NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 11-28-2025 2AM EST

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international events as of early November 28, 2025. The broadcast covers a deadly attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., deepened political divisions among Americans, Thanksgiving on the International Space Station, diplomatic and wartime developments involving Russia, the first trip abroad by Pope Leo, and significant snowfall across the Great Lakes region.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Death of National Guard Member in D.C. Shooting

• Announcement: President Trump announced the killing of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Backstrom during his Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops.
• Incident Details:
  • Backstrom was one of two West Virginia Guard members shot in what officials describe as a “targeted attack” in Washington, D.C.
  • The suspect, identified as an Afghan national granted asylum under the Biden administration, is in custody.
• Executive Response:
  • President Trump responded on social media, pledging to “permanently pause migration from… Third World countries.”

Notable Quote:

“She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened. She was savagely attacked. She’s dead.”
— President Trump (00:28)

2. Increasing Political Division Among Americans

• Polling Data:
  • An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds overwhelming mutual distrust between Democratic and Republican voters:
    • Vast majorities describe the other side as “mostly closed minded”
    • 72% of Republicans and 65% of Democrats believe opponents are “mostly dishonest”
• Personal Perspective:
  • Michigan Democrat Teresa Tucker shares that political conversations have grown more difficult, preferring to keep holiday gatherings focused on family rather than politics.

Notable Quotes:

“I think it’s definitely gotten worse. I think, unfortunately, this administration has pitted people against each other. And, you know, if we would have more conversations, I think we would find we have a lot more in common than we don’t.”
— Teresa Tucker (01:54)

“…the focus at her dinner won’t be on politics. It’ll be on family and festivities.”
— Elena Moore (02:07)

(Coverage: 01:32–02:15)

3. Thanksgiving Celebrated on the International Space Station

• Event:
  • U.S.-Russian crew launched to the ISS from Kazakhstan, arriving in time for Thanksgiving.
• Space Feast:
  • Traditional freeze-dried fare enhanced by special treats (crab meat, salmon, lobster) sent up on a recent resupply.
  • NASA designates Thanksgiving as an off-duty day, allowing crew to relax and connect with loved ones.

Notable Quote:

“We’ve even got some lobster, which is amazing. So I think it’s going to be a really, really delicious meal and I can’t wait to share it with everyone, including our new crewmates.”
— Astronaut Zena Cardman (02:54)

(Coverage: 02:15–03:15)

4. Prospects for Peace in Ukraine

• Diplomatic Opening:
  • Russia’s President Vladimir Putin regards new U.S. proposals as the “starting point” for ending the Ukraine war, but insists Ukrainian troop withdrawal is required.
  • Putin frames President Trump’s peace plan as “issues put forward for discussion rather than… a draft agreement.”

(Coverage: 03:15–03:45)

5. Pope Leo’s First Foreign Visit — Message in Turkey

• Context:
  • Pope Leo meets Turkish President Erdogan on his first overseas trip as the first American pope.
• Key Message:
  • Pope Leo praises Turkey’s historic legacy yet calls for greater protection of religious minorities, warning of the societal cost in sidelining groups such as Christians.
  • Emphasizes diversity as essential to a thriving society.

Notable Quote:

“You have an important place in both the present and future of the Mediterranean and of the whole world.”
— Pope Leo (04:10)

“…for what makes a civil society are the bridges that link its people together.”
— Pope Leo, via Ruth Sherlock (04:17)

(Coverage: 03:45–04:35)

6. Major Snow Event Hits the Great Lakes

• Weather Impact:
  • Lake effect snow producing heavy accumulations—15 inches in Marquette, Michigan, and over 30 inches in some Wisconsin locations.
  • More snow expected with an additional storm system approaching over the weekend.

(Coverage: 04:35–04:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump: “She’s no longer with us… She was savagely attacked. She’s dead.” (00:28)
• Teresa Tucker (voter): “If we would have more conversations, I think we would find we have a lot more in common than we don’t.” (01:54)
• Astronaut Zena Cardman: “We’ve even got some lobster, which is amazing.” (02:54)
• Pope Leo: “You have an important place in both the present and future of the Mediterranean and of the whole world.” (04:10)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Pres. Trump announces Guard member’s death: 00:19–01:32
• Political division poll / holiday dinner: 01:32–02:15
• Thanksgiving on the ISS: 02:15–03:15
• Putin on Ukraine proposals: 03:15–03:45
• Pope Leo in Turkey: 03:45–04:35
• Great Lakes snowfall report: 04:35–04:55

This episode provides a rapid-fire yet substantial overview of pressing national and global news, offering direct voices from political, personal, and scientific domains while capturing the tone and mood of the events as they unfold.