NPR News Now — November 27, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes
Purpose: A concise roundup of top news stories for the morning audience on Thanksgiving Day.

Main Theme

This episode of NPR News Now delivers up-to-the-minute coverage of critical national and international events: a security incident near the White House with major political implications, Pope Leo XIV’s groundbreaking papal trip, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a new congressional map in North Carolina, and a special Thanksgiving aboard the International Space Station.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. West Virginia National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

[00:20] Jeanine Herbst reports:

• Two National Guard members, stationed near the White House, were critically injured in a shooting.
• An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, is in custody—he was also wounded.
• President Trump has labeled the attack as “ambush style” and announced deployment of additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
• As a result, the administration has halted all immigration requests from Afghan nationals indefinitely.

[00:50] Dia Hadid’s report:

• The shooter was identified through an announcement on X (formerly Twitter) by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Lakhanwal entered the U.S. under a post-Afghanistan resettlement program.
• This policy change affects around 35,000 Afghan nationals and their families, especially those who assisted the U.S. during its 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.
• Quote: “Advocates for Afghans say the decision to suspend immigration requests is likely to impact the claims of some 35,000 Afghan nationals and their families who are in the asylum pipeline.” — Dia Hadid [01:20]

2. Pope Leo XIV’s First Overseas Papal Visit

[01:38] Jeanine Herbst sets up coverage:

• Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, begins a six-day pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon.

[01:50] Ruth Sherlock, traveling with the pope:

• The pope greets journalists on the plane, mentioning Thanksgiving:
  • Quote: “Buongiorno. Atuti bene. To the Americans here, Happy Thanksgiving and it’s a wonderful day to celebrate.” — Pope Leo XIV [01:55]
• In Turkey, Leo will meet President Erdogan; the trip seeks to improve relations after the conversion of Hagia Sophia back into a mosque in 2020.
• He will also visit Iznik, site of the historic Council of Nicaea, emphasizing Christian unity.
• Quote: “Pope Leo said he hopes this trip inspires all people to greater unity and harmony.” — Ruth Sherlock [02:33]

3. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

[02:36] Jeanine Herbst previews:

• The annual parade in New York is set to begin, featuring 34 giant balloons (2-4 stories tall), floats, and celebrities.
• Performance highlights: Lil John and Cynthia Erivo.
• [03:00] Catherine Wright (Macy’s Studios):
  • Describes balloon flight analysis in preparation for wind conditions:
  • Quote: “All of our balloons have this flight analysis that tells our balloon teams how high they can fly the balloons in different wind conditions.” — Catherine Wright [03:00]

4. North Carolina Congressional Map Ruling

[03:10] Jeanine Herbst:

• A three-judge panel approves a new congressional map favoring Republicans in 11 out of 14 districts, including targeting Rep. Don Davis’s swing seat.
• North Carolina is among key states revising boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections, reflecting President Trump’s efforts for mid-cycle changes.

5. Thanksgiving Aboard the International Space Station

[04:02] Nell Greenfield Boice reports:

• Astronaut Mike Fink celebrates his second Thanksgiving in orbit, joined by an international crew.
• Fink shares a meal featuring turkey and cranberry sauce—specifically Russian cranberries.
  • Quote: “So we have like the traditions of turkey. There’s some cranberry sauce here.” — Mike Fink [04:16]
  • Quote: “It’s actually kind of Russian cranberries. So it’s kind of neat to have that up here, because that’s one of my favorite parts.” — Mike Fink [04:24]
• The crew also enjoys holiday treats sent from Earth, such as candy and lobster.
• Fink expresses mixed feelings:
  • Misses family at home but cherishes celebrating with his “space family.” [04:40]

6. Additional Briefs

• Wall Street is closed for the holiday; commences with a shortened trading day on Friday. [04:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump: “Ambush style attack” (reported by Jeanine Herbst) [00:20]
• Dia Hadid: “Advocates for Afghans say the decision to suspend immigration requests is likely to impact the claims of some 35,000 Afghan nationals...” [01:20]
• Pope Leo XIV: “To the Americans here, Happy Thanksgiving and it's a wonderful day to celebrate.” [01:55]
• Catherine Wright: “All of our balloons have this flight analysis that tells our balloon teams how high they can fly the balloons in different wind conditions.” [03:00]
• Mike Fink: “It’s actually kind of Russian cranberries. So it’s kind of neat to have that up here because that’s one of my favorite parts.” [04:24]
• Mike Fink: Shares the importance of his "space family" during the holiday [04:40]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• D.C. National Guard attack and Afghan immigration policy: 00:20–01:37
• Pope Leo XIV’s trip: 01:38–02:36
• Macy’s Parade preview: 02:36–03:10
• North Carolina congressional map: 03:10–04:02
• Thanksgiving on the ISS: 04:02–04:48
• Holiday Market Brief: 04:48–04:58

This episode provides a snapshot of Thanksgiving Day’s critical events — balancing urgent hard news, major international developments, beloved American traditions, and a touch of holiday spirit.