NPR News Now – November 28, 2025, 9AM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major U.S. and international news, including a deadly White House shooting incident, policy statements on immigration, a looming health care subsidy debate, an Israeli incursion into Syria, economic updates, the Grand Ole Opry centennial, and changes at the Louvre Museum.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. White House Shooting Incident
[00:14-00:52]
- Jeanine Herbst reports: Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a West Virginia National Guard member injured near the White House, has died.
- Andrew Wolf, 24, also a guard member, remains in critical condition.
- The alleged shooter: a 29-year-old Afghan national formerly employed by the CIA in Afghanistan, hospitalized with a gunshot wound.
- No motive or detailed context provided in this update.
2. Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Social Media Posts
[00:52-01:36]
- Danielle Kurtzleben summarizes Trump’s latest statements:
- Trump promises to end immigration from "all third world countries," terminate "millions" of Biden-era immigrant admissions, and seek to denaturalize specific immigrants.
- He vows to deport any foreign national deemed a public charge, security risk, or "non compatible with Western civilization."
- The post includes derogatory references:
- Uses a “crude ableist slur” about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
- Refers to Rep. Ilhan Omar as “always wrapped in her swaddling hijab.”
- Trump concludes:
“Only reverse migration can fully cure this situation.” (Danielle Kurtzleben quoting Trump, [01:29])
- Notable for escalation in anti-immigrant rhetoric and personal attacks.
3. Congressional Health Care Subsidy Debate
[01:36-02:22]
- Deirdre Walsh explains:
- Congress returns to decide on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire December 31.
- Recent shutdown deal obligates a Senate vote by mid-December.
- Some Republicans supportive but want income caps.
- Bipartisan passage in the Senate is possible, but uncertainty in the House where Speaker Mike Johnson might block a vote.
- Over 20 million Americans risk premium increases if subsidies lapse.
“Unless Congress acts quickly, more than 20 million Americans will see spikes in health care premiums.” (Deirdre Walsh, [02:18])
4. Israel’s Military Incursion into Syria
[02:22-03:10]
- Jane Araf from Beirut:
- Israeli forces fired artillery and entered a Syrian village, reportedly to make arrests.
- According to Syrian state media: 10 killed, including 2 children—residents say the dead were civilians.
- Israel states its target was members of Jemma Islamiyah; several Israeli soldiers wounded.
- The context: After the fall of Bashar al-Assad last year, Israel has seized buffer zones and territory in southern Syria.
“Village residents say those killed were civilians.” (Jane Araf, [02:58])
5. Financial and Cultural Headlines
-
US Futures Update (Jeanine Herbst, [03:10-03:36]):*
- Dow futures trading higher; up 0.1%.
-
Grand Ole Opry Centennial (Netta Uluby, [03:36-04:22]):*
- Celebrating its 100th anniversary—founded in Nashville November 28, 1925.
- Historic hosts: Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, and others.
“It remains a central tourist attraction for Nashville, a city the Opry helped to place on the musical map.” (Netta Uluby, [04:14])
-
Louvre Ticket Price Increase (Jeanine Herbst, [04:22-04:56]):*
- Louvre Museum in Paris will raise ticket prices by 45% for non-EU tourists (including U.S., UK, China) starting next year.
- Purpose: Funding a $933 million renovation to modernize, expand museum, and build a Mona Lisa gallery.
- Noted recent crown jewel heist as an impetus.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump’s Immigration Plan:
“Permanently pause migration from all third world countries and terminate millions of Biden immigrant admissions.”
— Danielle Kurtzleben quoting Trump [00:55]“Only reverse migration can fully cure this situation.”
— Danielle Kurtzleben quoting Trump [01:29] -
On Health Care Premiums:
“Unless Congress acts quickly, more than 20 million Americans will see spikes in health care premiums.”
— Deirdre Walsh [02:18] -
On Grand Ole Opry’s Legacy:
“It remains a central tourist attraction for Nashville, a city the Opry helped to place on the musical map.”
— Netta Uluby [04:14]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:14] White House shooting update
- [00:52] Trump’s anti-immigrant posts overview
- [01:44] Congressional action on health care subsidies
- [02:32] Israeli incursion into Syria
- [03:10] Financial markets update
- [03:36] Grand Ole Opry 100th anniversary
- [04:22] Louvre Museum price increase
Summary
This five-minute NPR News Now bulletin delivers fast-moving updates on serious domestic incidents, heightened political rhetoric, looming policy deadlines, persistent international conflict, economic tidbits, and milestones in arts and culture. The episode is marked by a matter-of-fact tone, with direct quotes spotlighting the escalation in anti-immigrant discourse, urgent health care negotiations, and the enduring legacy of the Grand Ole Opry. Notably, the gravity of breaking news—including a National Guard casualty and international military action—balances with lighter cultural notes about country music and the art world.
