US retailers are about to see if Black Friday benefits from a holiday halo effect

World shares exhibited mixed performance in holiday-thinned trading as Wall Street remained closed for Thanksgiving, with tech stocks experiencing a decline after a recent rebound lost momentum.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in a targeted attack near the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2025, resulting in critical injuries. Tragically, one of the guardsmen has died from her wounds, as confirmed by President Trump. This incident occurred just before Thanksgiving, raising concerns about safety in the capital during a time typically associated with family gatherings and holiday shopping.

President Donald Trump declared on Thanksgiving a plan to 'permanently pause migration' from poorer nations, expressing his anti-immigrant stance in a late-night social media post. This announcement follows a broader trend of tightening immigration policies under his administration, particularly affecting communities from countries facing economic hardships.

Evacuation Day, a historic holiday in New York, once rivaled Independence Day in popularity, featuring grand parades and celebrations. This commemoration marked the withdrawal of British troops from the city in 1783, but over time, it faded from public consciousness, overshadowed by other holidays such as Thanksgiving and Independence Day.

The military has secured over 380,000 pounds of Thanksgiving food for American troops stationed globally, including 152,626 pounds of turkey and 792 cases of eggnog, ensuring they can celebrate the holiday with traditional meals. This effort highlights the commitment to maintaining morale among service members during the festive season.

A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact the US Midwest and Great Lakes region over the Thanksgiving holiday, with predictions of six to ten inches of snow in states like Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This storm coincides with an estimated 82 million Americans traveling for the holiday, leading to numerous flight delays, particularly in northern states.

U.S. troops stationed overseas are celebrating Thanksgiving with various activities, including communal meals and events designed to foster camaraderie among service members. This celebration allows them to maintain a connection to home despite being away from family and friends during the holiday season.

Thanksgiving traditions in America are evolving as families reconsider their menus and navigate political divides, with a notable increase in takeout options. This shift reflects broader cultural and ideological changes impacting how the holiday is celebrated across the nation.