HBO Poll: Afghan Troop Surge

President Obama will next week announce a surge of at least 25,000 new US troops to Afghanistan in a speech to the nation, according to US officials today. Mr Obama will make the announcement in an address on Tuesday, December 1, after weeks of deliberations over his Afghan strategy and a tenth session with his war council in the White House on Monday night/ London Times . More here .

• Monday Poll: A plurality of 46% — 30 of 65 — of the respondents said Thanksgiving Day is the favorite part of the local events this week, followed by 31% — 20 of 65 — who said that the Hagadone Hospitality fireworks and tree lightings was their favorite.