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)

• Story: Prosecutors have escalated charges against the suspect accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House.

• 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).

• 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.