NPR News Now: November 27, 2025, 5PM EST
Host: Dale Willman
Length: 5 minutes, updated hourly

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise summary of the day’s top news in five minutes, focusing on emerging national security stories, updates on health policy debates, international developments, and notable events in the U.S. and abroad. It also touches on Thanksgiving trends and remembers a sports figure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Washington, D.C. National Guard Attack and Investigation

• [00:15-01:12]
  • An Afghan man, Ramanula Lackinwal, is under terrorism investigation after allegedly shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
  • Background:
    • Lackinwal previously worked with a CIA-linked unit in Afghanistan and was granted U.S. asylum in April 2025.
    • The FBI is scrutinizing his history with U.S.-government-affiliated groups and any known associates, domestically or abroad.
    • Both injured soldiers remain in critical condition after surgery.
  • Charges:
    • Facing three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
  • Potential for Further Charges:
    • Attorney General Pam Bondi warns the situation could escalate legally, especially if one of the victims does not survive.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America." — FBI Official [00:49]
    • "If something happens, I will tell you right now... we will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country." — Pam Bondi, Attorney General [01:25]

2. Health Insurance Subsidies Policy Debate

• [01:38-02:32]
  • President Trump is reconsidering a previously firm stance against extending Obamacare (ACA) health insurance subsidies.
  • The President is reportedly entertaining a two-year extension with income caps, despite earlier resistance and unclear Congressional support.
  • Significance:
    • Subsidies benefit over 20 million Americans; Trump has tried and failed to repeal the entire ACA.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "...the president himself said on Tuesday that he would rather not extend the subsidies, but, quote, some kind of extension may be necessary." — Mara Liasson, NPR [01:57]

3. U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean

• [02:32-02:57]
  • The Dominican Republic has authorized U.S. military use in restricted zones, including logistical uses of a key airport as tensions increase with Venezuela.

4. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

• [02:57-03:15]
  • The annual parade in New York City saw large crowds and a successful procession featuring balloons, floats, clowns, and bands.

5. Hong Kong Apartment Complex Fire

• [03:15-03:46]
  • After a devastating fire in a multi-building apartment complex, at least 75 people have died and dozens remain missing.
  • Extreme heat and dangerous conditions are hampering rescue efforts.

6. Thanksgiving Food Waste

• [03:46-04:29]
  • Thanksgiving marks the peak for food waste in the U.S., with roughly 200 million pounds of turkey discarded annually.
  • Food waste is a major environmental concern throughout the year; if food waste were a country, it would rank third worldwide in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • "If food waste were its own country, then it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world." — Ted Janicki, Penn State professor [04:04]
  • Solutions discussed include composting and freezing leftovers.

7. Remembering Fuzzy Zeller

• [04:29-04:53]
  • Golfer Fuzzy Zeller, winner of the Masters and U.S. Open, passed away at 74.
  • Zeller’s career was marked by both charisma and controversy, notably a racially insensitive 1997 remark about Tiger Woods.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Reflects on the complexity of celebrity legacies and public memory.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [00:49] FBI Official:
  "We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America."

• [01:25] Pam Bondi (Attorney General):
  "If something happens, I will tell you right now, I will tell you early, we will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country."

• [01:57] Mara Liasson (NPR):
  "...the president himself said on Tuesday that he would rather not extend the subsidies, but, quote, some kind of extension may be necessary."

• [04:04] Ted Janicki (Penn State Professor):
  "If food waste were its own country, then it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world."

Summary Table of Contents

| Segment | Timestamps | Main Points | |-----------------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | DC National Guard Attack | 00:15–01:12 | Terrorism investigation, CIA link, critical condition updates | | Charges and Legal Implications | 01:12–01:38 | Assault/attempted murder, AG's death penalty comments | | ACA Subsidies Debate | 01:38–02:32 | Trump reconsidering extension, Congressional dynamics | | US Military in Caribbean | 02:32–02:57 | Strategic use of Dominican airport, regional military buildup | | Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade | 02:57–03:15 | A successful, festive event | | Hong Kong Fire | 03:15–03:46 | High casualties, rescue difficulty due to heat | | Thanksgiving Food Waste | 03:46–04:29 | Environmental impact, solutions suggested | | Fuzzy Zeller Obituary | 04:29–04:53 | Golf legacy and controversy |

This NPR News Now segment offers concentrated updates on a variety of critical and topical issues—from security concerns and policy shifts to global events and cultural milestones—empowering listeners to quickly grasp the state of national and world affairs.