NPR News Now – 1AM EST, November 28, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder | Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now segment delivers a concise roundup of major global and national news as of November 28, 2025, at 1AM EST. Featured topics include a targeted attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., new U.S. anti-drug operations in the Dominican Republic, a deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong, devastating floods in Southeast Asia, environmental regulatory rollbacks in Brazil, and the passing of golf champion Fuzzy Zeller.
Key News Stories & Insights
1. Targeted Attack on U.S. National Guard Troops in Washington, D.C.
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[00:20] President Trump announced the death of Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member, during his Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops.
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Beckstrom was one of two Guard members shot in a targeted attack; the second remains in critical condition.
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The incident occurred during their deployment in Washington, D.C.—part of President Trump's ongoing deployment of National Guard troops to the capital and other Democratic-led cities.
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[00:53] Kat Lahnsdorf, NPR:
- Over 2,000 National Guard troops from several states have been stationed in D.C. since August, in response to concerns about violent crime.
- The deployments have been controversial, often opposed by local governments and embroiled in legal battles.
- A recent federal court ruling found the deployment unlawful, ordering it to end, but this is paused pending appeal by Trump's administration.
Notable Quote:
- "Trump's deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks." — Kat Lahnsdorf [01:12]
2. U.S.–Dominican Republic Anti-Drug Trafficking Agreement
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[01:32] Dominican Republic President Luis Avenadar authorized U.S. operations within the San Ysidro air base and international airport near Santo Domingo to fight drug trafficking.
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The announcement came during a joint appearance with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth.
Notable Quote:
- "The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our armed forces, a crucial effort to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime." — President Luis Avenadar (interpreted) [01:50]
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This marks the first major public security agreement between the countries, as the U.S. intensifies counter-narcotic operations in the Caribbean.
3. Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire
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[02:04] Death toll rises to at least 94 after a massive fire in a public housing complex; the tragedy is now one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong’s history.
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[02:31] Cherise Pham, NPR:
- Fire spanned seven high rises, with some units burning more than 40 hours after ignition.
- Renovation materials, including netting and bamboo scaffolding, were not up to safety standards and contributed to the disaster.
- Falling debris blocked emergency vehicles. Three construction company workers arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Notable Quote:
- "As they caught fire, some scaffolding collapsed and turned into falling debris, blocking emergency vehicles in the early hours of the fire." — Cherise Pham [02:51]
4. Southeast Asia Flooding Crisis
- [03:16] Ongoing search and rescue after torrential monsoon rains in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- At least 69 dead and dozens missing in Sumatra, Indonesia.
5. Brazil’s Congressional Overturn of Environmental Vetoes
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[03:16] Brazil's Congress overturned President Lula’s key vetoes on an environmental licensing bill, weakening environmental protections.
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[03:56] Julia Carneiro, NPR:
- The new law, dubbed the “Devastation Bill,” allows controversial self-declared licensing and reduces oversight for companies exploiting natural resources.
- 56 of 63 vetoed provisions were re-instated, against the government's warnings of environmental harm.
- The move is a significant setback for President Lula amid political crisis and right-wing opposition.
Notable Quote:
- "Congress had passed the bill in July, but Lula had vetoed 63 key provisions. Lawmakers have now overturned 56 of these, including a controversial self-declared licensing provision." — Julia Carneiro [04:12]
6. Obituary: Fuzzy Zeller, Major Golf Champion
- [04:39] Two-time major winner Fuzzy Zeller has died at age 74.
- Zeller was a fan favorite on the PGA tour but was also known for facing backlash after making a racist joke about Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
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"Trump’s deployments of the Guard have been controversial and faced a litany of legal battles and blocks."
— Kat Lahnsdorf [01:12] -
"The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our armed forces..."
— President Luis Avenadar (interpreted) [01:50] -
"As they caught fire, some scaffolding collapsed and turned into falling debris, blocking emergency vehicles in the early hours of the fire."
— Cherise Pham [02:51] -
"Lawmakers have now overturned 56 of these, including a controversial self-declared licensing provision."
— Julia Carneiro [04:12]
Segment Timestamps
- 00:20: Breaking news—National Guard member killed in D.C.
- 00:53: Context and controversy over National Guard deployments—Kat Lahnsdorf
- 01:32: U.S.–Dominican Republic security agreement—President Avenadar's remarks
- 02:04: Hong Kong fire update and investigation
- 02:31: Reporter Cherise Pham details the fire aftermath
- 03:16: Southeast Asia flood disaster update
- 03:56: Brazil environmental rollback—Julia Carneiro's analysis
- 04:39: Death of Fuzzy Zeller
This summary captures the essence and urgency of the latest hourly news update, with clear attributions and direct quotes from correspondents and key figures.
