NPR News Now — 11-27-2025, 1PM EST

Theme/Overview:
This NPR News Now segment covers major developments in national and international news, including a shooting near the White House, President Trump’s continued deployment of National Guard troops, a tragic high-rise fire in Hong Kong, agricultural news from the Pacific Northwest, and a significant court ruling on North Carolina’s redistricting.

Key News Highlights

Shooting Near the White House

• Federal Investigation
  • Authorities identified the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House.
    • The suspect is an Afghan man who previously worked with the CIA and immigrated under a U.S. resettlement program. (00:13)
• Victims' Status
  • The two injured Guards, Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew Wolf (24), are from West Virginia and remain in critical condition after surgery.
    • Quote:
      • “Beckstrom and Wolf, both from West Virginia, have come through surgery, but they remain in critical condition.” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney (00:44)
  • The two were new to their posts in Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration and National Guard Deployment

• Increased Troop Deployment
  • In response to the shooting, President Trump has ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to D.C., bringing the number deployed since August to over 2,000. (01:22)
    • The deployments target Democratic-led cities and are often against the wishes of local authorities.
    • D.C. is unique because the president has direct authority over the deployment.
• Legal Controversy
  • A federal judge has recently ruled this deployment unlawful, but the order is on hold pending appeal.
    • Quote:
      • “Trump’s deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks.” — Kat Lansdorf (01:22)

Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Disaster

• Tragic Toll
  • At least 65 people are dead, and hundreds are missing following a fire at a large public housing complex in Hong Kong. Firefighters are still searching for survivors. (02:02–03:02)
    • Over 4,600 people lived in the complex, which was under renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding.
    • The bamboo scaffolding and substandard construction materials contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
    • Authorities have arrested three individuals linked to the renovation company on manslaughter charges.
    • Quote:
      • “The high rise apartment towers had been under renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding, which caught fire and collapsed.” — Cherise Pham (02:13)

Regional Report: Northwest Potato Production

• Modern Potato Farming
  • In Pasco, Washington, Jordan and Mia Reed grow potatoes primarily for fast food french fries.
    • Potatoes are processed into frozen fries less than 24 hours after harvest. (03:29–03:58)
    • Quote:
      • “I don’t think the average consumer realizes that there’s a difference between all the varieties and how much time and research that the growing community has put back into getting that perfect box of french fries.” — Jordan Reed (03:43)
    • Modern fry potatoes are higher in solid content compared to standard table potatoes.

North Carolina Congressional Map Ruling

• Court Decision
  • A federal court has cleared a new congressional map for North Carolina, likely adding a Republican seat. The new lines target the only swing district in the state. (04:14)
    • A three-judge panel denied requests to block the map’s use ahead of the 2026 elections.
    • This is part of a larger push by President Trump for redistricting in several states.
    • It remains uncertain if plaintiffs, including the NAACP, will appeal to the Supreme Court.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On injured Guard members:
  • "Beckstrom and Wolf, both from West Virginia, have come through surgery, but they remain in critical condition."
    — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney (00:44)
• On National Guard deployment:
  • "Trump's deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks."
    — Kat Lansdorf (01:22)
• On the Hong Kong fire:
  • "The high rise apartment towers had been under renovation and covered in bamboo scaffolding, which caught fire and collapsed."
    — Cherise Pham (02:13)
• On potato farming:
  • "I don't think the average consumer realizes that there's a difference between all the varieties and how much time and research that the growing community has put back into getting that perfect box of french fries."
    — Jordan Reed (03:43)

Timeline of Segments

• 00:13-01:06 – White House shooting and investigation
• 01:06-02:02 – National Guard deployment and legal challenges
• 02:02-03:02 – Hong Kong fire and ongoing search for survivors
• 03:29-03:58 – Potato farming in the Northwest
• 04:14-04:56 – North Carolina redistricting court ruling

This update from NPR News offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the hour’s major headlines, combining urgent political developments and human interest stories with informative, real-time reporting.