NPR News Now – November 29, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise update on major national and international news, highlighting developments in justice, international affairs, safety, and culture.

Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers several breaking stories and developing headlines around the world, including an upgraded murder charge following a National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C., fallout from a corruption scandal in Ukraine, Israeli military operations in Syria, a presidential dispute over executive orders, avalanche safety, and an arrest connected to the theft of France’s crown jewels. The reporting is fast-paced and informative, aiming to bring listeners up to date on the most important news of the hour.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Upgraded Murder Charges in D.C. National Guard Shooting

[00:11–01:29]

• Background: The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. now faces first-degree murder charges after the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.

• Victims: Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf remains in critical condition; both are from West Virginia.

• Community Reaction: Dave Mistich reports from Martinsburg, WV, detailing the somber spirit among locals who mourn the loss and focus on supporting the affected families.

• Political Context: Jason Barrett, Republican state senator, stresses the importance of safety and ponders the continued deployment of the National Guard to D.C.

  "It's tragic. They're young. It's unnecessary. It's heartbreaking."
  — Amy Fraley, bartender, The Big Apple Lounge [00:57]

2. Ukrainian Corruption Scandal

[01:29–02:09]

• Development: The chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resigned after anti-corruption investigators searched his home.

• Scandal Details: The investigation centers around the alleged siphoning of at least $100 million in energy contracts. Two officials have reportedly fled the country.

• Implications: While President Zelensky is not implicated, suspicions surround his chief adviser, Andrei Yermak, who has played a crucial role in peace negotiations.

  "But more heads could roll. Zelensky himself is not implicated, but there are huge suspicions around his right hand man, Andrei Yermak."
  — Eleanor Beardsley, NPR [01:59]

3. Israeli Military Incursion into Syria

[02:09–03:08]

• Incident: Israeli forces conduct an operation that kills at least 10, including two children, in southern Syria.

• Conflict Details: Israel claims it targeted militants; Syrian residents say some victims were civilians.

• Recent Context: Israel has seized land in southern Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad a year ago.

  "Syria's state news agency says Israel fired artillery at the village overnight, followed by troops entering to make arrests."
  — Jane Araf, NPR [02:30]

4. US Stocks Close Higher

[03:08]

• Note: Stocks posted gains across all major indexes on Friday.

5. Trump Challenges Executive Orders

[03:08–03:47]

• Statement: Former President Trump claims on social media he will invalidate any executive orders President Biden signed with an auto pen.
• Context: Use of auto pens is common among presidents of both parties, including Trump himself.

6. Avalanche Safety in the US Backcountry

[03:47–04:30]

• Warning: With winter, the US Avalanche Information Center emphasizes safety. An average of 27 die from avalanches annually.

• Trend: Despite increased backcountry usage, fatalities have not risen, attributed to a strong culture of safety.

• Advice: Avoid avalanche-prone areas, check forecasts, carry safety gear, and take a safety course.

  "Part of that is the backcountry recreation culture that has really embraced avalanche safety as not something that is a task, but it is something that is... ingrained in what we all do."
  — Ethan Green, Colorado Avalanche Information Center [04:07]

7. France’s Crown Jewels Recovery

[04:30–04:53]

• Arrest: Paris police believe they have apprehended all four suspects involved in stealing the crown jewels from the Louvre, the last being a 39-year-old with a prior criminal record.
• Charges: The man faces accusations of robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Amy Fraley on the National Guard loss:
  "It's tragic. They're young. It's unnecessary. It's heartbreaking." [00:57]

• Eleanor Beardsley on Ukrainian corruption scandal:
  "But more heads could roll. Zelensky himself is not implicated, but there are huge suspicions around his right hand man, Andrei Yermak." [01:59]

• Ethan Green on avalanche safety culture:
  "...the backcountry recreation culture that has really embraced avalanche safety as not something that is a task, but it is something that is... ingrained in what we all do." [04:07]

Important Timestamps

• [00:11] – Headline: Charges upgraded in D.C. National Guard shooting
• [00:41–01:29] – Community and political responses from Martinsburg, WV
• [01:29–02:09] – Ukrainian government shakeup amid major corruption probe
• [02:09–03:08] – Israeli incursion in Syria and mounting civilian casualties
• [03:08] – Stock market update
• [03:08–03:47] – Trump challenges validity of Biden’s executive orders
• [03:47–04:30] – Avalanche safety advice and fatality statistics
• [04:30–04:53] – Arrests in the Louvre crown jewels theft

Final Notes

This episode offers a compact yet comprehensive look at significant developments both in the US and abroad. The tone is factual and serious, highlighting the ripple effects of violent acts, political scandals, and ongoing conflicts, with a touch of public safety advice and international intrigue. The voices of affected communities and experts bring a personal dimension to the headlines.