NPR News Now: November 26, 2025, 10PM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: November 27, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major global and national news, spanning a recent attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace process, a deadly fire in Hong Kong, litigation over U.S. homelessness policy, the dismissal of a prominent legal case against Donald Trump, new U.S. national park fees for international visitors, and key updates on the Middle East and Peru.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Attack on National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.

[00:11–00:43]

• Two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting outside a D.C. subway station.
• The attacker, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021, is in custody after being shot.
• President Trump’s address condemned the attack as a “crime against humanity" and called for a review of Afghan refugee admissions from the Biden era.

Notable Quote:

"This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity."
— President Trump [00:32]

• Trump demands reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the previous administration.

2. Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts

[00:43–01:23]

• U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow as diplomatic efforts continue.
• Recent talks between U.S., Russia, Ukraine, and European leaders in the UAE and Geneva focused on a new U.S. peace proposal with “favorable terms to Russia.”

3. Hong Kong Housing Complex Fire

[01:23–01:59]
Reporter: Charisse Pham

• A massive fire—the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades—killed over 40 and left hundreds missing in a public housing complex.
• The building's bamboo scaffolding and subpar construction materials likely fueled the blaze.
• Three people have been arrested on manslaughter charges.

Notable Quote:

"Hong Kong police said that construction and material found around the buildings did not meet safety standards, were highly flammable, and may have been the reason the fire spread so quickly."
— Charisse Pham [01:45]

4. States Sue HUD Over Homelessness Policy

[01:59–02:47]
Reporter: Owen Henderson

• 21 states are suing the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over reductions in permanent supportive housing funding.
• Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, co-leading the suit, argues that pulling funding “cannot be replaced immediately.”
• HUD maintains its stance, while plaintiffs seek a court pause on the changes.

Notable Quote:

"When the administration tries to pull this level of funding from Washington state and many states across the country, that is money that cannot be replaced immediately.”
— Nick Brown [02:25]

5. Georgia Election Interference Case Against Trump Dismissed

[02:47–03:22]

• A judge in Atlanta dismissed the Georgia case against Trump and 14 others regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
• The case was undermined following the removal of the original prosecutor due to conflict of interest.

6. New Fees for International Visitors to U.S. National Parks

[03:22–04:11]
Reporter: Kirk Siegler

• Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents will pay an additional $100 fee at top U.S. national parks; annual pass will cost $250 for foreigners.
• The administration frames this as an “America first” strategy to fund park infrastructure.
• Experts predict this could raise $55 million for Yellowstone alone but warn it may further reduce international tourism amid already declining numbers.

Notable Quote:

“Retired Park Service employees tell NPR this will only worsen that decline.”
— Kirk Siegler [04:05]

7. Middle East: Hostage and Remains Exchanges

[04:11–04:33]

• Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians, a day after Hamas handed over remains of an Israeli hostage.
• Ongoing as part of the current ceasefire; Hamas retains two more Israeli hostages' remains, citing ongoing recovery difficulties due to destruction in Gaza.

8. Peru: Former President Martin Vizcarra Sentenced

[04:33–04:53]

• Martin Vizcarra, former Peruvian President, was sentenced to 14 years for corruption and is barred from office for nine years.
• He was convicted of taking $611,000 in bribes as a state governor.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump's direct condemnation of the D.C. attack:
  “It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity.” [00:32]

• Nick Brown on HUD lawsuit:
  “...that is money that cannot be replaced immediately.” [02:25]

• Reporting on the Hong Kong fire’s severity:
  “It’s the deadliest fire Hong Kong has seen in decades.” — Charisse Pham [01:23]

• Kirk Siegler on the new park fee:
  "Retired Park Service employees tell NPR this will only worsen that decline." [04:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:11] Shooting of National Guard members in D.C.; Trump’s response
• [00:43] Updates on Russia-Ukraine negotiations
• [01:23] Hong Kong fire tragedy
• [01:59] States sue HUD over homelessness support
• [02:47] Georgia election interference case against Trump dismissed
• [03:22] New international visitor fees for U.S. national parks
• [04:11] Israel-Hamas exchanges of remains
• [04:33] Former Peruvian President Vizcarra sentenced for corruption

This episode delivers essential briefings across national security, international incidents, policy litigation, and global affairs, reflecting NPR’s commitment to high-impact, rapid news delivery.