NPR News Now: 11-30-2025 9AM EST
Host: Luis Schiavone
Date: November 30, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major headlines as of November 30, 2025, 9AM EST. Key topics include security measures in Washington, D.C., escalating US-Venezuela tensions, looming federal budget challenges, a tragic shooting in California, concerns at western ski resorts, and deadly flooding in Indonesia.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Security in Washington, D.C.
- Deployment of National Guard Troops (00:18 - 01:00):
- The President ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., following an attack on Guard members earlier in the week.
- This reinforcement will join the existing 2,000 Guardsmen in the city.
- New policy requires every group of patrolling Guardsmen to be accompanied by at least one D.C. police officer.
- Quote:
"The president announced he was going to add 500 more National Guard troops...shortly after the attack on Guard members earlier this week."
— Deepa Shivaram (00:29)
2. US-Venezuela Tensions
- Airspace Closure and Diplomatic Fallout (01:00 - 01:58):
- Venezuela responded harshly after President Trump warned pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace, labeling the action as an aggressive threat to its sovereignty.
- Venezuela suspended all repatriation flights for migrants and revoked operating rights for six major airlines following US military pressure.
- FAA warnings led US airlines to suspend overflight of Venezuela.
- Quote:
"Venezuela's Foreign Ministry called Trump's comments, quote, another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people..."
— Julia Carnero (01:18) - President Trump suggested targeting alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers soon.
3. Congressional Spending Deadlines
- Government Shutdown Looms Again (01:58 - 02:48):
- Lawmakers face a January 30 deadline to reach a spending deal and avoid another government shutdown.
- The previous shutdown lasted 43 days, with funding only temporarily extended.
- If agreement fails, Congress may pass another continuing resolution, keeping budgets unchanged.
- Increasing reliance on temporary resolutions shifts more budget authority to the executive branch.
- Quote:
"The inability by lawmakers on Capitol Hill to approve detailed budgets for federal agencies has ceded more power to the executive branch."
— Deirdre Walsh (02:40)
4. Mass Shooting in Stockton, California
- Family Gathering Attacked (02:48 - 03:11):
- A gunman killed four people at a family event; some victims were children.
- Authorities believe it may have been a targeted incident and are actively seeking the suspect.
- Quote:
"Children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence."
— Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County District Attorney (03:07)
5. Western Ski Resorts Face Uncertainty
- Snowfall and International Visitation Drop (03:11 - 04:14):
- Western ski resorts, especially near the US-Canada border, are worried about low early-season snow and a notable drop in Canadian visitors.
- The decline in cross-border traffic is partially attributed to tariffs and political rhetoric.
- Domestic tourism has helped offset international visitor losses.
- Quote:
"Last season, I think it was early March when the tariffs hit right after President's weekend. So our busy periods were already behind us at that point."
— Chad Sokol, Whitefish Mountain Resort (03:52)
6. Deadly Flooding in Indonesia
- Sumatra Storm Toll Rises (04:14 - 04:50):
- Death toll from flooding on Sumatra reaches 435, capping a devastating month for Southeast Asia, where severe storms have killed nearly 1,000 people.
- Relief teams face access challenges due to downed bridges and damaged roads; more storms are forecast.
- Quote:
"Relief teams in Indonesia are using helicopters and fixed winged aircraft to reach areas hard hit by this week's storm. Many areas remain inaccessible by vehicles due to downed bridges and damaged roads."
— Michael Sullivan (04:23)
Notable Quotes
-
On D.C. Security:
"The president announced he was going to add 500 more National Guard troops..."
— Deepa Shivaram (00:29) -
On Venezuela's Response:
"Venezuela's Foreign Ministry called Trump's comments, quote, another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression..."
— Julia Carnero (01:18) -
On Congressional Gridlock:
"The inability...to approve detailed budgets for federal agencies has ceded more power to the executive branch."
— Deirdre Walsh (02:40) -
On California Shooting:
"Children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence."
— Ron Freitas (03:07) -
On Ski Resort Challenges:
"Last season, I think it was early March when the tariffs hit right after President's weekend..."
— Chad Sokol (03:52) -
On Indonesian Flooding:
"Relief teams in Indonesia are using helicopters and fixed winged aircraft to reach areas hard hit..."
— Michael Sullivan (04:23)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- D.C. Security Measures: 00:18–01:00
- Venezuela Airspace and Diplomatic Incident: 01:00–01:58
- Congressional Spending Decisions: 01:58–02:48
- California Family Shooting: 02:48–03:11
- Western Ski Resort Concerns: 03:11–04:14
- Flooding in Indonesia: 04:14–04:50
This summary recaps the critical news stories covered in NPR’s five-minute news roundup, providing context and quotes for each story so listeners and non-listeners alike can grasp the episode’s content swiftly.