united states news

The Trump administration has announced a comprehensive review of green cards held by immigrants from 19 nations deemed security concerns, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela. This initiative, directed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services head Joseph Edlow, follows a shooting incident in Washington DC where an Afghan national who arrived through a special 2021 immigration program allegedly wounded two National Guard members. The administration has justified the review by citing inadequate vetting procedures from the previous government and security concerns related to these countries, including unstable governance and terrorist presence. Additional measures include suspending Afghan immigration requests and reviewing refugees admitted during the Biden administration.

Kevin Epps, a 57-year-old journalist and Executive Editor of SF Bayview newspaper, is currently standing trial in San Francisco for the 2016 shooting death of Marcus Polk, a homeless registered sex offender who entered Epps' home. The murder charge was initially dropped by the District Attorney in 2016 due to insufficient evidence, but the case was controversially reopened in 2019 after prosecutors commissioned a digital animation reconstruction, despite the Chief Medical Examiner's testimony that exact bullet trajectory cannot be determined. Epps maintains he acted in self-defense under California's Castle Doctrine when Polk, who had a history of violence and methamphetamine use, allegedly threatened him and refused to leave his residence. The trial raises broader questions about prosecutorial conduct, the use of questionable digital forensic evidence in criminal cases, and potential political motivations given Epps' prominent role in Black media and the gentrification of San Francisco's historically African American neighborhoods. # Key Takeaways

After more than two decades of carrying FDA black box warnings about serious health risks, hormone therapy medications for menopause will have these safety labels removed following an FDA announcement on November 10, 2025. The warnings, added in 2003 after a Women's Health Initiative study suggested increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and dementia, led to a dramatic 46% drop in hormone therapy use within six months. Subsequent research over the past twenty years has revealed significant flaws in the original analysis and demonstrated that hormone therapy is generally safe, particularly for women under 60 or within ten years of menopause, with safety heavily dependent on timing, dosage, and delivery method. The warnings were especially problematic for topical vaginal estrogen products, which treat genitourinary symptoms and were never part of the original study but still received the same black box label despite being extremely safe. # Key Takeaways

St. Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church in Sacramento, California's oldest African American church, commemorated its 175th anniversary with a two-day celebration featuring religious services and historical exhibits. Founded in 1850 by formerly enslaved men including Daniel Blue in the basement of Blue's home, the church served as a crucial gathering place for California's early Black community and hosted important civil rights conventions during the 1850s and 1860s. The anniversary celebration included youth members portraying historical figures from the church's past, while Bishop Francine A. Brookins delivered a sermon connecting the church's legacy of activism to contemporary social justice issues. Current Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Jason D. Thompson emphasized the church's ongoing mission to serve underrepresented communities and continue its tradition of advocacy for social, political, and educational concerns.

An Afghan man who previously worked with CIA-backed forces in Afghanistan has been charged with shooting two National Guard members near the White House in what authorities are calling a targeted, ambush-style attack. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a special immigration program created after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan that brought approximately 77,000 Afghans to America. The two victims, both in their twenties, remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot multiple times in downtown Washington. In response to the incident, President Trump has suspended all Afghan immigration requests and ordered a review of all Afghans who entered under the previous administration's program, while also deploying an additional 500 National Guard troops to patrol Washington.

Mardelle Walker, born in 1924 in North Carolina, lived a remarkable century-long life that included service at the Pentagon during World War II and a distinguished 31-year career at Naval Supply Center in San Diego. After moving north as a young woman and eventually settling in Washington D.C., she married Navy serviceman Thomas E. Walker and raised five children while actively participating in their education and school activities. She demonstrated determination in her professional life by persistently pursuing a position at Naval Supply Center, where she advanced from clerk to systems analyst before retiring and returning as a consultant. Walker passed away in November 2025 at age 101, leaving behind a legacy as a strong, independent, and genuinely kind person cherished by family and friends. # Key Takeaways

LaToya Nicole Holland, born in San Diego in 1979, passed away on November 7, 2025, after battling breast cancer with courage and faith. She was an active and devoted member of Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church, where she participated in multiple ministries including praise dance and sang in church choirs with her soprano voice. Known for her bold personality, warm heart, and infectious humor despite her small stature, she brought joy to everyone around her through her bright smile and fun-loving nature. She leaves behind three children, six grandchildren, siblings, and a wide circle of family and friends who will cherish her legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering Christian faith. # Key Takeaways

Toni Callahan, born April 1, 1952, in San Diego as a twin, lived a life centered on faith, family, and service until her passing on November 3, 2025. After losing her mother early in life, she was raised by her older sister Joyce and went on to work as a Teacher's Assistant at Chollas Elementary School and as an event usher, touching many lives through her warm spirit. Her deep Christian faith led her to sing in the choir at New Paradise Baptist Church, where she inspired others through her musical gifts. She found her greatest joy in motherhood and being a grandmother to five grandchildren, demonstrating unconditional love and devotion to her two sons and extended family throughout her life.

Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in an ambush shooting near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon while conducting a high-visibility patrol. The alleged shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021 through a refugee program following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, was apprehended at the scene after being shot four times. President Trump characterized the incident as terrorism and announced the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to the capital, while also suspending all Afghan immigration applications and ordering a review of all Afghans admitted under the previous administration. The two victims, Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew Wolfe (24), had volunteered to work over the Thanksgiving holiday and remain hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing surgery. # Key Takeaways

Multiple community organizations across Washington DC and Maryland conducted extensive food distribution events during the Thanksgiving holiday period from November 22-26. Various groups including the Hour Generation Foundation, religious institutions like Metropolitan Baptist Church and Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, along with partners such as the Capital Area Food Bank, worked together to provide groceries, pantry essentials, and clothing to families experiencing food insecurity. Safeway Corporation hosted its traditional Feast of Sharing event at the Walter Washington Convention Center, where volunteers assembled and distributed food packages. The Washington Informer documented these charitable activities through photography and reporting, continuing its six-decade mission of community-focused journalism established by founder Dr. Calvin W. Rolark. # Key Takeaways

Following a shooting near the White House that critically injured two National Guard soldiers, the US has halted all immigration applications from Afghan nationals pending a security review. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and was recently granted asylum. President Trump labeled the incident an act of terrorism and ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington DC, bringing the total to approximately 2,700. This suspension adds to existing restrictions Trump has placed on Afghan nationals, including a travel ban and the elimination of temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans who arrived after the Taliban regained control. # Key Takeaways

Venezuela has revoked landing rights for six major international airlines—Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines—after they suspended flights to Caracas and failed to resume operations within a 48-hour government deadline. The carriers had halted service following a US Federal Aviation Authority warning about heightened military activity near Venezuela, where the US has deployed 15,000 troops and an aircraft carrier in what it describes as an anti-drug trafficking operation. Venezuelan authorities accused the airlines of supporting American "state terrorism" and stripped them of operating rights immediately. The situation unfolds amid escalating tensions between the US and President Nicolás Maduro's government, which views the massive military deployment as an attempt at regime change rather than a counter-narcotics mission.

Two National Guard soldiers from West Virginia were critically wounded in a shooting near the White House in Washington DC when a lone gunman ambushed them during their patrol. The suspect, identified by authorities as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021, was subdued by nearby National Guard members after opening fire and was shot multiple times in the confrontation. President Trump responded by ordering additional National Guard troops to the capital and halting all Afghan immigration processing pending a security review of vetting procedures. The attack occurred amid heightened National Guard deployments in DC that Trump implemented earlier this year to address urban crime concerns. # Key Takeaways

Two National Guard members from West Virginia were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday, prompting an immediate lockdown of government buildings and deployment of emergency response teams. The attack occurred amid an already controversial federal troop deployment of over 2,300 National Guard personnel ordered by President Trump, which local officials have legally challenged as an illegal occupation. Despite a federal judge's recent ruling declaring the initial deployment unlawful, President Trump responded to the shooting by requesting 500 additional troops for Washington. The unidentified suspect, who is not cooperating with authorities, opened fire at close range before being subdued by the wounded Guardsmen, and the FBI has taken over the investigation.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has initiated a controversial campaign calling on airline passengers to dress more formally and behave with greater civility, drawing comparisons to air travel's "golden age" of the 1950s and 60s. The campaign comes as the nation prepares for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season in fifteen years, with government data showing unruly passenger incidents have surged 400% since 2019. However, aviation experts and social media users argue that Duffy misses the real issue: deteriorating airline conditions including cramped seating, frequent delays, minimal amenities, and understaffing have created an inherently frustrating travel environment. While some support the message of basic courtesy, critics contend that improved airline service standards and passenger comfort would be far more effective at reducing conflict than dress codes and etiquette appeals.

Encanto Southern Baptist Church and the North County San Diego Chapter of Jack and Jill Foundation of America hosted their annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on November 24, which unexpectedly ran out of its initial 170 turkeys before the official start time due to overwhelming community demand. Volunteers observed some attendees attempting to receive multiple distributions while supplies dwindled, partially because major food donation organizations like Feeding San Diego couldn't contribute this year due to increased community need from federal cuts to CalFresh and other assistance programs. In response to the shortage, a group of Jack and Jill fathers and husbands quickly raised over $3,000 through a group chat, purchasing 150 additional turkeys and bags of potatoes that arrived by noon. Despite continued high demand, organizers ensured every family received either food or $50 gift cards from the San Diego Food Bank to help create their Thanksgiving meal. # Key Takeaways

Research from Binghamton University and California State University reveals that African American families face disproportionately high energy costs, spending 5.1% of their income on energy compared to the national average of 3.2%. This disparity persists even when comparing households with similar income levels across different racial groups. The researchers attribute this inequality to two main factors: Black families are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient homes, and they more frequently rent rather than own, preventing them from making efficiency upgrades while landlords lack incentive to invest in improvements. These patterns stem partly from historical redlining practices that created lasting underinvestment in predominantly Black neighborhoods, and the study emphasizes that effective policy solutions must be community-specific rather than universal approaches. # Key Takeaways

Researchers from three universities surveyed 1,000 students over two years to understand how campus environments influence students' attitudes toward religious diversity. Their findings revealed that students develop more positive views about religious differences when they perceive their campus as diverse, have safe spaces to express their own beliefs, and engage in challenging conversations that question stereotypes and assumptions. However, when students encounter insensitive comments that make them feel threatened, their openness to religious diversity declines. The researchers recommend that universities actively acknowledge religious diversity through communications, provide supportive spaces for different faith groups, and facilitate robust classroom discussions about religion rather than avoiding these topics. # Key Takeaways

The Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church hosted the Annual Connecting Hope Food Drive, organized by Reverend Ray Smith, which provided comprehensive holiday meal packages including 800 turkeys and accompanying groceries to families in need. More than 25 volunteers assembled food bags over several days, with additional volunteers managing a drive-through distribution event that served 38 participating local churches. Each church had submitted requests for specific quantities of food baskets and turkeys to distribute among their own congregation members and community recipients. Reverend Townsend, the host pastor, noted that food insecurity is increasing in the area, with more people seeking emergency food assistance at the church, sometimes requiring immediate response to feed families on the spot. # Key Takeaways

Senator Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia and former governor, has settled with US tax authorities to pay more than $5 million in overdue taxes and interest dating back to 2009, just hours after the IRS filed a lawsuit against him and his wife. The first-term senator, who previously ran an extensive family coal mining business, had previously dismissed the decade-old tax assessment as politically motivated and compared his situation to former President Trump's tax controversies. Justice's estimated net worth has plummeted from approximately $1.9 billion in 2021 to below zero by 2025, according to Forbes. The settlement comes amid mounting financial troubles for the Justice family, including over $8 million in additional IRS liens and $1.4 million in unpaid sales taxes related to their historic Greenbrier resort property.

Two coalitions, Mass Blackout and We Ain't Buying It, are organizing economic boycotts over the Thanksgiving weekend to protest policies they believe have devastated Black communities economically. The movement responds to the removal of hundreds of thousands of Black federal workers since Trump's return to office, with Black women particularly affected as 265,000 have left the labor market since January and their unemployment rate has risen to 7.5 percent. The boycotts target major retailers like Amazon and Home Depot, which activists accuse of either benefiting from or cooperating with the Trump administration's agenda. Organizers frame this action as resistance against corporate entities that profit while Black families face economic collapse from federal policy changes affecting jobs, food assistance, healthcare, and income supports.

The California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications conducted an online forum on November 20 to inform ethnic media outlets about two state programs designed to help residents. The CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers up to $20,000 in non-repayable grants to homeowners affected by disasters between January 2023 and January 2025, with recently expanded income eligibility that allows more families to qualify. The Check to Protect campaign addresses California's more than 6 million vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls by encouraging residents to verify their vehicle status online and obtain free repairs. Both initiatives specifically target Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Black communities, which historically face disproportionate impacts from disasters and vehicle safety issues. # Key Takeaways

Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 111 on November 24, leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and remembrance. Having witnessed the destruction of Greenwood's prosperous Black Wall Street as a child, she dedicated her life to ensuring this tragic chapter of American history would not be forgotten or minimized. Throughout her long life, she testified before Congress demanding reparations, co-authored a memoir with her grandson, and contributed oral histories to preserve the truth of what happened. Her remarkable journey included receiving honorary citizenship in Ghana at age 108 alongside her brother, and establishing a foundation focused on education, health, and economic opportunity in her community.

Prince Hall Free Masons Consistory No. 91 hosted their Annual Senior Appreciation Luncheon at a San Diego senior center in late November 2025, welcoming approximately 100 attendees to an event with decades of local tradition. The Consistory represents Prince Hall Masonry, which traces its origins to 1784 as the nation's oldest African American Masonic organization, founded by abolitionist Prince Hall who led Boston's free Black community. This year's celebration specifically recognized Mrs. Kathy Ramsey for her extensive contributions spanning military service, healthcare work, church involvement, and senior center volunteerism. The formal gathering showcased the organization's ongoing commitment to honoring community elders and maintaining the proud legacy of free Black Masonry. # Key Takeaways

The tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their home highlight critical gaps in America's preparation for an aging population. Hackman, who had Alzheimer's disease, was left helpless after his caregiver wife died days before him from Hantavirus complications. A geriatric physician uses this case to illustrate how most Americans fail to adequately plan for older age, despite nearly 70% requiring long-term care during their lifetime. The article examines the substantial financial burden of elder care, which is largely not covered by Medicare, and emphasizes the importance of advance directives, caregiver arrangements, and utilizing available support programs, all while federal budget cuts threaten existing resources.

Six Democratic lawmakers with military or national security experience released a video criticizing President Trump and reminding military personnel of their duty to disobey unlawful orders, likely referencing National Guard deployments and Navy operations. Trump responded by calling their actions seditious and punishable by death, threatening arrests and trials. The administration has initiated investigations through the Pentagon and FBI, with the Defense Department examining whether retired Senator Mark Kelly violated military law, though legal experts view such prosecutions as unlikely to succeed. The controversy reflects a broader political battle between parties over who represents true patriotism, with Democrats increasingly attempting to reclaim patriotic messaging while Republicans maintain traditionally strong associations with flag-waving nationalism.

Maryland's two Democratic senators, Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, successfully secured over $25 million in federal appropriations for diverse community projects throughout the state as part of the fiscal year 2026 agriculture and related agencies spending bill. The funding will support critical infrastructure improvements, emergency services equipment, mental health programs, educational facilities, and agricultural research across Maryland's counties and institutions. A significant portion includes $6 million for the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, which the Trump administration had targeted for closure but employs roughly 1,000 people as the nation's largest USDA research campus. Despite securing these Maryland-specific investments, both senators ultimately opposed the broader government funding package due to concerns about healthcare cost protections and insufficient checks on executive power. The approved projects range from replacing outdated fire trucks and building modern emergency facilities to expanding veterinary and nursing education programs addressing workforce shortages.

A 50-year-old Chicago man with extensive criminal history and mental illness, Lawrence Reed, attacked 26-year-old Bethany MaGee by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire while she was on a train on November 17th. Reed, who had 72 prior arrests and was out on electronic monitoring after allegedly assaulting a social worker in August, pleaded guilty in court to charges including committing a terrorist attack. The White House has politicized the incident, blaming Illinois Democrats' elimination of cash bail requirements for allowing Reed to remain free, while President Trump threatens to withhold federal funding from the state over this policy. MaGee survived the attack but remains hospitalized with severe burns and is fighting for her life.

Viola's House, a Dallas-based nonprofit with a decade of experience, is expanding into the DMV region by opening a Baltimore maternity home and launching a mobile care unit to serve mothers across the area. The mobile unit functions as a traveling social service agency, delivering diapers (including the organization's own eco-friendly brand), mental health resources, clothing, and baby gear to 100-150 mothers daily within a 200-mile radius. This expansion comes as economic challenges intensify and federal assistance programs decline, with the Baltimore location serving as the regional headquarters for residential services supporting pregnant women and young mothers facing homelessness or financial instability. The initiative, championed locally by Baltimore native Adrienne Banfield-Norris, represents a grassroots approach combining faith-based support with practical assistance, particularly targeting communities that are healthcare deserts with limited transportation options. # Key Takeaways