Orlando, Florida, is the most popular U.S. destination for Thanksgiving travel in 2025, while Paris tops the list for international travelers. AAA reports nearly 82 million people will travel in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving period, with increases in both car and air travel expected.
Key Facts
Orlando, Florida, is the top U.S. destination for Thanksgiving travel.
Florida cities Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa also ranked highly for domestic travel.
Paris, France, is the most popular international destination for U.S. travelers during Thanksgiving.
Other top international destinations include Amsterdam, Vienna, and Cancun.
AAA forecasts nearly 82 million people will travel in the U.S. over the Thanksgiving period from November 25 to December 1, 2025.
6 million U.S. travelers are expected to fly domestically during this period.
Around 73 million Americans are set to travel by car for Thanksgiving.
The number of people taking cruises is around 20.7 million, with expectations for this number to rise next year.
Immigration agents entered a family's apartment in Queens, New York, forcibly, pointing guns at a mother and her children. The agents, searching for a suspect not living there, did not show a warrant. This event has raised concerns about immigration enforcement practices.
Key Facts
Immigration agents entered a basement apartment in Queens, New York, on November 13.
The agents knocked down the door and pointed guns at a mother and her four children.
The family involved includes children aged 2, 8, 10, and 13, who are U.S. citizens.
Agents did not announce themselves or show a warrant according to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC).
Agents were looking for Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt, who was not living at that address.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the suspect had used the address officially.
The incident has sparked criticism about immigration enforcement methods and raised legal concerns.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to condemn socialism, with several Democrats joining Republicans in the decision. This vote happened before a meeting between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a prominent democratic socialist. Mamdani's rise has caused debate among Democrats, especially concerning the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives passed a resolution to condemn socialism.
Many Democrats voted with Republicans in favor of the resolution.
Democrats are concerned that being associated with socialism could impact those in competitive districts during future elections.
The vote took place ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Zohran Mamdani.
Zohran Mamdani recently became the mayor-elect of New York City, known for his democratic socialist views.
Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization critical of capitalism.
Democratic socialists advocate for policies like single-payer health care and the Green New Deal.
President Donald Trump commented on several Democratic lawmakers, saying their advice to military members about not following illegal orders amounted to sedition, which is serious wrongdoing against the government. He mentioned on social media that such behavior could be punishable by death, but later clarified on a radio show that he was not threatening them with death.
Key Facts
President Trump made remarks about Democratic lawmakers suggesting they committed sedition.
Sedition is when someone acts against their government, which is seen as a serious crime.
Trump posted on Truth Social saying this behavior could be punishable by death.
He later said on Fox News Radio that he wasn't threatening death to anyone.
Trump mentioned that in the past, such acts could result in death penalties.
He acknowledged that today’s standards are "softer" compared to the past.
A New Jersey court found Kristhie I. Alcazar not guilty by reason of insanity for killing her five-month-old daughter in 2021. The judge ruled this after reviewing her mental health, and Alcazar will now undergo psychiatric evaluation at a state facility.
Key Facts
Kristhie I. Alcazar was charged in connection with the 2021 death of her infant daughter.
The court found her not guilty due to insanity, based on her mental health evaluation.
Alcazar admitted to stabbing her child and showed police the weapon used.
The incident occurred after police received a 911 call reporting a disturbance.
Alcazar's mother described the situation as a "traumatic episode."
Alcazar will be transferred to a state psychiatric hospital for further evaluation.
The article examines claims that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene hired security because of a recent disagreement with President Donald Trump. It finds that Greene has had security arrangements prior to this conflict, spending significant amounts on personal protection before their public disagreement. The article suggests that the claims she only hired security after the fallout are not true.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene recently had a public disagreement with President Donald Trump.
Some social media claims suggested Greene hired security due to threats after her conflict with Trump.
Greene has posted about private security firms contacting her regarding threats.
Trump has criticized Greene publicly, impacting their relationship.
Greene has had a history of spending on personal security before her disagreement with Trump.
In 2022, she spent a significant amount, about $183,000, on a private security firm.
Greene's campaign finances show she had other security expenses as far back as 2022 and 2023.
Many members of Congress, including Greene, invest in private security due to political tensions.
A 22-year-old content creator from New York City, Sanjita Pamidimukkala, has sparked a discussion online with her TikTok video criticizing the American focus on independence, which she believes contributes to loneliness and disconnection, especially among Gen Z. Her video, which suggests that prioritizing self-care over community may lead to weaker social ties, has gained significant attention and engagement online.
Key Facts
Sanjita Pamidimukkala is a 22-year-old entrepreneur and content creator from New York City.
She posted a TikTok video on October 24 discussing the impact of "hyperindividualism" in America.
The video has received over 737,000 views and 167,000 likes on TikTok.
Pamidimukkala argues that the cultural focus on independence leads to loneliness and disconnection.
She suggests that excessive focus on self-care and boundaries can isolate people.
Dr. Dakari Quimby noted that loneliness in the U.S. has increased, despite online connectivity.
National surveys report high loneliness rates among adults, especially younger ones.
The video criticizes the American approach to friendship as transactional and shallow.
A survey conducted by GE Appliances found the most popular Thanksgiving pie flavors in each of the 48 contiguous U.S. states. The survey shows that while pumpkin pie is a favorite in many areas, other flavors like pecan pie are preferred in specific regions, reflecting local traditions and resources. A detailed map was created to showcase these preferences by state.
Key Facts
GE Appliances surveyed over 1,500 people across 48 states to find each state's favorite Thanksgiving pie.
Pumpkin pie is a popular choice, especially in the Midwest and Western states.
Pecan pie is the top choice in Southern states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Pumpkin pie's ingredients include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and it's known for its smooth, mildly spiced flavor.
Pecan pie features a sweet, gooey filling with brown sugar and crunchy pecans, popular due to local pecan harvests.
Pie flavor preferences reflect the cultural and ethnic history of each region, using local resources.
The study highlights the connection between Thanksgiving traditions and regional culinary histories.
The Supreme Court is considering whether to hear President Donald Trump's appeal on his order about birthright citizenship. This order says children born in the U.S. to parents who are there illegally or temporarily should not automatically become citizens. Lower courts have blocked this order, so it hasn't been enforced yet.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is deciding if they will hear a case about birthright citizenship.
President Trump issued an order denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents without legal or permanent status.
Lower courts have blocked the order from being enforced.
The Supreme Court's decision on whether to take the case could come as soon as Monday.
If the court hears the case, it will happen in the spring, with a decision expected by early summer.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and 34-year-old state legislator, won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the city's youngest and first Muslim immigrant mayor. Mamdani defeated former state Governor Andrew Cuomo and was supported by various diverse community groups. His platform includes higher taxes for the wealthy, affordable housing, better public transport, and free childcare.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became New York City's mayor, winning against Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani is the city's first Muslim immigrant mayor and its youngest in over 100 years.
President Donald Trump supported Andrew Cuomo in the election.
Mamdani's victory is seen as a boost for progressive politics in the U.S.
His campaign focused on diverse groups including African Americans, Muslims, Jews, and youth.
Mamdani's platform includes taxing the wealthy more, affordable housing, improved public transport, and free childcare.
The article discusses a report on utility bill costs across U.S. states, highlighting that some states have significantly higher bills than others. It mentions that Maryland has the highest average utility bills, while South Dakota has the lowest. The rising cost of utilities is contributing to financial concerns for many Americans living paycheck to paycheck.
Key Facts
Americans spend $532 billion annually on utility bills.
The average U.S. household pays a median utility bill of $347 per month.
Maryland has the highest average utility bills at $546 per month.
South Dakota has the lowest average utility bills at $280 per month.
High utility costs are often found in deregulated states where prices are set through market mechanisms.
Utility costs can be underreported or misreported in aggregate data.
Rising utility costs are part of broader financial pressures for many Americans.
A group of 37 House Democrats, led by Rep. Eugene Vindman, is asking President Trump to release the transcript of a 2019 phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman following journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Vindman, who was a legal adviser at the time, claims he reviewed the call's transcript and believes the public should know what was discussed.
Key Facts
37 House Democrats requested the release of a 2019 call transcript between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The request comes after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Rep. Eugene Vindman, formerly with the National Security Council, plans to hold a news conference.
Vindman claims he has reviewed the transcript of the call.
The lawmakers express that Americans should know about any exchanges or promises made during the call.
President Trump previously commented that Crown Prince bin Salman denied knowing about Khashoggi's murder.
A baby lounger sold by Walmart and a children's learning tower have been recalled because they could be dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced these recalls due to risks that include infants falling or becoming trapped.
Key Facts
Nuoxuann recalled Bearlala Baby Loungers due to fall and entrapment risks.
The loungers were sold on Walmart.com from August to October 2025, priced between $35 and $45.
About 300 Bearlala Baby Loungers are affected by the recall.
No injuries have been reported from using the Bearlala Baby Loungers.
Little Partners recalled the Grow 'N Stow Folding Learning Tower for fall risks.
Around 9,780 of these towers are involved, sold from December 2024 to September 2025.
There have been 14 reports of the learning tower collapsing, with one child sustaining bruises.
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using these products immediately and contact the companies for refunds or repair kits.
A company called More Monuments plans to build a 500-foot statue of George Washington with a stainless-steel exterior. The statue will be called "The Colossus of George" and, when combined with its pedestal, will reach 650 feet, making it the tallest monument in the U.S. The project is privately funded, but the location and cost are not yet determined.
Key Facts
More Monuments plans a 500-foot statue of George Washington.
The monument will have a 150-foot pedestal, totaling 650 feet in height.
It would be the tallest monument in the U.S., surpassing the Gateway Arch.
The statue will be called "The Colossus of George."
The project is funded through private means like cryptocurrency and sponsorships.
More Monuments completed its first project, a 54-foot statue, in Austin, Texas.
The final location of the statue is still being decided, with a focus on the Southeast.
The project is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, with $175,000 already raised.
The U.S. Coast Guard updated its policy on hate symbols, clearly banning items like swastikas and nooses. The change came after criticism of a draft policy that used the term "potentially divisive" to describe these symbols.
Key Facts
The U.S. Coast Guard released a new policy on hate symbols, including nooses and swastikas.
The updated policy states these symbols are banned and considered hate symbols.
Earlier, a draft policy described these symbols as "potentially divisive," which led to public criticism.
The new policy aims to prevent misinformation and confirms that such symbols are prohibited.
The term "potentially divisive" replaced language from a 2019 policy that linked these symbols to oppression or hatred.
Lawmakers and advocates were among those who criticized the initial draft policy.
The policy change was publicized after media attention, notably by The Washington Post.
Eric Swalwell has announced his candidacy for the 2026 California governor's race. Betting markets have adjusted his chances of winning from 33% to 41% overnight. Multiple candidates, including Swalwell, are vying for the position, with the primary election set for June 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell announced his run for governor of California on a television show.
Betting markets currently give Swalwell a 41% chance of winning the governor's race.
The California governor's primary election will be held in June 2026.
Other candidates include Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and Tom Steyer.
Tom Steyer's chance of winning dropped to 17% with Swalwell's entry into the race.
Katie Porter has faced scrutiny due to a viral incident and personal allegations.
A recent poll showed Republican Steve Hilton leading with 20% support, while Swalwell received 11%.
The general election for the governor will occur on November 3, 2026.
President Donald Trump often parts ways with people in his inner circle, and this has continued during his second term. Many former close advisers have fallen out of favor, but some have been able to win back his approval later on.
Key Facts
President Trump recently had a disagreement with Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In the past, he has severed ties with several key figures like Mike Pence, Michael Cohen, and Steve Bannon.
Trump’s advisory circle is not consistent; it changes frequently.
Only three out of 24 Cabinet-level positions in Trump's second term were held by individuals from his first term.
Steve Witkoff serves as Trump's Middle East envoy, and Howard Lutnick is the commerce secretary.
Despite past breakups, some figures like Elon Musk have managed to reconcile with Trump.
Trump tends to hire people he perceives as loyal for his second administration.
Some family members, like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, are not part of the current administration.
President Donald Trump's tariffs, aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing, have coincided with a decline in manufacturing jobs. Government data shows that the manufacturing sector has lost jobs over several months, despite some companies pledging investment in U.S. production.
Key Facts
President Trump aimed to revive U.S. manufacturing with tariffs that make importing goods more expensive.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the U.S. added 119,000 jobs overall in September, but manufacturing lost 6,000 jobs that month.
Manufacturing jobs have decreased by 58,000 since April, and by 94,000 over the past year.
This decline began before Trump’s current term but worsened after his tariff policies.
The White House says some companies are investing in U.S. production, citing gains in construction jobs.
The PMIs, which measure manufacturing activity, indicate a contraction in the sector for several months.
Economists are divided on the impact of the tariffs, with some critiquing their effectiveness.
The Trump administration's attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented man from El Salvador, faces challenges due to a missing formal removal order from 2019. Without this order, courts question the legal basis for his deportation. The case has sparked discussions about legal procedures and immigrant rights.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador.
In 2019, an immigration judge did not issue a formal removal order for Abrego.
This missing order affects the government's ability to legally deport him.
Courts are examining the case, focusing on due-process concerns.
Legal discussions highlight the necessity of a valid removal order for deportation.
Abrego's attorney argued the absence of an order violates due process rights.
The Trump administration considered multiple countries for Abrego's deportation.
Judge Paula Xinis indicated there is no record of a removal order for Abrego.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has put forward a new bill aiming to change how certain people use SNAP benefits to buy meals. The legislation, called the McSCUSE ME Act, wants to limit spending to healthier prepared food options instead of fast food. The bill will now be presented to the Senate for consideration.
Key Facts
Senator Joni Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act to reform the SNAP program.
SNAP helps over 42 million low- and no-income Americans with food purchases.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) under SNAP allows certain participants like the elderly, disabled, and homeless to buy prepared meals.
Nine states currently use RMP: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Oregon is testing it.
Over the last two years, $524 million was spent on RMP meals, mostly on fast food.
California was the highest spender with $475 million.
The new bill proposes that only grocery stores and places offering healthy prepared foods can accept SNAP benefits, excluding fast food chains.
The bill also calls for an annual report on RMP costs and vendor participation.
