International alarm over new Covid-19 variant discovery

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     Today we have a concerning new Covid-19 variant, some possible solutions for Congress to solve the debt limit problem, and a spectacular Egyptian event 3,000 years in the making.   Here's the latest on that and everything else we're watching this Friday morning.     WHO meets amid global alarm over new Covid-19 variant found in southern Africa Countries across the world rushed Friday to identify potential cases and halt travel from southern Africa where a new variant of Covid-19 emerged as a sudden source of global alarm.   The World Health Organization convened for an emergency meeting to assess the variant, currently identified as B.1.1.529.   Scientists are still learning about the variant, which was first identified earlier this week, but its concerning nature led to rapid developments.   The U.K. said late Thursday it was adding six African countries to its red list, banning all direct flights from: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Other countries quickly moved to follow suit.   "This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility," said Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the U.K. Health Security Agency. "This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over."   Read more here. Friday's Top Stories Migrant deaths give U.K., France a tragic jolt on long-simmering border dispute As leaders in Paris and London traded accusations, advocates and politicians who have long called for a more humane approach to the contentious issue said both countries bore a degree of responsibility for the loss of life.  READ MORE As new debt limit showdown looms, lawmakers consider long-term solutions Abolishing the debt ceiling and minting a $1 trillion coin are among the solutions being proposed. READ MORE Ghislane Maxwell's trial starts Monday. Epstein victims say she was central to his scheme. "This is a ring that ensnared dozens and dozens and dozens of girls. And Maxwell was an integral player," one civil attorney said. READ MORE OPINION How Black Friday shopping can be meaningful, not just wasteful People seem to think needy folks are a good way to unload their guilt — and accumulated items — from overspending on previous holidays, writes culture and wellness writer Tonya Russell. READ MORE Also in the News Solomon Islands leader blames foreign powers for unrest as Australian forces arrive Russian coal mine fire kills at least 52 people Donors raise more than $950,000 to help Missouri man wrongfully convicted in 1979 Chinese photographer apologizes after backlash over Dior model's 'Western' depiction Our big holiday streaming list — all featuring Latino actors and themes Editor's Pick Unlike Kyle Rittenhouse, Travis McMichael 'didn't come off as credible,' experts say "Rarely have I seen a defendant who's put on the stand by his defense team really perform so poorly," a former federal prosecutor said. READ MORE Select It's Black Friday and discounts are hitting all time highs. We're tracking the latest and keeping you updated with what's worth knowing. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy's, Kohl's and Best Buy are offering major discounts this Black Friday on everything from tech and TVs to skin care and wellness products. One Fun Thing Ancient Egyptian 'Path of God' reopened amid spectacular celebrations While Americans feasted their eyes on a full-blown Thanksgiving Day parade after a two-year Covid absence, nearly 6,000 miles away Egypt revived a very different cultural tradition that has not been seen for several thousand years.   The country opened the 3,000-year-old Avenue of Sphinxes to the public Thursday in an extravagant ceremony in the southern city of Luxor that follows decades of excavation efforts.   The ancient walkway, nearly two miles long and about 250 feet wide, was once named "The Path of God."   Read more here.    Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: Patrick.Smith@nbcuni.com. If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Patrick Smith     FOLLOW US     Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here.     Get the NBC News Mobile App   30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy