NPR News Now – 11-28-2025 6AM EST

Main Theme:
A concise update on top U.S. and global news events: a fatal shooting near the White House involving National Guard members; diplomatic signals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict; Black Friday and economic forecasts; a National Dog Show winner; and a rare Fabergé egg hitting auction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Fatal Shooting Near the White House

• Details:

  • President Trump announced the death of 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, one of two guardsmen shot near the White House on Wednesday.
  • The other, Andrew Wolf (24), also from West Virginia, remains in critical condition after surgery.
  • The suspect is a 29-year-old Afghan national, previously working with the CIA and relocated to the U.S. after the Afghanistan withdrawal.
  • The suspect was also shot, is hospitalized, and allegedly drove cross-country to commit the attack.
  • Trump ordered a review of all Afghans entering the U.S. during the Biden administration and is sending additional guards to the capital.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “Trump says he’s ordering a review of all Afghans who entered the country during the Biden administration and has ordered hundreds more guards to the nation’s capital.” – Jeanine Herbst [00:47]

Russia-Ukraine War & U.S. Diplomacy

• Details:

  • President Putin claims openness to parts of a new U.S. peace initiative on Ukraine but insists Russia will use force to meet its goals if Ukraine rejects key Moscow concessions.
  • Insights into leaked calls suggest White House envoy Steve Witkoff is perceived as favoring Moscow, yet Putin describes him as “an intelligent, intelligent man.”
  • Witkoff scheduled to meet Putin in Moscow next week.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “The Kremlin often says it would prefer to achieve its goals in Ukraine through diplomatic rather than military means.” – Charles Maynes [01:29]
  • “Putin called Witkoff an intelligent, intelligent man who promoted the interest of his country.” – Charles Maynes [01:55]

Black Friday Shopping & U.S. Economy

• Details:

  • Black Friday weekend remains the busiest shopping period in the U.S.
  • National Retail Federation projects over $1 trillion in holiday sales for the first time—a roughly 4% increase over last year.
  • Deloitte provides a more cautious forecast at 3% growth.
  • Initial concerns about tariffs under the Trump administration have not drastically suppressed spending, as retailers prepped inventory ahead of time.
  • High-end spending by wealthier consumers is boosting figures.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “This promises a shopping season that’s far from the flop many feared earlier in the year when President Trump began to launch tariffs on almost all imports.” – Alina Selyuk [02:42]
  • “Much of the spending is being propped up by wealthier shoppers.” – Alina Selyuk [03:04]

Financial Update

• Details:
  • U.S. futures contracts trade higher this morning. [03:11]
  • No additional commentary.

National Dog Show Winner

• Details:

  • A Belgian sheepdog named Soleil, age 6, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show, beating 1,900+ competitors.
  • Soleil’s handler Daniel Martin credits the dog’s attitude and movement, as well as her charisma in large arenas, for the win.
  • The runner-up was an American foxhound named George.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “Her handler… said Soleil’s attitude and movement helped her clinch best in show. He said she also loves the crowd and the big arena. He called it a fantastic day.” – Jackie Northam [03:41]
  • “The American Kennel Club describes Belgian sheepdogs as highly trainable herders that are bright, watchful and serious minded. It says they crave human companionship and abhor neglect.” – Jackie Northam [03:54]

Rare Fabergé Egg Auction

• Details:
  • A rare Fabergé “winter egg” with a snowflake motif, platinum, and 4,500 diamonds, once belonging to Tsar Nicholas II’s mother, is expected to fetch more than $26 million at Christie’s auction.
  • Only seven such eggs are privately held; this one was believed lost until 1994.

Timestamps for Reference

• Fatal Shooting Near White House: [00:00]–[00:47]
• Russia-Ukraine War/Peace Proposal: [00:47]–[02:10]
• Black Friday/Economic Outlook: [02:10]–[03:11]
• Market Update: [03:11]
• National Dog Show: [03:11]–[04:17]
• Fabergé Egg Auction: [04:17]–[04:57]

Notable Quotes

• “Trump says he’s ordering a review of all Afghans who entered the country during the Biden administration and has ordered hundreds more guards to the nation’s capital.” – Jeanine Herbst [00:47]
• “The Kremlin often says it would prefer to achieve its goals in Ukraine through diplomatic rather than military means.” – Charles Maynes [01:29]
• “This promises a shopping season that’s far from the flop many feared earlier in the year…” – Alina Selyuk [02:42]
• “Her handler… said Soleil’s attitude and movement helped her clinch best in show. He said she also loves the crowd and the big arena. He called it a fantastic day.” – Jackie Northam [03:41]

Tone & Style:
The episode maintains NPR’s signature crisp, balanced news delivery, with brief but clear attributions and essential context for each story. This summary covers all major content as delivered by the anchors and reporters for listeners who need a complete yet efficient briefing.