Keeping up with America

Trump faces same reality as Biden: Americans despise higher prices

Voters are sick of inflation stories, but they’re even sicker of inflated bills — and it’s hitting Trump’s “I’ll fix the economy” pitch right in the brand.

Washington state resident dies in first confirmed H5N5 bird flu case in the US

A rare strain jumps into the US headlines: health officials say the risk to the general public is low, but “bird flu death in America” is not the phrase anyone wanted to hear before winter.

Texas asks US Supreme Court to let pro-Republican voting map stand

Austin vs. the courts, again: the new congressional map could shape who actually holds power in Washington for the rest of the decade.

Fire erupts on container ship at Port of Los Angeles, forcing dramatic response

A dangerous blaze on a docked ship shuts down parts of one of America’s most important ports — and reminds everyone how fragile the supply chain still is.

Around the World

G20 summit in South Africa pushes through declaration despite US boycott

The world’s biggest economies sign off on a deal without Washington at the table — and still manage to squeeze in Middle East and Ukraine language that will echo back to DC.

UAE unveils $1 billion push to expand AI projects across Africa

While the US argues over budgets, Gulf money quietly buys the future — servers, skills and influence across an entire continent.

Ukraine strikes Russian power and heat station near Moscow, officials say

Kyiv takes the fight straight at Russia’s energy infrastructure, turning “winter is coming” into a literal pressure point in Moscow’s backyard.

Four killed in massive Russian drone attack on Kharkiv

Ukraine’s second city absorbs yet another barrage as drones slam into residential areas — a grim reminder that “peace plans” are still being written over air-raid sirens.

US and Ukraine say they have an ‘updated and refined’ peace plan

Behind closed doors in Geneva, US, Ukrainian and European officials try to sand down the sharpest parts of Trump’s proposal — with territory, NATO and timelines all on the table.

Business and Tech

No recession risk for US economy as a whole after $11 billion shutdown hit, Bessent says

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells TV viewers the shutdown was expensive — but not fatal — and insists the US is bruised, not broken. Markets heard: “you still don’t get your rate cuts.”

UAE’s $1B AI bet in Africa sends a message to Silicon Valley

Chip demand, data centers and new AI testbeds — if you want a peek at the next frontier for tech growth, it might be in Lagos or Nairobi, not San Francisco.

US moves to expand operations targeting Venezuela oil and trafficking networks

Washington’s new “phase” in Venezuela isn’t just about politics — it’s about who controls oil flows, sanctions relief, and the next chapter of migration and energy prices.

Container ship fire in Los Angeles spotlights supply-chain vulnerabilities again

One fire, one port, and suddenly “just in time” looks like “just in trouble” — especially if you’re a retailer counting days to holiday delivery.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

No recession risk for US economy… but households still feel the $11 billion shutdown burn

Macro headlines say “fine,” micro realities say “ouch” — the shutdown’s lost paychecks and delayed payments are a reminder to keep at least one month of expenses outside your main paycheck cycle if you can.

Is a debt consolidation loan a good idea? Pros and cons

Lower payment, longer leash: this guide walks through when rolling your debts into one loan actually helps — and when you’re just repainting the same sinking ship.

What is a money market account — and when is it smarter than your checking account?

Think of it as “savings with a little extra muscle”: higher yields than checking, some check-writing flexibility, but also rules you shouldn’t ignore.

Texas voting map fight heads to Supreme Court — and why it matters for your wallet too

Who draws the lines often decides who writes tax, health-care and education laws — which means gerrymandering fights are really about your future cost of living.

Quick takeaway: This weekend’s money message is simple — don’t wait for “the economy” to get fixed from above.

Tighten the leaks you can (interest rates, fees, random subscriptions) and keep your optional spending aligned with the life you actually want, not just the one algorithms are advertising at you.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Kings overcome Jokic’s 44 points, beat Nuggets 128–123

Denver’s MVP drops 44 and still loses — Sacramento walks into the defending champs’ arena and leaves with the kind of win every contender wants on its résumé.

Porzingis scores 29 as Hawks hand Pelicans their first home loss of the season

Atlanta’s big man stretches the floor and snaps New Orleans’ home aura — a reminder that the East’s second tier is quietly sharpening its knives.

Aldama and Spencer lead shorthanded Grizzlies past Mavericks 102–96

No Ja, no problem (for one night): Memphis’ role players turn into headline names against Luka and crew.

Kirk Cousins leads Falcons to 24–10 win over Saints

Cousins shows up in the NFC South with efficient, drama-free football — the exact opposite of what the division usually gives us.

‘Wicked: For Good’ scores second-biggest movie debut of the year at the box office

The Emerald City is printing cash: the second part of the “Wicked” saga outperforms even the first, proof that musicals aren’t dead if the fandom is loud enough.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life

San Francisco International sees smooth start to Thanksgiving travel surge
SFO’s first big holiday rush in the new Terminal 1 comes with one big lesson: travel earlier and lighter if you want “boring” (in a good way) airport days.

Holiday travel season begins at SAN with something new for airport visitors
San Diego’s airport shows how to hack goodbyes and reunions with the new “SAN Pass” that lets non-ticketed visitors go to the gate — a preview of how more US hubs might handle crowds and emotions.

Busy holiday travel rush in full swing
ABC’s snapshot of the national travel crush doubles as a checklist: book earlier flights, expect packed terminals, and build delay time into every connection.

Thanksgiving travel — here’s the best time to hit the road
A traffic-data cheat sheet on when not to drive this week — perfect if you’re trying to avoid six-hour “why is this moving?” conversations on the interstate.

Thanksgiving travel to bring longer waits, aggressive driving, officials warn
AAA + state police outline what to expect on the roads — and how to avoid becoming the main character in someone else’s road-rage story.

This year’s top Thanksgiving travel destinations
A quick look at where Americans are actually going (Florida, Vegas, Hawaii, etc.), plus a side-hack: if it’s on this list, book earlier and prepare for premium prices.

Despite doubts over economy, Americans set for record holiday spending
Americans are nervous about prices but still swiping; use this as your reminder to set a hard cap for gifts and nights out before the season runs you.

Doing your holiday shopping with a credit card? Read this first
A practical guide to using credit without waking up to a January hangover — pay attention to the utilization, teaser rates, and payoff plan part.

Survey shows Thanksgiving expenses soar, averaging nearly $1,000 this year
New survey data on how much households are really spending for one holiday — and why planning months ahead is quietly becoming the new norm.

The Brambles Wedding Venue | Cost from $19,418
A transparent, line-item breakdown of one US wedding venue that doubles as a reality check for what a 50–150 guest wedding actually costs in 2025. Great framing tool if you or a friend are budgeting.