President Trump ordered a detailed review of Green Card holders from countries considered risky after an attack in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan national. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also stopped all immigration applications from Afghan nationals immediately following the incident.
Key Facts
President Trump directed a complete review of Green Card holders from certain countries.
The review follows a shooting in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan suspect.
Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured in this attack.
USCIS immediately halted immigration applications from Afghan nationals.
The list of countries of concern includes 19 nations identified in a proclamation by President Trump on June 4.
Some countries face full restrictions, while others have partial restrictions on immigration to the U.S.
The USCIS Director stated that protecting the U.S. and its people is the main priority.
The Trump administration plans to review green cards issued to people from 19 countries. This action follows a recent shooting incident in Washington, DC, involving an Afghan national. President Trump emphasized national security concerns as a reason for this reevaluation.
Key Facts
The Trump administration will re-examine green cards for individuals from 19 countries.
Joseph Edlow, head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, is leading the review.
Countries on the list include Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela.
An Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard troops in Washington, DC.
President Trump linked the shooting to national security threats.
The June proclamation mentions security and visa overstay as reasons for the review.
Other countries on the list are Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, and Libya.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services also announced a review of refugees admitted under the previous administration.
President Donald Trump announced that a West Virginia National Guard member died after being shot near the White House by an Afghan national. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had previously worked with a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit and is currently in custody facing charges. The shooting has raised questions about the U.S. policy of resettling Afghans who worked with American forces.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed the death of National Guard member Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20.
Another guard member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is seriously injured and fighting for his life.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was formerly part of a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit.
The shooting is described as an "ambush-style" attack with a handgun, occurring near the White House.
Charges against Lakanwal include assault with intent to kill, with potential upgrades depending on the victims' outcomes.
The situation ties into broader debates on security and the resettlement of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces.
The National Guard presence in Washington, D.C., continues to be a topic of political discussion.
The suspect and situation emphasize the complex legacy of the Afghanistan War.
Thanksgiving in the United States is a holiday in November that originated with early settlers, known as Pilgrims, and has become a day for family gatherings and giving thanks. The holiday also carries a complex history for Indigenous Americans, whose communities faced significant challenges due to European settlement. Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 through a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States every November.
The holiday's roots trace back to the early 1600s with English settlers known as Pilgrims.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln.
The Civil War, during which Lincoln made the proclamation, occurred from 1861 to 1865.
The first English settlement in America was the Jamestown colony in present-day Virginia, established in 1607.
The first Thanksgiving is linked to a 1621 event in Plymouth, Massachusetts, involving Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.
Indigenous Americans view Thanksgiving as a reminder of the displacement and challenges they faced due to European colonization.
The tradition of Thanksgiving was common in early New England communities before it became a national holiday.
Investigators report that a man drove across the country to shoot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The suspect, originally from Afghanistan, will face charges for the attack.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C.
The shooting happened in the daytime.
The suspect traveled across the country for the attack.
The suspect is an Afghan national.
Prosecutors plan to charge the suspect with three counts of assault with intent to kill.
The injured National Guard members are in critical condition.
White House correspondent Liz Landers provided the report.
The recent shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House has brought more attention to the decision by President Trump to use military force in cities. These actions mainly target crime in cities run by Democratic officials.
Key Facts
Two National Guard troops were shot near the White House.
The incident has increased scrutiny on President Trump’s use of military forces in cities.
President Trump has deployed National Guard troops to fight crime in Democratic-led cities.
The focus is on the administration's response to crime with military involvement.
Juliette Kayyem, from Harvard, discussed the situation with John Yang.
Juliette Kayyem is associated with security and worked under the Obama administration.
National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom died after being shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump announced her death during his Thanksgiving speech.
Key Facts
Sarah Beckstrom was a member of the National Guard.
She was shot near the White House in Washington, D.C.
The shooting occurred on a Wednesday.
Beckstrom was shot in the chest and the head.
She was in critical condition before her death.
President Donald Trump announced her death on Thursday evening during a Thanksgiving address.
Many Americans find it hard to talk about politics during family gatherings like Thanksgiving. A recent poll highlights these difficulties, and experts discuss ways to handle tough conversations.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving involves many family and friend gatherings.
These gatherings can sometimes lead to tension.
A poll by PBS News, NPR, and Marist shows that many Americans struggle with political discussions.
Some poll respondents shared their views on this topic.
Amna Nawaz spoke with advice columnist R. Eric Thomas about managing difficult talks.
The discussion included tips on how to handle tensions during conversations.
An Afghan man named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House. He came to the US under a special immigration program after the US withdrew from Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation and the suspect is in custody.
Key Facts
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, DC.
Lakanwal worked with the CIA and Afghan forces before moving to the US four years ago.
The shooting victims, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, are in critical condition.
Lakanwal entered the US through Operation Allies Welcome, a special program for Afghans.
After arriving in the US in 2021, he applied for asylum, which was granted in 2024.
The shooting was described as a targeted attack, and Lakanwal drove from Washington state to DC.
Lakanwal faces charges including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime.
He is currently in police custody and being treated for his injuries.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade continued in New York City despite strong wind warnings. The parade included large balloons and floats, with precautions in place due to past wind-related incidents. The event is popular, attracting millions of viewers both in person and on television.
Key Facts
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2025 was the 99th annual event.
Strong wind warnings were issued, with gusts possibly reaching 35 miles per hour.
Parade rules require cancellation if winds reach certain limits, but the parade has never been cancelled due to weather.
In 1997, a balloon incident led to injuries, prompting strict safety rules.
The parade featured 34 large balloons, including Buzz Lightyear and Mario.
There were 28 floats in the parade, with appearances by celebrities like Cynthia Erivo.
An estimated 3.5 million spectators attend the parade in person, while over 50 million watch on television.
The parade spans 2.5 miles through New York City, finishing at the Macy's flagship store.
The event has seen protests, notably for Palestinian solidarity in recent years.
Charities in the U.S. are experiencing increased demand for assistance while receiving fewer donations due to rising prices and the impact of previous government shutdowns. Some nonprofits face financial difficulties due to federal funding cuts and layoffs. Charities are urging people to donate, highlighting that even small contributions can help.
Key Facts
Rising prices and a past government shutdown are affecting people's ability to donate during the holiday season.
Charities like the Salvation Army need more funds than last year to meet increased demand from 28 million people.
One Warm Coat has seen a 25% increase in nonprofits asking for coats, working with 1,900 agencies this year.
Feeding America reports 95% of food banks saw stable or increased demand from September to October.
Changes from the Trump administration's new rules reduce how much of their donations people can deduct on taxes.
Toy Foundation reports greater demand for help despite ongoing industry collaboration to provide more toys.
Macy's 99th Thanksgiving Day Parade began in New York City, featuring new and returning balloons and floats. Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and a "Stranger Things" float were among the new attractions. Traditional favorites like Bluey and Lego floats also appeared.
Key Facts
This year marks the 99th Thanksgiving Day Parade by Macy's.
The parade took place in New York City.
It featured 34 balloons and 28 floats.
New additions included characters like Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man.
A new float was themed after the TV show "Stranger Things."
Popular returning balloons included Bluey.
Floats from companies like Lego also participated.
Two National Guard members were attacked near the White House by a suspect who drove from Washington State to Washington, D.C. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, previously worked with the CIA and entered the U.S. through a program for vulnerable Afghan nationals. The FBI is conducting a nationwide investigation into the incident.
Key Facts
The attack happened near the White House, injuring two National Guard members from West Virginia.
The suspect is a 29-year-old Afghan national who lived in Bellingham, Washington.
Officials said the suspect had previously worked with the CIA.
The suspect entered the U.S. under a Biden-era program for vulnerable Afghan nationals.
The suspect was shot by a Guard member and is currently in a hospital.
The FBI is leading a broad investigation, conducting searches and interviews across the U.S.
The two injured Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, have undergone surgery.
The incident is being investigated for any connections the suspect might have, both domestically and internationally.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing green cards issued to immigrants from countries considered high-risk after a shooting in Washington, D.C. The suspect, who was involved in the shooting of two National Guard members, is an Afghan national with a pending green card application. This move follows a broader review of refugee admissions and immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Key Facts
DHS is reviewing green cards for immigrants from high-risk countries.
This decision follows a shooting near the White House involving two National Guard members.
The suspect is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 and has a pending green card application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily halted processing for Afghan nationals.
President Trump emphasized the need to re-evaluate entries from Afghanistan.
The refugee program is under review, with potential revocation for improperly admitted individuals.
The Trump administration has reduced annual refugee admissions, focusing on specific groups.
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, D.C. Both remain in critical condition after surgery. The suspect, an Afghan national formerly working with U.S. agencies, was shot by another Guard member and is facing multiple charges.
Key Facts
The shooting victims are Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both from the West Virginia National Guard.
Both victims are critically injured and receiving treatment after undergoing surgery.
The suspect is a 29-year-old Afghan national previously employed by the CIA and other U.S. agencies.
The suspect was also shot and is currently under hospital surveillance.
Charges considered for the suspect include assault with intent to kill and firearm possession during a crime.
President Trump has called for the death penalty for murders in D.C.
The shooting took place near a metro station close to the White House at 2:15 p.m. ET.
President Trump described the event as an act of "evil" and "terror."
President Donald Trump criticized the program that brought Afghan refugees to the U.S., called Operation Allies Welcome, after a man accused of shooting two National Guard members was identified as an Afghan refugee. The program was launched following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, which President Joe Biden oversaw, to resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. Trump and other critics argue that the vetting process for these refugees was inadequate.
Key Facts
The accused shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was one of about 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. after the withdrawal.
Operation Allies Welcome aimed to resettle Afghans who helped U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.
President Biden supported the program, saying the U.S. owed protection to those who opposed the Taliban.
Critics, including President Trump, argue the refugee vetting process was poorly handled.
Lakanwal worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S. as a refugee.
Resettlement of Afghans has faced challenges, partly due to policies by Trump that restricted refugee support.
Tens of thousands of Afghans have been resettled across various U.S. states.
Some argue not to blame the entire refugee community for the actions of one individual.
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, DC, in what the FBI calls an act of terrorism. The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who has been charged but remains in the hospital. The attack has raised concerns about Afghan refugees in the US and President Trump has ordered more National Guard troops to the capital.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were shot in Washington, DC.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US from Afghanistan in 2021.
Lakanwal has been charged with assault and firearm possession and is currently hospitalized.
The Trump administration plans to review Afghan arrivals to the US.
President Trump has increased National Guard presence in Washington, DC, following the attack.
There is ongoing controversy over the deployment of National Guard troops in US cities.
After a shooting in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan suspect, some Republicans are calling for tougher immigration measures. This includes suspending immigration from Afghan nationals and potentially banning all Muslim immigrants. President Trump and other officials stress the need to reassess immigration policies related to national security.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot and critically injured near the White House by a suspect originally from Afghanistan.
The suspect came to the U.S. in 2021 under a special program for Afghans who worked with U.S. agencies.
President Trump emphasized the need to review immigration from Afghanistan and other countries as a national security measure.
Some Republicans are pushing for a complete ban on Muslim immigrants and the deportation of Islamist individuals.
The Trump administration previously suspended immigration applications from Afghan nationals and has enacted policies reducing immigration from several Muslim-majority countries.
A proposed bill, the Afghan Vetting Accountability Act, seeks to ensure ongoing vetting for Afghan refugees who entered the U.S. without proper documentation.
The administration already announced a travel ban affecting Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Two National Guard members were shot and seriously injured near the White House in Washington, DC. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is in custody and faced charges. President Trump has announced the deployment of additional troops to Washington, DC, and halted immigration requests from Afghans.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC.
The shooting happened just after 2 PM on Wednesday near Farragut Square.
The suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who was living in Washington state.
Lakanwal came to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021.
Both victims remain in critical condition in the hospital.
President Trump announced plans to deploy 500 more troops in response to the incident.
Lakanwal will be charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and firearm possession during a crime of violence.
The U.S. has suspended processing immigration requests from Afghans following this event.
Two products sold at Walmart, a camping stove and children's helmets, have been recalled due to safety concerns. The stoves can cause fires, and the helmets do not meet safety standards. Customers are advised to stop using these products and obtain refunds.
Key Facts
The Ozark Trail Tabletop 1-Burner Butane Camping Stove is recalled due to risks of explosion and fire.
Approximately 201,000 units of this stove, sold from March 2023 to October 2025, are affected.
26 incidents of the stove causing fires or burns have been reported.
Outdoor Master children's helmets are also recalled for not meeting safety standards.
About 24,300 helmets sold from June 2024 through February 2025 are involved in the recall.
No injuries from the helmets have been reported, but they pose risks of head injury.
Customers should return the stoves to Walmart for a refund and contact Outdoor Master for helmet refunds.
Customers can find more information on Walmart's recall page or by calling Walmart Customer Service.
