NPR News Now: November 28, 2025 – 11PM EST

Main Theme
This five-minute episode delivers a concise roundup of top national news stories, covering topics from immigration policy changes and Afghan resettlement to record holiday spending, obesity drug approvals, and sports results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Migration Policy Tightening After D.C. Shooting

• [00:17 - 01:16]
  • President Trump announced a halt on migration from “Third World countries” following a shooting incident involving two National Guard members in D.C. The suspect was identified as an Afghan resettled in the U.S.
  • Trump accused Somali immigrants in Minnesota of predatory behavior and insulted Minnesota’s governor.
  • The service members were deployed to D.C. to address crime, which had reportedly reached a 30-year low before the incident.
  • Notable Quote (Elana Wise, 00:39):
    “Trump vowed on social media to permanently pause migration from all countries he deemed Third World... He specifically accused Somali immigrants in Minnesota of preying on Minnesota natives and described the state’s governor, Tim Walls, with a slur against people with mental disabilities.”

2. Response from Veteran & Afghan Resettlement Context

• [01:16 - 01:53]
  • Elliot Ackerman, Marine veteran and author, cautioned against politicizing the suspect’s resettlement background, emphasizing fairness for other Afghan refugees.
  • Notable Quote (Elliot Ackerman, 01:29):
    “This individual should meet the full consequences of the law. But to use this for political leverage to score points… is a disservice to the Afghans who are living here and trying to create lives. And it’s ultimately a disservice to all of us as Americans because it brings us absolutely no closer to understanding what went on.”

3. Record Holiday Online Shopping

• [01:53 - 02:51]
  • Thanksgiving online sales hit $6.4 billion—a more than 5% increase from last year.
  • More shopping happened before Thanksgiving dinner, attributed to earlier deep discounts.
  • Top purchases: home appliances (refrigerators, exercise equipment, TVs, security), and classic toys (Squishmallows, Miss Rachel Learning Toys, Pokémon, Legos, Hot Wheels).
  • Notable Quote (Alina Selyuk, 02:10):
    “Adobe notes a big uptick in purchases for the home on Thanksgiving, including refrigerators and freezers, exercise equipment, speaker systems, TVs and home security products.”

4. Stock Market Update

• [02:51 - 03:32]
  • Dow: +289 points (+0.61%) to 47,716
    S&P 500: +36 points (+0.54%) to 6,849
    Nasdaq: +151 points (+0.65%)
  • Brief update, no analysis included.

5. Potential FDA Approval for Oral Obesity Drug

• [03:32 - 04:14]
  • Novo Nordisk is set for potential FDA approval of an oral obesity pill, which uses the same ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic.
  • The pill offers similar efficacy to injections.
  • If approved, the company will offer uninsured patients a $149/month discount rate.
  • Insurance pricing details are pending, and access improvements are underway.
  • Notable Quote (Sidney Lupkin, 03:32):
    “Studies show the new pill’s efficacy is similar to Wegovy. If approved, the company says it will offer a discounted price of $149 a month for people not using their health insurance.”

6. College Football Highlights

• [04:14 - 04:56]
  • Georgia (No. 4) narrowly defeated Georgia Tech (No. 23) 16–9 with a single touchdown pass and set a record with the eighth straight rivalry win.
  • Both teams’ kickers made three field goals each.
  • Ole Miss beat Mississippi State 38–19; Trinidad Chambliss threw for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns.
  • Texas was leading Texas Tech 27–17 at the time of reporting.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Migration Policy
  “Trump vowed on social media to permanently pause migration from all countries he deemed Third World.”
  — Elana Wise, [00:39]

• Afghan Resettlement Context
  “But to use this for political leverage to score points… is a disservice to the Afghans who are living here and trying to create lives.”
  — Elliot Ackerman, [01:29]

• Holiday Online Spending Trends
  “Adobe notes a big uptick in purchases for the home on Thanksgiving, including refrigerators and freezers, exercise equipment, speaker systems, TVs and home security products.”
  — Alina Selyuk, [02:10]

• Obesity Pill Efficacy & Pricing
  “Studies show the new pill’s efficacy is similar to Wegovy. If approved, the company says it will offer a discounted price of $149 a month for people not using their health insurance.”
  — Sidney Lupkin, [03:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Migration and D.C. Shooting: 00:17 – 01:16
• Veteran Perspective on Afghan Refugees: 01:16 – 01:53
• Holiday Shopping Surge: 01:53 – 02:51
• Market Update: 02:51 – 03:32
• Obesity Pill News: 03:32 – 04:14
• Sports Roundup: 04:14 – 04:56

This episode offers a crisp overview of the latest developments in U.S. policy, public health, economy, and sports—delivered in NPR’s signature concise and balanced tone.