NPR News Now – November 29, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Luis Schiavone
Episode Theme:
A concise five-minute roundup of global and national headlines, including U.S. immigration policy, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, leadership changes at FEMA, a major fire tragedy in Hong Kong, and severe winter weather across the northern United States.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. U.S. Immigration & Asylum Policy (00:18–01:22)

• The United Nations urges the U.S. to resume accepting asylum seekers after President Trump promises to freeze migration from “the third world.”
  • Trigger: An Afghan national shot two National Guard members in Washington, leading to one fatality and one critical injury.
  • The Trump administration:
    • Paused migration applications from Afghan nationals.
    • Announced plans to re-interview some Afghan refugees who’d entered under Biden.
    • Maintained strict refugee caps, prioritizing white South Africans.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Asylum seekers were entitled to protection under international law and... should be given due process.” – Jeremy Lawrence, UN Human Rights Office (00:49)

2. Ukraine–Russia War: Overnight Attacks (01:22–02:09)

• Russia launched nearly 600 drones and dozens of missiles, targeting Kyiv and other areas. Loud explosions and fires reported; several apartment blocks struck.
• Impact:
  • At least three killed, over 600,000 without power.
  • President Zelenskyy urges Europe to use frozen Russian assets to help Kyiv.
  • Ukrainian negotiators are headed to Washington to discuss a revised U.S. peace plan.
• Notable Quote:
  • “If Moscow refused to end its drone and missile strikes, it was time Europe made a decision to make use of frozen Russian assets to help Kyiv.” – Warren Bull reporting (01:52)

3. FEMA Leadership Shakeup & Agency’s Future (02:09–02:58)

• Karen Evans will serve as acting FEMA administrator starting Monday, following the resignation of David Richardson after only six months.
• FEMA leadership instability:
  • President Trump previously called for FEMA’s elimination.
  • Earlier acting head Cameron Hamilton was replaced after disagreeing with elimination.
• A Trump-appointed FEMA review council is to present recommendations on the agency’s future in December.
• Notable Quote:
  • “FEMA has been in turmoil this year, with President Trump saying the agency should be eliminated.” – Michael Copley (02:34)

4. U.S. Winter Storm Warning & Weather (02:58–03:16)

• Heavy lake effect snow expected near the Great Lakes during the holiday weekend.
• Winter storm conditions forecasted from Plains to western Great Lakes.

5. Trump to Cancel Biden’s Auto-Pen Executive Orders (03:16–03:55)

• President Trump intends to nullify all executive orders signed by President Biden using an auto pen, claiming without evidence that most were staff-signed and invalid.
• Legal context:
  • Auto pen signatures have historic precedent and are recognized as valid under federal guidelines.

6. Deadly Fire in Hong Kong Public Housing (03:55–04:39)

• At least 128 dead after a fire at a public housing complex home to 4,600 people.
• Causes:
  • Fire spread due to flammable Styrofoam boards next to windows.
  • Faulty fire alarms.
• Ongoing investigation:
  • Nearly a dozen renovation workers arrested; some charged with manslaughter.
• City in mourning, with flags at half-mast and official commemorations.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The fire broke out in a massive public housing complex... Officials say that the fire spread so quickly because of highly flammable Styrofoam boards that were placed next to windows. The fire alarms were also not working properly.” – Charisse Pham, Hong Kong (04:07)

7. Regional and Celebrity Response to Hong Kong Fire (04:39–04:57)

• K-pop bands including AESPA ($64,000 donation) and Stray Kids ($129,000) commit funds to relief efforts for fire victims through the Hong Kong Red Cross.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Asylum seekers were entitled to protection under international law and... should be given due process.”
  — Jeremy Lawrence, UN Human Rights Office (00:49)
• “If Moscow refused to end its drone and missile strikes, it was time Europe made a decision to make use of frozen Russian assets to help Kyiv.”
  — Warren Bull reporting (01:52)
• “FEMA has been in turmoil this year, with President Trump saying the agency should be eliminated.”
  — Michael Copley (02:34)
• “The fire broke out in a massive public housing complex... Officials say that the fire spread so quickly because of highly flammable Styrofoam boards that were placed next to windows. The fire alarms were also not working properly.”
  — Charisse Pham, Hong Kong (04:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Immigration Policy & UN Response: 00:18–01:22
• Ukraine–Russia Drone/Missile Attacks: 01:22–02:09
• FEMA Shakeup: 02:09–02:58
• Winter Storm Forecast: 02:58–03:16
• Biden’s Auto-Pen Executive Orders Controversy: 03:16–03:55
• Hong Kong Housing Fire: 03:55–04:39
• K-Pop Donations for Hong Kong Victims: 04:39–04:57

Overall Tone & Summary

Brief, urgent, and factual – the episode delivers a snapshot of top headlines, emphasizing the gravity of ongoing humanitarian crises, shifts in U.S. policy, and domestic political turbulence. The style is sober, direct, and focused on reporting developments rather than offering analysis.