Keeping up with America

National Guard members shot just blocks from the White House

A routine overnight patrol turned into a planned ambush, leaving two Guard members dead and raising big questions about security, extremism, and how tense the political atmosphere has become. 

Trump sent National Guard to Washington and shook up local policing long before the ambush

Earlier decisions to federalize parts of DC’s security and deploy Guard troops are now under a microscope, as investigators retrace how we got here. 

USCIS halts immigration requests for Afghan nationals after DC shooting

In a single policy move, the administration ties a domestic attack to immigration vetting — with potentially massive consequences for Afghan allies, refugee programs, and America’s moral reputation. 

California labor leader pleads not guilty in obstruction case tied to ICE raids

A longtime union figure is accused of tipping off immigrant communities about enforcement actions — a case that sits right at the intersection of workers’ rights, sanctuary politics, and federal power. 

Tennessee death row inmate asks governor for life sentence instead of execution

With execution dates drawing near, an inmate convicted decades ago is forcing the state — and the country — to re-litigate what “justice” means in 2025. 

Around the World

US peace proposal for Ukraine drew heavily from a Russian document, sources say

A leaked blueprint suggests Washington leaned on a Moscow-originated text while crafting a “compromise” peace plan — raising alarms in Kyiv and among US allies about whose interests it really served. 

At least 36 dead after massive residential block fire in Hong Kong

One of the city’s deadliest fires in decades exposes safety gaps in high-rise housing — and becomes another stress test for Hong Kong’s already fragile public trust. 

Russian drone strikes in Ukraine injure 12 in overnight attack

Kyiv’s air defenses are still catching most drones, but the constant night attacks are grinding down civilians and forcing yet another winter of “sleeping in stairwells.” 

Five killed in explosion in Syria’s Idlib province

A blast at a crowded marketplace is a reminder that while headlines move on, some conflicts never really go quiet. 

Southeast Asia floods kill at least 22 and displace thousands

Days of torrential rain in Thailand and Malaysia trigger deadly landslides and mass evacuations — a climate story dressed up as “local flooding.” 

Business and Tech

How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, Nov. 26

The Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq all wobbled into the holiday as investors tried to price in a softer labor market, rate-cut hopes, and headline risk from DC. 

Trading Day: Bulls in charge ahead of Turkey Day

Jobless claims are down, AI optimism is still humming, and rate-cut bets are back — but thin holiday trading means one ugly headline could swing everything. 

US weekly jobless claims fall amid steady labor market conditions

Layoffs remain low even as hiring cools, painting a picture of an economy that’s not booming, not crashing… just nervously treading water. 

What are shoppers looking for this Black Friday?

Big brands are finding out what matters more in 2025: price, experience, or vibes — and whether stretched consumers will still show up for “doorbusters.” 

Small US retailers face holiday supply chaos due to Trump tariffs

New tariffs are hitting exactly the businesses with the fewest buffers — think Main Street gift shops and online boutiques scrambling to fill shelves. 

US Patent Office issues new rules for AI-assisted inventions

If you build with AI, this is your fine print: where human creativity ends, machine help begins, and what actually qualifies for a patent going forward. 

World’s central banks are wary of AI and still can’t quit the dollar

A new survey shows global monetary powers half-in on AI, half-terrified — and still very much dependent on the US dollar, however loudly they talk about “diversification.” 

Richer, Wiser, Happier

US weekly jobless claims fall to a seven-month low

Layoffs are scarce, but job creation is sluggish — which means workers still have some bargaining power, just not as much as the 2021–22 “great reshuffle” era. 

What are today’s mortgage interest rates? (Nov. 26, 2025)

30-year rates around 5.99% and 15-year around 5.50% keep “buy vs. wait” in that painful gray area — especially if your landlord just raised the rent again. 

30-year mortgage rates dip — should you lock in now?

A tiny dip may not change your monthly payment much, but for buyers on the edge, it’s one more nudge to get pre-approved and run the numbers for real. 

US consumer confidence plunges in November

The Conference Board’s index sees its biggest drop in seven months, with households souring on jobs and income — even as markets still hope for a soft-ish landing. 

US consumers dial back in sign of anxiety heading into holidays

From travel plans to gift budgets, Americans are quietly trimming — not crashing — their spending, a subtle warning shot for retailers and the wider economy. 

Takeaway: If you’re working or running a business, this is a “protect cash, but don’t freeze” environment: keep some risk on the table (skills, side income, assets), but be ruthless about bad debt and random subscriptions.Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

There are more questions than answers after NFL games Sunday

Quarterbacks wobble, contenders look fragile, and suddenly nobody’s sure who the “real” Super Bowl favorites are. Perfect time for overreactions and spicy takes.

Arizona jumps to No. 2 behind Purdue in AP Top 25, Alabama into top 10; Kansas falls out of rankings

College hoops chaos: blue bloods slip, Arizona surges, and the SEC quietly hoards ranked teams. Your March bracket anxiety just arrived four months early.

Adam Shankman’s RuPaul-led action comedy gets title and release window at Lionsgate

RuPaul in an action comedy helmed by the director of Hairspray? This is either going to break the internet… or at least fill your group chat with trailer links.

Ja Rule opens up about being attacked at a concert in New York City

The rapper gives his version of what happened backstage — and what it says about security, fame, and still being a touring act decades into your career.

Renewed and Cancelled TV Shows 2025

Your one-stop “are they really ending that?!” guide. Before you emotionally commit to a new binge, maybe confirm it’s not already on the chopping block.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Mahomes comes home: Chiefs and Cowboys collide on Thanksgiving

The defending champs roll into Dallas for a holiday game loaded with playoff math, TV ratings, and more storylines than side dishes. 

Packers–Lions Thanksgiving matchup could reshape the NFC North

Two franchises with very different histories meet in a game that might decide who actually matters in January. 

Spurs torch Trail Blazers 115–102 in NBA Cup action

De’Aaron Fox drops 37 as San Antonio looks more like a future contender than a rebuilding project. 

Jackson, Wells and Edey help Grizzlies outlast Pelicans in NBA Cup

Memphis squeezes out a high-effort win that hints at how seriously players are taking the in-season tournament (and its bonus checks). 

2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons take shape in NYC

On the Upper West Side, kids and tourists pack the streets to watch giant characters come to life — a rare moment where the country feels a tiny bit lighter. 

Life Hack to Hack Your Life

5 science-backed ways to actually lower holiday stress

Short, practical shifts (breathing, boundaries, movement) that can calm your nervous system more than one more doomscroll. 

Strategies to reduce holiday spending stress

Extension experts lay out simple scripts and budgets to keep you from waking up in January with a financial hangover. 

8 budgeting rules to stay on track this holiday season

From “all-cash categories” to built-in no-spend days, this is a good checklist if you’re trying to fix your money and still enjoy yourself. 

How to manage holiday expenses without derailing your budget

A guide to using sinking funds, side income, and realistic gift lists so your card balance doesn’t own you in 2026. 

Holiday travel 2025: what to know before you go

Best and worst days to travel, how to dodge chaos at the airport, and when to rebook instead of toughing it out. 

Holiday travel money tips to avoid getting burned abroad

How to handle cards, cash, and ATMs so currency fees don’t quietly eat your vacation. 

How to support your mental health this holiday season

A gentle roadmap for anyone balancing family dynamics, grief, or burnout while the world insists you be “festive.” 

Beat holiday stress and loneliness with small, realistic habits

Simple social and self-care moves, especially if you’re spending the day away from family or on a tight budget. 

Holiday shopping scams to avoid this year

Fake delivery texts, clone websites, “too good to be true” deals — here’s how scammers are targeting people this season, and how not to be one of them. 

Planning a 2026 wedding on a real-person budget

Technically a holiday hosting guide, but the same tips (prioritize, delegate, simplify) will save your sanity if you’re juggling wedding planning with year-end chaos.