NPR News Now – November 27, 2025, 1AM EST

Summary of Key Headlines and Discussions

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode, anchored by Giles Snyder, offers a rapid-fire update on major national and international news stories as of November 27, 2025. The episode focuses on a shooting involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C., a deadly fire in Hong Kong, legal battles over food assistance for immigrants, a North Carolina congressional map dispute, Thanksgiving travel conditions, and positive trends in overseas stock markets.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

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

• [00:13–01:12]

  • Two West Virginia National Guard members hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in D.C.
  • The incident occurred amid National Guard deployments ordered by President Trump since August to address what he declared a "crime emergency."
  • Troops have been visible in tourist areas, engaging in both security and cleanup efforts.
  • Just prior, a legal ruling blocking the deployment was appealed by the government.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegs confirmed an additional 500 Guard troops are now being sent to D.C.

  "More than 2,000 troops, including 180 from West Virginia... have been patrolling mostly in the tourist areas near the monuments in Georgetown. And also they've been picking up trash, removing graffiti."
  — Tom Bowman, [00:40]

2. President Trump's Reaction and Refugee Scrutiny

• [01:12–01:34]
  • President Trump states on social media the suspect is an Afghan national who entered during the Biden administration.
  • Calls for a review of all Afghan refugees admitted since 2021.

3. Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Tragedy

• [01:34–02:10]

  • Deadliest fire in decades for Hong Kong: Over 40 deaths, hundreds missing at a public housing complex.
  • The five-alarm fire spread rapidly due to flammable construction materials and bamboo scaffolding.
  • Three people are under arrest for suspected manslaughter.

  "The high rise apartment towers had been under renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong. Three people have been arrested on suspected manslaughter charges."
  — Cherise Pham, [01:34]

4. Lawsuit over SNAP Benefits for Immigrants

• [02:10–03:13]

  • Democratic attorneys general from 21 states & D.C. sue the Trump administration, challenging USDA guidance that limits food benefits for legal noncitizens.
  • Lawsuit claims misclassification excludes refugees/lawful residents from receiving SNAP for five years.
  • California AG Rob Bonta and Minnesota AG Keith Ellison criticize the new rules.

  "This guidance reads like someone took notes from the Grinch taking food from families right as the holidays arrive."
  — Rob Bonta (via Joel Rose), [02:47]

  "All we're doing is standing against callous cruelty."
  — Keith Ellison (via Tom Bowman), [03:07]

5. North Carolina Redistricting and Congressional Map

• [03:13–03:50]
  • Three-judge panel allows use of a redrawn North Carolina congressional map that favors Republicans.
  • Denial of requests for a preliminary injunction, part of several Trump-backed mid-decade redistricting efforts.

6. Thanksgiving Travel Updates

• [03:50–04:28]

  • Airports, including Reagan National, experience smooth operations despite high volume.
  • Some travelers credit manageable lines; storm-related delays occurred in the Twin Cities and Chicago.
  • Airlines expect to carry more than 31 million travelers this Thanksgiving.

  "I am so surprised how well it's going. Amazing."
  — Patrice Lombardo (traveler), [03:59]

  "We were prepared to be unhappy and we're not."
  — David Lombardo (traveler), [04:04]

7. Global Markets in Positive Territory

• [04:28–04:56]
  • Asian markets rise after four days of Wall Street gains.
  • S&P 500 leads with a 0.7% gain; tech sector drives momentum.
  • Investors watching for upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

Memorable Quotes

• Tom Bowman:

  "More than 2,000 troops... have been patrolling mostly in the tourist areas... picking up trash, removing graffiti." [00:40]

• Rob Bonta (via Joel Rose):

  "This guidance reads like someone took notes from the Grinch taking food from families right as the holidays arrive." [02:47]

• Keith Ellison (via Tom Bowman):

  "All we're doing is standing against callous cruelty." [03:07]

• Patrice Lombardo (traveler):

  "I am so surprised how well it's going. Amazing." [03:59]

• David Lombardo (traveler):

  "We were prepared to be unhappy and we're not." [04:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:13: News begins – Shooting of National Guard in D.C.
• 00:40: Details on Guard deployment and federal legal dispute
• 01:12: President Trump’s statement and refugee review call
• 01:34: Hong Kong fire coverage
• 02:10: Democratic AGs sue over SNAP guidance
• 02:47: Notable quote from California AG Rob Bonta
• 03:07: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s comment
• 03:13: NC redistricting ruling
• 03:50: Thanksgiving travel updates and passenger quotes
• 04:28: Asian and U.S. stock market updates

Conclusion

This NPR News Now episode provides concise yet comprehensive coverage of evolving national and international stories for the morning of November 27, 2025. With eyewitness and expert perspectives, sharp political commentary, and real-time data, it keeps listeners updated on fast-moving events from D.C. to Hong Kong, courtroom to holiday travel hubs, and Wall Street to Asian markets.