TSA expected to screen 19.3M travelers this week

The flu season has begun earlier than expected in several regions of the United States, raising alarms among healthcare professionals about a potential surge in cases as millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving and other holidays. Doctors are particularly concerned about the implications of increased gatherings during this time.

The recent government shutdown has ended, allowing flights to resume just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, travelers may still experience anxiety due to the disruptions caused by the shutdown, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.

The Thanksgiving holiday rush is anticipated to set new records, with AAA estimating that 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from November 23 to December 1, 2025. This surge in travel is expected despite potential disruptions from two forecasted storm systems bringing snow and rain across the country.

President Trump commenced Thanksgiving week with the traditional turkey pardon ceremony at the White House, a festive event that highlights the holiday spirit. The First Lady engaged the public by inviting them to vote on names for the pardoned turkeys through social media platforms.

President Trump highlighted Walmart's promotion of lower grocery prices as evidence of his administration's success in reducing the cost of living ahead of Thanksgiving. However, economists caution that holiday food prices are unpredictable and largely depend on consumer shopping behavior.

Nearly half of Americans are opting for nonalcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, during Thanksgiving celebrations this year, reflecting a significant shift in drinking habits among younger generations. However, this trend has sparked some pushback from traditionalists who may feel that the essence of holiday gatherings is being altered.