NPR News Now: November 27, 2025, 3AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder | Date: November 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News update covers major national and international stories, including President Trump’s response to a shooting involving West Virginia National Guard members, a deadly fire in Hong Kong, records in Thanksgiving travel and festivities, the latest legal developments on congressional map redrawing in North Carolina, and a quick look at the stock market ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting.

Key Stories and Insights

1. President Trump Responds to D.C. National Guard Shooting

[00:17–01:24]

• President Trump released a social media video after a shooting that critically injured two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House.

• The president labeled the shooting “a crime against humanity” and claimed the suspect in custody is from Afghanistan.

• Trump criticized current U.S. migration policies and placed blame on the Biden administration, specifically calling for a review and stricter management of Afghan immigrants.

  “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.”
  — Donald Trump ([00:54])

• In response, Trump has mobilized an additional 500 National Guard members to West Palm Beach, Florida.

2. National Guard Members’ Conditions and Official Reactions

[01:24]

• The wounded service members are in critical condition at a Washington, D.C. hospital.
• D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the incident a “targeted attack.”

3. Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

[01:24–02:34]

• At least 44 people have died and nearly 300 are missing after a massive fire swept through a high-rise public housing complex in Hong Kong.

• The fire spread quickly due to bamboo scaffolding used in renovation; the use of bamboo is being phased out for the more fire-resistant steel.

• The region was under a “red grade” for fire danger due to hot, dry weather conditions.

• Chief Executive John Lee visited displaced residents at a community shelter.

  “The buildings had been due for renovation and they had been encased in bamboo scaffolding, which quickly caught fire. Last year, the region's government started phasing out bamboo in favor of steel because it is fire resistant.”
  — Emily Fang ([02:00])

4. Thanksgiving Travel Surge

[02:34–03:06]

• Americans hit the roads and airports for Thanksgiving.

• TSA operations at Los Angeles International Airport emphasized both safety and efficient processing.

  “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 okay.”
  — Jason Pentades, TSA ([02:51])

• AAA projects nearly 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home.

5. Legal Ruling on North Carolina Congressional Maps

[03:06]

• A panel of three federal judges ruled to allow North Carolina to use a new congressional map, expected to give Republicans an additional seat.
• The decision denied requests for a preliminary injunction.
• North Carolina is among several states where President Trump has advocated for mid-decade redistricting ahead of 2026 midterm elections.

6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and TV Ratings

[03:54–04:38]

• The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to begin in New York City, broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

• Last year’s telecast garnered more than 31 million viewers—highlighting Thanksgiving as one of the biggest U.S. TV days.

• The 2025 parade features 34 giant balloons and over two dozen floats, with many serving as branded content.

• Celebrity performers this year include stars from the films “Wicked for Good” and “K Pop, Demon Hunters.”

  “Thanksgiving, it seems, is for television as well as for turkey. It’s one of the biggest TV viewing days of the year.”
  — Neta Ulaby ([04:19])

7. Global Markets Update

[04:38–04:56]

• Overseas stock markets are up, with Asia reacting favorably to a fourth day of Wall Street gains.
• Investors are focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate meeting scheduled for December 10th.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump’s call for immigration overhaul ([00:54]):

  “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.”

• TSA on travel priorities ([02:51]):

  “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 okay.”
  — Jason Pentades

• Thanksgiving as a TV event ([04:19]):

  “Thanksgiving, it seems, is for television as well as for turkey. It’s one of the biggest TV viewing days of the year.”
  — Neta Ulaby

Timestamps for Key Segments

• President Trump on D.C. shooting – [00:17-01:24]
• Hong Kong deadly fire – [01:24-02:34]
• Thanksgiving travel update – [02:34-03:06]
• North Carolina congressional map ruling – [03:06]
• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade preview – [03:54-04:38]
• Global market outlook – [04:38-04:56]

This concise NPR News update delivers the top stories for Thanksgiving Day 2025, balancing breaking national developments, an international disaster, and a look ahead to holiday traditions and economic expectations.