Investigators search for a motive in the D.C. shooting that left two National Guard members in critical condition. L.A.'s wildfire victims get creative to celebrate the holidays. And, the town where "Stranger Things" was filmed prepares for the series to end.
Here's what to know today.
National Guard members shot in 'targeted' D.C. attack
Two National Guard members were shot in what appeared to be a "targeted" attack near the White House and were in critical condition overnight, officials said. President Donald Trump said the shooter was also severely injured.
Police said the National Guard members were on patrol when a suspect came around the corner, raised a firearm and shot at them. The suspect was also shot and was treated at a hospital, police said.
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Senior law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old man whose last known location was in Bellingham, Washington. Lakanwal came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021, Trump said in an address on the shooting.
A close relative of the suspected shooter said that the suspect served alongside U.S. Special Forces troops in Afghanistan for 10 years. He came to the U.S. after the Taliban took over and eventually settled in Washington state, the relative said.
The FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, two senior U.S. law enforcement officials said.
Trump was at Mar-a-Lago for the Thanksgiving holiday and was briefed on the shooting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
More on the shooting:
- Follow the latest developments on our liveblog.
- Here's everything we know about the suspect in the National Guard shootings.
- Trump called for a "re-examination" of all Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. during the Biden administration.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 99
Boasting 34 balloons, 28 floats and a top-notch lineup of performers, the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will march through New York City again today for the 99th time. The parade starts on West 77th Street and Central Park West at 8:30 a.m. and ends at Macy's Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street at noon.
"Wicked: For Good" star Cynthia Erivo will perform the parade's opening number. The singers behind the voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s "KPop Demon Hunters," will also take the stage.
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the parade starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.
NBC’s "TODAY" show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will return to host the broadcast this year, which will air on NBC and stream on Peacock beginning at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. In addition to the main celebration, a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo will be hosted by the network's Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.
Follow live updates of the parade.
How L.A.'s wildfire victims are celebrating the holidays
Roughly 16,000 structures were destroyed in the deadly January 7 wildfires that consumed entire swaths of Los Angeles County. At least 31 people were killed, and more than 57,000 acres were scorched in densely populated communities including Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Sunset Mesa.
Thousands of empty lots now dot the neighborhoods that would otherwise be brimming with holiday decorations. Survivors say those inescapable reminders of what was lost give them a renewed appreciation of Thanksgiving.
A strong sense of community defined Altadena for fire victims, and many are determined to nurture its essence. Some residents have thrown block parties on their otherwise vacant streets, and others meet for weekly game nights or other gatherings.
In Politics
- A Georgia judge ended the sprawling 2020 election interference case against Trump and his co-defendants after the prosecutor who took it over said he was dropping the charges.
- A federal court in North Carolina is allowing the state to use a new Republican-drawn congressional map that would help the GOP pick up another seat in the House during next year's midterm elections.
- Trump's transition team has released its list of donors, one year after it pledged to do so, with names that range from future Cabinet secretaries to GOP megadonors.
- A federal appeals court upheld an almost $1 million penalty against Trump in a racketeering lawsuit brought against Hillary Clinton over the 2016 election.
- Trump insulted a female reporter's appearance, marking the third time in recent weeks that the president has criticized a female reporter in personal terms.
Read All About It
- At least 55 people were killed and dozens are still missing after a massive fire tore through a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong, authorities said, as they launched a criminal investigation into the city’s deadliest blaze in seven decades.
- A nasty, highly contagious virus is spreading across the country ahead of the holiday season — and it's not the flu or Covid.
- Celebrity chef Guy Fieri was filming his new show when he fell down some stairs and tore a quad muscle on his right leg in half.
- Campbell's has fired an executive accused of making racist comments and mocking its products and customers.
- Here's why every NFL matchup on Thanksgiving and the day after is a significant one.
Staff Pick: Meet the real Hawkins
The highly anticipated fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" hit Netflix this week, bringing the more than 3 year long wait for new episodes to a close.
Fans of "Stranger Things" know Hawkins, Indiana as the town that needs saving from the evil monsters of "the upside down," but the real Hawkins, where much of the show is filmed, is actually in Jackson, Georgia. Locals say the small town was once rundown, struggling with drug activity, and desperate for business.
As a "Stranger Things" fan myself, I took a trip to Jackson to visit some of the iconic filming locations and meet the locals who say the show completely revitalized their community. Locals have fully embraced the thousands of fans who make the pilgrimage from all over the world, bringing Jackson a much needed economic boost. This is a prime example of how TV shows can drive tourism, as fans seek to immerse themselves in their favorite shows.
I got to know some of Jackson’s locals, who are proud to bring "Stranger Things" to life everyday, and who plan to continue the show's legacy beyond the finale, so fans can continue to experience Hawkins for generations to come. – Maya Huter, business and economy producer
NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified
Black Friday has officially arrived. The NBC Select team have been tracking the best early deals from Amazon, Target and more — and they're finally here. Plus, can’t-miss tech discounts and major savings at Mattress Firm.
Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.
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