A Day of Gratitude, Reflection, and Connection

This week’s edition covers stories 
from November 21st to November 27th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 610 words, a 4.5-minute read.

Good Morning, Readers!

Isabella here, ready to welcome you into the holiday season! I hope you’re staying warm, cozy, and well-rested today. Across the United States, many are celebrating Thanksgiving: a time for gathering loved ones, sharing your finest dishes, and, let’s be honest, indulging in the booziest of drinks. Or maybe some of you are spending the day binge-watching Wicked, unlimitedly. Do you have a favorite dish to eat or cook? Mine’s the Mac ‘n’ Cheese—it’s the real star of the table, if you ask me.

One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is hearing how different communities infuse their own cultures into this uniquely American tradition, blending gratitude with the flavors of home.

But it’s important to remember that Thanksgiving isn’t a joyful occasion for everyone. The fourth Thursday of November is also observed as the National Day of Mourning. Since 1970, Indigenous people and their allies have gathered on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to reflect on the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the erasure of Native cultures. This day honors Indigenous ancestors and celebrates Native resilience.

If you’re in Minnesota, you can join a prayer and ceremony today at the Franklin Library in Minneapolis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Navigating Family Feasts and Friction

Thanksgiving get-togethers can be tough, especially when awkward or difficult conversations arise. This year, family celebrations may feel heavier than usual, with political divisions adding extra tension. The media is filled with advice on “surviving political debates” and “handling politics” at the dinner table, highlighting just how fraught these gatherings can be.

For some, the pressure is enough to skip the turkey altogether. Mental health protection guides for Thanksgiving are trending for a reason. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, remember you’re not alone. You can call, text, or chat with 988, the Mental Health Support Line. Learn more here.

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Timothée Chalamet Lookalikes and the Rise of Actor Doppelgängers

If you’re chronically online, you may have heard about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York City. Flyers promised $50 to the winner, and the event drew plenty of fans dressed as Timothée’s iconic characters, from Wonka to Dune. The twist? The police shut it down minutes after it started, fined organizers $500, and sent the crowd packing.

But not before Timothée himself made a surprise appearance! Since then, similar events have popped up, including a Paul Mescal lookalike competition in Dublin, a Harry Styles contest in London, and Dev Patel and Jeremy Allen White lookalike events in San Francisco and Chicago.

What’s the buzz about? While some hope celebrities will crash their own lookalike contests, others see these events as lighthearted escapes — real-life connections in a world dominated by social media. However, some are also pointing out a deeper cultural shift. Traditionally, media has objectified women, holding them to impossible beauty standards. Now, these competitions flip the script, with men vying to publicly prove their attractiveness.

If Minneapolis were to host a lookalike competition, who should it feature? (My vote: Prince. Just imagine the sequins and purple outfits!)

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Local Updates: Bridges and Boulevards

On a more practical note, some exciting updates around Minneapolis:

• The Stone Arch Bridge has reopened its east entrance while closing the west entrance that connects to downtown.
• Hennepin Avenue in Uptown has reopened, marking the end of its first phase of reconstruction and signaling the neighborhood’s slow reemergence from its identity crisis.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the rest of your day — whether that’s filled with turkey, Timothée, or something entirely your own.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team

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