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.
An Afghan national, who entered the U.S. in 2021 after working with the CIA, is accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House. The troops are in critical condition, and the suspect has been taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries. President Trump and other officials have condemned the attack, and new immigration processing for Afghan nationals is paused.
Key Facts
The suspect worked with the CIA and other U.S. agencies during the war in Afghanistan.
He entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome.
Two National Guard members were shot near the Farragut West Metro station and are hospitalized in critical condition.
President Trump has called the incident "an act of terror."
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused processing for Afghan nationals pending a security review.
The shooting occurred near the White House, prompting an investigation by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
President Trump has mobilized additional troops to protect the capital following the incident.
Two National Guard members were shot and critically injured near the White House in Washington, DC. The suspect, identified as an Afghan national, was taken into custody and wounded by law enforcement. President Donald Trump has announced plans to re-evaluate the vetting process for Afghan immigrants.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot while on duty in Washington, DC.
The incident happened close to the White House, and the service members are in critical condition.
The suspect is identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, who was also injured in the encounter.
Lakanwal entered the United States under the Operation Allies Welcome program initiated by President Joe Biden in 2021.
This program allowed many Afghan nationals to enter the US following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.
President Trump stated the need to re-assess Afghan immigrants' vetting processes.
Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it in 2025 during Trump's administration.
The US government is reviewing the incident, and the suspect’s entry details are under examination.
Two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting in Washington, D.C., part of a crime-fighting operation led by President Trump. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom is reportedly not expected to survive. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces serious charges related to the incident.
Key Facts
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old National Guard Specialist, is critically injured with what her father describes as a mortal wound.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, age 24, is also in critical condition following the shooting.
Both injured National Guard members are from the West Virginia National Guard.
They were part of an operation involving nearly 2,200 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
The mission was part of a larger crime-fighting effort led by President Trump.
They had reportedly been in service for less than 24 hours before the attack.
The identified suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Every Thanksgiving morning, Indigenous groups gather on Alcatraz Island for a sunrise ceremony. This tradition is now threatened because President Donald Trump plans to reopen Alcatraz as a prison. The new plan has been criticized for its high costs and logistical challenges.
Key Facts
Indigenous people gather annually for a sunrise ceremony on Alcatraz Island.
This tradition has been ongoing for nearly 50 years.
President Donald Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz as a large prison.
Operating costs on Alcatraz were very high, leading to its closure in 1963.
The island lacks fresh water and needs supply deliveries by boat.
Reopening the prison could cost around $2 billion.
The Indigenous community fears losing an important spiritual and cultural site if the plan proceeds.
President Donald Trump issued a Thanksgiving proclamation to Americans. He encouraged citizens to give thanks and highlighted historical moments that shaped the nation. He declared November 27, 2025, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump delivered a Thanksgiving message to Americans.
He referred to historical events like the first National Day of Thanksgiving by George Washington and the Thanksgiving declaration during the Civil War by Abraham Lincoln.
He mentioned that God has given blessings across America and the world.
Trump highlighted progress in the American economy, noting a decrease in the cost of living and restoration of national sovereignty.
He declared November 27, 2025, as a National Day of Thanksgiving.
He asked Americans to gather in homes and places of worship to give thanks.
The proclamation aimed to unite Americans and inspire faith and gratitude.
Some Republicans claimed that 20 million people entered the U.S. illegally during Joe Biden's presidency. However, this number appears to be an exaggeration. Data from organizations like Pew Research Center shows a rise in the undocumented immigrant population but not as high as 20 million.
Key Facts
The undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. reached 14 million in 2023, according to Pew Research Center.
Claims of 20 million illegal immigrants entering under Joe Biden are viewed as exaggerated.
The term "encounters" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection refers to people stopped at the border, not necessarily those who successfully enter and stay.
Encounters can include people who are caught and returned to their home countries, counted more than once, or processed in different ways.
More than 2 million undocumented migrants have left the U.S., with many voluntarily returning to their home countries.
In January 2025, there were 53.3 million immigrants in the U.S., but by June, the number fell to 51.9 million due to deportations and departures.
The claim that Joe Biden allowed 20 or 30 million illegal immigrants to enter is misleading according to immigration experts.
A shooting incident involving two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., has impacted Afghan immigrants in the United States. The suspected shooter is believed to be an Afghan national, which has led to broader repercussions for this immigrant community.
Key Facts
Two National Guard troops were shot in Washington, D.C.
The suspect in the shooting is believed to be an Afghan national.
This incident has affected Afghan immigrants across the United States.
The shooting took place in Washington, D.C.
The incident has raised concerns and potential consequences for recent Afghan arrivals in the U.S.
Sonia Parris, who has lived in the U.S. since she was a baby, was detained by ICE in Alabama after a traffic stop. Her DACA status had expired, leading to her arrest on separate charges. She is now in custody in Louisiana.
Key Facts
Sonia Parris was brought to the U.S. from Mexico at 2 months old.
She was detained by ICE following a traffic stop in Alabama.
Sonia's DACA status had expired, leaving her without valid ID.
She was initially arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia and driving without a valid license.
ICE took custody after she was bailed out from jail.
She has been transferred between multiple facilities and is currently in Louisiana.
Her 12-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, is facing emotional hardship due to her detention.
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. by a man identified as an Afghan national. The suspect is in custody, but the reason for the attack is not known. The Guard members are in critical condition, and President Trump plans to send more troops to the area.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C.
The victims are Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national in custody.
The attack was described as "ambush-style," and the motive is unclear.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome in 2021.
He faces charges of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm.
President Trump plans to send 500 more National Guard troops to D.C.
West Virginia's governor initially reported conflicting information about the victims' condition.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings of a sudden temperature drop in the Eastern U.S. starting on Thanksgiving. This change is due to a cold front moving in, causing temperatures to fall to levels typical of January. Freeze warnings are in effect for areas including southern Georgia and northern Florida.
Key Facts
The NWS warns of a sudden temperature drop in the Eastern U.S. starting on Thanksgiving.
Temperatures may fall 15 degrees below average for late November.
A cold front from Canada is moving in, replacing mild weather with much colder air.
Areas downwind of the Great Lakes could see heavy snowfall, over a foot in some places.
Freeze warnings are issued for regions like Jacksonville, Florida, with temperatures as low as 29°F.
The immediate drop in temperatures is likely due to the Alaskan ridge affecting the jet stream.
The NWS advises people to protect vulnerable individuals, pets, and plants from the cold.
Future forecasts predict continued below-average temperatures in the Great Lakes and possibly as far south as Texas.
Millions of households may experience delays in receiving up to $1,000 in energy assistance due to a recent government shutdown. This assistance comes from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides help with home energy costs for low-income families. The delays affect several states, with funds expected to be available by December.
Key Facts
LIHEAP provides financial help to low-income families for energy costs.
The program is meant for heating, cooling bills, and crisis situations like utility shutoffs.
The recent government shutdown has delayed LIHEAP payments.
Payments were initially expected in early November but are now delayed until December.
Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Georgia reported funding delays.
Some states expect funds to be available by mid-December.
LIHEAP served 5.9 million people in the 2023 fiscal year.
Eligibility is based on income, energy burden, and household vulnerability.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared a Thanksgiving video message aimed at illegal immigrants. The video included images of President Donald Trump and ended with the message, "No Second Helpings for Illegal Aliens."
Key Facts
The video was posted on social media by DHS on Thanksgiving morning.
It combined a montage of Thanksgiving memories with background music by Johnny Cash and the band Creed.
The video included a scene of a young President Donald Trump throwing a football.
It ended with a message directed at illegal immigrants: "No Second Helpings for Illegal Aliens."
The phrase "No Second Helpings" is likely a metaphor relating to immigration policy.
This is reported as a breaking news story, meaning updates might be available later.
The Ohio House passed a bill called the "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act." This bill lets public schoolteachers in Ohio talk about the positive impact of religion, especially Christianity, on American history. It does not require schools to teach this, but allows teachers to choose to do so.
Key Facts
The bill passed Ohio's House with all Republicans supporting it and all Democrats opposing it.
It emphasizes the positive role of Christianity in American history.
The bill was introduced by Republican Representatives Gary Click and Michael Dovilla.
The bill is named after Charlie Kirk due to his strong Christian faith and his death.
The bill allows but does not require teachers to highlight positive religious influences.
Critics argue it overlooks the separation of church and state.
Supporters say it clarifies teachers' rights without changing current standards.
The bill now goes to the Ohio state Senate for consideration.
Texas will implement a $1 billion program to help families pay for private school and other educational costs. This program, part of Senate Bill 2, introduces Education Savings Accounts, which provide financial support to students for tuition and educational needs. The funds will be available to many students across Texas, with special consideration for low-income students and those with disabilities.
Key Facts
Texas Senate Bill 2 sets aside $1 billion for Education Savings Accounts (ESA).
The program allows families to use funds for private school tuition, educational therapies, and other resources.
Each student participating in the ESA program can receive at least $2,000 annually.
Students with specific needs, such as those attending private schools or with disabilities, may receive up to $30,000 annually.
The program can serve up to 100,000 students, with priority given to low-income and disabled students if applications exceed the cap.
The initial $1 billion funding could increase to $4.5 billion per year by 2030.
All students in Texas, whether in public, private, or homeschool settings, are eligible to apply.
The rules and implementation of the ESA program were officially filed to become effective soon.
The article discusses a division within the Republican Party over U.S. foreign policy, particularly about support for Israel. President Trump ended his support for Marjorie Taylor Greene, highlighting a deeper conflict between "MAGA" and "America First" factions. This affects how the party views America's international role, especially in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump withdrew his support for Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on November 15.
The Republican Party is experiencing a split over foreign policy issues, focusing on U.S. support for Israel.
There are two main factions: "MAGA" loyalists who continue to support Trump and pro-Israel policies, and "America First" nationalists who want a more non-interventionist approach.
The "MAGA" faction views Israel as a crucial ally based on strategic and religious reasons.
The "America First" group argues that unconditional support for Israel does not align with America's best interests.
This internal conflict could change how the U.S. engages with the Middle East.
The debate underscores a shift from past unified support for Israel to questioning long-standing foreign alliances.
