In Alabama, Doug Jones, a Democratic politician, is running against Republican Tommy Tuberville for governor. Polls suggest Tuberville leads Jones by 19 points, which is a smaller lead than previous elections.
Key Facts
Doug Jones is running for governor in Alabama against Republican Tommy Tuberville.
Polling shows Tuberville would win by 19 points, down from the 38-point lead Republicans had in 2022.
Alabama has voted for Republican presidential candidates since 1980 and hasn't had a Democratic governor since 1999.
Tuberville is expected to get 53% of the vote, while Jones is expected to get 34%.
The poll surveyed 605 likely voters between November 12 and 13.
The primary elections will be in May 2026, with the gubernatorial election in November 2026.
Before Thanksgiving dinner, many Americans participate in a "turkey trot," a tradition involving a run or jog. This activity has become popular not just for burning calories but also for boosting mood and energy. The trend is a part of the growing interest in running, with an increase in participation seen across the country.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving turkey trots are footraces held on the morning of November 27.
Over 51 million people in the U.S. went running or jogging at least once in 2024.
The average American expects to eat about 2,092 calories at Thanksgiving dinner.
A short run before the meal helps increase metabolism and regulate appetite.
Running a 5K before dinner can help burn calories but doesn't fully offset a large meal.
It can take about 1.6 to 3.6 hours of running to burn the calories from a Thanksgiving dinner.
Light movement after a meal, like walking, aids digestion and steady blood sugar.
The turkey trot tradition began in Buffalo, New York, in 1896.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was shut down earlier than planned, having achieved much less in savings than expected. Although it was created to cut wasteful spending and increase government efficiency, its reported savings figures have been questioned and found to be exaggerated.
Key Facts
DOGE, a U.S. government advisory department, was dissolved ahead of its 18-month schedule.
It was intended to cut government waste and increase productivity by reducing jobs and canceling contracts.
DOGE claimed savings of $214 billion, equating to about $1,329 per taxpayer.
Elon Musk, initially a figurehead for DOGE, aimed for $1 to $2 trillion in savings but revised expectations downward.
There were plans for a “DOGE Dividend” for taxpayers which did not materialize.
CBS News found that DOGE often inflated its reported savings due to errors.
The Partnership for Public Service reported that DOGE's actions cost the government about $135 billion in lost productivity and legal expenses.
Errors in DOGE's accounting were significant, including claims of cutting an $8 billion ICE contract that was actually worth $8 million.
Usha Vance's spokesperson responded to rumors about her marriage to Vice President JD Vance after online photos showed her without a wedding ring. The spokesperson clarified that Usha, busy with daily tasks, sometimes forgets to wear her ring.
Key Facts
Usha Vance is married to Vice President JD Vance.
Photos of Usha not wearing her wedding ring led to online divorce rumors.
A spokesperson explained she often forgets her ring while doing routine activities.
The incident occurred during an event at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Usha Vance spoke at the event with First Lady Melania Trump on November 19.
More than a million people in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois are advised to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has marked certain areas in these states as having unhealthy air, which can be harmful if people spend too much time outside.
Key Facts
Over a million people are warned about unhealthy air quality in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois.
The EPA's AirNow map shows parts of these states in red, indicating unhealthy air conditions.
Affected areas in Michigan include parts of Cass County and St Joseph County.
In Indiana, most of Elkhart County and part of Kosciusko County have unhealthy air.
Kane County, DuPage County, and Cook County in Illinois, including Elgin, are also affected.
Air quality marked in orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups like children and the elderly.
Sensitive areas include parts of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and California.
AirNow provides real-time updates on air quality, tracking pollutants in the air.
A polar vortex is expected to bring colder and snowier weather to parts of the U.S. around Thanksgiving, which could affect holiday travel. The National Weather Service forecasts these conditions could impact areas from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Plains. The cold weather is predicted to coincide with high travel volumes during the holiday week.
Key Facts
The polar vortex is cold air from the Arctic that may move southward over the U.S.
A combination of the polar vortex, the Madden-Julian Oscillation, and La Niña is likely to cause winter-like weather.
The cold weather could affect areas from Seattle to Dallas and Chicago during Thanksgiving week.
Nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel by road, and TSA expects to screen 17.8 million air travelers during the holiday period.
The National Weather Service highlights a moderate risk of heavy snow in certain regions, including the Central Rockies and Upper Great Lakes.
Cooler temperatures might continue in northern parts of the U.S. into mid-December.
Scientists are researching the connection between climate change and the frequency of polar vortex events.
President Donald Trump invited New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House. During the meeting, Mamdani and Trump shared a notable moment, and conservative influencer Jack Posobiec asked challenging questions. A recent political resolution and reactions from socialists added context to the discussions.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump met New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House.
Trump and Mamdani had a conversation in the Oval Office, which included a humorous moment.
Conservative influencer Jack Posobiec asked Mamdani about taxation and gained media attention.
The World Socialist Web Site criticized Mamdani's interaction with Trump.
Eighty-six Democrats voted with Republicans on a measure condemning socialism before the meeting.
This meeting attracted attention due to the political tensions and different reactions it caused.
A Florida truck driver named Sergei Tiurkin, who fled Russia and was authorized to work in the U.S., was detained by immigration agents during a routine stop. Despite having valid work permits, ICE detained him due to concerns about his legal status in the U.S. Tiurkin and his family are in the process of seeking asylum to avoid being sent back to Russia.
Key Facts
Sergei Tiurkin is a truck driver from Florida who left Russia and obtained work authorization in the U.S.
He was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near Atlanta, Georgia.
Tiurkin has a U.S. commercial driver's license and no criminal record in either the U.S. or Russia.
ICE is actively targeting commercial drivers suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, part of broader immigration enforcement actions.
Tiurkin's family entered the U.S. via a border app called CBP One and are seeking asylum.
The family fears deportation to Russia, where there are increased military mobilizations.
The U.S. trucking industry is concerned about driver shortages and impacts on supply chains due to such enforcement actions.
Many Americans are falling behind on debt payments, with total household debt reaching $18.6 trillion in 2025. Large numbers of defaults on credit cards, auto loans, and student loans highlight financial difficulties driven by high inflation and interest rates. This situation may challenge economic growth as people cut back on spending.
Key Facts
Total household debt in the U.S. hit a record $18.6 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.
Credit card debt increased by $24 billion, with serious delinquency rates at 7.1%.
Auto loans have a delinquency rate of 3%, leading to 2.2 million vehicle repossessions so far in 2025.
5.5 million student borrowers are in default, and another 3.7 million are over 270 days delinquent.
The high levels of debt and defaults are compared to the period before the Great Recession.
High inflation and interest rates are identified as key reasons for the financial stress.
Rising defaults may slow down economic growth as people cut back on spending.
Some experts note that while debt issues are severe, not all signs point to an immediate crisis, as write-off rates are not extremely high.
Pollster Nate Silver reported that more people disapprove of President Donald Trump now than at a similar time during his first term. As of October 2023, 55.9% of respondents disapprove of Trump, slightly more than in 2017. This disapproval may impact the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans have a slim majority in the House.
Key Facts
55.9% of people disapprove of President Trump, up from 54.9% at a similar point in his first term.
Nate Silver is a well-known statistician and founded the website FiveThirtyEight.
Silver mentioned Trump's net approval rating is slightly better than in his first term but is trending down.
Trump's handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and economic concerns have affected public opinion.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll shows Trump's approval rating at 39%, with a disapproval of 58%.
Fox News poll states 76% of voters have a negative view of the economy.
Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, with 219 seats to the Democrats' 214.
President Trump criticized media-published polls, calling them biased and inaccurate.
A series of winter storms are expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to northern parts of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches across several states due to expected snowfall and potentially hazardous travel conditions.
Key Facts
Winter storm watches are in effect for Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York.
Parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula could see over 12 inches of snow and winds up to 45 mph.
Northern Wisconsin could experience 6 to 12 inches of lake-effect snow and winds up to 35 mph.
Areas in Minnesota might receive up to 9 inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Northern and southern North Dakota may see at least 4 inches of snow and strong winds from Monday to Tuesday.
Western and upstate New York could have more than 7 inches of lake-effect snow and dangerous travel conditions from Wednesday to Friday.
The National Weather Service advises people to delay travel and exercise caution if necessary travel is required.
Protesters staged an event at a Home Depot store in California to oppose the company's alleged connection with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) worksite raids. The event involved buying and immediately returning 17-cent ice scrapers to disrupt the store's operations. Home Depot denies coordinating with ICE and states they are unaware of ICE activities in their stores.
Key Facts
Protesters in Monrovia, California, lined up at Home Depot to buy 17-cent ice scrapers and then returned them to disrupt the store.
The protest was against alleged ICE raids at Home Depot stores.
Home Depot has denied any coordination with ICE for these raids.
The protest followed the recent death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez, an immigrant day laborer, in Monrovia.
Home Depot states they comply with all federal and local laws and were unaware of the ICE operations.
Nearly 100 people participated in this "buy-in" protest strategy.
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network coordinated the protest.
Home Depot claims they support employees through immigration-related community issues.
Social Security benefit payments up to $5,108 are being distributed this week. The payment dates vary depending on birth dates and eligibility, and a cost-of-living adjustment will increase benefits in 2026.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits are paid out in waves each month to about 70 million Americans.
Payment dates correspond to the beneficiaries' birth days or specific eligibility rules.
On November 26, those born between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive payments.
The maximum monthly benefit can be $5,108 for those who delay claiming until age 70.
In December, payments occur on specific dates: the 1st (SSI), 3rd (SSI and Social Security), 10th, 17th, and 24th.
As of August 2025, the average monthly benefit for retired workers was $2,008.31.
A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase benefits in 2026, adding about $56 more per month for the average retiree.
President Trump plans to propose a new initiative that would extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for two years but with new eligibility limits. This comes as ACA tax credits are set to expire, and there is concern about rising health care costs.
Key Facts
President Trump will propose a plan to extend ACA tax credits for two more years.
The proposal includes new income limits for eligibility for the tax credits.
The plan would require those receiving the credits to make a minimum premium payment, removing options with no premiums.
It encourages buying lower-premium health plans through the ACA exchange.
For people who switch to cheaper plans, savings would go into health savings accounts provided by taxpayer dollars.
There is ongoing debate about using these subsidies for elective abortions, with the Hyde Amendment being a point of controversy.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned on NBC's "Meet the Press" that an announcement on health care costs is expected soon.
Sens. Bill Cassidy and Rick Scott have suggested alternative ACA subsidy plans using tax-privileged savings accounts.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by President Donald Trump to reduce government size, has been dissolved eight months before its mandate was set to end. Created through an executive order, the DOGE aimed to cut federal spending, but its closure marks the end of that centralized effort. Despite officially ending, recent updates show DOGE was still active in reducing contracts just before its closure.
Key Facts
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was set up by President Donald Trump to cut back federal government spending and improve efficiency.
DOGE was reported to have closed, with eight months remaining on its official mandate.
Elon Musk initially led DOGE with a target to cut $2 trillion from government spending.
DOGE is no longer a centralized office, as confirmed by Scott Kupor of the Office of Personnel Management.
Musk suggested a reduced target of $1 trillion as a more realistic outcome.
The government hiring freeze, part of DOGE's efforts, has also ended.
Despite its closure, DOGE reported terminating contracts worth $335 million in savings recently.
The Trump administration has not officially declared DOGE's end, though signals and shifts in personnel indicate its closure.
Democratic Party members are considering using ranked-choice voting for the 2028 presidential primaries. This method would allow voters to rank candidates by preference instead of choosing just one. The idea has received mixed reactions within the party.
Key Facts
Democratic politicians and activists are discussing ranked-choice voting for the 2028 primaries.
Ranked-choice voting lets voters rank candidates instead of picking just one.
Some party members believe this method could make the party more united and prevent vote "wasting."
There are concerns about longer waiting times at polls and complications with logistics.
To adopt this system, both the Democratic National Committee and state parties would need to agree.
Alaska, Maine, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York City have adopted ranked-choice voting.
Some DNC members are open to the idea, while others prefer to follow the lead of the states.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been less active on the national scene recently, leading to speculation about her interest in running for president in 2028. She has focused more on state matters and not engaged in the early campaigning efforts seen by other potential Democratic candidates. Despite her current focus, Whitmer has not ruled out a future presidential run.
Key Facts
Governor Whitmer has reduced her national media presence and political activities aimed at a 2028 presidential run.
She has expressed a preference to focus on Michigan until her term ends in January 2027.
Whitmer has not significantly expanded her political team and spends less on digital platforms compared to others.
She has maintained a small political team with mostly Michigan-based experience.
Whitmer has visited several states and countries but hasn't campaigned heavily compared to other potential candidates.
Whitmer told Bloomberg News that she cannot rule out a presidential run.
Some Democrats believe that the U.S. is not yet ready for a female president, as expressed by Michelle Obama.
Stephanie Hockridge, a former TV news anchor from Phoenix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in pandemic loan fraud. She and her husband, through their company Blueacorn, processed over $63 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans. They were charged with creating fake documents to get larger loans and taking kickbacks.
Key Facts
Stephanie Hockridge, a former news anchor, was sentenced to 10 years for pandemic loan fraud.
She and her husband created a company in April 2020 to help small businesses get Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
Hockridge and others made fake documents to secure larger loans.
Over $63 million in fake PPP loans were processed by Hockridge and her team.
They charged borrowers kickbacks, which are illegal payments for securing loans.
Hockridge was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Her husband, Nathan Reis, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in December.
The fraud was part of larger efforts to misuse COVID-19 relief funds in the U.S.
A shooting took place at the MJR Partridge Creek Cinema in Clinton Township, Michigan, during a tree lighting event. One person was injured, and the police are still looking for the suspect.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Sunday evening at a mall located 20 miles north of Detroit.
A person was shot in the abdomen and is currently stable.
The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a green hooded sweatshirt with white flowers, jeans, and tennis shoes.
The suspect was last seen leaving the mall heading west.
Police say the incident was isolated and involved two groups, not aimed at the tree lighting ceremony.
Helicopter footage showed police vehicles and tape around the area following the incident.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and lock their doors and windows.
The Clinton Township Police Department is investigating and working to find the suspect.
