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Today’s Top Stories from NBC News

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Good morning, NBC News readers.

Today we have dramatic overnight session in the House, where a key vote on President Joe Biden's agenda was delayed by a record-breaking speech. Also, we look at how Black victims of police violence live with the long-term effects, and how stores are looking to make their Santas more diverse.

Here's the latest on that and everything else we're watching this Friday morning.

Democrats delay Build Back Better vote after GOP leader stalls with record, hourslong speech

House Democrats postponed a much-anticipated vote on President Joe Biden's social safety net and climate package early Friday after Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy delayed a final vote with a record-breaking, wide-ranging and often angry speech.

The House is now slated to meet at 8 a.m. ET on Friday to finish consideration of the Build Back Better bill.

McCarthy, who began speaking at 8:38 p.m., brought his marathon speech to an end at about 5:04 a.m. to cheers and applause from House Republicans.

He discussed unrelated matters like the Southern border, Afghanistan policy, recruitment of police officers, poll numbers and the problem with "one-party rule."

A senior Democratic aide told NBC News that McCarthy was “welcome to continue his raving as late into the night as he wants. The House will return and vote first thing Friday morning so the American people know heading into Thanksgiving week that House Democrats are fighting with President Biden to Build Back Better.”

Some Democrats live-tweeted their criticisms of the speech. McCarthy at times was heckled on the floor but insisted he would continue.

Read the full story and check for the latest updates here.

Friday's Top Stories

They protested after George Floyd. Police beat them. Now, they live with chronic pain.

Protesters filled streets around the world after George Floyd’s killing. For some, the scars of that summer run deep.

What college campus outbreaks indicate about this year’s flu season

The dominant strain at the moment, H3N2, often leads to particularly bad flu seasons.

Stores push for a more diverse pool of Santas

Old Navy is trying to make it less of a white Christmas.

OPINION

Gas exporters cry 'cancel culture' in a farcical climate change low

The gas industry's persecution complex runs deep and the satire just writes itself, says Michael E. Mann, professor of atmospheric science at Pennsylvania State University.

Also in the News

Fake Facebook accounts boost campaign opposing U.S. consulate in Jerusalem

New Asian American Muppet prompts CPAC president to call for defunding PBS

Man with AR-15 rifle outside Kenosha courthouse says he is former Ferguson officer

Serena Williams latest tennis great to ask: Where is Peng Shuaiok?

India to repeal controversial farm laws that led to protests

Editor's Pick

Afghanistan's only music school completes exit from Kabul fearing Taliban crackdown

“When I speak with my friends and family in Kabul, they say that music is very rare,” a pianist who escaped the Afghan capital said. “Without music, the city almost feels dead.”

Select

From pie birds to pie pans, baking experts explain what tools you may want to keep on hand while making dough and filling.

One Fun Thing

Catalogs fill a retail therapy niche for pandemic-weary shoppers

After a year spent learning, conducting business and purchasing goods online, shoppers are putting down their phones, tablets and laptops and picking up that stalwart of a bygone, pre-Amazon era: the catalog.

Many say that the online shopping experience is too hectic or that it isn’t conducive to leisurely browsing or discovering new gift ideas.

"I feel like I’m always on my phone or the computer, so it’s kind of soothing sitting down with a cup of coffee and a tactile catalog and just flipping through it,” said Kristi Krass, a mother of three boys who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan.