NPR News Now: November 29, 2025 – 10AM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone (NPR)
Episode Overview
This five-minute news bulletin delivers the latest national and international headlines. Coverage includes updates on a tragic shooting involving national guardsmen in Washington, D.C., new travel disruptions for Airbus flights, economic signals from the Federal Reserve, President Trump’s executive orders stance, global headlines from the Middle East and Vatican, and a breakthrough in the Louvre jewel heist investigation.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Washington, D.C. Shooting: Community Mourns Young Victim

[00:19–01:09]

• Incident Recap: Investigators continue to seek a motive in the shooting by an Afghan refugee that resulted in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (age 20) and left Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf in critical condition.

• Memorialization: Beckstrom was remembered in her hometown the previous day.

• Expert Insight:

  • Retired Gen. James Hoyer comments on the devastating impact of losing young soldiers:

    "These were just young kids, 18 years old when they made the decision to step up and be part of less than 1% of the population of this nation that serves in a military uniform."
    — Retired Gen. James Hoyer [00:54]

• Policy Response: The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions and paused the issuance of visas for travelers with Afghan passports.

2. Airbus Software Alert Grounds Flights Worldwide

[01:09–02:13]

• Technical Concern: An urgent software update is required for roughly 6,000 Airbus A320 jets globally following an incident where a JetBlue flight lost cabin pressure—attributed to “intense solar radiation” corrupting critical flight control code.
• Impact on US Airlines:
  • American Airlines: ~200 planes affected
  • Delta & United: Fewer affected jets
• Agency & Industry Response:
  • FAA mandates immediate software fixes.
  • Passenger flights face disruptions during the busy holiday period.
• Rebecca Rossman:

  "Immediate American airlines says around 200 of its aircraft are impacted. Delta and United report only a small number of affected jets."
  — Rebecca Rossman [01:31]

3. Fed Beige Book: Economic Cooling, Consumer Caution

[02:13–03:02]

• Consumer Behavior: Fed’s latest “beige book” indicates a modest slowdown in discretionary consumer spending; wealthy consumers remain largely unaffected.
• Labor Market:
  • About half of regional Federal Reserve banks report slower hiring.
  • Businesses find it easier to fill positions, partly due to declining numbers of foreign-born workers.
• Business Costs: Tariffs increase operational expenses, leading either to price hikes for customers or squeezed profit margins.
• Upcoming Decisions: Fed policymakers will consider these developments when evaluating future interest rate cuts.
• Scott Horsley:

  " Most consumers are being extra careful about discretionary spending, although wealthy shoppers are buying just as freely as ever."
  — Scott Horsley [02:21]

4. Trump Administration Targets Biden’s Auto Pen Orders

[03:02–03:18]

• Presidential Action: President Trump announces intent to revoke all executive orders signed by President Biden using an “auto pen.”
• Legal Context: Legal experts clarify that auto pen signatures have precedent and are recognized as valid.

5. International Updates

[03:18–04:34]

a. Israeli Raid in Syria

• Incident: At least 13 dead, including women and children, after an Israeli military action in a Syrian village.
• Conflicting Accounts:
  • Syria’s Foreign Ministry alleges civilian casualties.
  • Israel states that its troops were targeted while rounding up militant suspects.

b. Pope Leo XIV Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

• Historical Moment: First American pope, Leo XIV, visits a Muslim house of worship, observing custom by removing shoes but choosing silent contemplation instead of prayer.
• Ruth Sherlock:

  "The pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer."
  — Ruth Sherlock quoting Vatican statement [03:53]

6. Louvre Crown Jewels Heist: Suspects Apprehended

[04:34–04:57]

• Case Update: Parisian authorities confirm arrest of all four perpetrators behind last month’s bold daytime robbery of the Louvre’s crown jewels.
• Key Details:
  • The final suspect, apprehended recently, has a record of six previous convictions.
  • Charges include organized gang robbery and criminal conspiracy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “These were just young kids, 18 years old when they made the decision to step up and be part of less than 1% of the population of this nation that serves in a military uniform.”
  — Retired General James Hoyer [00:54]

• “The pope experienced his visit to the mosque in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer.”
  — Vatican statement via Ruth Sherlock [03:53]

Timestamps

• 00:19: Shooting of national guardsmen & community memorial
• 00:54: Gen. Hoyer on tragedy of young soldiers
• 01:09: Trump administration asylum & visa changes
• 01:31: Airbus software issue grounds flights
• 02:13: Fed Beige Book signals economic cooling
• 03:02: Trump targets Biden’s auto pen orders
• 03:18: Israeli raid in Syria
• 03:53: Pope Leo XIV at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque
• 04:34: Arrests in Louvre crown jewels heist

This summary captures all crucial news updates and perspectives shared in the episode, providing a concise yet thorough briefing for listeners.