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Today’s Top Stories from NBC News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Good morning NBC News readers and a Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Today we look at the results of the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial, why Australia is a reluctant partner in the climate fight, and a new quiz show to delight Harry Potter fans.

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

Why only one defendant in the Arbery killing was convicted of the most serious charge

Legal experts say they're not surprised that a Georgia jury reached guilty verdicts for felony murder and other charges Wednesday against the three white men on trial in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man whom they had chased through their neighborhood last year.

But Travis McMichael, 35, the man wielding the shotgun and who pulled the trigger, was found guilty of an additional charge — malice murder — whereas his co-defendants, his father, Gregory McMichael, 65, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, were not.

Page Pate, a Georgia defense lawyer who is not affiliated with the case, said the jury's finding makes sense.

Thursday's Top Stories

Australia’s reluctant role at climate summit is exactly what activists were worried about

Australia has long been under fire as one of the world’s top producers of coal and gas, and has done little to suggest it will be a leading partner in the fight against climate catastrophe, despite its pride in its native wildlife and environmental treasures.

CDC warns about rising flu cases in kids, young adults

Flu activity is still low in the U.S., but more than 90 percent of cases have been among children and young people ages 5 to 24.

Mindy Kaling’s new series and the significance of sex-positive South Asian women

In "The Sex Lives of College Girls," Kaling brings to the table something novel — an Indian American character who openly seeks out sex.

OPINION

The Thanksgiving turkey's history starts with dinosaurs

Focusing on one dinner in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621 means we ignore the meal’s fascinating — and more far-flung — prehistory, writes Adam Larson, writer and science communicator.

Also in the News

CIA chief warns Russians of consequences if they caused 'Havana Syndrome'

Gray wolf whose 'epic' travels captured headlines is killed in Southern California

How one organization is combating a food crisis worsened by the pandemic

Navajo rebuild traditional foodways as inflation, supply chain woes hit hard

Trump argues Jan. 6 panel's pursuit of his records could permanently damage the presidency

Editor's Pick

Georgia teens become unlikely warriors in redistricting fight

They're juggling finals and extracurriculars with special legislative sessions and injecting an unusual level of youth engagement into a typically wonky insiders' political routine.

Select

Black Friday is almost here and major brands and retailers are hosting some of their biggest sales of the year — likely through Cyber Monday.

One Fun Thing

Harry Potter quiz show may stump even the biggest fans

Accio Harry Potter nerds.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," WarnerMedia and the Wizarding World put together a four-part weekly quiz show to put contestants' magical knowledge to the test.

In "Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses" contestants will be tasked with answering hundreds of Wizarding World trivia questions as they play for one of the four Hogwarts houses.

Executive producers Robin Ashbrook and Yasmin Shackleton, who have produced a number of reality shows, said they wanted to ensure the show appealed to more than just the superfan.

"Because we're celebrating 20 years [since the first film], my kids all know the franchise," Ashbrook said. "But the challenge was how do you make a show that appeals to a dad who doesn't know anything? Or a daughter who doesn't know that much about Harry Potter?"