NPR News Now: November 27, 2025, 7AM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: November 27, 2025
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Purpose:
This concise edition of NPR News Now provides key updates on overnight and breaking news stories across the U.S., covering political, legal, travel, environmental, and scientific developments relevant to Thanksgiving.

Major Stories and Key Points

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

• Summary:
  Two National Guard members were shot near the White House. President Trump has called the incident "an act of terror."
• Details:
  • The suspect is a 29-year-old immigrant from Afghanistan, who entered the U.S. after the Taliban captured Kabul.
  • The suspect was wounded and is now in custody. No motive has been disclosed.
  • The ongoing deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities has sparked criticism, as numbers in Washington continue to rise.
  • President Trump is ordering an additional 500 troops to the capital.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Kat Lonsdorf (Reporter):

    “There have been more than 2,000 National Guard troops in D.C. from several states since August, when Trump ordered the department over concerns about the city's crime rate.” (00:52)

  • Kat Lonsdorf:

    “This has been part of a pattern of Trump deploying National Guard to Democratic led cities around the country, often against the wishes of local governors and authorities.” (00:58)

  • Kat Lonsdorf:

    “D.C. is unique. Unlike in the 50 states, the president has the authority to deploy the national guard in D.C.” (01:06)

2. Georgia Criminal Case Against President Trump Dropped

• Summary:
  The Georgia case regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election has been dismissed, closing the last state criminal proceeding against the former president.
• Details:
  • A state judge dismissed all charges after a newly appointed special prosecutor moved to drop them.
  • The case initially stemmed from alleged racketeering involving Trump and 18 others, largely focused on his infamous phone call seeking additional votes.
  • The special prosecutor, Pete Scandalakis, was appointed after the previous district attorney was disqualified over a conflict of interest.
  • Scandalakis argued federal — not state — courts should have jurisdiction.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Sam Greenglass (Reporter):

    “The prosecution was the last outstanding criminal case against the president after a pair of federal prosecutions were dropped earlier this year.” (01:43)

  • Sam Greenglass:

    “Scandalakis found that the alleged criminal conduct was conceived in Washington, D.C. writing the federal government is the appropriate venue for this prosecution.” (02:17)

3. Thanksgiving Travel Update

• Summary:
  Millions are traveling for Thanksgiving, with air travel facing weather-related challenges but faring better than expected in other respects.
• Details:
  • At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers reported smooth experiences.
  • Weather-related delays affected airports in the Twin Cities and Chicago.
  • Airlines for America projects over 31 million passengers during the holiday season.
  • Staffing shortages that plagued previous years were not as evident.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Unidentified Traveler:

    “I am so surprised how well it's going. Amazing.” (02:46)

  • Joel Rose (Reporter):

    “We were prepared to be unhappy and we're not. There were few signs of the staffing shortages ... but there were some weather related problems.” (02:51)

4. Thanksgiving Food Waste Crisis

• Summary:
  Thanksgiving is not only about feasts — it is also the country's single biggest day of food waste.
• Details:
  • According to the NRDC, about 200 million pounds of turkey meat are wasted each year on Thanksgiving.
  • Food waste is a major environmental issue due to greenhouse gas emissions from food decomposing in landfills.
  • Ted Janicki, a Penn State professor, provides context for the scale of emissions.
  • Tips include composting and freezing leftovers.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Ted Janicki (Penn State):

    “If food waste were its own country, then it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.” (03:50)

  • Jacqueline Diaz (Reporter):

    “But there are things we can do, including composting food and freezing leftovers.” (04:10)

5. International Space Station Crew Launch

• Summary:
  A new U.S.–Russian crew launched to the International Space Station as planned.
• Details:
  • The Soyuz mission launched from Kazakhstan.
  • Crew: NASA astronaut Chris Williams, and Russians Sergei Mikayev, Sergei Kudceverchkov.
  • Both Williams and Mikayev are making their first flight.
  • Their mission duration is expected to be eight months.
• Notable Announcement:
  • Jeanine Herbst (Host):

    “They're expected to spend about eight months at the orbiting outpost where they will join seven others who are already there conducting scientific research and exploration.” (04:35)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• National Guard shooting and political context: 00:20–01:20
• Georgia case against Trump dismissed: 01:15–02:27
• Thanksgiving travel update: 02:30–03:12
• Thanksgiving food waste: 03:15–04:15
• Space Station launch: 04:16–04:55

Memorable Quotes

• Kat Lonsdorf:

  “This has been part of a pattern of Trump deploying National Guard to Democratic led cities around the country, often against the wishes of local governors and authorities.” (00:58)

• Ted Janicki:

  “If food waste were its own country, then it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.” (03:50)

• Traveler at Reagan National:

  “I am so surprised how well it's going. Amazing.” (02:46)

Tone and Style

• Straightforward and factual: The reporters present verified news without editorializing.
• Crisp and urgent: Fitting the five-minute news bulletin format, each segment is tightly focused on facts and direct quotes.
• Balanced: The program covers a mix of hard politics, travel, science, and soft news, providing a broad overview for listeners.