UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced a complete halt to all asylum decisions following a deadly shooting incident that resulted in the death of a National Guard member. Authorities confirmed that a 29-year-old Afghan national, who previously worked with the CIA, is facing first-degree murder charges after the shooting near the White House.
This urgent development comes as the government intensifies its crackdown on legal immigration, pausing visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The administration is also reviewing the status of Afghans and other legal migrants currently in the United States, raising significant concerns for many families.
In a related matter, Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to restore federal funding after a standoff with the Trump administration. The university faced a loss of $790 million in grants, leading to the resignation of its president, Michael Schill. This agreement aims to end investigations related to the university’s handling of antisemitism.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that has claimed 128 lives, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the city’s history. The blaze erupted at the Wang Fuk Court complex, leaving dozens unaccounted for and many residents wondering about their future after being left homeless.
In cultural news, acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed he died peacefully at home in Dorset, England. Known for his brilliance and wit, Stoppard’s legacy includes the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Shakespeare In Love.”
On the economic front, shoppers defied broader economic uncertainties, spending a record $11.8 billion online during Black Friday, a 9.1% increase from last year. Despite a decline in in-store traffic, consumers showed resilience as they sought holiday deals.
In aviation news, airlines worldwide are facing flight disruptions due to a software glitch affecting the Airbus A320 family. This issue surfaced after a JetBlue aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop, prompting extensive safety checks. American Airlines is focusing on minimizing cancellations and plans to resolve the issue by Saturday.
As tensions rise, President Trump has declared Venezuelan airspace as “closed,” prompting fierce backlash from the Maduro government, which accuses him of making a “colonial threat.” This declaration raises questions about U.S. intervention in Venezuelan affairs.
With winter storms sweeping across the Midwest, Thanksgiving travelers are facing dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service issued warnings from North Dakota to Ohio, with snow accumulation reaching over 8 inches in northern Iowa. Delays are reported at major airports, impacting holiday travel plans.
Legal experts are also examining the Pentagon’s investigation of Senator Mark Kelly, who appeared in a controversial video urging troops to disobey what he termed “illegal orders.” As the legal ramifications unfold, the situation remains highly charged.
Stay tuned for more updates on these rapidly developing stories that impact lives and communities across the globe.
