NPR News Now: 11-28-2025, 6PM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: November 28, 2025
Overview
This five-minute newscast provides updates on major national and international events, including upgraded charges in a DC shooting, community reactions in West Virginia, President Trump's criticism of the Afghan refugee program, Pope Leo's historic visit to Turkey, progress on a new obesity pill, and the arrest of a Louvre heist suspect. Financial market updates are also included.
1. DC Shooting: Charges Upgraded (00:01–01:35)
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Story: Prosecutors have escalated charges against the suspect accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House.
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Key Details:
- The alleged shooter now faces first-degree murder after one victim died.
- [Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney]:
"There are certainly many more charges to come, but we are upgrading the initial charges of assault to murder in the first degree." (00:22)
- Victims identified as Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (Martinsburg, WV) and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (Webster County, WV).
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Community Response:
- NPR’s Dave Mistich reports from Martinsburg, WV, noting local grief and support for the victims' families.
- Residents reflect on the tragedy and continued deployment decisions.
- [Amy Fraley, local bartender]:
"It's tragic. They're young. It's unnecessary. It's heartbreaking." (01:03)
- [Jason Barrett, WV State Senator]: Community focus is on supporting the families and ensuring DC security.
2. President Trump Criticizes Afghan Refugee Program (01:35–02:10)
- Story:
- Trump condemned the program admitting Afghan refugees post-2021 Taliban takeover, following the arrest of an Afghan national in the DC shooting.
- The program was originally intended to protect Afghans who aided US efforts.
3. Pope Leo in Turkey: Call for Peace (02:10–02:48)
- Event: Pop Leo visits the historic site of early Christian unity in Turkey, traveling with NPR’s Ruth Sherlock.
- Key Details:
- Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew delivered joint prayers at Lake Isnik, where the 325 A.D. Council of Nicaea took place.
- [Ruth Sherlock, NPR]:
"Pope Leo called on the world to reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism. Instead, he said, choose dialogue and cooperation." (02:35)
- Significance:
- Emphasis on interfaith dialogue and peace, marked by an appeal to reject extremism.
4. Obesity Pill Nears FDA Approval (02:48–04:00)
- Story: An oral weight-loss medication by Novo Nordisk is expected to win FDA approval before year-end.
- Key Details:
- The pill uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, offering similar results to the injectable drugs.
- [Cyndi Lupkin, NPR]:
"If approved, the company says it will offer a discounted price of $149 a month for people not using their health insurance." (03:32)
- Pricing for insurers still undecided; access agreements with the Trump administration.
- Aim to broaden drug availability and affordability.
5. Louvre Heist: Final Suspect Arrested (04:00–04:30)
- Story:
- French police have apprehended a suspected fourth member of the group that stole the nation’s crown jewels from the Louvre.
- The 39-year-old suspect, now held on robbery and conspiracy charges, is believed to complete the ring behind the high-profile Apollo Gallery theft.
6. Financial Markets Recap (04:30–End)
- Key Figures:
- Dow Jones: Up 289 points
- Nasdaq: Up 36 points
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Jeanine Pirro (00:22):
"We are upgrading the initial charges of assault to murder in the first degree."
- Amy Fraley (01:03):
"It's tragic. They're young. It's unnecessary. It's heartbreaking."
- Ruth Sherlock on Pope Leo (02:35):
"Pope Leo called on the world to reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism. Instead, he said, choose dialogue and cooperation."
- Cyndi Lupkin (03:32):
"If approved, the company says it will offer a discounted price of $149 a month for people not using their health insurance."
Segment Timestamps
- DC Shooting/Charges & Community Response: 00:01–01:35
- Trump on Afghan Refugee Program: 01:35–02:10
- Pope Leo’s Visit to Turkey: 02:10–02:48
- Obesity Pill FDA News: 02:48–04:00
- Louvre Heist Arrest: 04:00–04:30
- Market Recap: 04:30–End
This episode delivers a concise yet impactful overview of major news items with real voices and timely context—capturing both the heartbreak and hope in current affairs.
