A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the Northern U.S. during Thanksgiving week. The storm is likely to impact travel, particularly in areas like Michigan's Upper Peninsula, northern Wisconsin, and regions around the Great Lakes.
Key Facts
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has forecasted heavy snow for areas in the northern Plains, Minnesota, and the Great Lakes region.
Blizzard conditions are expected due to strong winds and heavy snow.
Blizzard warnings are in effect for Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.
The National Weather Service cautioned that snow could significantly reduce visibility.
Up to 2 feet of snow is expected for much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Lake-effect snow, which occurs when cold air moves over the Great Lakes, will contribute to the snowfall.
Travel on highways such as I-81 and I-90 could be difficult due to snow and wind gusts.
Gusts up to 60 mph are expected in areas like Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo, possibly causing power outages.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has warned that the Thanksgiving holiday period is a particularly dangerous time for road travel. Almost 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during this time. AAA and other organizations emphasize the importance of avoiding impaired driving and taking safety precautions.
Key Facts
AAA warns that Thanksgiving is the busiest and one of the most dangerous times for road travel.
About 82 million people in the U.S. plan to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving.
Drunk-driving crashes caused 868 deaths between 2019 and 2023 during Thanksgiving.
Travelers are advised to use sober drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation.
AAA suggests traveling in the morning and being mindful of traffic and weather conditions.
Last Thanksgiving, AAA responded to around 600,000 roadside assistance calls.
The National Safety Council estimates 439 traffic deaths over the Thanksgiving period, a decrease from last year.
Seat belts, when used, could prevent nearly half of potential fatalities for front-seat passengers.
The National Park Service will charge international visitors an extra $100 to enter some popular U.S. parks. These fee-free days will be limited to U.S. residents.
Key Facts
The National Park Service announced a new fee for international tourists.
International visitors will pay an additional $100 to enter some U.S. parks.
Fee-free days will only be available to American residents.
The changes are part of an "America-first entry fee policy."
The parks have been facing staff cuts and reduced budgets.
The parks are also recovering from damage and revenue loss due to a recent government shutdown.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, which is having a special election soon. This change is mainly due to a decrease in support from independent voters, despite Trump remaining popular with Republicans in the area.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump's approval rating is lower in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, where a special election will occur.
The district includes parts of Nashville, suburbs, and rural areas.
Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn is running against Republican Matt Van Epps in the special election.
A poll showed 49% of likely voters in the district disapprove of Trump's performance, while 47% approve.
Among independents in the district, 59% disapprove of Trump, while 34% approve.
Trump's approval among Republicans in the district remains high at 88%.
The economy is the most important issue for 38% of voters polled in the district.
The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points and surveyed 600 likely voters from November 22-24.
The Trump administration plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the U.S. by February 3, 2026. This decision comes despite ongoing violence and instability in Haiti that has displaced over a million people. Former President Joe Biden had previously extended TPS due to several crises in Haiti.
Key Facts
The Trump administration announced the end of TPS for Haitians, effective February 3, 2026.
Haiti is experiencing increased violence, with over 1 million people displaced.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that no conditions in Haiti prevent return of its citizens.
The TPS program is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to limit immigration.
Former President Joe Biden extended Haitians' TPS in 2024 due to multiple crises.
A federal judge previously blocked efforts by Trump to end Haitian TPS.
Over half of Haiti's population, including millions of children, need humanitarian aid.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, several large liquor store chains in the U.S. will either be closed or have special hours. Some states, such as Texas and Connecticut, have laws that restrict or prohibit alcohol sales on Thanksgiving. Shoppers should check local regulations and store hours before making plans to purchase alcohol on the holiday.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Some states, like Texas and Connecticut, restrict or ban alcohol sales on Thanksgiving.
Total Wine & More stores will close at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and have 290 locations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.
BevMo! stores will close at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and have 166 locations across California, Arizona, and Washington.
Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods will be closed on Thanksgiving and have over 180 locations in Texas.
Fine Wine & Good Spirits will be closed on Thanksgiving and have over 580 locations in Pennsylvania.
Virginia ABC stores will also be closed on Thanksgiving, with over 400 locations in Virginia.
A new prosecutor in Georgia has decided not to continue with the election interference case against President Donald Trump and others. This decision was announced in a court document.
Key Facts
A new prosecutor is handling the case in Georgia.
The case involves President Donald Trump and others.
The case is about alleged election interference in Georgia.
The prosecutor decided to drop the case.
This decision was made public through a court filing in Atlanta.
More than 1,000 flights have been canceled or delayed due to winter storms affecting many people traveling for Thanksgiving. The worst delays are at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota. The National Weather Service has issued several weather warnings for states like Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, and more.
Key Facts
Over 1,000 flights were canceled or delayed on Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving.
Winter storms are causing the flight disruptions, especially in the Great Lakes and Northern Plains.
The National Weather Service issued weather warnings for Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
More than 82 million Americans are expected to travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving.
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota face the worst delays.
Strong winds and heavy snowfall are contributing to the flight delays.
The FAA reports weather as the cause of 62.6% of flight delays.
The busiest travel day is expected to be Wednesday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
A New Jersey-based company, Mamtakim Inc., issued a recall for a specific lot of dried whole smelts salted fish due to a risk of botulism contamination. The fish was not properly gutted, making it potentially dangerous. The recall affects products sold at a store in Brooklyn, New York.
Key Facts
Mamtakim Inc. is recalling dried whole smelts salted fish due to potential botulism risk.
The fish was not properly gutted, which can lead to contamination with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
Botulism is a serious illness that can cause symptoms like weakness, trouble breathing, and dizziness.
The recalled product was sold at Cherry Hill Gourmet, located in Brooklyn, New York.
The specific product weighs 5.29 ounces, has a barcode 0754684898995, and an expiration date of April 8, 2026.
No illnesses linked to the recalled fish have been reported as of November 25.
Consumers are advised not to eat the affected fish and to return it for a refund.
A new prosecutor decided not to continue the Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump and others. Pete Skandalakis took over the case after the previous district attorney was removed due to concerns of impropriety. Charges against other defendants remain pending.
Key Facts
The Georgia election interference case against President Trump will not proceed.
The new prosecutor, Pete Skandalakis, made the decision not to pursue the case.
Skandalakis took over after District Attorney Fani Willis was removed from the case.
Fani Willis was removed due to her romantic relationship with a special prosecutor.
Although charges against President Trump have been dropped, 14 other defendants, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, still face charges.
President Trump's lead lawyer in Georgia is Steve Sadow.
Legal action against President Trump was considered unlikely to continue while he is president.
A federal judge in California has invalidated a Department of Homeland Security policy that kept most immigrants who entered the U.S. without inspection in custody without bond hearings. This decision may allow many detained migrants to seek release and affects key immigration policies under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
A California judge ruled against a DHS policy that removed bond hearings for many immigrants.
This decision could let thousands of detained migrants apply for release on bond.
The policy was a key part of President Trump's plan to increase immigration detentions.
The ruling affects the DHS's strategy for handling immigrants who entered without inspection.
The judge found the policy contradicted established immigration laws and legal interpretations.
The decision was part of a class-action lawsuit filed by noncitizens detained in Southern California.
The ruling restores the availability of bond hearings for many immigrants.
President Donald Trump suggested a new name for his supporters, calling them "Tepublicans" or "Tpublicans." He shared this idea on Truth Social, and it quickly gained attention online, with mixed reactions from people.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a new nickname on social media for his supporters.
The suggested names are "Tepublican" or "Tpublican."
He described it as a term for a "TRUMP REPUBLICAN."
This idea comes during a time of divisions within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) group on various issues.
The new nickname gained quick attention on social media, with both support and criticism.
It is still uncertain if this new term will become widely used like "MAGA."
AccuWeather has released maps showing expected weather conditions during Thanksgiving travel in the United States. Many people are planning to travel, and the maps help show which areas might have difficult weather. Some states like Michigan and New York are expected to have poor conditions due to snow and strong winds.
Key Facts
AccuWeather forecasts reveal expected travel conditions during Thanksgiving in the U.S.
Over 80 million people are expected to travel for the holiday.
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are predicted to have poor conditions on Wednesday.
New York and Pennsylvania, among others, could face poor conditions on Thursday.
Snowstorms and strong winds could make travel difficult, especially around the Great Lakes.
Some roads, like I-81 and I-90, might temporarily close due to severe weather.
Power outages are possible in areas like Buffalo due to high winds.
The National Weather Service is providing updates on weather conditions.
The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision soon on a new Texas congressional map that could affect future elections. The ruling will address redistricting issues and may influence upcoming mid-cycle redistricting efforts. This Texas case involves discussions on gerrymandering and election timing rules.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court plans to rule on a Texas congressional map before December 8, the deadline for Texas candidates to file to run.
Texas revised its map with President Trump’s support, hoping to add five more Republican seats.
Justice Samuel A. Alito reinstated the Texas map temporarily after a district court rejected it.
The case, Abbott v. League of United Latin American Citizens, will indicate how the court might handle similar redistricting efforts in other states.
A related ruling expected next June could affect minority-majority districts by testing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
The Texas case discusses the Purcell principle, which suggests courts avoid election changes close to voting to prevent confusion.
Both sides in the case are debating whether reverting to an old map violates the Purcell principle.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign from Congress in early 2026. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested that her resignation indicates potential issues within the Republican Party. Greene's departure adds to a series of GOP resignations, raising concerns about the party's ability to maintain control in Congress.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign from Congress on January 5, 2026.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy compared Greene's exit to a "canary in the coal mine," suggesting it signals deeper problems in the Republican Party.
Disputes with President Donald Trump, especially over government records related to Jeffrey Epstein, contributed to Greene's decision.
Greene criticized Republican leadership and expressed doubts about the party's success in future elections.
The GOP currently holds a narrow majority in the House at 219-213, and more resignations could weaken their control.
Other Republicans, like Mark Green of Tennessee and Jodey Arrington of Texas, have also announced their departure.
Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp will call a special election to fill Greene's seat after her resignation.
President Trump commented on Greene's resignation, initially saying it was good news but later thanked her for her service.
On Thanksgiving Day 2025, several grocery stores will remain open across the U.S. to help people with any last-minute shopping needs. Stores like Food Lion, Kroger, Meijer, and Whole Foods will have modified hours, while others like Aldi, Target, and Walmart will be closed.
Key Facts
Food Lion will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Kroger and its related stores will also open with varying hours and will close early.
Meijer stores will operate from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whole Foods is set to be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with some stores having extended hours later in the weekend.
Wegmans will be open until 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Some supermarkets like Aldi, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Costco will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Most stores will return to normal hours on Black Friday, with some extending hours to meet increased demand.
Many fast food chains and restaurants will stay open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, though most will have reduced hours. Customers should check specific locations for their hours as franchises may vary. Some popular chains like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle will be closed.
Key Facts
Several Applebee's and Denny's locations across the U.S. will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
Arby's, Burger King, and McDonald's will have locations open, but hours may vary by store.
Cracker Barrel will offer a special Thanksgiving menu and "Heat & Serve" meals.
Dunkin' and Starbucks will have some stores open but with reduced or varying hours.
Waffle House will remain open as it does on all federal holidays.
Chains like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Olive Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Grocery retailers such as Costco, Target, and Walmart will also be closed.
New York State has sent more than 8.2 million inflation refund checks to its residents as part of an initiative led by Governor Kathy Hochul. The program, funded with $2.2 billion from the state's budget, aims to help people manage rising costs. Checks, which vary based on income, have been mostly distributed before Thanksgiving, with more to follow for eligible taxpayers.
Key Facts
New York State mailed over 8.2 million inflation refund checks to residents.
Governor Kathy Hochul initiated this program as part of the 2026 State Budget.
The program allocated $2.2 billion to help residents with rising costs.
Checks can be up to $400, depending on income and filing status.
Eligibility is based on 2023 state tax returns; non-dependents qualify.
Joint filers earning up to $150,000 receive the largest checks of $400.
NYC residents received the most checks, totaling $828.8 million.
Smaller batches of checks will continue to be sent as eligibility is confirmed.
Some DACA recipients are being arrested by U.S. federal agents, even though they have protections against deportation. The Trump administration has introduced changes to immigration policy, including increased scrutiny of social media activity and other new restrictions.
Key Facts
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was created to protect certain young immigrants from deportation.
Yaakub Vijandre, a DACA recipient, was arrested in Texas over alleged social media posts.
The Trump administration claims Vijandre's posts glorified terrorism, while his lawyer argues these are protected speech.
Around 20 DACA recipients have been arrested since President Trump took office.
DACA recipients must renew their status every two years to stay protected.
The Trump administration is trying to end DACA protections and impose new restrictions.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against DACA recipients' work permits in Texas.
The administration seeks to restrict DACA recipients from obtaining certain licenses, like commercial driver's licenses.
Blackout Wednesday, also known as "Drinksgiving," is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and has become a major drinking night in the U.S., comparable to St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve. A significant increase in alcohol sales has been observed on this day, raising concerns about health risks and drunk driving incidents. The term has gained attention online, with many discussing the social and safety implications.
Key Facts
Blackout Wednesday is a big drinking night before Thanksgiving in the U.S.
In 2022, liquor sales on this day grew by 156%, beer sales by 85%, and cocktail orders by 69%.
The night is associated with high risks, including health problems from drinking too much and an increase in drunk driving.
Over 830 people died in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving weekend from 2017 to 2021.
Blackout Wednesday has a 55% higher risk of drunk driving incidents than an average day.
The term has sparked discussions and debates on social media platforms.
