NPR News Now – November 29, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: November 30, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major global and U.S. news events, focusing on escalating developments in Ukraine, potential Supreme Court action on redistricting and voting rights, FEMA leadership changes, a possible presidential pardon, the Pope’s interfaith visit, and a tragic fire in Hong Kong. The episode's purpose is to update listeners on key current events within a five-minute timespan.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Peace Efforts

(00:18 – 01:22)

• Summary:
  Russia launched deadly drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, killing two and injuring at least seven. The attacks coincide with renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war.
• Diplomatic Context:
  • The U.S. has now formalized a peace proposal, amended after criticism for being too favorable to Moscow.
  • President Putin signals conditional openness, “but only if Ukraine is the one to make key concessions, among them a demand to surrender territory claimed but not controlled by Russia.” (Charles Maynes, 00:55)
  • Ukrainian negotiators are scheduled to meet White House envoy Steve Witkoff in Florida before Witkoff travels to Moscow for talks.
• Notable Quote:

  “The topic is sure to come up when Ukrainian negotiators meet with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and other administration officials this weekend in Florida.”
  – Charles Maynes, NPR News, Moscow (01:09)

2. Supreme Court Decision Looms on Voting Rights Redistricting

(01:22 – 02:23)

• Summary:
  States are on alert for a Supreme Court ruling that could significantly impact congressional redistricting, with implications for next year’s midterms.
• Redistricting Dynamics:
  • Focus on a Louisiana case; the timing of the decision is uncertain.
  • The Court’s conservative majority may move to “weaken the Voting Rights Act’s protections against voting districts that dilute the power of racial minorities.” (Hansi Lo Wang, 01:53)
  • Potential consequences: Republican-led states could redraw districts, affecting Black voters’ ability to elect preferred candidates.
  • Deadlines for finalizing maps are tight: December (MS), January (AL), February (LA).
• Notable Quote:

  “The court's conservative majority may soon issue a ruling that weakens the Voting Rights Act's protections against voting districts that dilute the power of racial minorities.”
  – Hansi Lo Wang (01:53)

3. FEMA Leadership Shakeup Amid Agency Turmoil

(02:23 – 03:13)

• Summary:
  FEMA appoints Karen Evans as acting administrator following ongoing organizational upheaval and ahead of an expected report recommending reforms.
• Key Points:
  • Evans replaces David Richardson, with her official start as administrator on Monday.
  • The agency has been “in turmoil this year” amid President Trump’s public calls for FEMA’s elimination and rapid leadership turnover.
  • A FEMA review council, appointed by Trump, will present its reform recommendations in December.
• Notable Quote:

  “FEMA's been in turmoil this year, with President Trump saying the agency should be eliminated. Another acting FEMA head, Cameron Hamilton, was replaced after he said the agency should not be abolished.”
  – Michael Copley (02:53)

4. Possible Pardon for Former Honduran President

(03:13 – 03:24)

• Summary:
  The White House is reviewing a potential pardon for ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, convicted in the U.S. on drug charges.
• Context:
  • The prospect of a pardon has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who highlight Hernandez’s “violent and corrupt government.”
• No direct quote provided.

5. Pope Leo Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

(03:30 – 04:33)

• Summary:
  Pope Leo attended Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, marking the first time in his papacy he visited a Muslim house of worship.
• Key Moments:
  • Observed local customs: “He removed his shoes as is customary… walked in white socks across the red carpeted floor.”
  • The mosque’s imam invited Pope Leo to pray; the pope declined.
  • The Vatican stated that the pope’s visit was one of “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 statement, 04:13)
• Notable Quote:

  “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 (04:13)

6. Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

(04:33 – 04:57)

• Summary:
  The death toll from a massive fire in Hong Kong rose to 128, with many elderly residents among the victims. Bamboo scaffolding contributed to the spread of the fire. Search efforts for survivors continue.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Diplomatic Realism on Ukraine (00:55):
  “President Vladimir Putin has suggested the plan could still be the basis of a settlement, but only if Ukraine is the one to make key concessions, among them a demand to surrender territory claimed but not controlled by Russia.”
  – Charles Maynes

• Redistricting Concern (01:53):
  “The court's conservative majority may soon issue a ruling that weakens the Voting Rights Act's protections against voting districts that dilute the power of racial minorities.”
  – Hansi Lo Wang

• Papal Interfaith Gesture (04:13):
  “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

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Strikes & Diplomacy: 00:18 – 01:22
• Supreme Court & Redistricting: 01:22 – 02:23
• FEMA Leadership Changes: 02:23 – 03:13
• Honduran Ex-President Pardon: 03:13 – 03:30
• Pope's Blue Mosque Visit: 03:30 – 04:33
• Hong Kong Fire Update: 04:33 – 04:57

This compressed news episode remains matter-of-fact and urgent in tone, providing listeners rapid, reliable updates on major stories from around the world.