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.
In 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior will allow American citizens to visit national parks for free on eight special days. The initiative is part of larger changes to modernize access to national parks, including the introduction of digital passes and increased fees for international visitors.
Key Facts
The Department of the Interior announced the changes, which will start on January 1, 2026.
U.S. residents will have free access to national parks on eight "patriotic fee-free days" in 2026.
New digital passes will be available for faster park entry and stored on mobile devices.
U.S. annual park passes will cost $80, but nonresidents will pay $250 for an annual pass.
In the most visited parks, nonresidents will incur a new $100 surcharge per person.
Digital passes allow entry for two motorcycles, enhancing access for biker visitors.
Seniors, active-duty military, 4th graders, and people with disabilities still get free passes.
Revenue from increased fees will help fund park maintenance and improvements.
Several states in the U.S. are under winter storm warnings, with forecasts of up to 20 inches of snow in some areas. The storm could cause dangerous travel conditions and power outages from Wednesday through Saturday. The National Weather Service advises people to avoid travel if possible due to the severe weather.
Key Facts
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected in multiple states, possibly making travel dangerous.
Wisconsin could see up to 18 inches of snow with winds reaching 40 mph.
Parts of Michigan might receive up to 21 inches of snow and winds of 55 mph, creating life-threatening travel conditions.
Minnesota counties could experience between 2 to 7 inches of snow and up to 50 mph winds.
New York's Jefferson and surrounding counties may get up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds.
The National Weather Service advises residents to consider delaying travel due to expected whiteout conditions and low visibility.
A recall has been issued for Jeni's Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars due to undeclared allergens, wheat and soy. The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning there is a chance of temporary health issues but serious effects are unlikely. Customers should return the ice cream bars for a refund and avoid consuming them.
Key Facts
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams LLC recalled Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars on November 17 due to undeclared allergens.
The recall affects 3,767 cases with a best-by date of October 2026.
The FDA gave a Class II risk classification to this recall, indicating possible temporary health issues.
Undeclared wheat and soy were included because of a mix-up during manufacturing.
No health problems had been reported as of the recall date.
The ice cream bars were sent out to grocery stores across the country.
People with allergies to wheat or soy risk serious reactions if they eat the recalled ice cream bars.
Customers can get a full refund by returning the product to the store where they bought it.
Newsweek contributors debated whether the United States needs a third political party. Paul du Quenoy argues the current two-party system is stable and has lasted for over 150 years. Dan Perry counters that the system no longer represents the diverse political views of Americans and suggests a third party could better address current divisions.
Key Facts
The U.S. recently ended its longest government shutdown, lasting 43 days.
Most Americans blame the Republican Party for the shutdown.
Paul du Quenoy argues that a two-party system provides stability and moderates extremes.
He notes that past third-party attempts, like Theodore Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Party, have failed to make a lasting impact.
Dan Perry believes the current two-party system doesn't represent the centrist majority.
Perry suggests a third party could form if enough defectors from both parties join and are supported by a large political action committee (PAC).
Both contributors agree that American political views are diverse and sometimes shift over time.
Zohran Mamdani, recently elected as New York's mayor, plans to introduce universal free child care for families in the city. This initiative aims to reduce the high costs families face and prevent families from leaving the city. Funding challenges exist, with an estimated $6 billion cost for the project.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayoral election with plans for significant city changes.
One of his key proposals is to provide free child care for all families in New York, regardless of income.
Child care costs in New York City have risen sharply, with family-based care for infants averaging $18,200 yearly.
Mamdani's plan intends to also raise wages for child care workers, aligning their pay with public school educators.
The estimated cost of the universal child care program is $6 billion.
New York faces funding challenges, partly due to federal funding cuts under the Trump administration.
Mamdani's campaign suggests various funding sources such as targeted taxes and closing tax loopholes.
Other states like New Mexico have also implemented similar universal child care systems.
With Thanksgiving approaching, many Americans are planning trips, and gas prices are a key concern. This year, the national average for gas is slightly higher than last year but adjusted for inflation, prices are effectively lower. Gas prices differ across the U.S., with California being the highest and Oklahoma the lowest.
Key Facts
AAA predicts 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving.
The national average gas price is $3.055 per gallon.
Last year, the average was $3.02 per gallon.
Crude oil prices have decreased by $10 per barrel since last year.
California has the highest gas prices at $4.592 per gallon.
Oklahoma has the cheapest gas at $2.498 per gallon.
Gas prices tend to fall in the fall and winter due to lower demand and cheaper seasonal blends.
Gas prices dropped below $3 per gallon last month for the first time since President Trump took office in 2025.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is part of a criminal inquiry related to deportation flights that continued despite a judge's order to stop them. The Justice Department named other officials who provided legal advice on this matter, arguing that the actions did not violate court orders.
Key Facts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem decided not to stop deportation flights in March.
A judge, James Boasberg, had ordered the government to stop these flights.
The flights were carrying migrants to a prison in El Salvador.
The Justice Department filed a report naming officials involved in the decision.
Officials included Joseph Mazzara, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, and Drew Ensign.
The government argues that their actions did not clearly violate the court’s order.
The inquiry is ongoing, with further updates expected.
The Trump administration is increasing prices for national parks, affecting international tourists starting next year. U.S. residents' prices remain unchanged, with new higher fees applied to non-residents to help maintain the parks.
Key Facts
The Trump administration announced increased fees for international tourists visiting national parks starting January 1.
U.S. residents will continue to pay the same rate of $80 for an annual park pass.
International tourists will have to pay $250 for an annual pass, up $170 from the previous cost.
Non-residents without an annual pass will pay $100 per person, in addition to standard entrance fees, at top parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.
New "resident-only patriotic fee-free days" will be held on significant dates, including Flag Day, President Trump's birthday.
The America the Beautiful passes, which include various categories such as Military and Senior, will be offered digitally.
Motorcycle riders can have two bikes covered under one America the Beautiful pass.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that higher fees for international visitors help preserve the parks.
A study found Mississippi is the deadliest state for driving during Thanksgiving, with a high rate of traffic deaths. The study analyzed crash data from 2014 to 2023 and found that Southern states have the most fatalities. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that millions will travel by car this Thanksgiving, increasing the importance of road safety.
Key Facts
Mississippi recorded 33.77 traffic deaths per 1 million residents during Thanksgiving, the highest rate among states.
Alabama ranks second with 25.87 deaths per 1 million people.
South Carolina is third with 25.59 deaths per 1 million people.
Louisiana ranks fourth, showing 25.12 deaths per 1 million people.
South Dakota is fifth with a rate of 24.81 fatalities per 1 million residents.
The study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2014 to 2023.
AAA predicts that 73 million people will drive for Thanksgiving travel in 2023.
From 2019 to 2023, 35% of Thanksgiving traffic deaths involved drunk driving.
A man named Ryan Wesley Routh, who was convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump, sent a request to the court asking for a meeting with Trump. In this request, Routh invited Trump to physically confront him without any legal consequences. The document did not mention any response from President Trump.
Key Facts
Ryan Wesley Routh was convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Routh filed a handwritten motion in court with unusual requests.
He invited President Trump to physically confront him.
Routh suggested the confrontation take place without cameras or legal complaints.
He expressed willingness to answer any questions in court.
The court filing did not indicate a response from President Trump.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to cancel a rule that would have required tests for asbestos in certain cosmetics. This rule was part of a 2022 law aimed at checking for dangerous materials in cosmetics containing talc, which can sometimes be tainted with asbestos, a harmful substance.
Key Facts
The FDA plans to withdraw a rule about testing cosmetics for asbestos.
Asbestos is a harmful substance linked to cancer.
The rule was part of the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act.
Talc, often used in cosmetics, can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos.
The rule aimed to find and identify asbestos in talc-containing products.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has found a connection between talc use and ovarian cancer.
President Donald Trump mentioned a possible short-term extension of Obamacare subsidies as their expiration could lead to increased health insurance costs. This affects small business workers, retirees, and students. Trump prefers a plan that directs funds to people directly rather than insurance companies.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed extending Obamacare health subsidies during a conversation with reporters.
The subsidies are set to expire, which could significantly raise health insurance costs for many people.
If subsidies lapse, the Congressional Budget Office predicts premiums could more than double, leaving about 2 million more people without insurance.
The administration aims to stop big increases in premium costs.
Trump opposes a two-year extension of subsidies, favoring a plan to give money directly to individuals.
A draft plan to extend subsidies for two more years was circulated by the White House.
Enhanced subsidies were initially made to lower costs during the pandemic and extended through 2025.
A long-term extension of these subsidies over 10 years could cost $350 billion according to budget estimates.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced price cuts for 15 prescription drugs used to treat chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. These reductions will save an estimated $12 billion and are part of efforts to lower drug costs for Medicare users. The new drug prices, negotiated under policies from President Trump's administration and prior efforts, will take effect in 2027.
Key Facts
CMS announced price cuts for 15 drugs treating chronic diseases.
The cuts will save an estimated $12 billion from Medicare's spending.
New prices take effect on January 1, 2027.
The reductions are a continuation of efforts under the Inflation Reduction Act and President Trump's policies.
These 15 drugs accounted for about $42.5 billion in Medicare Part D costs in 2024.
The price changes are part of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program's second negotiation cycle.
The affected drugs include treatments for cancer, diabetes, asthma, and more.
Savings for Medicare enrollees are expected to reach $685 million in 2027.
U.S. lawmakers plan to review safety requirements in cars, such as automatic emergency braking, to see if they make cars too expensive. A hearing led by Senator Ted Cruz will look into how these safety technologies and environmental regulations affect car prices for Americans.
Key Facts
A hearing is scheduled for January 14 to discuss car safety mandates.
The focus will be on whether these mandates raise car prices.
Senator Ted Cruz will lead the hearing.
Automatic emergency braking systems will be part of the review.
Car alarms that remind drivers about passengers in the back seat will also be discussed.
Cruz says the rising cost of cars is partly due to mandated technologies and environmental rules.
The average car price has more than doubled in the past decade according to Cruz.
The IRS and Treasury Department are looking for public opinions on how to roll out a new federal tax credit scholarship program. This program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is meant to help students from low- and middle-income families with education costs, primarily focusing on private school tuition.
Key Facts
The IRS and Treasury Department are involved in the planning of a new tax credit program.
The program is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The tax credit is for donations to organizations that provide scholarships to K–12 students.
This initiative targets students from low- and middle-income families.
The program is mainly to help pay for private school tuition but can also cover other educational costs.
Each state will decide if it wants to participate in the program.
The IRS is seeking public feedback on the implementation of the program.
Starting in 2026, international visitors to popular U.S. national parks will need to pay an extra $100 fee. U.S. citizens and permanent residents will continue paying the current rate. President Trump's administration says this fee will help maintain the parks and keep costs affordable for American families.
Key Facts
From 2026, foreign tourists must pay a $100 extra fee to visit 11 popular U.S. national parks.
The cost of an annual park pass for non-residents will increase to over $250.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay $80 for an annual pass.
The Department of the Interior mentions "patriotic fee-free" days for residents on special holidays in 2026.
The extra revenue is intended to fund conservation and maintenance projects in the parks.
President Trump signed an executive order in July to increase entrance fees for international visitors.
U.S. national parks had more than 331 million visitors in 2024, showing a significant increase in tourist numbers.
The fee increase will also coincide with an upgraded online booking system and improved park access for motorcyclists.
The FBI is investigating six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video telling U.S. military members to ignore illegal orders. The lawmakers, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence, say their statements follow U.S. law, as service members swear to uphold the Constitution. The FBI's inquiries, directed by President Trump's administration, aim to determine if any laws were broken.
Key Facts
The FBI requested interviews with six Democratic lawmakers featured in a video about defying illegal military orders.
Senator Mark Kelly, among the lawmakers, is under review by the Pentagon for possible military law violations.
President Trump has accused these lawmakers of sedition and mentioned potential severe penalties.
The FBI's inquiry is to check if any wrongdoing occurred.
The lawmakers, all veterans or former intelligence officials, argue their video reflects U.S. law.
The FBI is led by Kash Patel, a Trump appointee, while the Pentagon's review involves the Secretary of the Navy.
Some Republicans, like Senator Lisa Murkowski, criticize the investigations as unnecessary.
The investigations are seen as part of a broader use of federal powers against political critics.
President Trump's administration has appointed Ralph Abraham, a former Louisiana health official, as the new principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Abraham previously worked as a Louisiana Surgeon General and was known for opposing mass vaccination promotions and supporting the controversial use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment.
Key Facts
Ralph Abraham is appointed as the CDC's principal deputy director.
The appointment was confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services and does not need Senate approval.
Abraham was a three-term congressman from 2015 to 2021 and has a background in veterinary and family medicine.
In February, Abraham stopped Louisiana's health department from using media campaigns to promote vaccinations.
He argued against COVID-19 vaccine safety and advised against its use publicly.
He supported using the unproven drug ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19.
Abraham was the seventh highest prescriber of ivermectin in Louisiana in 2021.
A special election in Tennessee is drawing national attention as both political parties try to win a congressional seat. Democrats are investing resources in the district, although it has been reliably Republican. The election results may signal changes in political dynamics as President Trump focuses on economic issues like affordability.
Key Facts
A special election is happening on December 2nd in Tennessee to fill a congressional seat.
Tennessee is traditionally a conservative area; Trump won there by 22% in the last presidential election.
Democrats are heavily investing in the race, and former Vice-President Kamala Harris has visited the area to support campaign efforts.
Political experts suggest the race is closer than usual, causing concern among Republicans.
Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent resignation from Congress adds tension within the Republican Party.
Republicans are worried about potential changes in voter preferences as midterm elections approach.
President Trump is focusing on affordability issues, such as high consumer prices and tariffs, to appeal to voters.
There are disagreements within the Republican Party regarding some of Trump’s proposals, like the controversial mortgage proposal and H1-B visas.
