NPR News Now: November 30, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise update on the latest U.S. and international news including events in California, updates to SNAP benefits, the Pope’s Middle East visit, Ukraine-Russia peace efforts, Supreme Court redistricting developments, and a Swiss referendum on women and national service.

1. Mass Shooting at Family Gathering in Stockton, California

[00:17 – 01:04]

• Incident Details:
  • Four people killed, several wounded during a Saturday afternoon family gathering at a banquet hall.
  • Authorities believe the incident was targeted; the suspect remains at large.
  • Children were among those in harm’s way.
• Quote:
  • “Children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence.”
    — Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County District Attorney [00:39]
• Police Action:
  • Public assistance requested to locate the shooter.

2. SNAP Food Aid: New Work Requirements

[01:04 – 01:45]

• Policy Change:
  • Starting Monday, more people must work, train, or volunteer 80 hours a month to receive SNAP (food aid).
  • Age for work requirements rises from 54 to 64.
  • Parents with children 14 and older now included.
  • Previously exempt groups (unhoused, veterans, young adults aging out of foster care) must comply.
• Political Context:
  • Part of a major budget cut passed by Congressional Republicans.
  • GOP justification: targeting waste and fraud.
  • Critics argue changes were rushed after chaos from a SNAP payment shortfall during the federal shutdown.
• Quote:
  • “Already, able bodied people without dependents can only get SNAP for three months over three years unless they work, train or volunteer… Now that requirement will apply to older people, boosting the cutoff age from 54 to 64 and to parents whose children are 14 or older.”
    — Jennifer Ludden, NPR [01:04]

3. Pope Leo XIV Visits Lebanon

[01:45 – 02:51]

• Historic Visit:
  • First papal visit to the Middle East for Pope Leo XIV—focus on Beirut and regions north of the capital.
  • Workers, largely Syrian refugees, are constructing staging for papal events.
• Message of Peace:
  • Event organizer Naiman Azi shares hope:
    • “It’s a beautiful message globally to mention that Lebanon is not a place for war. It’s not a place of hate.” [02:09]
• Security Concerns:
  • Recent Israeli strikes, including a bombing at Our Lady of Lebanon sanctuary, have heightened anxiety.
  • Some Lebanese fear increased attacks after the Pope’s visit ends.
• Scope:
  • Papal itinerary excludes the south, where conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has persisted despite a ceasefire.
• Quote:
  • “Many Lebanese are afraid Israeli attacks will increase once the Pope leaves.”
    — Jane Araf, NPR [02:51]

4. US-Led Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

[02:51 – 03:34]

• Negotiations in Florida:
  • Ukrainian envoys meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
  • President Trump is considering sending Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow to discuss the peace plan with Putin.

5. Supreme Court Weighs Voting Rights Act in Redistricting

[03:34 – 04:17]

• Pending Ruling:
  • Supreme Court’s decision in a Louisiana redistricting case could alter congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
  • Rare second hearing held; possible ruling may reduce protections against minority vote dilution.
• Implications:
  • Could allow Republican-led states, especially in the South, to redraw districts and impact Black voter representation.
  • Critical deadlines for primary candidate filings approach in December (Mississippi), January (Alabama), and February (Louisiana).
• Quote:
  • “Some court watchers say 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 Liu Wang, NPR [03:34]

6. Switzerland Considers Compulsory National Service for Women

[04:17 – 04:56]

• Referendum Overview:
  • Proposal: Require women, like men, to serve in military, civil protection, or other public service.
  • Swiss parliament and government oppose, citing costs and potential workforce impact.
  • Concerns include burdening women with families and a lack of staffing shortages in current national service sectors.

Notable Quotes & Segments

• “Children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence.” — Ron Freitas (00:39)
• “It’s a beautiful message globally to mention that Lebanon is not a place for war. It’s not a place of hate.” — Naiman Azi (02:09)
• “Some court watchers say 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 Liu Wang (03:34)

Important Timestamps

• [00:17] California shooting story begins
• [01:04] SNAP benefits changes
• [01:45] Papal visit to Lebanon
• [02:51] Ukraine peace negotiations
• [03:34] Supreme Court Voting Rights Act case
• [04:17] Switzerland women’s draft referendum