NPR News Now – November 27, 2025, 4AM EST
Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This fast-paced NPR News Now briefing summarizes critical overnight stories in national and international news, covering a targeted shooting in Washington, D.C., legal developments involving Donald Trump, a deadly fire in Hong Kong, murder charges in LA, updated estimates on African forest elephants, and Thanksgiving parade preparations in New York.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. Targeted Shooting of West Virginia National Guard Members in D.C.
Timestamps: 00:11 – 01:30
- Two National Guard troops from West Virginia are critically wounded after a targeted shooting near a Metro stop close to the White House.
- Emma McDonald, a bystander, describes the scene:
"I did feel very safe knowing that all of the, you know, military personnel and police were there, but honestly, I had no idea what was going on."
— Emma McDonald [00:38] - Reporter Tom Bowman gives background:
- Guard deployment began in August, with over 2,000 troops (including 180 from West Virginia) patrolling tourist areas and assisting with cleanup, following President Trump’s crime emergency declaration.
- Recent legal challenge: “...the government filed an appeal, looking to have a ruling from a federal judge who blocked the deployment.”
- In response to the assault, President Trump ordered an additional 500 troops to D.C.
2. President Trump’s Response and Call for Refugee Review
Timestamp: 01:30
- Trump released a social media video naming the shooting suspect as “an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021.”
- Called for a review of all Afghan refugees admitted during the Biden administration.
3. Georgia Criminal Case Against Trump Dismissed
Timestamps: 01:30 – 02:50
- The last remaining criminal case tied to Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election has been dropped.
- Recap by Sam Greenglass:
- The prosecution followed Trump’s phone call pressing Georgia’s secretary of state for votes.
- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified due to a conflict of interest—"an improper relationship with a special prosecutor."
- Pete Scandalakis, new prosecutor, cited D.C. origins of the alleged crime:
“The Federal government is the appropriate venue for this prosecution.”
— Sam Greenglass [02:34]
4. Deadly High-Rise Fire in Hong Kong
Timestamps: 02:50 – 03:17
- 44 confirmed dead, nearly 300 missing after Hong Kong’s worst fire in years.
- Three arrests made; fire ongoing with rescue operations hampered by conditions.
5. Murder Charges in LA Music Artist Shooting
Timestamps: 03:17 – 03:47
- Three suspects charged after the fatal shooting of rising Latino music artist De la Rosa.
- Two arrested; police searching for the third. Shooting followed money demands.
6. African Forest Elephants Critically Endangered
Timestamps: 03:47 – 04:26
- New genetic analysis estimates just over 135,000 African forest elephants remain—a more precise count than ever before.
- Nate Rott explains key threats:
- Poaching, habitat loss due to mining, infrastructure, and agriculture are leading causes for population decline.
- The report gives “crucial information to help focus conservation efforts and give the species a chance to recover.”
— Nate Rott [04:16]
7. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Preparations
Timestamps: 04:26 – 04:54
- Final pre-parade balloon inflation underway; weather forecasts are a concern.
- NYC law grounds balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gust over 35 mph.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On DC Shooting Security Response:
"I did feel very safe knowing that all of the, you know, military personnel and police were there, but honestly, I had no idea what was going on."
— Emma McDonald [00:38] -
On Georgia Case Dismissal:
"The Federal government is the appropriate venue for this prosecution."
— Sam Greenglass summarizing Pete Scandalakis [02:34] -
On African Forest Elephant Assessment:
"The new data provides crucial information to help focus conservation efforts and give the species a chance to recover."
— Nate Rott [04:16]
Quick Reference Timeline
- 00:11 — Shooting of National Guard in DC reported
- 00:47 — Context on Guard deployment and legal backstory
- 01:30 — Trump’s messaging & Afghan refugee review call
- 02:03 — Georgia criminal case against Trump dropped
- 02:50 — Hong Kong fire update
- 03:17 — LA music artist murder charges filed
- 03:47 — African forest elephant population findings
- 04:26 — Macy’s Parade weather watch
Summary Tone & Conclusions
This NPR News Now heads-up edition delivers matter-of-fact, tightly reported coverage of major breaking stories, with succinct context and credible direct statements from correspondents and eyewitnesses. The episode covers politics, public safety, global incidents, and notable American cultural events, all in the NPR hallmark tone of calm, measured authority.