EU foreign policy chief warns US-Russia talks may pressure Kyiv to make concessions | First Thing

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has proposed a new travel ban on visitors from certain countries following the fatal shooting of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. This incident has reignited discussions around national security and immigration policies, echoing the hardline stance of former President Donald Trump.

Tennessee's 7th District special election is set for December 2, featuring Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps, making it a focal point for congressional control as both parties invest heavily in the race. The district has historically favored Republicans, having supported Donald Trump in the 2024 elections.

The Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which critically injured two members of the National Guard. This decision has left many asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status and future in the U.S.

An industrial boom in Monterrey, Mexico, which has strong ties to the US, is leading to severe air pollution as factories emit toxic heavy metals, posing significant health risks to local residents. Research by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab highlights the alarming situation in this manufacturing hub that primarily exports goods to the US.

Costco has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to secure refunds for tariffs if the Supreme Court rules against former President Trump's authority to impose such tariffs. This legal action comes as the retailer faces a December 15 deadline that could impact the recovery of duties paid on imported goods.

In Los Angeles, ICE has intensified its focus on car wash workers, employing tactics described as 'psychological warfare' by advocates like Andrea Gonzalez and Norma Fajardo from the Clean Carwash Worker Center. This surge in enforcement coincides with the Trump administration's broader immigration policies aimed at mass deportation, marking a significant shift in the treatment of immigrant workers in the region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed soldiers in Iraq to disregard legal advice regarding rules of engagement, particularly concerning the use of lethal force against enemy combatants. This directive is detailed in Hegseth's recent book, where he criticizes the constraints imposed by international laws of war and the Geneva Conventions.