It’s almost the end of the week, but we’re not quite there yet. While you’re waiting, have a quick look at the top stories everyone will be talking about:
1. Why did it happen?
Police are still searching for a motive in yesterday’s mass shooting in San Bernardino. In case you haven’t caught up on all the details, at least two assailants opened fire on a party for employees at a county health center, killing 14. Hours later, police reported two suspects — a couple, whose names were Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik — had been killed in a shootout several miles away. Farook was a U.S. citizen who worked as a health inspector and the couple had a 6-month-old baby. Police haven’t ruled out terrorism, but they remain puzzled as to why the obviously planned attack happened. — Washington Post
More: San Bernardino shooting sends celebrities into a rage on Twitter
2. A scary record
In case yesterday’s mass shooting wasn’t disturbing enough, gun sales reached an all-time high on Black Friday. The FBI processed over 185,000 background checks on Nov. 27, which is a five percent increase from the previous year and a new record. As Refinery29 points out, some gun sales don’t require background checks, so the actual number sold on Black Friday was probably way higher. As if we weren’t already afraid to leave the house. — Refinery29
3. Brits go to battle
British lawmakers voted yesterday to launch airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. They debated for 10 long hours and ended up with a 397-223 vote in favor of the strikes. Many see it as an act of solidarity with France following the attacks in Paris, but others are more apprehensive about entering into war. Obama welcomed the Brits and promised to “integrate them into our coalition air tasking orders as soon as possible.” As more and more countries hop on board, the situation grows more tense. We just hope all the soldiers and pilots get home safe. — CNN
More:Amazing couple cancels their wedding to help Syrian refugees
4. Guilty as charged
Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius shot the model four times through their bathroom door, claiming he thought she was an intruder. Prosecutors say his story didn’t add up and the explanations for the killing were implausible. Pistorius was initially charged with manslaughter, but the South African supreme court overruled that verdict. He now faces up to 15 years in prison. — The Guardian
5. Rocket man
At 5:55 p.m. ET today, an Atlas V rocket full of Christmas presents will launch from Cape Canaveral. The gifts are for the astronauts on the International Space Station, and their means of delivery are way cooler than Santa. Of course, presents aren’t the main reason for the launch. The space craft is actually bringing some much needed supplies to the astronauts in orbit. Still, it’s nice to see the holiday spirit can make it all the way out to space. — Florida Today
More:Don’t miss this live stream of Earth from outer space
6. The wonderful, wonderful Wiz
NBC’s The Wiz Live! is on tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Like other television-aired live productions, it will follow its original format and include an incredible cast of talented actors and actresses. The Wiz will be played by Queen Latifah and the broadcast will include Cirque Du Soleil-trained acrobats. There’s also a Broadway revival in the works for the 2016-17 season. In the meantime, enjoy the show with your family tonight from the comfort of your very own home. The kids will love it. — USA Today
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