NPR News Now – November 27, 2025, 4PM EST

Episode Summary

This five-minute newscast delivers top headlines and concise reporting on major issues across politics, health care, social concerns, science, and legal developments. Today's episode centers on President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in D.C. after a shooting, potential changes to health care subsidies, economic challenges hitting holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving traditions aboard the International Space Station, and a consequential court decision on North Carolina's congressional map.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Guard Troop Deployment in Washington, D.C.

[00:16–01:14]

• Situation Update: President Trump has ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., following the shooting of two Guard members near the White House.
  • “There have been more than 2,000 National Guard troops in D.C. from several states since August, when Trump ordered their deployment over concerns about violent crime.” — Kat Lansdorf [00:34]
• Context & Controversy: The president's deployment of National Guard troops, particularly to Democratic-led cities, continues to face legal pushback and controversy.
  • “Trump's deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks.” — Kat Lansdorf [00:47]
• Legal Developments: A federal judge recently ruled these troop deployments in D.C. unlawful but allowed for a delay in lifting them to permit an appeal by the Trump administration.

2. Affordable Care Act Enrollment & Subsidy Expiration

[01:14–02:11]

• ACA Marketplace Deadline: Over 20 million Americans use ACA marketplaces for health insurance and face a three-week window to sign up for 2026 coverage.
• Premium Increases Possible: There’s concern premiums could rise dramatically if federal subsidies are not renewed, as current subsidies are set to expire next month.
  • “President Trump said this week that renewing those subsidies may be necessary.” — Windsor Johnston [01:32]
• Expert Analysis: Economist Doug Holtz-Eakin critiques the idea that giving people cash to spend on health needs (instead of health insurance) is inadequate:
  • “This is a conservative hobby horse…the idea that if you give people more control over their health spending, there will be less health spending and more accountability. But we know from in the past these are not sufficient replacements for health insurance.” — Doug Holtz-Eakin [01:43]
  • “He says giving people money just doesn't work the same way that health insurance would.” — Reporter [02:08]

3. Holiday Economic Strain for Families

[02:11–03:12]

• Food & Travel Cost Increases: Many families are reporting higher costs and reduced government aid (such as SNAP), impacting what and how they celebrate Thanksgiving.
• Voices from the Community:
  • Rosetta Savannah of Queens, NY, describes her reduced SNAP benefits:
    • “We're doing mostly like chicken because chicken is cheaper. I usually bake cakes and pies. I'm not doing that this year.” — Rosetta Savannah [02:49]
  • Others are missing out on family gatherings due to necessity of working holiday shifts or inability to afford travel.
    • “It's not just of travel, but also that she needs the income from working an extra shift.” — Community Member (as paraphrased) [02:57]
• Reporter: Tovia Smith

4. Thanksgiving Celebrated on the International Space Station

[03:12–04:17]

• Successful Launch Update: A U.S.-Russian crew has arrived at the ISS just in time for the holiday.
• Holiday Traditions in Orbit:
  • While astronauts usually have traditional but preserved Thanksgiving fare, this year’s supply mission added special treats.
    • “Thanksgiving in space has long meant pouches of freeze dried, irradiated and thermostabilized foods, everything from smoked turkey to yams. But this fall…NASA workers sent up some extra treats.” — Nell Greenfield Boyce [03:32]
  • Astronaut Zena Cardman shares her excitement:
    • “We've even got some lobster, which is amazing. So I think it's going to be a really, really delicious meal and I can't wait to share it with everyone, including our new crewmates.” — Zena Cardman [03:56]
  • NASA designates Thanksgiving as a holiday for the crew, allowing them time to relax and connect with family on Earth.

5. North Carolina Congressional Map Ruling

[04:17–04:56]

• Court Decision: A federal court has approved North Carolina's use of a new congressional map, likely to benefit Republicans by targeting the state's only swing district.
• Political Context: The change follows President Trump's advocacy for mid-decade redistricting in several states ahead of the 2026 midterms.
• Uncertain Next Steps: While opposition groups like the NAACP challenged the map, it remains unclear whether they will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Notable Quotes

• Kat Lansdorf [00:47]: “Trump's deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks.”
• Doug Holtz-Eakin [01:43]: “This is a conservative hobby horse…But we know from in the past these are not sufficient replacements for health insurance.”
• Rosetta Savannah [02:49]: “We're doing mostly like chicken because chicken is cheaper. I usually bake cakes and pies. I'm not doing that this year.”
• Zena Cardman [03:56]: “We've even got some lobster, which is amazing. So I think it's going to be a really, really delicious meal and I can't wait to share it with everyone, including our new crewmates.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• National Guard deployment in D.C. – [00:16–01:14]
• ACA Enrollment & Health Policy Debate – [01:14–02:11]
• Thanksgiving Holiday Economic Strain – [02:11–03:12]
• Thanksgiving on the International Space Station – [03:12–04:17]
• North Carolina Congressional Map Ruling – [04:17–04:56]

This concise update gives listeners a snapshot of major national developments and human-interest stories, highlighted by direct voices from reporters and those directly affected by the news.