Fewer people in the U.S. filed for unemployment benefits last week. This suggests that layoffs are still low, even though some well-known companies have announced job cuts.
Key Facts
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits decreased by 6,000.
The total applications for the week ending November 22 were 216,000.
This data comes from a report by the Labor Department.
Low unemployment filings suggest that layoffs are not widespread.
Some big companies have announced job cuts recently, but the overall job market remains stable.
The Trump administration is moving to loosen stricter soot pollution standards set by President Biden's administration. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Trump filed a legal request to reverse these tougher air quality rules, arguing they were implemented without a proper process.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration seeks to weaken soot pollution limits that were tightened under President Biden.
The EPA argued that Biden's administration did not follow required procedures according to the Clean Air Act.
The stricter standards reduced allowable soot levels from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
The Biden-era standards aimed to prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays by 2032.
Lee Zeldin, a Trump appointee, pledged to reverse many environmental regulations.
Environmental groups like Earthjustice and the Sierra Club criticized the move, citing health concerns.
The EPA filing asked a court to dismiss the tougher standards established in 2024.
A new poll shows a tight race between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's 7th District, a seat President Donald Trump previously won big. The race is unexpectedly close, with Van Epps leading by a small margin, and the special election will occur on December 2.
Key Facts
Tennessee’s 7th District race shows a close contest between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn.
President Donald Trump won this seat by 22 points in 2024, highlighting the shift in voter sentiment.
The Emerson College/The Hill poll shows Van Epps leading 48% to Behn's 46%.
The poll's margin of error is 3.9 percentage points.
Including leaning voters, Van Epps leads 49% to Behn's 47%.
5% of voters remain undecided, and 2% support third-party candidates.
The U.S. government is planning to announce a financial aid package for American farmers soon. The aid aims to help farmers facing rising costs and reduced market access due to tariffs and changing trade dynamics. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins indicated that an announcement on the aid would come within the next couple of weeks.
Key Facts
U.S. farmers are dealing with higher costs and lower commodity prices, partly due to tariffs and trade issues.
The Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said an announcement about aid for farmers would come soon.
President Trump has promised to use tariff revenue to support farmers financially.
The administration is considering an aid package similar to a $12 billion package given in 2019.
A meeting between President Trump and China's premier led to a temporary trade truce, with China agreeing to import U.S. soybeans again.
The aid package aims to reduce the negative impact of trade negotiations on farmers.
Republican lawmakers expect the aid to exceed past financial support given during Trump's first term.
China has started importing U.S. soybeans after a pause, but is still behind on earlier commitments.
As Congress approaches the end of 2025, three important political issues are on the horizon. These include debates over health care subsidies, the resignation of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and growing tensions involving House Speaker Mike Johnson. These events could have significant impacts on U.S. politics moving forward.
Key Facts
Millions of Americans may face higher health care costs due to expiring subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, which were extended during the COVID period.
The debate is ongoing on whether to continue these subsidies or shift to a system where individuals receive direct payments.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene plans to resign on January 5, a choice that may influence the positions of fellow Republicans.
Greene’s resignation comes just before the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing discontent from some Republican colleagues who feel left out of key discussions, such as health care.
Johnson played a significant role in ending the longest U.S. government shutdown in history recently.
Tensions within the Republican Party could impact Johnson's leadership position if members choose to challenge it.
President Donald Trump currently has a negative approval rating across all major polling organizations. His disapproval average is 55%, with 41% approval, based on The New York Times' polling data. Even traditionally Republican-friendly pollster Rasmussen Reports shows more people disapproving than approving.
Key Facts
President Trump has a 55% disapproval rating on average, according to The New York Times.
His approval rating is 41% on average.
A J.L. Partners poll showed 49% disapproval and 41% approval among 1,244 registered voters, with a 3.2% margin of error.
Rasmussen Reports, known for favoring Republicans, also shows Trump with a negative rating, 51% disapproval and 46% approval.
The Rasmussen poll surveyed 3,000 registered voters and had a 1.8% margin of error.
This is reportedly the first time Trump's approval is negative across all major pollsters.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for a comment.
This article discusses personal reflections on Thanksgiving in America, focusing on the author's experiences as a member of the working-class Black community. It highlights historical and ongoing social injustices faced by various marginalized groups in the United States.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving is a time for a break from daily struggles for many working-class and poor Americans.
The article questions the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving, highlighting the violent history between Indigenous people and settlers.
The author draws parallels between past and current injustices faced by different minority groups, including recent treatment of immigrants.
Government policy changes have impacted many, including job losses and cuts in healthcare and financial aid.
The author connects personal experiences with broader social issues, reflecting on historical figures and recent writings.
The article mentions a recent essay by Tatiana Schlossberg on healthcare challenges in the U.S., and her personal battle with cancer.
Bobby Kennedy Jr., cousin to Tatiana, leads the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump's administration.
The author reflects on the legacy and compassion of the elder Bobby Kennedy for all Americans.
President Donald Trump responded to a report suggesting he showed signs of fatigue, insisting that he had recently passed a "perfect physical exam." The report claimed Trump's schedule seemed lighter and suggested he might be losing energy. Trump rejected these claims, emphasizing his continued vitality.
Key Facts
President Trump denied a report that suggested he showed signs of fatigue.
He mentioned he had a "perfect physical exam."
The New York Times report said Trump, at 79, appeared to fall asleep at a recent White House event.
The report noted Trump's schedule is lighter than it was in 2017, his first year in office.
Trump argued that his energy levels are not decreasing.
Trump often uses his social media platform, Truth Social, to address such reports.
The Sea-Based X-Band Radar, part of the U.S. missile defense system, is having its dome replaced in Hawaii. This radar detects missiles heading toward the U.S. and sits on a movable platform in the ocean. The dome replacement allows a rare view of the radar's antenna.
Key Facts
The Sea-Based X-Band Radar helps detect missiles aiming for the U.S.
It is mounted on a mobile, semi-submersible platform that floats on water.
The radar is 240 feet wide, 390 feet long, and weighs 2,000 tons.
The white dome of the radar, called a radome, is being replaced for maintenance.
Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson recently visited the radar in Hawaii.
The radar's antenna was exposed for the first time during this replacement.
Photos of the dome's removal showed it being taken down by a crane.
In 2011, the radar's operation was transferred to the Military Sealift Command.
Across the United States, several charities and programs are providing free Thanksgiving meals in 2025 to help people in need. These initiatives aim to offer support amidst rising food costs, and they include meal deliveries, food bank services, and special programs for military families.
Key Facts
Operation Turkey is delivering Thanksgiving meals in multiple U.S. cities on November 27, 2025.
The Salvation Army is offering free Thanksgiving dinners with varying details depending on the location.
Local food banks, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries are providing free meals, sometimes needing pre-registration.
Supermarkets like Stop & Shop and Kroger offer free turkeys through loyalty programs, with different spending requirements.
Churches and community centers are hosting free Thanksgiving events, such as Center City Church in Altoona.
Veterans and military families can receive free meals through organizations like Veterans Service Organizations and Operation Homefront.
Military bases offer meals to active duty and retired members, often at lower prices.
The United States will charge $100 for non-US residents to visit its 11 most popular national parks without an annual pass. The cost of an annual pass for non-residents will increase from $80 to $250. These changes aim to ensure that international visitors help fund the maintenance and improvement of the parks.
Key Facts
Non-US residents will be charged $100 per person to visit certain national parks.
An annual parks pass for non-US residents will now cost $250, up from $80.
This new fee policy was announced by the Department of the Interior.
President Trump supports these changes to prioritize American taxpayers.
The new fees apply to popular parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and the Grand Canyon.
Previous fees varied, with some parks offering free entry and others charging $20 to $35.
Despite the fee increases, there have been recent budget cuts affecting the National Park Service.
Since January, the park service has lost 4,000 staff members due to financial issues.
A strong winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and high winds to parts of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes during the Thanksgiving holiday week. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, cautioning that travel could become difficult for the 80 million people predicted to travel for the holiday.
Key Facts
A powerful winter storm is forecast to hit parts of the U.S. during Thanksgiving week.
Heavy snow and high winds are expected in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
The storm will move to the Great Lakes area, bringing lake effect snow.
Winter storm warnings affect Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Lake effect snow warnings are in place for New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Blizzard warnings are issued in some areas of Michigan and Wisconsin.
The storm's impact could make holiday travel difficult for around 80 million travelers.
Snow is predicted to spread from the Rockies to the Midwest and potentially reach the Northeast.
The mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near Boston. Ferreira, originally from Brazil, remains in custody as she fights to stay in the U.S. Her family is seeking help with legal fees.
Key Facts
Bruna Caroline Ferreira is the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew.
She was arrested by ICE on November 12 near Boston.
Ferreira is a native of Brazil but has lived in the U.S. for nearly her entire life.
Her son lives with Leavitt's brother, Michael, in New Hampshire.
The White House Press Secretary and Ferreira reportedly have not spoken in years.
A GoFundMe page was created by Ferreira’s sister to raise money for legal costs.
The lawyer confirmed the GoFundMe page, but Newsweek has not independently verified it.
The story is still developing, and more updates are expected.
Representative Thomas Massie criticized FBI Director Kash Patel for not clearly stating whether the FBI would meet a deadline to release documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Massie is concerned about specific FBI forms that might contain new names linked to the case. The Trump administration has promised full transparency, but there have been delays.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is a Republican Representative who pushed for the House vote on releasing Epstein investigation files.
He criticized FBI Director Kash Patel for avoiding a direct answer about meeting a 30-day deadline for document release.
Patel mentioned legal restrictions and court orders that could limit information disclosure.
Massie pointed out specific FBI forms, called FD-302s, which may have new, undisclosed names related to the Epstein case.
Epstein was a wealthy financier convicted of child sex offenses and had connections with influential people.
Epstein died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Survivors and others believe the government is not fully disclosing its knowledge of Epstein's activities.
The current administration has promised transparency but has faced criticism for delays in releasing the files.
A video of House Speaker Mike Johnson doing an impression of a 104-year-old Black man gained popularity online, receiving over 340,000 views. The clip shows Johnson sharing a story about his visit to a long-married couple in Louisiana, where he imitated the husband's voice. The impression has received mixed reactions from the public.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the House Speaker and a member of the Republican Party.
He performed an impression of a 104-year-old Black man during an interview on The Katie Miller Podcast.
Johnson told a story about visiting Mr. and Mrs. Player, the longest-married couple in Louisiana.
The couple had been married for 82 years when Johnson visited them.
The video of Johnson's impression received over 340,000 views online.
Some people criticized the impression as "insulting," while others defended it as good-natured entertainment.
The article discusses how the idea of being a "strong Black woman" can become overwhelming and damaging. It highlights the pressures faced by Black women in 2025, especially during a period of economic challenges affecting them disproportionately.
Key Facts
The concept of the "strong Black woman" can result in stress and health problems due to societal expectations.
The article's author experienced burnout and stress-related health issues due to these pressures.
In 2025, economic challenges, including cuts to government benefits, impact Black women particularly hard.
Industries that often employ Black women, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, have faced downsizing.
Over 300,000 Black women have lost jobs since February 2025.
Black women represent 67% of women displaced in the recent "she-cession," even though they only make up 15.5% of the women in the U.S.
The article suggests redefining strength to include vulnerability and the need for self-care.
The article discusses how gerrymandering, a process used to draw political district boundaries, continues to be a contentious issue in the U.S. It highlights recent events involving court rulings and legislative actions in Alabama, Texas, and California. The article also points to the paradox where efforts to create fairness in political maps may sometimes reduce competition in elections.
Key Facts
Gerrymandering involves drawing voting district boundaries to influence election outcomes.
A judge in Alabama approved a new district map proposed by a student to correct racial gerrymandering issues.
In Texas, a court blocked a map supported by President Trump, citing it as unconstitutional for racial reasons.
California voters passed Proposition 50, ending the use of an independent commission for redistricting.
The U.S. Supreme Court previously ruled that partisan gerrymandering is a political issue beyond federal court intervention.
Different groups disagree on what fairness means when drawing district maps.
Independent commission states have produced more competitive elections compared to states where one party controls redistricting.
President Trump participated in the White House tradition of pardoning turkeys, a practice that started with Abraham Lincoln. This year, two turkeys named Waddle and Gobble were pardoned. An intended joke about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was not delivered by Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned two turkeys named Waddle and Gobble at the White House.
The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to President Abraham Lincoln.
A speechwriter included a joke about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s weight in Trump’s remarks, but Trump decided not to use it.
Trump commented that he could also lose some weight.
Joe Biden, mentioned in the article, was criticized by Trump regarding turkey pardons during his presidency.
Previous turkeys pardoned by Biden had their pardons questioned by Trump but were later reprieved.
The article states a humorous segment called "Conventional Wisdom" uses arrows to indicate rising or falling political figures.
A major snowstorm is expected to affect Thanksgiving travel across parts of the United States, mainly in the Upper Midwest. The National Weather Service predicts snow will start Friday night in the northern Rockies and move into the central Plains and Upper Midwest over the weekend, leading to potentially hazardous driving and flight delays.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service warns of a snowstorm affecting travel in the Upper Midwest.
Snow is expected to begin Friday night in the northern Rockies.
The storm will move into the central Plains and Upper Midwest by late Saturday.
There is a more than 50% chance of over 6 inches of snow in the affected areas.
Cities like Omaha, Des Moines, and Kansas City may experience their first measurable snow of the season.
Major airports in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Detroit might have flight delays and cancellations over the weekend.
Meteorologists expect significant snowfall of 6-12 inches in areas including Chicago and Ann Arbor.
Travel conditions might be poor from Friday night through Saturday night due to snow-covered roads.
President Donald Trump stated that he is not planning to replace FBI Director Kash Patel. He expressed confidence in Patel's performance during a conversation with a reporter.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump responded to rumors about firing Kash Patel, the FBI Director.
Trump said that Patel is doing a good job.
The statement was made on Air Force One during a reporter's inquiry.
Trump denied any intentions to replace Patel.
The report that prompted Trump's response claimed Patel faced criticism and negative press.
No changes in Patel’s position were confirmed by Trump during this interaction.
