THE BIG STORY

The US recorded over 4 million COVID-19 cases in November

The record comes as the country enters a terrifying new phase of the pandemic, with public health experts warning of another big surge in cases and hospitalizations following Thanksgiving weekend travel.

The 4.02 million cases recorded from Nov. 1-28 bring the country's total COVID-19 cases to over 13 million, the highest of any nation. The severity of the pandemic has reached new heights, with some cities once again turning to lockdowns in an effort to control the virus.

👉 An Oregon nurse was placed on leave for dismissing Covid restrictions in a TikTok.

👉 Coronavirus outbreaks in meatpacking plants were likely much worse than official numbers show.

👉 Moderna has submitted its coronavirus vaccine for emergency approval from the FDA.

STAYING ON TOP OF THIS

An 18-year-old's prom photoshoot went viral after the dance was canceled due to the pandemic

Like many teens, Jasmine Dauphine has been dreaming of her prom for years. She was finally going to get her chance this year, but then the pandemic arrived and the dance was canceled.

"At first I was OK with it because it was a pandemic, and I still am okay with it!" she told BuzzFeed News. "But then I got really sad when I fully realized that I won’t be able to ever go to prom."

But that didn't stop her from getting dressed up, and a chance run-in with a wedding photographer created photos speak for themselves.

Courtesy of Sara Isabella Ortiz / Via futuraphotography.com

SNAPSHOTS

Joe Biden has hairline fractures in his foot after slipping while playing with his dog Major. The president-elect will likely have to wear a walking boot for several weeks, his doctor said.

The UK government wants Netflix to warn viewers that The Crown is fictional. "I fear a generation of viewers who did not live through these events may mistake fiction for fact," the UK's culture secretary said. (And in other The Crown news, check out this delightful Margaret Thatcher parody.)

Yinka Bokinni's friend was the victim of one of the UK's most notorious murders. She's sharing her story for the first time.

President Trump sat behind a tiny desk. The internet thought it was hilarious. He also failed some more in court in his ongoing efforts to undermine the election.

RAISING AWARENESS

A teen influencer who's deaf says social media has a ways to go when it comes to accessibility

Scarlet Waters is not the only person who’s deaf who is having trouble with social media, but she’s one of the few people openly talking about it -- and is doing it with over 3 million followers.

She said the idea to share something more sincere came out of frustrations she had because people “didn’t really comprehend the need” to “make this world more accessible” for members of the Deaf community — especially when it comes to using a smartphone.

“The most surprising aspect for me was how many people didn't truly think about what it means to be deaf,” she said. “I feel like a lot of people knew, like, OK we can’t hear. But I don't think they realized how much they depend on their hearing for little things and the fact that we’re not able to do those things.”

LET THE YEAR-END ROUNDUPS BEGIN

Things we tried and liked in 2020

Every year, BuzzFeed News puts together a list of the apps, gadgets and other tech things that we tried and liked enough to recommend. This year saw many people shifting from the office to working from home, and figuring out new ways to try to just feel a bit better and connect with folks. The list has a bit of everything, from turntables to financial apps to grow-your-own-weed kits. Check it out; maybe you'll find something that makes your 2021 a little smoother than your 2020.

It's not too late to give some thanks to yourself for getting here,

Brandon