National Guard Member Dies in D.C. Shooting; Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Rises Amid Refugee Policy Review & Holiday Updates

The nation is grappling with tragic news as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member, has died from injuries sustained in a Washington D.C. shooting. President Trump announced her passing during a Thanksgiving address to service members. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were on patrol a few blocks from the White House when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire. Wolfe remains in critical condition.

This devastating incident has led the Trump administration to initiate a thorough reexamination of the vetting process for thousands of refugees and migrants who have been granted green cards in the U.S. Lakanwal, the alleged gunman, had served with U.S. forces in Afghanistan as part of an elite counter-terrorism unit. He applied for asylum during the Biden administration and was granted protection in April of this year under the Trump administration. President Trump has called for efforts to "denaturalize migrants" and "deport" foreign nationals, suggesting Lakanwal's entry points to broader vetting concerns.

However, sources like the nonprofit AfghanEvac and various experts contend that Afghan refugees undergo multiple layers of scrutiny both in Afghanistan and before entering the U.S. While acknowledging the vetting process isn't perfect, they emphasize its thoroughness and highlight that the vast majority of Afghan refugees live peacefully in America.

Across the globe, a catastrophic high-rise fire in Hong Kong has tragically claimed at least 128 lives. The blaze, which engulfed a housing complex home to approximately 4,600 people, is one of the region's deadliest in decades, and authorities warn the death toll may continue to climb. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire.

Beyond these critical global events, the article also offers several lifestyle and cultural insights:

Discover Your Next Read with "Books We Love"

NPR's highly anticipated annual "Books We Love" guide has been released, featuring an extensive collection of over 380 recommendations. Andrew Limbong, host of NPR's Book of the Day podcast, shares a selection of staff and critic favorites:

• The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami: A chilling dystopian novel that explores the disquieting realities of mass surveillance and the courage found in shared risk.
• King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby: A gripping crime fiction where a family-run crematorium becomes entangled with a local drug gang, leading to a dark and intense conclusion.
• Mother Mary Comes To Me by Arundhati Roy: A poignant memoir where the acclaimed novelist delves into her complex and ambivalent feelings about her mother, revealing a story of turbulent love and liberation.
• Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green: A witty, cogent, and beautiful exploration of tuberculosis, challenging its historical romanticization and presenting it as a present, fatal, yet curable concern.

Holiday Insights and Festive Features

As Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, consumer and child advocacy groups, including Fairplay, are urging caution against purchasing AI toys for children. They highlight potential dangers, such as exploiting children's trust and disrupting human relationships.

In San Diego, muralist Maxx Moses is celebrating local culture with the second annual Black Friday Artists Market at the Graffiti Gardens. This event aims to uplift Black culture, community, and economics by featuring a diverse array of emerging and established local artists.

Retailers anticipate a record-breaking holiday shopping season, with Americans projected to spend over $1 trillion on gifts, food, and decorations, reflecting an estimated 4% growth. For those embarking on post-Thanksgiving travels, NPR's How To Do Everything podcast provides guidance to alleviate car sickness.

Weekend Entertainment & Culinary Delights

Round out your week with NPR's curated recommendations for entertainment and food:

• Movies: Catch Sentimental Value, a film that delves into the intricate relationship between art and parenthood as a filmmaker reconnects with his estranged daughters.
• TV: The beginning of the end has arrived for Netflix's 1980s-set horror drama Stranger Things. Explore whether this final season delivers a satisfying conclusion.
• Books: For dedicated bibliophiles, discover four new releases this week, ranging from an insightful deep dive into crosswords to a posthumous collection of short stories.
• Music: Usher in the festive spirit! NPR offers a special collection of holiday music streams across its network, perfect for any occasion.
• Food: Don't let Thanksgiving leftovers overwhelm your fridge. Chef Kathy Gunst shares creative recipes to transform them into delicious new meals, perhaps even better than the originals.