this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Friday, November 29 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Aleppo under attack

• Is Black Friday a scam?

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Aleppo under attack

AP News reports that after 8 years, Syrian insurgents have breached Aleppo, a city controlled by the government since 2016.

PBS notes that the insurgents' major offensive included car bombs on Aleppo's western edge, a bold tactic signaling their strength.

According to the Washington Examiner, insurgents’ clashes with government forces are intense, pushing into key city defenses.

NBC News reports that projectiles from insurgents struck Aleppo University residences, leaving four dead amid the offensive.

NY Post observes that the ongoing intense clashes in Aleppo highlight the serious escalation in Syria's conflict, challenging government forces.

Is Black Friday a scam?

As Black Friday approaches, The Guardian says many deals push overconsumption and unsustainable buying practices. Just quit the habit.

While WBUR reports that most Black Friday deals aren't the savings they seem due to inflated pre-sale prices.

In fact, says Wired, watchdogs found 85% of Black Friday deals weren't the year's lowest prices, thanks to tactics like price anchoring.

And Player.fm highlights how many Black Friday discounts were more expensive than regular prices earlier this year!

1) Samples from the asteroid Ryugu were quickly taken over by Earth-based bacteria, showcasing the resilience of Earth's microorganisms.

2) Trump appointed Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy for the Ukraine/Russia conflict.

3) A woman managed to evade multiple security checkpoints at JFK International Airport and took a Delta Airlines flight without a boarding pass.

4) A potential Saudi Arabia deal with the US, conditioned on the creation of a Palestinian state, hit a bump with Israel's recent actions in Gaza.