The Weekly Report: November 23-30 2025
United States
Two National Guard soldiers were shot in D.C. this past week with one killed and the other in critical condition. Rahmanullah Lakanwal is responsible for the shooting. Lakanwal is an Afghan refugee who worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is set to be charged with murder according to a representative from the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia.
Asia
A fire in a residential building in Hong Kong has resulted in the deaths of at least 128 people. Many residents of the buildings remain missing with search and rescue operations ongoing. Officials from the city say 200 people remain unaccounted for. Authorities are still working to identify all of the people killed. So far only 39 victims have been identified.
Europe
President Zelensky of Ukraines chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned on Friday due to an embezzlement scandal. As part of an investigation into corruption by Ukraines anti corruption agency Yermak had his home in Kyiv searched. Yermak was leading peace talks with the U.S. prior to his resignation.
Americas
President Trump announced a pardon for ex Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández. Hernández was found guilty of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. and was subsequently sentenced to 45 years in prison. In 2022 he was extradited to the U.S. and in 2024 he was convicted.
Africa
South Africa is not going to be invited to the G20 summit in the U.S. in 2026 according to President Trump. This years G20 meeting, which took place in South Africa, was not attended by President Trump. President Trump has been critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of white persecution.
Middle East
Pope Leo XIV visited Turkey, which marked his first trip as pontiff. The Pope met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, with the two having discussed a range global issues. Pope Leo will fly to Lebanon following his time in Turkey.
