NPR News: 11-28-2025, 10PM EST – Episode Summary

Overview

This NPR News Now episode, hosted by Windsor Johnston, delivers a concise yet impactful overview of the day’s most pressing headlines. Key topics include the Trump administration’s response to a National Guard shooting by an Afghan asylum-seeker, a high-profile resignation in Ukraine amid a corruption probe, urgent safety updates for Airbus aircraft, a deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong, NASA’s Mars-bound probes, and a brief financial markets update.

Key News Segments and Discussion Points

1. Trump Administration Response to National Guard Shooting

• [00:11–01:26]
• The Trump administration reacted strongly after two National Guard troops were shot in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan asylum-seeker.
• Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced the halting of all asylum decisions.
• President Trump, via Truth Social, vowed to:
  • End all federal benefits and subsidies to non-citizens.
  • Remove anyone who is not a “net asset” to the U.S.
  • (Falsely) claim that the refugee burden is the main cause of social dysfunction.
  • Blame immigrants, including legal green card holders, for crime and use of government support.
  • Threaten to “permanently pause migration” from “third world countries.”

Quote:
“Trump promised to permanently pause migration from what he called Third world countries.”
— Vanessa Romo, NPR News [01:16]

2. Resignation of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s Aide amid Corruption Probe

• [01:26–02:12]
• Andrei Yermak, close ally and right-hand man to President Zelenskyy, has resigned after authorities raided his residence and office.
• Yermak had been deeply embedded in both the pre-presidency and administration life of Zelenskyy, earning significant power and influence.
• The majority of Ukrainians apparently support his resignation.

Quote:
“Over time, Yermak has amassed a lot of power. He basically ran the executive office. Everything went through him.”
— Eleanor Beardsley, NPR [01:54]

3. Airbus Orders Software Fix after A320 Incident

• [02:12–03:10]
• Airbus demands an immediate software update for its popular A320 aircraft following a dangerous incident.
• On October 30, a JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark abruptly lost altitude—likely due to solar radiation corrupting flight control data.
• This fix may cause delays and cancellations, impacting travel during the busy season.
• Over 9,000 A320 family planes are in global use.

Quote:
“Airbus now says that this was likely the result of intense solar radiation corrupting data critical to the functioning of flight controls.”
— Sarah Ventri, NPR [02:42]

4. Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Casualties and Investigation

• [03:10–04:01]
• Death toll rises to at least 128, with dozens missing, after a fire swept through seven residential high-rises, many home to elderly residents.
• Investigators point to dangerous renovation materials (scaffolding and flammable facade panels) as key factors in the rapid fire spread.
• Eleven individuals—including contractors and project managers—have been arrested.
• Firefighters did their best to prioritize rescue calls, but the fire was too fast to save many.

Memorable Moment:
The episode underscores the devastating impact on vulnerable elderly populations and the role of construction shortcuts in the tragedy.

5. NASA’s Mars Mission: EscaPADE Probes

• [04:01–04:41]
• NASA’s twin EscaPADE spacecraft have launched—but will orbit near Earth for almost a year, awaiting the proper window to head to Mars.
• In fall 2026, the probes will use Earth’s gravity for a “slingshot” to Mars, arriving in 2027.
• Once there, they will study interactions between solar wind and Mars’ atmosphere, providing important data on the Martian ionosphere.

Quote:
“They’ll then use Earth’s gravity as a kind of slingshot to actually begin the 10 month cruise to Mars. They’ll arrive in 2027.”
— Joe Palka, NPR [04:21]

6. Financial Markets Update

• [04:41–04:53]
• Markets closed higher:
  • Dow Jones up 289 points
  • NASDAQ up 36 points

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Trump’s pledge to “permanently pause migration” made national headlines and prompted concern about the sweeping consequences for immigrants and asylum-seekers.
• Eleanor Beardsley’s insight into the close relationship and power structure between Zelenskyy and Yermak adds depth to the political ramifications in Ukraine.
• Sarah Ventri’s explanation highlights the intersection of aviation technology and space weather, making technical news accessible.
• Joe Palka’s summary offers a miniature science lesson on planetary orbits and the significance of NASA’s Mars mission timing.

Episode Timeline (Timestamps in MM:SS)

• 00:11 – Trump administration’s response to D.C. shooting, halt on asylum, and presidential statements
• 01:26 – Ukraine corruption probe: Zelenskyy aide resignation
• 02:12 – Airbus A320 safety update after altitude incident
• 03:10 – Hong Kong high-rise fire update and arrests
• 04:01 – NASA’s EscaPADE Mars mission explained
• 04:41 – Stock market update

This summary captures the urgency and range of NPR News’ coverage in this episode, blending political turmoil, global safety concerns, scientific exploration, and concise financial updates—with clear context and memorable reporting voices throughout.