NPR News Now – 11-28-2025, 2PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm (NPR)
Date: November 28, 2025
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers essential updates on key global and national events, including U.S. immigration policy following a National Guard shooting, a major corruption shake-up in Ukraine, a tragic fire in Hong Kong, economic and business highlights, climate impacts on Colorado tourism, the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary, and a breakthrough in a Paris jewel heist investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Immigration Crackdown After West Virginia Shooting

• [00:16] Location: Washington, D.C.

• President Trump responds forcefully after National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dies from a shooting near the White House.

  • The suspect: a 29-year-old Afghan refugee.
  • Trump pledges to:
    • Crack down on legal migrants.
    • Review all Afghan immigrants admitted during the Biden administration.
    • Call for a halt on migrants from "Third world countries."
    • Suggests deporting many legal foreign nationals.
  • Federal authorities begin reexamining green cards for immigrants from Afghanistan and at least 18 other countries.

  Notable Quotes:

  • President Donald Trump [00:45]: "Her parents are with her. This just happened. She was savagely attacked. She's dead."

  • Brian Mann [00:52]: "Federal officials say they've begun a reexamination of migrants’ green cards, scrutinizing legal residents from Afghanistan and at least 18 other countries."

2. Ukraine Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Corruption Probe

• [01:19] Reporter: Eleanor Beardsley

• Ukrainian President Zelensky announces Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak’s resignation because of a widening corruption probe.

  • Anti-corruption officials searched Yermak’s home; the investigation involves $100 million allegedly siphoned from the state nuclear agency.
  • Yermak had experience dealing with the Trump administration, seen as an asset headed into upcoming peace talks.
  • Zelensky emphasizes unity and focus on defense as Russia pressures Ukraine during negotiations.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Zelensky (via Beardsley) [01:37]: "For internal strength, there should be no reason to be distracted by anything other than the defense of Ukraine..."
  • Beardsley [02:09]: "Russia wants Ukraine to make mistakes, said Zelensky. ‘There will be no mistakes on our part.’"

3. Hong Kong High Rise Fire: Arrests and Aftermath

• [02:17]
• Eight more arrests connected to the fatal fire in a Hong Kong apartment block (at least 128 dead, 200 still missing).
  • Faulty fire alarm systems cited.
  • Authorities warn death toll may rise.

4. U.S. Markets & UPS Logistics

• [02:37]

• U.S. stock markets ease back into activity after Thanksgiving; all major indexes close up:

  • Dow: +289
  • NASDAQ: +36
  • S&P: +151

• [02:52] Reporter: Scott Horsley

  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures halted overnight due to a server issue, now resolved.
  • UPS’s MD11 fleet remains grounded after a recent Kentucky crash, likely impacting holiday shipping.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Scott Horsley [02:52]: "Futures trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was halted for hours overnight due to problems with computer servers..."

5. Climate Impacts on Colorado Tourism

• [03:11]
• Beaver Creek Resort (Colorado) delays opening—unseasonably warm (10°F above average), snowpack well below normal.
• National Weather Service attributes delay to the unusually warm mountains.

6. Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Birthday

• [03:36] Reporter: Tony Gonzalez (WPLN Nashville)

• Grand Ole Opry celebrates a century of live country music broadcasts.

  • Star-studded birthday show planned.
  • [03:58] Archive clip of Johnny Cash's induction.
  • 77 living members (singers, comedians, groups).
  • Performers tonight: Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Connie Smith.

  Memorable Moment:

  • Johnny Cash (archive audio) [03:58]: "And ever since then, his popularity has been growing and growing more than ever with all you folks and with all of us who have come to like him and pull for him so much."
  • Johnny Cash sings "I Walk the Line" [04:10].

7. Louvre Crown Jewels Heist: Final Arrest

• [04:31]
• Paris prosecutor announces fourth and final arrest related to the museum heist.
  • Two broke in, two waited outside on getaway bikes.
  • All members of the gang now in custody.

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|-------------| | U.S. Immigration Crackdown | 00:16–01:19 | | Ukraine Corruption Probe & Resignation | 01:19–02:17 | | Hong Kong Fire Arrests/Death Toll | 02:17–02:37 | | Market Updates & UPS Shipping | 02:37–03:11 | | Colorado Ski Resort Climate Delays | 03:11–03:36 | | Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration | 03:36–04:31 | | Paris Louvre Jewel Heist Arrest | 04:31–04:54 |

Summary Compiled Using Original NPR Reporting and Direct Quotes for Accuracy and Tone.