The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 8-3 on Friday to recommend eliminating the recommended schedule for administering the hepatitis B birth dose. The vote comes one day after the panel delayed a vote amid confusion over the wording of the proposed changes.

The hepatitis B vaccine provides immediate antibodies to help prevent transmission of the virus. The CDC currently recommends that nearly all newborns receive the shot as part of routine care. The ACIP is now recommending eliminating the CDC's universal recommendation of the birth dose.

Current guidance calls for a three-shot series with doses given within 24 hours of birth, at 1 to 2 months, and at 6 to 18 months.

If the CDC approves the changes recommended by the ACIP, CDC guidance would shift to individual-based decision-making, advising parents to first consult their health care provider before vaccinating. Vaccine advocates say such a change could delay when infants receive their first dose.

RELATED STORY | CDC vaccine advisory panel changes its recommendations for MMRV vaccines

Retsef Levi, a member of the ACIP who does not have a medical background, provided his reasoning for voting for the changes.

"If you are a baby that was born to a mother that was tested negative for Hep B, you need to realize, as a parent, that your risk of infection throughout your early stage of life and probably throughout most of your childhood, is extremely low," he said.

Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and senior public health contributor for Forbes, said in an interview that universal newborn vaccination since 1991 has reduced infections among children and adolescents by 99%.

"We're going to start to see hepatitis B circulating much more commonly in the population," he said. "And more and more people will, I'm afraid, be at risk for getting this infection that quite frankly is deadly. I mean, this can cause hepatitis B can result in liver failure, even liver cancer, and ultimately death."

Common side effects from the vaccine include pain where the shot was given, headache, fever, fatigue, irritability, and vomiting. These symptoms generally last up to two days. But experts say the benefits far exceed the risks posed by the vaccine.

RELATED STORY | West Coast states, Massachusetts issue vaccine guidance amid CDC turmoil

The evidence shows the side effects are mainly just a baby crying or being fussynothing different than typical infant vaccines. This is a very safe vaccine," he said.

If parents choose not to give the birth dose, the first dose would be administered after the infant is 2 months old.

Earlier this year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed new members to the remade board after firing all 17 members of the panel. The ACIP provides the federal government with guidance on vaccines.

This is a result of the chaos and turmoil from Secretary Kennedy handpicking 12 new members. People are losing trust in these committees and the guidance the CDC is giving," Awan said.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a chance to keep one of the most mind-boggling streaks in sports alive for another game.

James Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 123-120 on Thursday night as Rui Hachimura nailed a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer.

James finished with eight points, ending his streak of scoring at least 10 points in 1,297 consecutive games. The run began Jan. 6, 2007, when James was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It far surpassed Michael Jordans 866-game double-figure streak; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the third-longest at 787 games.

With the score tied at 120 late, James had the ball in the final seconds. As he backed down his defender with nearly everyone in Scotiabank Arena expecting him to take the last shot he passed to Hachimura, who buried the winner.

RELATED STORY | LeBrons decision of all decisions wasnt about hoops but it got fans buying tickets fast

James said he had no regrets about the decision.

We won, he told reporters.

Just playing the game the right way. You always make the right play, James added. Thats been my M.O. Thats how I was taught the game. Ive done that my whole career.

Lakers coach J.J. Redick, who faced James many times during his playing career, said the NBAs all-time leading scorer knows the game situation as well as anyone.

LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at that point, Redick said. He did it like hes done so many times.

RELATED STORY | NBA approves sale of Boston Celtics to private equity mogul Bill Chisholm for record $6.1 billion

James, who turns 41 later this month, has seen his scoring dip early this season. After an offseason injury, he has played only six games, topping 20 points once.

In the Lakers previous game on Dec. 1, James scored exactly 10 points. He is averaging 14 points so far this season, down from 24.4 last year.

The Lakers havent needed his peak scoring to succeed. They own the second-best record in the Western Conference and rank No. 3 in the NBA overall. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are among the leagues top scorers this season, while James has remained an efficient distributor, averaging 7.8 assists and 1.8 turnovers per game.

Netflix announced Friday that it will seek to acquire Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max and related studios from Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $82.7 billion. The merger is expected to take 12 to 18 months, the company said.

Netflix said the pending merger would allow it to expand its content library and increase theatrical film releases. In addition to offering more titles to subscribers, the company said the deal would provide a larger studio footprint and boost investment in original programming.

RELATED STORY | Netflix to raise the price of most subscriptions after record-setting streaming year

This acquisition will improve our offering and accelerate our business for decades to come, co-CEO Greg Peters said. Warner Bros. has helped define entertainment for more than a century and continues to do so with phenomenal creative executives and production capabilities. With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create giving our members more options, attracting more fans to our best-in-class streaming service, strengthening the entire entertainment industry and creating more value for shareholders.

Netflix estimates the merger would save the combined companies $2 billion to $3 billion annually by the third year.

What this means for consumers remains unclear. According to Pew, Netflix is the United States' most popular streaming service, with 72% of Americans saying they have watched Netflix programming. HBO Max is tied for being the sixth-most popular streaming service in the U.S., with 41% of Americans saying they have viewed programming.

The Internal Revenue Service announced new guidance involving the so-called Trump accounts, a new type of individual retirement account for eligible children.

The IRS said the federal government will provide a $1,000 contribution into eligible accounts for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

The accounts are scheduled to launch July 4, 2026.

RELATED STORY | Michael and Susan Dell pledge $6.25 billion to launch Trump accounts for US children

No withdrawals can be made until Jan. 1 of the year the child turns 18. At age 18, the accounts will essentially become a standard IRA, subject to withdrawal taxes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRUMP ACCOUNTS

Officials said other individuals can contribute up to an aggregate limit of $5,000 per year. Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per person, but that amount counts toward the $5,000 annual limit.

The accounts will be invested in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track the Standard & Poors 500.

Parents can open an account on behalf of their children starting in May by using IRS Form 4547, the Trump administration said.

RELATED STORY | Here's how the $1,000 'Trump Accounts' for newborns will work

The accounts received a significant boost Tuesday after Michael and Susan Dell contributed $6.25 billion toward the program. The Dells said that in addition to children born between 2025 and 2028 receiving $1,000 deposits, they provided enough funds to give 25 million additional children accounts with $250.

This automatic $1,000 deposit by the federal government gives every American newborn a transformative head start. These investment accounts are simple, secure and structured to grow in value through market returns over time. At age 18, these young Americans can have a financial foundation for continued education, job training, home ownership or future savings. Its a simple yet powerful idea, the Dells said in a statement.

Comparing the industrys tactics to those of Big Tobacco, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed what he called a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against several of the nations largest ultra-processed food manufacturers.

Chiu alleges the companies knowingly produce products that are highly addictive and harmful, violating Californias Unfair Competition Law.

The lawsuit says the dangers of ultra-processed foods are not solely about the amount of calories, fat, sugar, salt, or carbohydrates consumed.

PAST COVERAGE

The high levels of processing change the physical and chemical structure of the foods and change how humans digest them, officials said.

RELATED STORY | Health risks of ultraprocessed foods: What a new report reveals

Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post Holdings, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestl USA, Kellogg, Mars Inc. and ConAgra Brands are named in the suit.

These companies created a public health crisis with the engineering and marketing of ultra-processed foods, Chiu said. They took food and made it unrecognizable and harmful to the human body... These companies engineered a public health crisis, they profited handsomely, and now they need to take responsibility for the harm they have caused.

Food makers have defended their products, saying they offer nutritious, shelf-stable, affordable food.

The assertions... are so ridiculous, lacking not only in common sense but also in understanding and empathy for the variety of dietary needs many consumers face and budgets theyre balancing, wrote Megan Kastner, policy manager of product policy with the Consumer Brands Association.

Ultra-processed foods often contain multiple ingredients, including additives to enhance shelf life, flavor, appearance or texture. They typically include components not found in a home kitchen and are mass-produced for longer storage.

RELATED STORY | Americans get more than half their diet from ultra-processed foods, CDC confirms

The American Heart Association says some ultra-processed foods contain whole grains, low-fat or low-sugar dairy, and plant-based products that can be part of a healthy diet. However, many are high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium, which can lead to excess calorie intake. Examples include sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, refined grains, candy and commercial baked goods.

Doctors caution that diets high in added sugars, sodium and saturated fats put more Americans at risk for adverse health effects.

One of the reasons most ultra-processed foods are unhealthy is they fall into categories health professionals have long worried about, said Dr. Christopher Gardner of the American Heart Association. Most are high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium, and low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. The extra thing they have are cosmetic additives and ingredients of rare or no culinary use.

The House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led two federal investigations against Donald Trump during the Biden administration.

Attorney General Merrick Garland named Smith special counsel in charge of multiple investigations involving Trump in July 2023.

The Justice Department has a longstanding policy of resisting political influence in investigations involving major political figures. Smiths appointment came as Trump began campaigning for the presidency.

RELATED STORY | Eight senators are supposed to get $500K each, but the House emphatically said 'no'

Committee Chair Jim Jordan has called on Smith to testify Dec. 17. The committee also requested that he produce subpoena-related documents by Dec. 12.

Smith is being ordered to testify after Republicans accused Smith of surveilling eight Republican senators as part of his investigation into Trump's alleged interference into the 2020 presidential election.

"Jack Smith tampered with evidence, surveilled sitting Members of Congress, and waged unprecedented lawfare against President Trump. The American people are ready for the truth about the weaponized Biden-Harris Administration," said Jordan. 

Peter Koski, Smith's attorney, issued a statement on his behalf.

Nearly six weeks ago, Jack offered to voluntarily appear before the House Judiciary committee in an open hearing to answer any questions lawmakers have about his investigation into President Trump's alleged efforts to unlawfully overturn the election results and retention of classified documents," Koski said. "We are disappointed that offer was rejected, and that the American people will be denied the opportunity to hear directly from Jack on these topics. Jack looks forward to meeting with the committee later this month to discuss his work and clarify the various misconceptions about his investigation.

Both of Smiths investigations were dropped after Trump was elected in November 2024. Trump had faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights. In a separate case, Trump allegedly illegally stored classified documents at his Florida residence after leaving office in 2021.

Trump has long called the investigations into him a witch hunt.

RELATED STORY | Why are 8 Republican senators on track to get $500,000 each from taxpayers?

The Justice Department also has a longstanding position that current presidents cannot be indicted, prosecuted or jailed in a criminal case while in office.

The Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Co. has initiated a 31-state recall of shredded cheese because of possible metal fragments in the products.

The Food and Drug Administration said the fragments may have come from a supplier of raw materials used to make the cheese.

The cheese was sold under multiple brand names, including Borden, Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Food Lion and Food Club, and at stores such as Walmart, Target, Aldi, Publix and H-E-B.

RECENT RECALLS

Products have expiration dates ranging from January 2026 through March 2026 and may still be in consumers refrigerators.

No injuries or illnesses have been reported.

OTHER ALERTS | Bacterial contamination concerns prompt recall of Walgreens nasal spray

The FDA classifies the action as a Class II recall a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Class I recalls are generally more serious, while Class III recalls rarely cause adverse health consequences.

Full list of recalled products:

Always Save Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Borden Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Borden Thick Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire's Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire's Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese  Brookshire's Thick Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Brookshire's Italian Six-Cheese Finely Shredded Cache Valley Creamery Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Cache Valley Creamery Six-Cheese Italian Finely Shredded Chestnut Hill Fancy Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Coburn Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese  Coburn Farms Italian-Style Finely Shredded Econo Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Econo Pizza Shredded Food Club Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Food Club Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Food Club Finely Shredded Pizza Style Four Cheese Blend Food Club Pizza Style Two Cheese Blend Finely Shredded Food Club Pizza Style Two Cheese Blend Shredded Food Lion Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Freedom's Choice Pizza Blend Fine-Cut Gold Rush Creamery Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Gold Rush Creamery Pizza Blend Shredded Good & Gather Fine Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Good & Gather Classic Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Good & Gather Mozzarella & Provolone Classic Good & Gather Mozzarella & Parmesan Shredded Cheese Blend Great Lakes Cheese Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Great Lakes Cheese Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Great Lakes Cheese Mozzarella & Provolone Shredded Great Value Italian Style Finely Shredded Great Value Pizza Blend Shredded Great Value Provolone & Mozzarella Blend Shredded Happy Farms by Aldi Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Happy Farms by Aldi Italian-Style Shredded Cheese H-E-B Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese H-E-B Thick Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese H-E-B Shredded/Fancy Finamente Rallado Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Hill Country Fare Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Fine Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Classic Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Thick Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Know & Love Italian Style Fine Cut Laura Lynn Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Thick Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Laura Lynn Italian Blend Finely Shredded Laura Lynn Pizza Blend Finely Shredded Lucerne Dairy Farms Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Lucerne Dairy Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Lucerne Dairy Farms Rustic Cut Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Nu Farm Fancy Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Publix Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Publix Italian Six Cheese Blend Fancy Shredded Schuck's Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Classic Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Rustic Cut Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Simply Go Italian Style Six Cheese Blend Fine Cut Shredded Simply Go Pizza Blend Two Cheese Mix Classic Cut Shredded Sprouts Farmers Market Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Sprouts Farmers Market Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Stater Bros. Markets Finely Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Stater Bros. Markets Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese Sunnyside Farms Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

The Department of Homeland Security said it launched a law enforcement operation at a New Orleans church, claiming the site housed people in the United States illegally.

DHS said migrants were able to remain at the church because city policy limits arrests at places of worship. The policy has drawn criticism from state and federal Republican lawmakers, who argue the city must cooperate in enforcing immigration laws.

New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told The Associated Press last month that immigration is generally considered a civil, not criminal, matter. She said the citys policy does not conflict with state or federal law.

Homeland Security countered that migrants with criminal histories have been allowed to go free, though the agency did not cite specific examples of violent individuals who were released.

It is asinine that these monsters were released back onto New Orleans streets to commit more crimes and create more victims, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Catahoula Crunch targets include violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto and rape. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are restoring law and order for the American people.

RELATED STORY | 'Swamp Sweep' immigration crackdown to bring 250 Border Patrol agents to New Orleans and Mississippi

Earlier this week, officials announced that 250 Border Patrol agents would be sent to New Orleans to enforce immigration laws.

In an interview with Scripps News, Jordan Bridges, organizing director for the New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, expressed concern about the impact on the citys immigrant community.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | DHS plans to deploy 250 border agents to Louisiana in major immigration sweep, AP sources say

New Orleans is a beautiful city that has a history of resistance, Bridges said. And so, Im seeing exactly that.

I can tell you that groups are organizing, he added. I can tell you that individuals who are directly impacted are organizing.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Scripps News that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested Burna Caroline Ferreria, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitts nephew.

DHS said Ferreria, a Brazilian national, entered the United States on a B-2 tourist visa, which required her to leave the U.S. by June 6, 1999. She was arrested and taken to the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, where she will go through deportation proceedings.

Ferrerias attorney, Todd Pomerleau, told Scripps News that she has no criminal record and that she and Leavitts brother have shared custody of their son.

Our concern right now is getting a single mother out of a nice hellhole in Louisiana. We have no idea why she was detained. She wasnt given any explanation at all. And you know, her relationship with the press secretary for the White House appears to be happenstance, he said.

A Trump administration source familiar with the situation said Leavitt and Ferreria have not spoken in years. The White House source disputed the attorneys claim that Leavitts brother and Ferreria share custody of their son.

The child has lived full time in New Hampshire with his father since he was born. He has never resided with his mother, the source said.

The Trump administration announced this week that it will continue a Biden-era policy of negotiating lower medication costs for Medicare Part D recipients.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress in 2022, allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The law also set a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket drug expenses for Medicare Part D enrollees.

After the federal government announced price caps on 10 popular medications in 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Tuesday it has negotiated lower prices for 15 drugs.

RELATED STORY | This Medicare tweak may save you $11 per month, but youll still pay more next year

The 10 drugs that the Biden administration said would be subject to price caps are scheduled to take effect in 2026. The 15 drugs announced by the Trump administration could see lower prices in 2027.

Among the medications the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will negotiate lower prices for are popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. The list price for a 30-day supply is $949; the agency said it has negotiated the cost down to $274 for Medicare Part D recipients.

Almost 2.3 million Medicare Part D recipients received these medications in 2024.

Another popular drug, Trelegy Ellipta, was among those with lower negotiated prices. The Trump administration said the list price for a 30-day supply is $654, but it will fall to $175 for Medicare Part D enrollees.

Drugmakers that do not participate in negotiations would be required to withdraw their drugs from the Medicare program or pay an excise tax of at least 65% of their U.S. sales.

Companies can either accept the government's proposed prices or submit a counteroffer.

After the first round of negotiations in 2024 and the second round in 2025, the government plans to negotiate prices for 15 additional drugs in 2026 and 20 more in 2027. Medicare is expected to reach pricing agreements on 60 drugs over four years, with new prices taking effect by 2029.

A full list of drugs is available and their negotiated prices are on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. 

As the U.S. enters one of the busiest travel days of the year, many Americans are getting their first blast of winter weather this season.

Winter storm warnings and watches have been issued for the Upper Midwest as a snowstorm sweeps across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Lake-effect snow could also pound areas from northeast Ohio to western New York.

Adding to travel difficulties, gusty winds are expected across much of the Midwest. The blast of wintry weather comes after the Midwest and Northeast experienced mild conditions in recent days.

While snow is not expected in the major cities of the Northeast, wet weather is forecast Wednesday for cities such as Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Those conditions are expected to give way to cooler, windier weather on Thursday.

Another storm could bring a mix of snow and rain to the Midwest and Northeast as people return home this weekend.

While the eastern half of the U.S. experiences the coldest weather of the season so far, the western U.S. is forecast to have relatively warmer and more tranquil conditions than usual for this time of year.

Remember the days when many major retailers began Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving? After the pandemic, deal seekers mostly had to wait until Friday, or shop online.

Most major retailers are closed on Thursday, and even a number of grocery and pharmacy chains are also keeping their doors closed.

And if you forgot an ingredient for the big meal, you may or may not be out of luck, depending on where you live.

RELATED STORY | Clock Is ticking: When to start thawing your Thanksgiving turkey

Here is a look at what is open, and what's not, this Thanksgiving. Note that hours may vary and many locations will have adjusted hours. Also, chains that are franchised-owned, like Subway and Burger King, will depend on the franchisee.

What's open:

Albertsons Bass Pro Shops Cabela's CVS Denny's Dollar General Dollar Tree Dunkin' IHOP Kroger McDonald's Starbucks Waffle House

Also, essential government offices, such as the National Weather Service, the Transportation Security Administration, and others, will remain open.

What's closed

Banks Best Buy Dominos Most government offices Pizza Hut Publix Stock markets Target Walmart

If you are looking for sit-down dining options, numerous chains will offer Thanksgiving Day menus. They include Cracker Barrel and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Also many around-the-clock restaurants, like Waffle House and IHOP, will remain open.

Turkey trots are a popular way for novice and experienced runners to burn a few calories before sitting down at the Thanksgiving dinner table and theyre growing in popularity.

According to RunSignup, more than 1.1 million people participated in a turkey trot last Thanksgiving at one of over 936 races across the United States. The number of people who registered through RunSignup has nearly quadrupled over the past eight years.

In 2023, 920,000 participants used RunSignup to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race, though the actual number was higher because some races use other registration platforms.

While some turkey trots welcomed just a few dozen runners, RunSignup noted that 322 races on Thanksgiving last year had at least 1,000 participants, up from 249 the year before.

These races happen nationwide all 50 states had at least one Thanksgiving Day event, with Florida leading the way at 56.

RELATED STORY | When will stores open? What to expect for Black Friday 2025

The vast majority of races (91.6%) offered a 5K (3.11 miles) distance. Fewer included one-mile, 10K and half marathon options.

Beyond fitness, turkey trots raise significant funds for charity. RunSignup said turkey trot registrations it managed in 2024 raised more than $3.6 million for various causes.

Expert tips for running a turkey trot

With so many runners hitting the starting line, these races can be a good introduction to running for beginners. If youre signed up for a race, here are tips from Cleveland Clinic exercise physiologist Katie Lawton:

Pick a manageable distance. Turkey trots range from one mile to a half marathon, but Lawton says a 5K is often best for beginners. Train ahead of time. Even with race day close, try to log a few miles beforehand. Run with a group. Invite friends or family to join for added fun. Wear comfortable shoes. Any athletic shoe works for a one-time 5K, but if you plan to keep training, invest in running or walking shoes. Specialty stores can help find the right fit. Dress for the weather. Layer clothing so you can remove pieces as you warm up. Hydrate. Drink water before and after the race, especially if you sweated or drank alcohol the night before. Pace yourself. Slower runners should start toward the back of the pack to give faster runners a clear path. Cool down and refuel. Keep moving after the race and eat a light snack, such as a banana or granola bar.

A bipartisan group of senators echoed concerns over a peace deal pitched by President Donald Trump to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Five senators three Democrats, a Republican and an independent released a statement saying they share significant concerns about the peace deal. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; Chris Coons, D-Del.; and Angus King, I-Maine, gave the joint statement.

We share significant concerns over the details of the reported peace plan that has been released, the senators said. For over 10 years, Russia has illegally occupied Ukrainian territory and for almost four years, Ukraine has admirably defended itself against Russias attempts to fully occupy Ukraine. No one wants a just and lasting peace more than the Ukrainian people.

However, we will not achieve that lasting peace by offering Putin concession after concession and fatally degrading Ukraines ability to defend itself.

Trump has given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until Thursday to accept the deal.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine risks losing its dignity and the support of the United States as a key international ally if it signs the agreement.

Circulated points of the plan, which have not been independently confirmed by Scripps News, indicate Ukraine would be called on to give up some eastern territory, including the Donbas, and areas it currently controls. It would be required to cap its military size and forgo seeking NATO membership, instead relying on security guarantees from the U.S.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the agreement could represent the basis for a peace deal but denied that Russia had substantive talks ongoing.

Trump briefly discussed the plan on Saturday.

RELATED STORY | Zelenskyy warns Ukraine risks losing key ally or dignity with US plan

Wed like to get to peace. It should have happened a long time ago. The Ukraine war with Russia should have never happened. If I were president, it never would have happened. Were trying to get it ended one way or the other. We have to get it, he said.

But the group of senators suggested the cost of ending the war might be too high.

History teaches us that Putin only understands strength and will not abide by any agreement unless it is backed by force. We must consult closely with our Ukrainian and NATO partners on the path forward, they said. We should put real pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. And we must make clear to the Kremlin and would-be aggressors in Beijing that America will stand unwaveringly in defense of freedom.

In the meantime, Zelenskyy met with several key allies Saturday at the G20 conference, which Trump did not attend.

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concerns over aspects of the deal, saying it would need additional work.

We are ready to engage in order to ensure that a future peace is sustainable. We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force, she said. We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraines armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack.

After the NCAA voted to allow college athletes to wager on professional sports, Division I school leaders have decided to rescind the rule change.

The reversal follows a Justice Department investigation alleging that an active NBA player and coach were involved in an illegal sports and poker gambling scheme.

Last month, Division I leaders approved allowing athletes to bet on professional sports. Later, leaders of Division II and Division III schools voted in favor as well. While Divisions II and III typically consist of smaller universities whose athletes are less likely to turn professional, much of the talent in the four major U.S. pro sports leagues comes from Division I programs.

The rule change was set to take effect Nov. 1, but schools were given until Nov. 21 to rescind their approval.

After a procedural 30-day period, two-thirds of Division I member schools have voted to rescind a previously approved rule change that would have allowed student-athletes and athletics department staff members to legally participate in sports betting on professional sports only, the NCAA said Friday. Because sports betting rules are common legislation, the ban on all forms of betting for sports in which the NCAA sponsors a championship will remain in place for all three NCAA divisions.

An anonymous NCAA survey in 2024 found that, despite bylaws prohibiting it, 22% of male athletes and 5% of female athletes wagered on sports.

The NCAA has faced several gambling scandals in recent months. On Friday, the organization said a former Temple basketball player and two former staff members bet on professional and college sports. The former player, Hysier Miller, admitted to betting on his team and was accused of betting against Temple three times.

Earlier this week, the NCAA said more than one-third of Division I mens basketball players reported being harassed by bettors.

Have a frozen Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer? Depending on its size, you may need to start thawing it now.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, heres the general rule for moving a turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator:

4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days 20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days

RELATED STORY | Which Thanksgiving foods you should never feed to your dog

Missed the deadline? You can thaw the turkey in cold water, though it requires more effort. The USDA recommends placing the turkey in a leak-proof bag, submerging it in cold tap water and changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Heres how long it takes using cold water:

4 to 12 pounds 2 to 6 hours 12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours 16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours 20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours

Once thawed, the turkey should be cooked within one to two days to avoid contamination.

The USDA says its safe to cook a turkey from frozen, but it generally takes about 50% longer.

For food safety, cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Other tips experts remind home cooks:

Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Keep it refrigerated while thawing, check the packaging for leaks, use a meat thermometer and let the turkey rest before carving. Wash hands and surfaces often to prevent salmonella.

Experts also recommend factoring in extra time if you plan to marinate or brine the turkey after thawing.

For the sixth consecutive year, Black Friday will predominantly be a Friday event as most major retailers have shifted away from opening on Thanksgiving Thursday since the pandemic.

Some stores, such as Walgreens, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General will open on Thanksgiving. Some grocery chains, like Kroger and Albertsons, have limited hours on Thanksgiving.

Most major retailers tell Scripps News they plan to open early on Friday, which is considered the busiest in-person shopping day of the year.

When will stores open for Black Friday?

Most major retailers will open several hours early the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers noted there might be some local variations in hours.

Here is when stores will be open (list will be updated as retailers announce updated hours):

Bass Pro Shops: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Best Buy: TBA Cabela's: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Costco: 10 a.m. to regular close (store open one hour early for Executive Members) Dick's Sporting Goods: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dollar General: Normal hours Gap: Opening as early as 5 a.m., but hours will vary Home Goods: TBA Kohl's: 5 a.m. to midnight Lowe's: 6 a.m. to regular close JCPenney: TBA Macy's: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Marshall's: 7 a.m. opening Old Navy: Opening as early as 5 a.m., but hours will vary Target: 6 a.m. opening TJ Maxx: 7 a.m. opening Walmart: Normal hours, generally 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.How busy will Black Friday be?

If last year is any indication, stores will be busy. According to the National Retail Federation, 2024 marked the busiest Black Friday in five years. The day attracted 81.7 million in-person shoppers, which was up from 76.2 million the year before.

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But 2024 Black Friday remained below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, the National Retail Federation estimated that 84.2 million people shopped in person on Black Friday.

The National Retail Federation expects Black Friday to be quite busy again this year, with 197 million people to shop online, in-person or both Thanksgiving weekend.

After Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced late Friday that she intends to resign from Congress in January, former President Donald Trump told ABC News, I think its great news for the country. Its great.

He added in the brief interview with ABC News that he wishes her well but has no plans to speak with her.

I think she should be happy, he said.

RELATED STORY | Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she plans to resign in January

Greene and Trump went from being staunch allies to having an acrimonious relationship, largely due to their disagreement over handling information related to Jeffrey Epsteins investigation. Greene was among a small number of Republicans pushing for the release of the documents, while Trump expressed opposition before relenting as the House overwhelmingly supported a measure to make them public.

Last week, Trump announced he was pulling his support for Greene, saying he would back a Republican to run against her in the 2026 midterm elections. In a Truth Social post, Trump suggested Greene was a ranting lunatic.

I understand that wonderful, conservative people are thinking about primarying Marjorie in her district of Georgia, that they too are fed up with her and her antics and, if the right person runs, they will have my complete and unyielding support, he wrote. She has gone far left, even doing The View with their low-IQ, Republican-hating anchors.

Trump said on Saturday that Greene would not have survived a primary had she sought reelection next year.

"I think she is a nice person," Trump added.

With Greenes resignation, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will need to set a date for a special election to fill her seat. The district is heavily Republican-leaning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is predicting La Nia conditions to return this winter, which will play a major role in upcoming weather patterns.

In its seasonal forecast, NOAA says conditions are expected to be warmer and drier than usual in the South, wetter in the Midwest and North, and cooler than usual in the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.

The world experienced a prolonged La Nia from 2020 to 2023, which brought winters that were warmer than usual in the Eastern and Southern U.S., while being cooler than usual in the West. The Midwest, Northeast and parts of Arizona and California had wetter-than-usual conditions, while the Pacific Northwest and Florida were drier than average.

RELATED STORY | Winters first big punch may arrive right on Thanksgiving

Scientists say a weak La Nia also occurred last winter, but other factors did not have a dominant effect on climate. In recent years, overall climate change has resulted in both La Nia and El Nio winters being warmer than usual. Last winter was the 27th-warmest in U.S. history; the winter before was the warmest on record.

NOAAs projections come as a sudden shift in weather patterns is expected later next week. Forecasters say a massive cold front will sweep through much of the U.S., dropping temperatures to well below average by Thanksgiving weekend.