NPR News Now: November 14, 2025, 1PM EST

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This episode delivers concise updates on major news events of the day, focusing on: the progression of the Georgia election interference case against President Trump, delays in federal home energy assistance, fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine, the safe return of Chinese astronauts after a debris incident, and the arrest tied to the shooting of a well-known college football coach.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Georgia Election Interference Case Moves Forward

• [00:15 – 00:58]
  • A new prosecutor was named in the election interference case against President Trump and co-defendants, ensuring the case proceeds before a critical deadline.
  • Pete Scandalakis, Executive Director of Georgia’s prosecuting attorney’s counsel, will take over, emphasizing a "comprehensive review" before making decisions.
  • Defense counsel Steve Sedow characterizes the prosecution as "politically charged" and anticipates dismissal after review.
  • Quote:
    • Alex Helmick reports Scandalakis’s approach:

      “Dismissal at this point was not the right course of action and has named himself to lead the case and perform what he called a comprehensive review.” (00:35)

  • Historical context: DA Fani Willis was removed due to a personal relationship with a prosecutor on the case.

2. Delays in Federal Energy Assistance Funding

• [00:58 – 02:09]
  • The recent 43-day government shutdown stalled funding for LIHEAP, a federal program aiding millions with heating bills and equipment repairs.
  • States are delaying their programs pending release of federal funds. Mark Wolf, representing state energy agencies, explains the typical month-long delay is now complicated by staff firings in the Trump administration this spring.
  • Quote:
    • Mark Wolf warns of hardships for affected families:

    “For families that use delivered fuels, heating oil and propane, that could put them in a precarious situation because they have to pay the vendor to get fuel delivered.” (01:50)

  • HHS pledges to disperse funds swiftly, but uncertainty lingers.

3. Fierce Battle in Eastern Ukraine

• [02:09 – 03:11]
  • Ukrainian forces are clinging to control of Pokrovsk amid escalating Russian attempts to seize the city, almost two years into the war.
  • Both sides are using the battle to shape perceptions of victory or defeat.
  • Intense, close-quarters street fighting is compounded by Russian infiltration tactics and drone swarm cover.
  • Quote:
    • Ukrainian officer Volodymyr Poloviyi provides firsthand insight:

    “The brigades are really exhausted. The enemy has changed its tactic. We have the infiltration of infantry groups and they are covered by the swarms of drone.” (02:46)

  • Russia deploys its elite "Rubicon" drone unit to target Ukrainian operators.

4. Chinese Astronauts Return Amid Space Debris Crisis

• [03:11 – 04:19]
  • Three astronauts from China’s Tiangong Space Station safely returned after a week’s delay caused by space debris striking their planned return vessel, Shenzhou 20.
  • Debris damaged the capsule’s window, forcing the astronauts to use an alternate spacecraft (Shenzhou 21) to return.
  • The crew spent 204 days in orbit—a new national record.
  • Quote:
    • Emily Feng remarks on the space hazard:

    “Debris can travel at thousands of miles an hour in the vacuum of space, and even tiny particles can cause big damage to instruments and spacecraft.” (03:38)

5. Arrest in Shooting of College Football Coach John Beam

• [04:19 – 04:44]
  • Oakland police arrest a suspect in the shooting of John Beam, head coach featured in Netflix’s "Last Chance U," who remains in critical condition.
  • Details remain scarce; news underscores the cultural impact of Beam and the docuseries focused on junior college athletes striving for a better future.
  • Memorable moment:
    • Clip from the "Last Chance U" trailer:

    “Welcome to Laney College.” (04:40)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• Pete Scandalakis (via Alex Helmick):

  “Dismissal at this point was not the right course of action and has named himself to lead the case and perform what he called a comprehensive review.” (00:35)

• Mark Wolf:

  “For families that use delivered fuels, heating oil and propane, that could put them in a precarious situation because they have to pay the vendor to get fuel delivered.” (01:50)

• Volodymyr Poloviyi (via Joanna Kakis):

  “The brigades are really exhausted. The enemy has changed its tactic. We have the infiltration of infantry groups and they are covered by the swarms of drone.” (02:46)

• Emily Feng:

  “Debris can travel at thousands of miles an hour in the vacuum of space, and even tiny particles can cause big damage to instruments and spacecraft.” (03:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Georgia election case: 00:15–00:58
• Energy assistance funding: 00:58–02:09
• Ukraine fighting: 02:09–03:11
• Chinese astronauts’ return: 03:11–04:19
• John Beam shooting: 04:19–04:44

This summary provides a clear scan of the top stories in NPR’s signature concise yet thorough journalistic style, reflecting the urgency, stakes, and human dimensions of each event.