Americans are seeing changes in Thanksgiving meal prices, with Walmart advertising lower costs for its meal kit this year. However, experts note that while meal kits seem cheaper, they contain fewer items and use generic brands. Official data indicates that prices for turkeys and other Thanksgiving staples like potatoes and apples are rising, mainly due to avian flu impacts and inflation.
Key Facts
Walmart's Thanksgiving meal kit is priced lower this year, advertised at $4 per person for 10 people.
The kit contains fewer items (20 this year versus 29 last year) and uses more generic brands.
Official data from the USDA predicts turkey prices to be about 40% higher due to avian flu affecting supply.
Avian flu has led to the culling of entire flocks when infections are detected, reducing turkey availability.
Other staples like potatoes, rolls, and apples have price increases outpacing the average inflation rate.
Cranberry sauce prices have risen by 22% compared to last year.
Consumer confidence in the economy has declined to its lowest level since April.
Wine prices are mixed, with domestic production leading to lower costs, but European imports face a 15% increase due to tariffs.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an operation led by Elon Musk and President Trump targeting federal agencies, has been dismantled earlier than planned. A top government official confirmed that DOGE is no longer active.
Key Facts
DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency.
Elon Musk and President Trump led this operation.
DOGE aimed at improving the efficiency of federal agencies.
The operation was dismantled earlier than its scheduled end date.
A government personnel official confirmed the disbanding of DOGE.
Reuters reported on the dismantling of this operation.
Food banks in the United States are facing difficulties meeting demand as the holiday season approaches. This situation has been made worse by changes to SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown and expected future restrictions.
Key Facts
Food banks across the U.S. are seeing increased demand.
The holiday season is a time when more people seek assistance from food banks.
SNAP benefits were disrupted during a recent government shutdown.
Future government restrictions and cutbacks on SNAP benefits are expected.
These changes contribute to the challenges food banks are facing in providing support.
President Trump pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys named Waddle and Gobble during a ceremony at the White House. The pardoning event is a yearly tradition where the U.S. president saves turkeys from being eaten during Thanksgiving.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned two turkeys named Waddle and Gobble.
The event took place in the White House Rose Garden on November 25.
During the ceremony, Waddle was missing, but President Trump mentioned that it was okay.
The pardoning of turkeys for Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition in the U.S.
Waddle and Gobble stayed at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington DC the night before the pardon.
In 2020, President Trump pardoned turkeys named Corn and Cob.
In November, consumer confidence in the United States dropped to its lowest point since April, mainly due to concerns about jobs and finances. The Conference Board's index fell to 88.7 from 95.5 in October, partially influenced by the recent government shutdown. Economists had expected a smaller decline, but the impact of the shutdown affected the availability of economic data.
Key Facts
In November, the consumer confidence index decreased to 88.7 from 95.5 in October.
The decline is partly attributed to the recent U.S. government shutdown.
Economists had predicted the index would fall to 93.4, indicating a smaller drop than what occurred.
Concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics were prominent factors in consumers' views.
Confidence was low across all income groups, with a slight increase for those earning less than $15,000 per year.
The labor market showed signs of slowing, with only 119,000 jobs added in September.
The jobless rate increased slightly to 4.4%.
Limited data is available due to the shutdown's disruption of federal data collection.
The U.S. House of Representatives will increase funds to enhance security for its members due to rising violence threats. A new program starting next month offers lawmakers up to $20,000 monthly for security improvements at personal and work locations. Other security measures include a mobile app for emergency alerts and additional security systems for homes.
Key Facts
The U.S. House will raise security funds for members as fears of violence grow.
Members will get $20,000 per month for security at home, offices, and during travel.
This funding is double what was provided previously under a pilot program.
Lawmakers can also use a separate $20,000 lifetime fund for home security systems.
Up to $350 per month is available to maintain these home security systems.
A new Mobile Duress Program will help lawmakers send security alerts via an app.
The app connects with local police, Capitol Police, and House security offices.
These security programs start on December 1 and include access for immediate family members.
President Donald Trump continues to have strong support from most Republicans, despite some political disagreements and resignation announcements from notable party members. Recent polls indicate that Trump's approval among Republicans remains high, though there is a slight decline compared to earlier in the year. The Republican Party's upcoming challenges include maintaining support from younger and independent voters.
Key Facts
President Trump had a public disagreement with Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene over the Epstein files.
Most Republicans still support Trump, with polls showing 88% approval among GOP voters according to YouGov.
Trump's approval among the overall U.S. electorate is lower, with varying polls showing around 39-43% approval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign from Congress in January 2026.
Despite some internal party frustrations, Trump’s high approval among Republicans remains consistent across different surveys.
Republican strategist Matt Klink says Trump’s successes are seen as key to future GOP election victories.
The Republican Party faces challenges with independent and younger voters as it approaches the 2026 midterm elections.
A high school football coach in Virginia, Travis L. Turner, is wanted by police for possessing child sexual abuse material and using a computer to solicit a minor. Turner disappeared just before his team’s playoff game, and authorities are actively searching for him. The investigation is ongoing, and Turner has been placed on administrative leave by the school district.
Key Facts
Travis L. Turner is a high school football coach in Virginia.
Police accuse Turner of having child sexual abuse material and using a computer to contact a minor.
Turner vanished before a regional playoff game with his undefeated football team.
The police were supposed to interview Turner, but he left before they arrived.
Dogs, drones, and search teams are involved in searching for Turner.
Turner has not responded to calls from the Associated Press, and there is no attorney listed for him.
The school district has barred him from school grounds and contact with students.
The investigation is ongoing, and police seek public help in finding Turner.
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell has filed a lawsuit against the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Bill Pulte. The lawsuit claims Pulte misused his position by improperly accessing mortgage records of Swalwell and other critics of President Trump. Swalwell wants the referral for criminal charges against him to be withdrawn and is seeking damages.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Representative, filed a federal lawsuit.
The lawsuit accuses Bill Pulte, a Trump administration official, of misuse of power.
Pulte is responsible for the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Swalwell claims Pulte accessed private mortgage records without proper cause.
Swalwell and other critics of President Trump were targeted, according to him.
The lawsuit was filed after Pulte referred Swalwell to the Justice Department for criminal charges.
Swalwell wants the court to make Pulte withdraw the referral.
Swalwell is also asking for unspecified monetary damages.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point in his second term, according to a poll by The Economist and YouGov. The poll reveals that 38% of people approve of Trump, while 57% disapprove, with notable disapproval among women and older adults.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is at 38%, the lowest in his second term.
His disapproval rating stands at 57%, according to the poll.
The Economist and YouGov surveyed 1,677 U.S. adults from November 21 to November 24, 2025.
The poll has a margin of error of 3.4%.
The poll showed 28% approval and 55% disapproval for Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Political analysts suggest discontent over economic issues and government performance may influence upcoming midterm elections.
The poll highlights significant disapproval among women and older Americans.
James Fishback, a political newcomer running for governor in Florida in 2026, plans to ban the use of H-1B visa workers in state government. He is challenging the Trump-endorsed candidate, Byron Donalds, and is running his campaign with a focus on affordability and opposing certain immigration policies. Fishback has also taken stands against offshore drilling and AI data centers that he believes increase electric bills.
Key Facts
James Fishback is running for governor of Florida in 2026.
Fishback plans to ban H-1B visa workers from state government roles.
He is running against Byron Donalds, who is endorsed by President Trump.
Fishback is focusing his campaign on making life more affordable for Florida residents.
He is critical of some of President Trump's immigration policies, especially regarding high-skilled visa programs.
Fishback opposes expanded offshore drilling in Florida.
He also opposes building AI data centers in Florida due to concerns about increased electric bills.
Fishback describes himself as a conservationist and seeks to balance business with environmental concerns.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that she will not seek another term in office. This decision follows a year of challenges after President Donald Trump placed the city's police under federal control and sent National Guard troops as part of an effort to address crime.
Key Facts
Muriel Bowser is the current mayor of Washington, D.C.
She is completing her third term as mayor.
Bowser has decided not to run for a fourth term.
President Donald Trump issued an emergency order affecting Washington, D.C.
This order put the city's police under federal control.
Hundreds of National Guard members were deployed in the city as part of the order.
The federal control and deployment were described as efforts to combat crime.
The announcement is part of a developing news story.
A Minnesota judge dismissed guilty verdicts in a fraud case against Abdifatah Abdulkadir Yusuf, who was originally convicted of aiding in a large Medicaid fraud scheme. The decision led to criticism from conservative figures, and the Minnesota Attorney General's Office plans to appeal the ruling.
Key Facts
Minnesota Judge Sarah West overturned a jury's guilty verdict against Abdifatah Abdulkadir Yusuf for aiding and abetting theft.
Yusuf was accused of assisting in a fraud scheme at Promise Health Services LLC, which allegedly resulted in over $7.2 million being defrauded from Medicaid.
The judge cited a lack of direct evidence connecting Yusuf to the fraud, suggesting reasonable doubt about his involvement.
Conservatives have criticized the ruling, expressing concern over judicial trust and fraud prosecution.
Minnesota State Representative Kristin Robbins and social media activist Robby Starbuck voiced their disapproval publicly.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is appealing the judge's decision.
Yusuf was previously charged with multiple counts, including racketeering and theft by swindle.
The court initially acquitted Yusuf of racketeering before overturning the remaining guilty verdicts.
The FBI is seeking to interview Democratic lawmakers who were in a video urging U.S. troops to ignore unlawful orders. This follows President Trump’s accusations of sedition against them and a separate Pentagon investigation into Senator Mark Kelly. The Democratic lawmakers involved have criticized the FBI's actions.
Key Facts
The FBI wants to interview Democratic lawmakers featured in the video.
The video involves a call for troops to reject "illegal orders."
The Pentagon is also conducting an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly.
President Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition in a social media post.
Sedition is a serious charge that involves inciting people to rebel against authority.
The Democratic lawmakers have stated that the FBI's actions serve to intimidate them.
The FBI has reached out to Congress officials to arrange the interviews.
President Donald Trump is contemplating replacing FBI Director Kash Patel due to concerns about Patel's management of resources and issues with other Trump supporters. Trump is considering appointing Andrew Bailey, a senior FBI official, as Patel's potential successor.
Key Facts
President Trump is thinking about replacing FBI Director Kash Patel.
Patel has been criticized internally for how he uses the FBI's resources.
Concerns include the use of a government plane and security for Patel's girlfriend.
President Trump and advisers are uneasy with negative news linked to Patel.
Trump might choose Andrew Bailey as the new FBI Director.
Despite public support, Patel's position is becoming unstable.
A new bill called the "Payment Choice Act of 2025" has been proposed in Congress. The bill would require stores in the United States to accept cash as payment. The bill has bipartisan support and aims to ensure that people without bank accounts can still make purchases.
Key Facts
The "Payment Choice Act of 2025" was introduced in Congress to make stores accept cash.
The bill is supported by 17 cosponsors, including members from both major political parties.
Representative John Rose from Tennessee introduced the bill.
The bill ensures that U.S. currency must be accepted for in-store purchases up to $500.
It prohibits charging more for cash payments compared to other methods.
Exceptions exist for temporary sale system failures and when stores offer cash conversion to prepaid cards.
A similar bill has been proposed in the Senate.
Some states like Colorado and New Jersey already have cash acceptance laws in place.
The U.S. Department of Defense is investigating Senator Mark Kelly after a video where he and other Democratic lawmakers urged military personnel to resist illegal orders. The video, featuring former military members, argues that unconstitutional threats exist domestically. The Pentagon's investigation focuses on whether Kelly breached military law.
Key Facts
The Defense Department is looking into a video involving Senator Mark Kelly and other Democrats.
The video calls on military members to defy "illegal orders."
Alongside Kelly, other former military Democrats like Representatives Deluzio, Houlahan, Crow, Slotkin, and Goodlander appear in the video.
The lawmakers claim that current threats to the Constitution are internal, not just from abroad.
The Pentagon's investigation involves possible violations related to military law.
Mark Kelly served as a navy officer and astronaut before entering politics, and focuses on national security issues in the Senate.
According to military law, following unconstitutional orders is not mandatory.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. economy decreased in November, mainly due to the recent government shutdown, weak job growth, and ongoing high prices. The consumer confidence index, a measure of how people feel about the economy, fell to its lowest level since April. This drop in confidence might affect political outcomes and consumer spending in the future.
Key Facts
The consumer confidence index fell to 88.7 in November from 95.5 in October.
The decline is linked to the government shutdown, weak hiring, and persistent inflation.
President Donald Trump announced tariffs in April, causing the stock market to fall.
Consumers are increasingly worried about high prices and weak job growth.
Less consumer confidence might impact spending, but this link isn't always direct.
27.6% of people in November said jobs are "plentiful," down from 28.6% in October.
17.9% said jobs are "hard to get" in November, slightly less than 18.3% in October.
The uncertainty about job availability is an indicator of future hiring and unemployment rates.
Twenty states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They aim to stop changes to a federal housing program. The lawsuit claims these changes could harm support for homeless Americans.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum of Care grant program.
The states argue the program changes violate what Congress intended.
The changes could reduce funds for permanent housing.
New rules might limit who can get funding support based on gender.
Rhode Island's Attorney General claims the changes could worsen homelessness in his state.
President Donald Trump spoke at the White House Turkey Pardon ceremony, where he joked about his weight and the large size of the turkeys being pardoned. The event included discussions on various current issues and introduced the term "Maha" to describe the turkeys. The turkey pardon is a traditional American ceremony where the president pardons turkeys, saving them from being served at Thanksgiving dinner.
Key Facts
President Trump joked about wanting to lose weight during the White House Turkey Pardon ceremony.
Two large turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, were pardoned at the event.
Trump discussed issues like ICE enforcement and crime in American cities during his speech.
The term "Maha" was introduced to describe the turkeys, which were certified as such.
The presidential turkey pardon tradition began in 1947 and became official in 1989.
Trump humorously suggested naming the turkeys after Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer.
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden's turkey pardons as invalid due to his use of an autopen.
