NPR News Now – November 28, 2025, 5AM EST

Overview

This concise news episode covers the latest major headlines from around the world as of early November 28, 2025. Key stories include President Trump’s remarks following a deadly shooting near the White House, developments on the U.S. envoy’s peace efforts concerning Russia and Ukraine, a significant sentencing decision in Peru’s political crisis, safety setbacks for UPS ahead of the holiday season, and the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shooting Near the White House & Presidential Response

[00:15–01:15]

• Incident Recap: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed, and Specialist Andrew Wolf remains in critical condition after a shooting incident near the White House.
• Presidential Praise: President Trump referred to Beckstrom as "an incredible person who was outstanding in every way."
• Ongoing Concern: Trump noted Wolf “is fighting for his life” and expressed hope for recovery.
  • Notable Quote (President Trump, [00:47]):

    “The other young man is fighting for his life. He's in very bad shape. He's fighting for his life and hopefully we'll get better news with respect to him.”

• Terrorism Probe: The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. The suspect is identified as an Afghan national who previously worked with the US, including the CIA, and entered America after the Taliban’s return to power.

2. US–Russia–Ukraine Peace Efforts

[01:40–02:25]

• Diplomatic Developments: A special envoy from President Trump is set to visit Russia for peace talks.
• Putin’s Stance: In Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists Ukraine must surrender territory for any peace deal; he renews threats to seize land if Kyiv refuses.
• Peace Plan Context: Putin’s demands aligned with prior versions of Trump’s 28-point peace plan, though details have since shifted after US–Ukrainian discussions.
• Upcoming Talks: Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet Putin next week.

3. Peru’s Political Crisis and Sentencing of Former Presidents

[02:26–03:07]

• Pedro Castillo Sentenced: Castillo, former president of Peru, received 11 years and 5 months in prison for attempting to dissolve Congress and the courts during what’s called a failed coup three years ago.
• Ongoing Crisis: This follows the recent 14-year sentence of centrist predecessor Martin Vizcarra on corruption charges.
• Democratic Breakdown: Peru’s legislature faces ongoing scandals; lawmakers facing multiple investigations may oust the nation’s chief prosecutor.
  • Notable Quote (Simeon Tegel, [02:26]):

    “Lawmakers, dozens of whom are under investigation for corruption and have been accused of favoring organized crime, are on the cusp of ousting the country's chief prosecutor.”

4. UPS MD11 Cargo Plane Groundings and Crash Aftermath

[03:07–04:13]

• Fleet Grounded: UPS’s MD11 fleet, nearly 9% of its aircraft, will remain grounded through the busy holiday season for inspections after a deadly crash.
• Crash Details: Earlier this month, a UPS MD11’s left engine detached during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in 14 fatalities (3 crew, 11 on the ground).
• Industry Impact: FedEx, which also utilizes MD11s (4% of its fleet), could be affected.

5. Grand Ole Opry’s Centennial Celebration

[04:13–04:49]

• Legacy Spotlighted: The iconic country music broadcast marks its 100th birthday with a special show featuring nearly 24 performers.
• Origin Story & Impact: The Opry began as a radio show out of an insurance office and grew into a critical platform for artists.
  • Memorable Quote (Craig Habighurst, [04:35]):

    “There's never been a period where being able to be invited to play on the Opry or… be a member, was uncool.”

• Archival Highlight: Includes a clip from a 1958 broadcast, emphasizing the Opry's deep historical roots.

Memorable Quotes

• President Trump on Specialist Wolf ([00:47]):

  “He’s fighting for his life and hopefully we’ll get better news with respect to him.”

• Simeon Tegel on Peru’s legislature ([02:26]):

  “Lawmakers, dozens of whom are under investigation for corruption and have been accused of favoring organized crime, are on the cusp of ousting the country’s chief prosecutor.”

• Craig Habighurst on the Opry’s timeless appeal ([04:35]):

  “There’s never been a period where being able to be invited to play on the Opry or… be a member, was uncool.”

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:15] – Shooting near the White House and President Trump’s remarks
• [00:58] – FBI and CIA details on suspect, terrorism probe
• [01:40] – Putin’s demands for Ukrainian territory, US envoy’s scheduled visit
• [02:26] – Peru’s ex-president Pedro Castillo sentenced, ongoing political crisis
• [03:07] – UPS MD11 crash and fleet grounding
• [04:13] – Grand Ole Opry 100th anniversary celebration and legacy

This episode captures urgent national news, international diplomacy, ongoing political upheaval in Latin America, logistical challenges in US commerce, and the enduring legacy of a cultural institution, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of important events as of November 28, 2025.