NPR News Now: 11-27-2025 3PM EST

Episode Overview:
This concise NPR News update covers the top national and international stories, ranging from terrorism investigations and diplomatic disputes to papal diplomacy, breaking news in Asia, and a Thanksgiving human interest piece. The episode captures a variety of urgent developments and provides both global perspective and a glimpse into American culture during the holiday.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Terrorism Investigation Involving Afghan National (00:17–01:18)

• Background:
  Federal officials are investigating Rama Noah Lackinwall, an Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
• Key Details:
  • Lackinwall had worked with a US Government-backed counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan before coming to the US.
  • He was granted asylum in April 2025.
  • The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is focusing the probe on his background, including relationships and affiliations both in the US and overseas.
  • The two injured National Guard soldiers remain in critical condition after surgery.
• Notable Quote:
  • Kash Patel, FBI Director (00:58):
    “We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America.”

2. US-South Africa Diplomatic Tensions Over G20 (01:18–02:18)

• Background:
  South Africa is contesting former President Donald Trump's claims that the country will be barred from the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.
• Key Details:
  • Trump made controversial social media statements questioning South Africa's G20 membership, citing debunked claims of a “genocide” against white South Africans.
  • The South African government, through President Ramaphosa and a spokesperson, strongly rejected the falsehoods and what they see as disrespectful interference.
• Notable Quotes:
  • South African Government Spokesperson (02:01):
    “South Africa is also a sovereign, constitutional, democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms.”
  • President Ramaphosa (paraphrased by Kate Bartlett, 01:49):
    Regrettable that Trump continues to target South Africa based on misinformation and distortions.

3. Papal Visit to Turkey: Religion and Plurality (02:18–03:06)

• Background:
  Pope Leo embarks on his first overseas trip as pontiff, visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Key Details:
  • The meeting took place in Ankara, amidst calls for Turkey to better protect religious minorities, particularly Christians.
  • Pope Leo reflects on Turkey’s Ottoman heritage as both “a gift and a responsibility.”
  • He warns of the dangers of marginalizing minorities, emphasizing societal enrichment through plurality.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Pope Leo (via translator, 02:41):
    “You have an important place in both the present and future of the Mediterranean and of the whole world.”
  • Ruth Sherlock, summarizing Leo’s message (03:01):
    “Society is alive if it has a plurality… what makes a civil society are the brid that link its people together.”

4. Breaking News: Deadly High-Rise Fire in Hong Kong (03:06–03:58)

• Background:
  Hong Kong is battling its deadliest fire in years.
• Key Details:
  • At least 75 confirmed dead, nearly 300 missing.
  • The fire, which broke out Wednesday, has ravaged seven out of eight buildings in a residential complex.
  • Police have arrested three suspects on manslaughter charges.
• Contextual Note:
  Fire crews continue to evacuate residents as the situation unfolds.

5. Thanksgiving Story: Northwest Free Range Turkey Farming (03:58–04:42)

• Background:
  With Thanksgiving underway, many Americans are choosing free range turkeys. Anna King interviews farmer Nathan Cotrol in Benton City, WA.
• Key Details:
  • Cotrol describes the unique challenges and joyful surprises of raising free-range turkeys, including their tendency to wander and their social personalities.
  • Three tom turkeys—Kawasaki, Blue, and Nag—earn special reprieve from butchering this year, marked with zip ties on their legs.
• Notable Quote:
  • Nathan Cotrol (04:15):
    "When you feed them or when you go out and talk with them, they'll talk back. They're very, really awesome. Honestly. They're just little dogs, essentially. They just follow you around."

6. Market Update & Closing Note (04:42–04:57)

• Key Details:
  • Wall Street is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • Markets set to reopen for a half-day tomorrow.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Kash Patel, FBI Director:
  “We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America.” (00:58)
• South African Government Spokesperson:
  “South Africa is also a sovereign, constitutional, democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms.” (02:01)
• Pope Leo (via translator):
  “You have an important place in both the present and future of the Mediterranean and of the whole world.” (02:41)
• Nathan Cotrol, farmer:
  "When you feed them or when you go out and talk with them, they'll talk back. They're very, really awesome. Honestly. They're just little dogs, essentially. They just follow you around." (04:15)

Timestamps — Quick Reference

• 00:17: Shooting in D.C., Afghan suspect, terrorism probe
• 01:18: Trump-South Africa G20 statement, SA rebuttal
• 02:18: Pope Leo visits Turkey, statement on pluralism
• 03:06: Hong Kong high-rise fire update
• 03:58: Thanksgiving turkey farming human interest story
• 04:42: Stock market and closing note

In Summary:
This NPR update weaves together urgent breaking news from world affairs, security, and disaster reporting with the warmth of a Thanksgiving vignette, offering listeners both global perspective and a flavor of the American holiday mindset.