NPR News Now: November 27, 2025, 12AM EST

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode brings listeners the latest updates on national security following a high-profile shooting in Washington, D.C., legal developments in congressional redistricting in North Carolina, Thanksgiving travel trends, a crime update from Los Angeles, and entertainment news including the premiere of the final season of Stranger Things and preparations for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.

• President Trump’s Response
  • President Trump condemned the shooting of two National Guard members as a "monsters ambush style attack" ([00:01]).
  • He announced an increase of 500 more National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
• Refugee Policy Reaction
  • Trump stated the shooter arrived from Afghanistan in September 2021, referencing the US withdrawal from Kabul under the Biden administration ([00:21]).
  • He called for a "reexamination" of Afghan refugees admitted since the withdrawal, a group estimated at about 200,000 people ([00:38]).
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.” — President Trump ([00:38])
  • Trump did not detail how or when this review would take place ([00:56]).
• Current Status
  • The Guard members are in critical condition; the attack is considered targeted.
  • The suspect, also shot, is in custody ([01:04]).
  • This deployment follows Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency in Washington.

2. North Carolina Congressional Map Legal Ruling

• Court Decision
  • Three federal judges are allowing North Carolina to use a newly drawn congressional map for the 2026 elections ([01:04]).
• Political and Legal Context
  • Republican legislators designed the map to secure an advantage in 11 of 14 House seats ([01:35]).
  • The NAACP and Common Cause challenged the map, citing dilution of Black voters’ power.
  • The court found insufficient evidence of intentional discrimination ([01:35]).
• Memorable Insight:
  • “Legislators have said repeatedly their focus was gaining the maximum possible advantage for Republicans amid a national race to secure safe seats.” — Adam Wagner ([01:35])
  • Candidate filing for the new districts begins Monday.

3. Thanksgiving Travel Surge

• Travel Volume
  • Americans were on the move for the Thanksgiving holiday, creating busy roads and airports ([02:21]).
  • TSA projects nearly 82 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home ([02:52]).
• Security & Operations
  • Jason Pantages (TSA, LAX) emphasized both safety and efficiency:
    • “Security is really the number one reason why we're here. But, you know, we want them to get through, you know, in a timely manner, but most importantly that we want to make sure that they're safe and on their aircraft and they get to their destination.” ([02:38])

4. Los Angeles Shooting: Rising Latino Artist Killed

• Developments
  • Murder charges were filed against three men for the fatal shooting of a Latino music artist in LA ([02:52]).
  • Two suspects are in custody; police are seeking a third.
  • Prosecutors described a robbery attempt that ended in gunfire in a park.

5. Stranger Things: Final Season Premieres

• Cultural Impact
  • The fifth and final season of Stranger Things premieres on Netflix ([03:35]).
  • Recent weeks have seen a surge in show viewership.
• Industry Analysis
  • Joe Adalian (Vulture): Stranger Things was Netflix’s first international blockbuster, differentiating from earlier hits like House of Cards ([03:57]).
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “Almost instantaneously, it became something of a global phenomenon.” — Joe Adalian ([03:57])
    • “It was everywhere all at once.” — Joe Adalian ([04:01])
    • “It sort of blurred the lines between feature films and television.” — Joe Adalian ([04:08–04:12])
  • The final episodes will release on New Year's Eve.

6. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Balloon Preparations

• Parade Prep
  • Crews in New York City began inflating giant balloons Wednesday night for the parade ([04:19]).
  • Weather is a concern; city law says balloons are grounded with sustained winds over 23 mph or gusts above 35 mph.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Refugees:
  “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.” ([00:38])

• TSA’s Jason Pantages on Holiday Rush:
  “Security is really the number one reason why we're here. But...most importantly that we want to make sure that they're safe and on their aircraft and they get to their destination.” ([02:38])

• Joe Adalian on Stranger Things’ Impact:
  “Almost instantaneously, it became something of a global phenomenon.” ([03:57])
  “It was everywhere all at once.” ([04:01])
  “It sort of blurred the lines between feature films and television.” ([04:08])

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:01 — Headline: Shooting of National Guard members; President Trump statement
• 00:21 — Trump ties attack to Afghan refugee policy
• 00:38–00:56 — Trump calls for refugee "reexamination"
• 01:04–01:35 — Details of the shooting, condition of victims, crime response
• 01:35 — North Carolina congressional map court ruling and implications
• 02:21–02:52 — Thanksgiving travel surge and TSA response
• 02:52 — LA homicide charges in music artist killing
• 03:35–04:12 — Stranger Things S5 cultural review and release details
• 04:19 — Macy’s Parade balloon preparations and weather concerns

This episode serves as a sharp snapshot of breaking news, politics, entertainment, and holiday updates, offering listeners both immediacy and depth despite its short format.