Want to catch up with the news quickly? Here are the top stories from Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

For daily news updates, watch AC 24/7 on The Advocate Channel.

1. Israel and Hamas reach breakthrough hostage exchange deal

Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a four-day pause in fighting to facilitate the release of at least 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza, as well as 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The starting time of the pause in fighting will be announced within the next 24 hours.

For every additional 10 hostages who are released, there will be an additional day of a pause in the fighting, Israel has announced. The U.S. and Israel will also both pause drone flights over Gaza for six hours each day as part of the deal.

The pause will allow for much-needed humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies, and fuel for hospitals. Over 12,700 people have been killed in Gaza, 5,350 of whom were children, according to UNICEF. Up until now, Israel has cut off Gaza's access to food, water, fuel, and electricity as well as telecommunications against international law.

Click here to read more about the deal.

2. Plan ahead for record Thanksgiving travel

A record amount of people are expected to travel to airports and on highways for the Thanksgiving holiday this week. The Transportation Security Administration expects 2.6 million passengers to be screened Tuesday and 2.7 million Wednesday. Sunday will be the busiest, with an estimated record-high 2.9 million passengers.

Severe thunderstorms, rain, and snow are expected to hit several parts of the U.S. during the week, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and New York. Delays in air travel are likely to occur across the East Coast earlier in the week, with delays on major highways also expected.

Accuweather predicts significant weather-related delays on highways such as Interstates 40, 44, 55, 64, 70, 75 and 80 as well as on the mid-Atlantic I-80, I-81 and I-95. While the weather will cause some headaches, it will likely still be safe to travel in most regions.

Click here for what to do if your flight is cancelled.

3. An alarming number of Americans have racked up credit card debt

61 percent of Americans have credit card debt, owing an average of $5,875, according to a survey by Clever. About half of credit card users (48 percent) are using their cards and accumulating debt to cover essential living expenses such as rent, food, and utilities.

About 28 percent of card users said they find it difficult to make the minimum payments on their credit cards, and 14 percent said they've missed a payment this year.

Click here for more about the average American's finances.