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.
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot and critically wounded near the White House. The shooting happened in a busy tourist area close to Thanksgiving. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was taken to the hospital and is in police custody.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot near the White House.
The shooting was described as a "targeted attack."
President Trump condemned it as an act of terror.
The attack occurred one day before Thanksgiving in a busy tourist area of Washington, DC.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through a program for resettling Afghans.
The National Guard is part of the U.S. military and consists of reserve forces.
2,200 National Guard members are deployed in Washington, DC, for security.
JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, announced that he plans to deep fry his turkey for Thanksgiving. He shared this during a visit to Fort Campbell in Kentucky while talking to military personnel about holiday traditions.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
He plans to deep fry his Thanksgiving turkey this year.
Vance made this announcement at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
He called Thanksgiving his favorite American holiday.
Vance noted that roasting a large turkey is uncommon except for Thanksgiving.
He mentioned a conversation with a soldier about deep frying turkey.
He is not the first politician to share details about cooking Thanksgiving turkey.
Polls show that Vice President JD Vance's chances of becoming the Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential election are decreasing. His lead over Donald Trump Jr. has been shrinking in recent surveys, which may be related to President Trump's declining approval ratings.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the current Vice President and considered a possible candidate for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
Polls by McLaughlin & Associates show Vance's lead over Donald Trump Jr. has decreased from 20 points in August to 10 points in November.
A survey from November 17 to 24 included 439 voters.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is at its lowest since returning to office, impacting Vance's polling.
Other polls, however, show Vance with a stronger lead; one by YouGov in November showed him with 42% support.
Some political commentators suggest that Vance's close connection to President Trump may affect his popularity.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz and possibly other Republican figures are rumored to be considering running in 2028.
In Memphis, federal immigration agents reportedly used tear gas during a home raid, where twin babies and their mother were present. The mother, worried for her children's safety, was detained temporarily with her children. The incident has drawn criticism from local groups and scrutiny on immigration enforcement tactics.
Key Facts
An incident occurred in Memphis involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using tear gas in a home.
Maryioth Pascanales, a Honduran mother, was at home with her 10-month-old twins when the tear gas was deployed.
The twins are U.S. citizens, and Pascanales sought safety by hiding in a bathroom.
Pascanales and her children were handcuffed, taken into a vehicle, and detained temporarily but were released around 3 a.m.
Two adult roommates were also arrested and remain in custody.
Local organizer Yuleiny Escobar witnessed the event and criticized the use of tear gas in a home with infants.
The incident led to heightened scrutiny of ICE's enforcement tactics, amid ongoing concerns about excessive force.
An immigration attorney stated the police presence was connected to a related police chase involving teens.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across several U.S. states, predicting up to 24 inches of snow and blizzard-like conditions between Thursday and Sunday. These conditions may severely affect travel during the Thanksgiving holiday due to heavy snowfall and strong winds, making road travel dangerous.
Key Facts
The warnings affect states like Montana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Illinois.
Montana could see up to 12 inches of snow in mountain areas by Friday, requiring tire chains for drivers in some regions.
Michigan counties might receive between 10 and 24 inches of snow, accompanied by strong winds up to 50 mph.
New York's Erie and Genesee Counties should expect 3 inches of snow and 50 mph winds, potentially causing power outages.
Northeastern Ohio is forecasted to have up to 6 inches of snow and winds up to 45 mph.
Parts of Pennsylvania could see 3 to 7 inches of snowfall with gusty winds until Saturday.
Alaska's Seward Highway and Turnagain Pass might get up to 16 inches by Friday.
Iowa could get up to 14 inches of snow, while Illinois could receive up to 12 inches by Saturday night.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that unites many Americans, but some groups see it differently. Activists and some educational institutions use the holiday to highlight issues such as colonial history and social oppression.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated national holiday in the United States.
Some activists use the term "Turtle Island" to talk about North America and the colonial history associated with Thanksgiving.
A group of activists is encouraging people to avoid spending money over the Thanksgiving weekend to protest oppression.
Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico teaches students that Thanksgiving is related to the genocide of Native Americans.
Some Americans avoid family gatherings due to political disagreements, particularly sensitive during Thanksgiving.
JD Vance, the Vice President, joked about turkey being a disliked Thanksgiving tradition while serving it to the troops.
An event at MIT featured myth-busting activities related to Thanksgiving and included the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, hosted a father-daughter dance for incarcerated dads and their daughters. The event was organized by God Behind Bars, aiming to help fathers reconnect with their daughters. Many participants saw this as a step to improve family bonds and prevent future troubles for the children.
Key Facts
The event took place at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola.
God Behind Bars partnered with the prison to organize the dance.
The dance aimed to reunite fathers with their daughters, some of whom they hadn't seen in years.
37 daughters, aged 5 to 20, and 29 fathers attended the dance.
The prison's Seminary Lecture Room was transformed into a dance venue.
Fathers were provided custom tuxedos, while daughters received hair and beauty services.
Each daughter got a gift bag with beauty products and a bible.
The event included a shared Thanksgiving meal for the families.
President Donald Trump announced price cuts for certain medicines, including Ozempic, due to negotiations stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This law, passed during President Joe Biden's term, allows the government to negotiate drug prices, leading to significant savings. Some politicians credit Trump for the lower prices, while others highlight the role of the previous administration's legislation.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced lower prices for drugs like Ozempic, citing savings in billions.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, signed by President Joe Biden, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
Ozempic was responsible for 2% of Medicare Part D spending in 2022.
The Trump administration noted price cuts for drugs like Ozempic would bring $12 billion in federal savings.
Democrats credit the IRA for giving the government the power to negotiate drug prices.
By 2027, negotiated prices for certain drugs, including Ozempic, are expected to take effect.
Over 5.3 million beneficiaries will be affected by the new prices, with cuts up to 71%.
The pharmaceutical industry has challenged the 2022 law in court.
The article discusses the importance of Thanksgiving as a moment to pause and reflect on gratitude amid the current political and cultural chaos in the United States. It emphasizes that despite the country's divisions, Thanksgiving offers a chance to reconnect with family, community, and faith, which are seen as key to overcoming social and political challenges.
Key Facts
The article highlights the current state of political tension and division in the U.S.
Thanksgiving is portrayed as a holiday that emphasizes gratitude and togetherness.
The author suggests that social media contributes to the current political and cultural chaos.
The holiday season is described as a time to focus on family, community, and faith.
Cultural changes are said to challenge many rituals, but Thanksgiving remains resilient.
The author expresses personal gratitude for family, faith, and community.
The importance of maintaining America's cultural heritage is mentioned.
The holiday season is seen as a reminder of the country's foundational values.
A three-judge panel decided that North Carolina can use a Republican-drawn congressional map for the 2026 midterm elections. This decision helps Republicans as they aim to gain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives during that election. The ruling stated there wasn't enough evidence to prove the map was racially discriminatory, focusing instead on political motivations.
Key Facts
North Carolina is allowed to use a Republican-drawn map for the 2026 elections.
The decision was made by a federal three-judge panel.
The ruling helps Republicans who want to gain a U.S. House seat in North Carolina.
President Trump supports efforts to redraw districts for Republican advantage.
The NAACP, a plaintiff in the case, has not commented on a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judges found no direct evidence of racial discrimination in the redistricting.
The decision is based on the idea that partisan gerrymandering is not within federal court jurisdiction, referencing a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
A coalition of groups is calling for a boycott of three major retailers—Target, Amazon, and Home Depot—during the holiday shopping period. This is part of a campaign called "We Ain't Buying It," aimed at companies reportedly supporting President Donald Trump or stepping back from diversity and inclusion initiatives. The boycott encourages consumers to shop locally instead of at these large retailers.
Key Facts
The boycott is set from Thanksgiving (November 27) through Cyber Monday (December 1).
The campaign targets Target, Amazon, and Home Depot for reasons linked to support for President Trump's administration or changes in company policies.
The "We Ain't Buying It" campaign aims to use economic action to promote democracy and community power.
Target faced backlash for rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Amazon is criticized for alleged monopolistic practices and poor working conditions.
Home Depot is included due to its perceived support of Trump-related policies.
Boycotts are used as a protest strategy to apply financial pressure on businesses or individuals.
Nearly 200 million Americans participated in holiday shopping during Thanksgiving weekend last year.
The article discusses the current financial challenges for American families, focusing on rising costs and stagnant wages. It criticizes the Trump administration's economic policies and highlights the significant role of unions in advocating for affordable living. The article emphasizes the importance of electing leaders who support worker-friendly policies.
Key Facts
Many families face higher living costs with stagnant paychecks.
President Trump and his team promised to reduce costs but have not delivered on this promise.
Health insurance premiums are expected to double for millions of people next year.
A study reports that basic living standards are now out of reach for 60% of U.S. households.
Minimum wage workers often need to work three jobs to afford a modest rental home.
Recent elections in some states show a demand for pro-worker candidates.
Unions remain popular, with a recent poll showing strong support.
AFSCME and its members are advocating for policies to make life more affordable.
In Tennessee's special election, Republicans are worried about losing a seat that was previously held by a Republican. Matt Van Epps, the Republican candidate, is competing against Democrat Aftyn Behn. Polls show a close race, which is concerning for Republicans as they hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
The special election is to fill the seat left by Republican Mark Green.
Republican Matt Van Epps leads Democrat Aftyn Behn 48% to 46% among likely voters.
5% of voters are undecided, and 2% support third-party candidates.
The poll's margin of error is 3.9 percentage points.
Early voters mostly favored Behn, while those planning to vote on Election Day leaned toward Van Epps.
President Trump and other Republicans are urging people to vote for Van Epps.
Republicans have a narrow majority in the U.S. House, with 219 seats compared to Democrats' 213.
Winning this seat is crucial for Republicans to maintain their legislative strength.
The day after Thanksgiving is called "Brown Friday" by plumbers because it's their busiest day of the year. This is due to the extra food waste and house guests during the holiday, which often lead to plumbing issues like clogged drains and broken garbage disposals.
Key Facts
"Brown Friday" is the day after Thanksgiving and is the busiest day for plumbers.
Increased food waste from Thanksgiving meals can clog drains and garbage disposals.
The presence of more house guests during the holiday can put extra strain on plumbing systems.
To avoid clogs, don’t put bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, fats, oils, fibrous vegetables, pits, and uncooked starches into disposals.
Safe items for garbage disposals include chopped foods, ice cubes, liquids, and soft foods.
For minor blockages, using a plunger or a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help.
A new proposal called the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act has been introduced in Congress. This bill aims to improve Social Security benefits for widowed individuals and surviving divorced spouses, especially those with disabilities. It suggests changes to existing rules, allowing these individuals to receive full survivor benefits at any age.
Key Facts
The proposal is called the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act.
It aims to let widowed and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities get full benefits regardless of age.
Currently, survivor benefits are restricted if recipients are under the age of 62.
The bill would also expand benefits for those raising children.
Several Democratic Senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand and Bernie Sanders, introduced the bill.
Other proposals related to Social Security have also been introduced to boost benefits and adjust cost of living calculations.
The bill has been introduced in the Senate and will be reviewed by the appropriate committee.
Two National Guard members from West Virginia are in critical condition after being shot near the White House. The shooter, an Afghan national, was quickly apprehended by police. President Trump has called for increased National Guard presence in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House and are in critical condition.
The shooting took place near the Farragut Square Metro Station, close to the White House, at about 2:15 pm ET.
The suspect, an Afghan national, arrived in the U.S. under a refugee program in September 2021.
President Trump has ordered 500 more National Guard members to be deployed to Washington, D.C.
The FBI is investigating the incident, and updates will be provided as more information is available.
The D.C. Police Department declared the shooting scene safe by 3 pm ET and took one suspect into custody.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the incident as a "targeted shooting" by a single individual.
Protesters from the group Refuse Fascism plan to surround the White House on December 13 to demonstrate against U.S. President Donald Trump. The group intends to deliver a "people's indictment," accusing Trump of violating the U.S. Constitution and calling for his removal from power. Refuse Fascism emphasizes that their protest will be nonviolent, with organized support teams and clear plans.
Key Facts
Refuse Fascism is organizing an anti-Trump protest called "Surround the White House" on December 13.
The group plans to deliver a "people's indictment" against President Donald Trump.
Refuse Fascism accuses Trump of running a "fascist administration" and violating the U.S. Constitution.
The protest aims to demonstrate through nonviolent actions.
Refuse Fascism has arranged for volunteer marshals, medics, and support teams for the protest.
This is not the first protest against Trump; other groups have organized various demonstrations and boycotts as well.
The group plans to use "crime scene" tape around the White House as part of the protest.
Refuse Fascism was founded in 2016 and has organized previous protests in Washington, D.C.
The United States has halted the processing of immigration requests from Afghan nationals. This decision follows a shooting incident where an Afghan national allegedly injured two National Guard soldiers near the White House. The U.S. government is reviewing security procedures for Afghan immigrants.
Key Facts
The U.S. stopped processing immigration requests from Afghans.
This move comes after a shooting near the White House involving an Afghan national.
President Trump described the incident as an "act of terror."
The alleged shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. in 2021.
Many Afghans entered the U.S. under a special immigration program after the U.S. military left Afghanistan in 2021.
President Trump has imposed a travel ban on Afghanistan and 11 other countries earlier this year.
Some Afghans with Special Immigration Visas were exceptions to the bans.
President Trump also ended a program giving deportation protection to some Afghans.
President Trump responded to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., by saying that everyone who came to the U.S. from Afghanistan under the Biden administration should be re-examined. The suspected shooter is an Afghan national who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome, a program to help Afghans after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has stopped processing immigration requests from Afghan nationals.
Key Facts
President Trump called for a review of Afghan nationals brought to the U.S. under the Biden administration after a recent shooting.
The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome.
Operation Allies Welcome helped over 88,000 Afghans resettle in the U.S. after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.
Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and received asylum in 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security led the coordination for Operation Allies Welcome, ensuring security checks.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has paused processing requests from Afghan nationals while reviewing security procedures.
Officials say there's no evidence linking the Operation Allies Welcome program itself to the attack.
