NPR News Now — November 28, 2025, 7AM EST

Main Theme

A concise update on major global and national news stories, covering significant developments within the last 24 hours. This episode features reports on events in the U.S., Turkey, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and a significant global health update.

Key Stories & Insights

1. National Guard Shooting Near the White House

• Host: Jeanine Herbst
• Reporter: Sage Miller
• Details:
  • One of two National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday has died.
  • President Trump made the announcement during a Thanksgiving call with military units.
  • The deceased is Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom (age 20), described as “highly respected” and “magnificent.”
  • Incident occurred while both guards were on Thanksgiving patrol when a gunman opened fire, wounding Beckstrom (fatally) and Guardsman Andrew Wolf (24, remains in critical condition).
  • President Trump spoke with Beckstrom’s family after the tragedy.
• Notable Quote:
  • President Trump (via Sage Miller) [00:41]: “She was savagely attacked. She’s dead. She’s now with us. Incredible person, outstanding in every single way in every department.”

2. Pope Leo’s Historic Visit to Turkey

• Reporter: Ruth Sherlock
• Details:
  • Pope Leo visits Iznik (ancient Nicaea), Turkey, the site where the historic Nicene Creed was established in 325 AD.
  • The Nicene Creed remains a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, uniting diverse denominations.
  • The Pope will pray at the site with Patriarch Bartholomew, seeking Christian unity.
• Notable Quote:
  • Ruth Sherlock [01:32]: “Pope Leo hopes this moment will be a call for unity.”

3. Deadly Fire in Hong Kong Public Housing

• Reporter: Charisse Pham
• Details:
  • Death toll from recent public housing fire in Hong Kong rises to at least 128.
  • Bodies are still being recovered, two days post-fire.
  • The complex was under renovation, with bamboo scaffolding and fire-resistant netting—though other materials contributed to the rapid spread.
  • Alarm systems failed; police arrested three contractors for suspected manslaughter.
• Notable Quote:
  • Charisse Pham [02:29]: “The fire is one of the deadliest in the city’s history.”

4. Global Measles Deaths Decline, But Challenges Remain

• Reporter: Maria Godoy
• Details:
  • WHO reports an 88% drop in global measles deaths since 2000, with an estimated 59 million lives saved.
  • Despite progress, nearly 95,000 died last year—mostly children under 5.
  • Outbreaks increasing and vaccination gaps remain a critical public health issue.
  • Dr. Kate O’Brien (WHO) emphasizes measles as an “alarm” for public health.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Maria Godoy [03:31]: “The report says nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000. That’s more than any other childhood vaccine of the past 50 years.”
  • Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO [04:03]: “Unfortunately, for much of the world, the alarms are ringing. Measles cases are surging, outbreaks are increasing, and too many children remain unprotected.”

5. Cyclone Disaster in Indonesia

• Host: Jeanine Herbst
• Details:
  • Cyclone causes devastating flooding and landslides in North Sumatra, Indonesia.
  • At least 174 reported dead, dozens still missing.
  • Rescue efforts hampered by damaged infrastructure and lack of equipment.
  • Forecasts warn rains will continue for several days, prolonging risk to affected areas.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jeanine Herbst [04:20]: “At least 174 people have died. Dozens are listed as missing after rivers burst their banks in northern Sumatra province this week from monsoon rains tearing through villages and submerging thousands of homes and buildings.”

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump on Sarah Beckstrom [00:41]: “She was savagely attacked. She’s dead. She’s now with us. Incredible person, outstanding in every single way in every department.”
• Ruth Sherlock on the Pope’s intentions [01:32]: “Pope Leo hopes this moment will be a call for unity.”
• Charisse Pham on Hong Kong fire [02:29]: “The fire is one of the deadliest in the city’s history.”
• Maria Godoy/Dr. Kate O’Brien on Measles [03:31–04:12]: “Measles cases are surging, outbreaks are increasing, and too many children remain unprotected.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:14 — National Guard shooting near the White House; President Trump’s remarks
• 01:19 — Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey and the site of the Nicene Creed
• 02:13 — Massive fatal fire in Hong Kong public housing
• 03:12 — Global measles deaths drop; WHO report and ongoing risks
• 04:20 — Cyclone disaster and flood impact in Indonesia

Tone & Style

• Factual, urgent, and compassionate—typical of NPR news delivery.

Utility

• Offers rapid, globally relevant updates for listeners seeking a comprehensive news snapshot early in the day.