NPR News Now — 11-27-2025, 2AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Top U.S. and world headlines, legal updates, crisis response, public health, and market summaries

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now covers major developments including President Trump’s response to a National Guard shooting, significant court rulings involving high-profile legal cases against former officials, changes to food aid policy for migrants, a deadly fire in Hong Kong, new research on the mental health crisis in Gaza, and global financial markets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

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

• [00:17] President Trump announces an increased National Guard presence in Washington, D.C. following the shooting of two West Virginia Guard members.
  • Trump identifies the suspect as an Afghan refugee who entered the U.S. in 2021.
  • Calls for thorough reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration.
  • The two Guard members remain hospitalized in critical condition.
• Quote:
  • President Trump:

    "And we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice if the bullets going in the opposite direction haven’t already done that."
    — [00:38]

2. Legal Cases Against James Comey & Letitia James

• [01:14] Mara Liasson reports on a judge’s dismissal of indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
  • The judge cited improper appointment of the U.S. attorney, referencing a precedent from Trump’s own classified documents case.
  • White House pledges to "take all available legal action" in response.
• Quote:
  • Mara Liasson:

    "Ironically, the judge who dismissed the cases pointed to a ruling in favor of President Trump in the case against him that alleged he mishandled classified documents."
    — [01:20]

3. Georgia Election Interference Case Dismissed

• [01:55] The final court case over Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election is dropped, following the new prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges.

4. States Sue Over SNAP Food Assistance for Migrants

• [02:32] Brian Mann details a multistate coalition suing the Trump administration over new USDA guidance that would restrict SNAP benefits for certain legal migrants.
  • Attorneys general from 20 states and D.C. argue the measure could harm tens of thousands, including children and families.
  • Letitia James states the change affects over 35,000 migrants in New York alone.
  • USDA responds: some refugees remain eligible, but most must meet complex requirements.
• Quote:
  • Brian Mann:

    "Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia filed suit in federal court. They say if states keep providing food aid to legal migrants, they could face catastrophic financial penalties."
    — [02:39]

5. Deadly Fire in Hong Kong

• [03:14] Three arrests made after a high-rise fire leaves at least 44 dead and nearly 300 missing.
  • The building is still burning as rescuers struggle to enter.

6. Gaza Mental Health Crisis Study

• [03:49] Fatima Tanis reports on The Lancet’s study tracking mental health in Gaza amid prolonged conflict.
  • Surveyed 677 adults from 2020 to 2025.
  • Severe psychological distress rose from 20% (2020) to 67% (2025).
  • Study’s urgent call for expanded psychological support services.
• Quote:
  • Fatima Tanis:

    "The study found that severe psychological distress increased from about 20% in 2020 to 67% in 2025. The researchers say their findings highlight the urgent need for psychological services to help mitigate long term consequences for current and future generations in Gaza."
    — [04:18]

7. Financial Markets

• [04:42] Asian markets rally, led by Japan’s Nikkei surging over 1%.
  • U.S. markets closed for Thanksgiving.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump: "We will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice..." [00:38]
• Mara Liasson: "Ironically, the judge who dismissed the cases pointed to a ruling in favor of President Trump..." [01:20]
• Brian Mann: "Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia filed suit in federal court..." [02:39]
• Fatima Tanis: "Severe psychological distress increased from about 20% in 2020 to 67% in 2025..." [04:18]

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | National Guard shooting, presidential response, Afghan refugee reinvestigation | | 01:14 | Legal case dismissals involving Comey and Letitia James; special counsel appointments| | 01:55 | Georgia election case dropped | | 02:32 | Lawsuit over SNAP benefits for legal migrants; statements from AG Letitia James | | 03:14 | Hong Kong high-rise fire | | 03:49 | Lancet study on Gaza mental health crisis; urgent need for psychological services | | 04:42 | Update on financial markets; U.S. markets closed for Thanksgiving |

Episode Takeaways

• The episode underscores growing tension over immigration, legal accountability, and crisis response, blending domestic policy with major international events.
• Human impact stories—from National Guard families to mental health in Gaza—anchor the headlines in lived realities.
• Rapid legal developments signal shifting political and judicial priorities as the news cycle remains fast-moving and high-stakes.