American News Report: International Tourists to Face $100 Surcharge at Popular US National Parks | Small Businesses Anticipate Post-Holiday Price Hikes Due to Tariffs
Welcome to the American News Report on Steemit!
Here are the top headlines and major updates from across the USA for Saturday, November 29, 2025. We prioritize news about our beautiful nature and environment.
🌲 Nature & Environment
International Tourists to Face $100 Surcharge at Popular US National Parks
Starting January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will be charged an additional $100 to enter 11 of the most popular U.S. national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. The annual pass for non-residents will also more than triple to $250.
Source: AP News
California Authorizes Killing of Four Gray Wolves Amid Cattle Predation Concerns
California's wildlife department killed four gray wolves in the Sierra Valley in late October, marking an escalation in tactics to address growing predation of cattle, despite the wolves' protected status.
Source: Mongabay
Gwich'in Leaders Discuss Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Drilling with US Representatives
The Gwich'in Tribal Council met with United States consular representatives in Inuvik this week to discuss the recent opening of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to possible oil and gas drilling.
Source: Cabin Radio
Restoration of Wild Turkeys Relied on Interstate Wildlife Trades
The successful restoration of the wild turkey population in North America, which grew from a few thousand in the late 1800s to about 7 million today, often relied on trade between states and with Canada, swapping turkeys for other wildlife such as moose and river otters.
Source: Iron Mountain Daily News
New England States Launch $450 Million Initiative to Boost Heat Pump Adoption
Five New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) have launched a $450 million effort to increase the adoption of energy-efficient, low-emission heat pumps, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for home heating.
Source: Valley News
EPA Withdraws Direct Final Rule on Acquisition Regulation Due to Adverse Comments
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the withdrawal of a direct final rule titled 'Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR); Special Contracting Methods; Options; Contracts' due to the receipt of adverse comments.
Source: Federal Register
EPA and Department of Army Propose Updated Definition of 'Waters of the United States'
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army have published a proposed rule for an updated definition of 'Waters of the United States,' with comments due by January 5, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Congress Passes Spending Bill Funding USDA Conservation Programs Despite Proposed Cuts
Despite the administration's proposed significant cuts, Congress passed a spending bill that funds several key conservation programs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the 2026 fiscal year, including the NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance Program.
Source: The Wildlife Society
Thai-US Critical Minerals MoU Sparks Backlash Amid Environmental Concerns
A hastily agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has shocked many community leaders in northern Thailand due to the lack of environmental safeguards.
Source: The Diplomat
Cities Struggle to Implement Nature-Based Climate Resilience Projects, Study Finds
An international review from the University of Surrey explored why urban nature projects aimed at climate resilience often stall, citing economic and social barriers, as well as poorly designed environmental projects.
Source: Earth.com
Climate Change Mobilizing Plastic Pollution, Making it More Hazardous
A new review argues that global warming is transforming plastics into more mobile, persistent, and hazardous pollutants as they break down into tiny fragments that travel farther and intensify harm to ecosystems.
Source: Earth.com
EPA Finalizes Water Quality Standards to Protect Aquatic Life in Delaware River
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized revised water quality standards for certain water quality management zones of the mainstem Delaware River under the Clean Water Act, with an effective date of November 28, 2025.
Source: GAO
Invasive Smallmouth Bass Evolving Rapidly in New York State Lake
Scientists at Cornell University attempting to eradicate an invasive smallmouth bass species in Little Moose Lake, New York, have found that the fish are evolving faster than they can be killed, with smaller bass maturing and reproducing more quickly.
Source: CBC Radio
'Nature's Original Engineers': Scientists Explore Fungi's Potential for Environmental Solutions
Innovations recognized by the Future is Fungi Awards highlight the potential of fungi to tackle urgent environmental challenges, from biodegrading plastics in diapers to replacing industrial materials with mycelium.
Source: The Guardian
New Report Finds US Tied to Illicit Financial Flows from Environmental Crimes in Amazon
A report published last month found that the US was the most commonly involved foreign destination for both illegally-sourced natural resources, including gold, as well as for illicit proceeds from their sale in the Amazon region.
Source: Earth.Org
🏛️ US Politics
Trump Alleges Biden Used Autopen for Executive Orders
Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden did not personally sign most of his executive orders, alleging the use of an autopen by 'radical left lunatics' and calling for their termination.
Source: The Guardian
Trump Administration Halts All Asylum Decisions Post-DC Shooting
The Trump administration announced a halt to all asylum decisions in the wake of a National Guard shooting in Washington D.C., stating the pause will remain 'until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.'
Source: The Guardian
White House Launches 'Hall of Shame' for Media Outlets
The White House unveiled a new webpage featuring a 'Hall of Shame' that names and criticizes media outlets and reporters who publish stories it disagrees with.
Source: Scott Nover
Trump Vows 'Reverse Migration' to Expel Millions of Immigrants
President Trump indicated he would seek to expel millions of immigrants from the United States by revoking their legal status, advocating for 'REVERSE MIGRATION' to address societal ills.
Source: Associated Press
Study Refutes Trump's Claims on Immigrant Crime and Economic Impact
A new study indicates that immigrants commit crimes at significantly lower rates than US-born citizens and substantially contribute to the US economy, countering President Trump's recent assertions.
Source: The Guardian
US Extends China Tariff Exclusions in New Trade Deal
The United States announced a further extension of certain Section 301 tariff exclusions for Chinese goods until November 10, 2026, as part of a new trade and economic deal with China.
Source: The White House
HIRE Act Reintroduced to Double H-1B Visas to 130,000
Democrat lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi has reintroduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, aiming to double the number of H-1B visas available to 130,000 and remove the cap for advanced US degree holders.
Source: Indian Express
Bipartisan Group of Attorneys General Opposes Federal AI Law Ban
A bipartisan coalition of 36 state attorneys general sent a letter to congressional leaders opposing a proposed federal provision that would prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence.
Source: The Spokesman-Review (TNS)
Analysis Suggests Trump Losing Grip on GOP
An analysis suggests that President Donald Trump's 'tight grip on the GOP' has started to loosen, with several Republican lawmakers reportedly defying him openly.
Source: The Columbian
India's Congress Party Questions PM Modi on South Africa's G20 Exclusion
India's Congress party publicly questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would discuss with President Trump the decision to bar South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.
Source: The Hindu
💵 US Economy
US Stocks Rise for Fifth Straight Day, Closing a Volatile Month
The S&P 500 rose 0.5% in abbreviated trading on Friday, ending November with a slim 0.1% gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.6%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.7% but fell 1.5% for the month due to big tech losses.
Source: Marietta Times
Wall Street Trio Faces $1.4 Billion Loss on Failed Portable Toilet Company Investment
Fortress, Ares, and Blackstone are preparing for a full loss on their stake in United Site Services, a portable toilet company once valued at $4 billion, due to slower construction activity and rising interest rates.
Source: CRE Daily
Suspected AI Bubble Causes Market Reversal Despite Strong Nvidia Results
Despite strong results from Nvidia, stocks surrendered gains and closed sharply lower, with the Nasdaq composite down 2.2%, as investors suspect an artificial intelligence bubble.
Source: Times Republican
Federal Government Overspending and Debt Blamed for US Affordability Crisis
Persistent high inflation, averaging over 4.6% since January 2021, is attributed to federal government overspending and mounting debt, which recently surpassed $38 trillion.
Source: The Columbian
US Consumer Confidence Declines in November Due to Shutdown, Weak Hiring, and Inflation
A report from The Conference Board indicates that US consumer confidence declined in November, impacted by the federal government shutdown, weak hiring data, and persistent inflation.
Source: The Alpena News
Accounting Leads High-Paying Seasonal Job Opportunities for Gen Z
Gen Z job seekers are finding high-paying opportunities, with tax accounting topping the list of seasonal roles, offering potential for six-figure earnings due to a shrinking workforce.
Source: The Economic Times
Small Businesses Anticipate Post-Holiday Price Hikes Due to Tariffs and Economic Pressure
Small business owners, many of whom have been negatively impacted by US tariff policies (46%), are struggling to keep prices low during the holiday season and anticipate having to raise them after 2025.
Source: MarketWatch
BLS Postpones and Cancels Key Economic Data Releases Following 2025 Government Shutdown
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced revised release dates and cancellations for several key economic reports, including the September and October Employment Situation and JOLTS data, due to a 2025 appropriations lapse.
Source: Federal Register
💻 Technology
Apple Reportedly Partnering with Intel for Entry-Level M-series Chip Manufacturing by 2027
Five years after parting ways, Apple is rumored to be re-engaging with Intel for the production of its lower-end M-series processors, potentially for MacBooks and iPads, starting around 2027. This move could diversify Apple's supply chain and boost US-based manufacturing.
Source: The Times of India
Microsoft Issues Security Warning Over New Agentic AI Features in Windows 11
Microsoft has cautioned Windows 11 Insider users about potential security risks associated with new agentic AI features, which allow AI to automate tasks and access files. The company is introducing an 'agent workspace' to restrict AI access to isolated environments.
Source: ARY News
Apple Faces EU Scrutiny as Ads and Maps Services Potentially Designated 'Gatekeepers'
The European Commission stated that Apple's Apple Ads and Apple Maps likely meet the thresholds for 'gatekeepers' status under the Digital Markets Act, a designation Apple is disputing. If designated, Apple would face strict new rules.
Source: The Hindu
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Advocates for 'Very Aggressive' AI Infrastructure Investment
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasized the need for a significant and 'very aggressive' investment in AI infrastructure, including potential partnerships with companies like Foxconn, AMD, Nvidia, and Oracle, to support the next generation of AI models.
Source: The Economic Times
OpenAI Integrates Shopping Research Feature into ChatGPT for Personalized Product Recommendations
OpenAI has quietly rolled out a new shopping research feature in ChatGPT, aiming to help users find products through personalized buyer's guides and curated recommendations, potentially shifting product discovery from traditional search to AI-assisted chat.
Source: ContentGrip
US Economy's Reliance on AI Data Center Boom Raises Concerns About Future Slowdown
Economists are questioning the sustainability of the US economy's growth, which is heavily propped up by massive investments in AI infrastructure and data centers by tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta. A slowdown in this investment cycle could expose economic vulnerabilities.
Source: Think Viral
Apple's iOS 27 Expected to Focus on Quality Improvements and New AI Features
Rumors suggest that iOS 27 will primarily feature quality enhancements and new artificial intelligence capabilities, akin to how Mac OS X Snow Leopard focused on improving performance.
Source: MacRumors
Micron Technology to Invest $9.6 Billion in New Japan Memory Chip Plant for AI Applications
Micron Technology plans to invest 1.5 trillion yen ($9.6 billion) to build a new plant in western Japan dedicated to manufacturing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, which are crucial for AI processors.
Source: The Edge Singapore
Morgan State University Building 'Obsidian' to Become an AI-Powered 'Smart Campus'
Morgan State University is developing its own sovereign AI system, 'Obsidian,' to automate tasks like grading, advising, and file sorting, aiming to rebuild its entire system around artificial intelligence and become a 'complete smart campus.'
Source: Technical.ly
Big Tech Companies Create 'Friendly Media Bubble' Amidst Public Distrust of AI
In response to widespread distrust of big tech and concerns about AI, major tech companies and venture capital firms are increasingly creating their own media ventures and platforms for CEOs and founders to give uncritical interviews, forming a 'friendly media bubble.'
Source: The Guardian
US Extends Technology-Related Product Exclusions with China in New Trade Deal
Following a trade and economic deal between the US and China, the United States has further extended 178 product exclusions related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation until November 10, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apple's Stock Buybacks Spark Debate on AI Investment Strategy
Apple has spent over $708 billion on stock buybacks under Tim Cook, significantly boosting earnings per share. However, this strategy has become controversial on Wall Street, with some investors concerned about Apple's relatively lower investment in AI compared to peers.
Source: MarketWatch
Microsoft Expands Presence in UAE, Driving AI and Digital Transformation Initiatives
Microsoft is expanding its operations in the UAE through strategic projects and a $15.2 billion investment plan (2023–2029) focused on digital innovation, cloud infrastructure, and equipping UAE nationals with AI skills.
Source: Aletihad News Center
🇺🇸 General
International force at heart of Trump's Gaza plan struggles to find takers
The U.S. administration is encountering difficulties in securing troop commitments for an international force in Gaza, as countries express concerns about potential engagements with Gazans.
Source: The Washington Post
Trump escalates immigration crackdown after DC shooting; goes after Biden executive orders with baseless autopen claims
President Trump has announced plans to 'permanently pause migration from all third world countries' and 'end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens' following a shooting in Washington D.C. He also baselessly claimed that Joe Biden did not personally sign executive orders.
Source: The Guardian
Trump Says He Wants To 'Permanently Pause' Migration From Poorer Nations
President Donald Trump stated his intention to 'permanently pause migration' from poorer nations and to expel millions of immigrants from the United States, attributing societal problems to them.
Source: AP via various news outlets
He reunited families separated under Trump. Now he's running for Congress.
Jonathan White, a civil servant who previously worked to reunite migrant families separated under the Trump administration, is now launching a congressional campaign to challenge Democrats he views as insufficiently opposing the current administration.
Source: The Washington Post
As Democrats search for their 'MAGA,' author catches Jeffries' attention
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is championing 'Strong Floor, No Ceiling,' a concept from a new book by a venture capitalist, as the Democratic Party's fresh centrist slogan.
Source: The Washington Post
'What's going on with this place?': GOP faces a House in chaos
House Speaker Mike Johnson is grappling with a chaotic GOP conference marked by intense infighting and partisan attacks, raising concerns about the legislative future of Congress.
Source: KESQ
Trump administration halts all asylum decisions after shooting of National Guard members
Following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C., the Trump administration has temporarily ceased all asylum decisions and paused visa processing for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
Source: PBS News
Scarlett Johansson to Star in New 'Exorcist' Horror Movie for Blumhouse, Universal
Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood's most profitable actresses, is slated to star in a new 'Exorcist' horror film, signaling a relaunch of the cult franchise.
Source: Google News (citing The Ankler)
Woman reuniting photos lost in Hurricane Helene with families who own them
An inspiring story features a woman dedicated to returning photographs recovered after Hurricane Helene to their original families.
Source: CBS News - The Uplift
Trump, Venezuelan president discussed possible meeting over phone: report
U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reportedly spoke by phone last week, discussing the possibility of an in-person meeting in the future.
Source: Xinhua
U.S. skates to three medals on Day 3 of Dordrecht World Tour
The United States achieved a clean sweep of medals – gold, silver, and bronze – on the third day of World Cup No. 4 in Dordrecht, highlighted by Andrew Heo's first-ever World Tour gold.
Source: NBC Olympics
Tonight's the Night: Thanksgiving Countdown at the Moose with The Flying Toasters
The Frankfort Moose Lodge is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Countdown, featuring live music from The Flying Toasters, raffles, and a $5,000 giveaway.
Source: Clinton County Daily News
🏁 Conclusion
That wraps up today's report. What are your thoughts on today's news? Let us know in the comments below!
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