UNBIASED Politics December 1, 2025: What We Know About the National Guard Shooting in D.C., Pause on All Asylum Decisions, EPA's Approval of PFAS Chemicals for Pesticides, FDA's Possible Overhaul of Vaccine Approval Process, and More.
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Dec 1, 2025 A recent shooting involving National Guardsmen in D.C. raises questions about the suspect's background and motives. The discussion reveals the complexities of asylum laws as Trump halts all asylum decisions. Legal challenges in Georgia regarding election interference take a surprising turn with case dismissals. Meanwhile, the FDA may be shifting its vaccine approval process, responding to safety concerns. Lastly, the EPA's approval of new PFAS chemicals for pesticides sparks debate about environmental implications and regulatory definitions.
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Guard Member Volunteered For D.C. Duty
- Sarah Beckstrom volunteered to stay on duty in D.C. over Thanksgiving and was killed after being shot at close range.
- Jordan Berman recounts her background, ambitions, and how she loved visiting monuments while on duty.
Suspect Was Evacuated Afghan With CIA Ties
- The suspect, Ramanullah [Lock and Wall], is an Afghan national who worked with CIA-backed units and arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under evacuation programs.
- Berman traces his parole, later asylum application in 2024, and the vetting questions raised after the shooting.
Asylum Pause Legal Risk Hinges On Scope
- Legality of pausing asylum decisions depends on scope and duration and which precedents apply.
- Short national-security pauses may lean on Trump v. Hawaii, while broad indefinite halts risk East Bay Sanctuary challenges.