NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 11-27-2025 11PM EST
Host: Giles Snyder (NPR News Anchor)
Date: November 28, 2025
Theme: Hourly rundown of breaking national and international news stories, with rapid updates on politics, social issues, economics, and human interest stories.

Main Theme & Purpose

This concise five-minute update covers major developments in U.S. and global news for Thanksgiving 2025. Key stories include a tragic attack on U.S. National Guard members, the release of a U.S. teen from Israeli custody, American economic concerns ahead of midterm elections, an Anchorage earthquake, an international space launch, and the announcement of this year’s National Dog Show winner.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Death of West Virginia National Guard Member (00:11–00:34)

• Announcement: President Trump revealed the death of Sarah Backstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member.
  • Incident: She was shot in Washington, D.C. in what is described as a "targeted attack."
  • Suspect: Identified as an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. during the Biden administration and was granted asylum earlier in 2025.
  • Presidential Quote:

    "She's no longer with us. She's looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. This just happened. She was savagely attacked. She's dead."
    — President Trump [00:22]

2. U.S. Teen Released from Israeli Custody (01:10–01:50)

• Reporter: Daniel Estrin, NPR Correspondent (Tel Aviv)
• Case Overview:
  • Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old U.S. citizen detained by Israeli forces in February.
  • Accused of throwing stones at moving vehicles in the West Bank.
  • Family alleges he was forced to confess under duress; released via plea bargain with a suspended sentence.
  • Civil rights groups and over 20 Democratic Congress members advocated for his release.

• Family Statement:

    > "We're very happy, we are upset or sad that it took nine and a half months for a child, a minor, a US Citizen who was blindfolded and zip tied and beaten into a confession for something he didn't do."  
    — Ziaed Kadour (uncle) [01:35]
  

  • Mohammed is hospitalized after losing a third of his body weight and contracting scabies during incarceration.
• U.S. Response: State Department "welcomed his release."

3. Economic Anxiety & 2026 Midterm Focus (02:03–03:12)

• Poll: New NPR/PBS Marist Poll — nearly 60% of Americans say the Trump Administration should prioritize lowering prices.
• Grassroots Insight: Coverage from Mayan Silver (WUWN) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
  • Residents at a Thanksgiving meal event voiced concern over affordability.
  • Cheryl Britton, a SNAP recipient, expressed government frustration:

    "The Trump administration, Democrat, Republican, liberal, white wing, left wing, back wing, horizontal wing, I don't give a freak. Get your stuff together, period."
    — Cheryl Britton [02:51]

  • Call for politicians to focus less on the 1% and more on low-income Americans.

4. Anchorage Earthquake on Thanksgiving (03:12–03:26)

• Incident: A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Anchorage, dubbed "Shakesgiving" on social media.
• Damage: No significant impact or infrastructure issues reported.
• Public Reassurance: The mayor confirmed safety inspections found no causes for concern.

5. International Space Station Crew Launch (03:27–04:08)

• Mission: An American and two Russian astronauts launched from Kazakhstan to the ISS, arriving in time for Thanksgiving aboard the station.
• Details: Astronaut Chris Williams among the crew. An eight-month mission is planned.

6. Belgian Sheepdog Wins National Dog Show (04:08–04:52)

• Event: 2025 National Dog Show, Philadelphia.
• Winner: Soleil, a 6-year-old Belgian sheepdog (herding group), outperformed over 1,900 other dogs.
  • Handler’s Thoughts:

    "[Soleil]'s attitude and movement helped her clinch best in show. She loves the crowd and the big arena. He called it a fantastic day." — Daniel Martin (handler), paraphrased [04:08]

• American Foxhound named George: Won reserve best in show.
• Breed Description: The Belgian sheepdog is "highly trainable, bright, watchful, and serious-minded," craving human companionship.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump's solemn announcement:

  "She's no longer with us. She's looking down at us right now..." [00:22]

• Family reaction to teen’s release:

  "We're very happy, we are upset or sad that it took nine and a half months for a child..." — Ziaed Kadour [01:35]

• Cheryl Britton’s passionate plea:

  "I don't give a freak. Get your stuff together, period." [02:51]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• West Virginia Guard attack: 00:11–00:34
• Release of U.S. teen from Israeli custody: 01:10–01:50
• Public views on economy and politics: 02:03–03:12
• Anchorage earthquake: 03:12–03:26
• ISS Thanksgiving crew launch: 03:27–04:08
• National Dog Show results: 04:08–04:52

Overall Tone

The episode maintains NPR’s signature concise yet empathetic tone, balancing somber news (tragic death, detention) with uplifting human interest (holiday meals, space launch, dog show triumph). The inclusion of direct community voices and family reactions adds immediacy and authenticity.