involves Choceur Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and Choceur Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark.
Undeclared allergens include pecans and wheat, which are major food allergens.
The recalled products were sold at Aldi stores nationwide in the U.S.
The issue arose from a packaging error, where one product was mistakenly packaged as the other.
The lot number for these products is 29225, with best-by dates in 2026.
As of November 26, no related illnesses had been reported.
The FDA advises people with food allergies to read labels carefully.
Consumers should discard the affected products or contact Silvestri Sweets for more information.
Some states in the U.S. have rules that limit or ban alcohol sales on Thanksgiving due to old laws called "blue laws." These laws vary by state, affecting whether and how people can buy alcohol on the holiday.
Key Facts
"Blue laws" are old rules that limit commercial activities on Sundays and major holidays like Thanksgiving.
These laws were originally created for religious reasons and restrict things like alcohol sales.
Many states have repealed these laws, but some still enforce them during holidays.
California and Oregon do not enforce blue laws on Thanksgiving, allowing alcohol sales.
On Thanksgiving, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, and Minnesota ban alcohol sales completely.
In the District of Columbia and Idaho, private stores may sell alcohol, but state-run liquor stores are closed or have restrictions.
Local rules can further affect alcohol sales, meaning conditions can vary even within a state.
In Georgia, alcohol sales are generally allowed, but some counties may still ban them for the holiday.
The U.S. labor market is showing signs of weakness despite some positive job growth figures. Economists note that unemployment has risen to its highest point in four years, and recent reports indicate that job cuts continue amid economic concerns.
Key Facts
The U.S. unemployment rate has increased to 4.4%, the highest in four years.
The Labor Department reported that 119,000 jobs were added in September, which exceeded expectations.
Economists express concern because recent job reports might not fully represent current labor market conditions.
Private employers reportedly eliminated an average of 13,500 jobs per week in the four weeks leading to November 8.
Consumer confidence has decreased, with Americans feeling less secure about jobs, income, and finances.
Due to a government shutdown, a full jobs report for October will not be released; it will be included in November's report in December.
AI adoption and economic challenges contribute to the rise in job cuts.
Economic experts are skeptical about a full labor market recovery in the near term.
President Donald Trump has asked for an examination of Afghans who came to the U.S. during the Biden presidency. This decision follows a shooting incident in Washington DC that injured two National Guard members.
Key Facts
President Trump is ordering a review of Afghans who entered the U.S. under the Biden administration.
This action comes after a shooting in Washington DC where two National Guard members were critically hurt.
U.S. immigration authorities have paused all Afghan-related applications.
The review and pause are in response to safety concerns after the shooting incident.
President Trump announced the review following reports of the attack in DC.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to increase visas for Afghan nationals after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The initiative, introduced by Democrat Jason Crow, adds 8,000 new visas for Afghans who supported U.S. forces and others at risk. The discussion around this measure has gained attention following a recent incident involving an Afghan immigrant linked to the program.
Key Facts
407 U.S. lawmakers voted in July 2021 to increase visas for Afghan nationals.
The measure was introduced by Colorado Democrat Jason Crow.
A suspect in a recent shooting in D.C. came to the U.S. under a similar visa program.
The Operation Allies Welcome scheme began under President Biden in August 2021.
More than 75,000 Afghan refugees were admitted to the U.S. under this scheme.
The Congressional resolution provides 8,000 new visas for Afghans.
Concerns about security and vetting of Afghan refugees have been raised following recent events.
215 Democrats and 192 Republicans supported the visa increase, while some opposed it, citing security concerns.
Millions of Americans might pay more for health insurance next year if the extra financial help, known as premium tax credits, ends. These credits, which lower monthly costs, are set to expire soon, and President Trump has expressed that he does not want to extend them.
Key Facts
Enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act are scheduled to end this year.
These subsidies reduce health insurance premiums for many Americans.
If they expire, premiums could double for many people, leaving around 2 million more people uninsured.
The largest premium increases are expected in states like Wyoming, West Virginia, and Alaska.
These states face high increases due to limited insurance options and high healthcare costs.
New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are expected to have smaller increases.
Subsidy expiration affects older adults and middle-income people the most.
President Trump stated he does not plan to extend the subsidies.
