National Guard shooting, Hong Kong fire, Ukraine talks...

Two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a shooting near the White House on Thanksgiving Eve, an incident described as a "targeted attack." The suspect, identified as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under the Biden administration, has been detained. This tragic event has prompted President Trump to order additional National Guard troops to D.C. and review the entry of Afghan nationals during the previous administration. The attack is under investigation as a potential act of terrorism, raising concerns over national security and immigration policies . Washington Post (national) Wall Street Journal (politics) USA Today The Hill The Hill

A massive fire engulfed seven apartment towers in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court, marking the deadliest blaze in decades with at least 55 fatalities and dozens injured. The fire was fueled by construction materials and bamboo scaffolding used in renovations. Rescue efforts have been hindered by extreme heat, and the city's chief executive ordered inspections of all public housing undergoing renovations. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in high-density urban housing . bostonglobe.com Financial Times Washington Post (World)

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first foreign trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon to promote messages of unity and peace. His itinerary includes Nicaea, the historic site of the first Christian Council, where he aims to position himself as a unifier in the Christian world. The pope's outreach strategy signals his intent to address not only religious but also geopolitical tensions in the region . The NY Times Washington Post (World) World Street Journal (International)

European nations are struggling to present a unified response to the Ukraine conflict as U.S. funding wanes. Disunity is evident in debates over continued military aid and strategies for addressing Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a trusted figure in the Trump administration, has been tasked with spearheading high-stakes diplomacy to negotiate a peace deal. This highlights the fragile balance of transatlantic cooperation amid shifting U.S. priorities . Washington Post (World) Wall Street Journal (politics) World Street Journal (International)

Officials in Hong Kong are probing the cause of the fire at Wang Fuk Court, focusing on the role of construction materials and scaffolding in exacerbating the disaster. The tragedy underscores vulnerabilities in urban planning and the necessity for robust fire safety standards, especially in high-rise buildings undergoing renovations . bostonglobe.com Washington Post (World)

Global markets showed optimism ahead of Thanksgiving, buoyed by hopes of a Federal Reserve rate cut and investor confidence in artificial intelligence advancements. However, despite recent gains, markets have yet to recover losses from earlier this month, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties . Wall Street Journal (Markets) Market Watch

Under President Trump, a more lenient approach to antitrust enforcement has resulted in a surge of corporate mergers, including those involving direct competitors. This policy shift has sparked debate over market consolidation and the long-term implications for competition and consumer choice . Wall Street Journal (politics)

The UK government plans to prohibit councils from contracting private firms for litter enforcement that retain a percentage of collected fines. This move aims to curb exploitative practices and promote fairness in municipal governance. It reflects growing public concerns over privatized enforcement measures . The Guardian (Environnment)