NPR News Now: November 28, 2025, 4PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Episode Title: NPR News: 11-28-2025 4PM EST
Date: November 28, 2025

Overview

This concise five-minute NPR News Now episode provides listeners with key headlines and developments from around the globe, focusing on U.S. migration policy, an international scandal involving South Africans in Russia, economic trends amidst Black Friday, a deadly fire in Hong Kong, Louvre museum updates, and the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Migration Freeze & UN Response

[00:13 – 01:21]

• President Trump’s Policy Action
  • Trump announced a halt to migration from what he called "the third world" after an Afghan national shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
  • One of the officers died; the other remains in critical condition.
• UN Criticism
  • The UN Human Rights Office, through spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence, reaffirmed asylum seekers’ right to protection and due process.
• Impact on Afghan Nationals
  • The administration suspended migration applications from Afghan nationals.
• Refugee Policy Shifts
  • Advocates claim re-interviews are now required for Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration.
  • The annual refugee cap is being reduced, with priority reportedly given to white South Africans.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Asylum seekers were entitled to protection under international law and… should be given due process.” – Jeremy Lawrence, UN Human Rights Office ([00:49])

2. South African Mercenary Scandal in Russia

[01:21 – 02:21]

• Political Fallout
  • Dudizele Zimbudla Zuma, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, resigned as an opposition MP.
  • Accused by her half-sister of trafficking South Africans to Russia under false pretenses.
  • She maintains she was misled herself, believing they were to train as bodyguards, not to fight.
• The Plight of the Recruited Men
  • 17 South Africans now plead for government assistance after finding themselves on the front lines in Donbas, Ukraine.
  • NPR reports seeing their terrified WhatsApp messages, evidence of their distress and lack of awareness about their true fate.
• Official Response
  • South Africa is coordinating with Russian and Ukrainian authorities for their return; police investigations are ongoing.
• Notable Quote:
  • “They had no idea they were going to be fighting in a war.” – Kate Bartlett ([02:16])

3. Black Friday Spending Trends

[02:21 – 03:05]

• Record-Setting Sales Forecast
  • The National Retail Federation predicts sales topping $1 trillion.
• Consumer Confidence Concerns
  • A Conference Board report indicates consumer confidence is falling.
• Divergent Retail Realities
  • "Who's doing the shopping" is key: Wealthier Americans are propelling most spending, while others tighten budgets.
  • Discount retailers (e.g., TJ Maxx, Dollar General) and luxury brands (e.g., Coach, Ralph Lauren) both report strong returns, reflecting this divide.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Most of the spending has been propped up by wealthier people, while others are trying to tighten their budgets.” – Alina Selyuk ([02:43])

4. Stock Market Update

[03:05 – 03:13]

• Market Movements
  • All major stock indexes gained ground during a shortened Black Friday trading session.

5. Hong Kong Apartment Fire

[03:13 – 03:48]

• Tragic Toll
  • At least 128 fatalities confirmed; over 200 missing after a major fire in a high-rise complex.
  • Authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the tragedy.

6. Louvre Ticket Price Hike and Renovations

[03:48 – 04:31]

• Price Increase
  • Ticket prices for non-European Union visitors rise to $37 (from $25) in January to fund a six-year renovation.
• Catalysts for Change
  • Prompted by a recent $102 million jewel heist.
  • Renovations include 100 new external cameras by 2026, a new entrance, and an enhanced Mona Lisa room.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The urgency of renovations were exposed last month when four robbers took off with $102 million worth of crown, which have still not been recovered.” – Rebecca Rosman ([04:04])

7. Grand Ole Opry’s Centennial

[04:31 – 04:56]

• Historical Milestone
  • The Grand Ole Opry marks its 100th anniversary.
  • Celebrates its role in country music history, launching the careers of icons like Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and June Carter.
  • Still one of the longest-running U.S. radio broadcasts.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Asylum seekers were entitled to protection under international law and… should be given due process.” – Jeremy Lawrence ([00:49])
• “They had no idea they were going to be fighting in a war.” – Kate Bartlett ([02:16])
• “Most of the spending has been propped up by wealthier people, while others are trying to tighten their budgets.” – Alina Selyuk ([02:43])
• “The urgency of renovations were exposed last month when four robbers took off with $102 million worth of crown, which have still not been recovered.” – Rebecca Rosman ([04:04])

Segment Timestamps

• U.S. Migration & UN Response: 00:13 – 01:21
• South Africa/Russia Mercenary Scandal: 01:21 – 02:21
• Black Friday Shopping Trends: 02:21 – 03:05
• Stock Market Update: 03:05 – 03:13
• Hong Kong Fire: 03:13 – 03:48
• Louvre Ticket Hike & Renovations: 03:48 – 04:31
• Grand Ole Opry Centennial: 04:31 – 04:56

This quick bulletin-style episode delivers fast-moving updates on major domestic and international events, providing crucial context and insight within a brief five-minute window. The tone is serious, informative, and journalistic, as expected from an NPR news roundup.