NPR News: 11-30-2025 5PM EST

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What recent diplomatic talks took place between the U.S. and Ukraine?

Unknown 0:00

Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation, working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all.

Dan Ronan 0:11

On the web at theschmidt.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he had productive talks with a delegation from Ukraine, but more work is needed to get a deal with Russia. The talks in Florida came ahead of a visit to Moscow by President Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.

Unknown 0:36

Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner joined Rubio in the talks with the delegation from Kiev. Rubio says they made progress and they're working on something that will be comprehensive to make sure Ukraine won't face another Russian invasion once this war ends. It's not just about the terms that ends fighting. It's about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity.

What are the implications of the recent shooting incident involving National Guardsmen?

Unknown 0:57

The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umirov, said the U.S. was, quote, super supportive. Rubio says he's realistic, calling the diplomacy complicated with a lot of moving parts. He says it will continue when Witkoff goes to Moscow this week. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Washington.

Dan Ronan 1:16

The Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is expected to be charged with murder in connection with last Wednesday's shooting of a National Guardsman in Washington, D.C. He remains hospitalized, as does the other Guardsman, Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who's reported in critical condition. As investigators research a possible motive for the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday on ABC's This Week she believes Lock and Wall became radicalized since he came to this country from Afghanistan after assisting the U.S. during the Afghan war.

How are new SNAP work requirements impacting food aid recipients?

Dan Ronan 1:50

Noem also explained why the U.S. is limiting immigration from 19 nations as a result of that shooting.

Kristi Noem 1:56

It's a dangerous situation. If you don't know who they are, if they're coming from a country that's not stable and doesn't have a government that can help you vet them, that we shouldn't allow it.

Dan Ronan 2:05

Last night in Summersville, West Virginia, a vigil was held in the hometown of the guardsman, Sarah Beckstrom, who died. Starting tomorrow, millions of people will be facing new work requirements for SNAP food aid. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports it is a major budget cut to the program passed by Republicans in Congress last summer.

Jennifer Ludden 2:25

Already, able-bodied people without dependents can only get SNAP for three months over three years unless they work, train, or volunteer for 80 hours a month. 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. Unhoused people, veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care will also no longer be exempt.

What recent discoveries have been made about the Dunkleosteus in Cleveland?

Jennifer Ludden 2:51

Republicans say the aim is to weed out waste and fraud. Critics say the new rules have been rushed with little time to prepare. They come after weeks of chaos when the Trump administration refused to pay full SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown. Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.

Dan Ronan 3:07

Wall Street resumes trading Monday morning. They had a short week because of the Wall Street holiday. This is NPR. Scientists are reporting new information about an extinct 14-foot-long armored fish that once swam in an ocean covering what is today Cleveland, Ohio. As NPR's Joe Palka reports, more details about the prehistoric predator may come thanks to the NFL Cleveland Browns football team.

Joe Palka 3:33

Dunkleosteus Torelli lived about 360 million years ago.

How is weather affecting travel during the busy post-Thanksgiving period?

Joe Palka 3:38

The front part of its body and head were covered in bony armor. Instead of teeth, it had what are called bone blades, razor-sharp bone blades. The new research, reported by scientists at Case Western Reserve University, is based on fossils unearthed in the 1960s when Interstate 71 through Cleveland was being built. Researchers now have a clearer picture of how Dunkelosteus used its muscular jawbones to pulverize prey. Additional information may be coming. The new Cleveland Browns football stadium is being built in a location that should provide even more fossilized remnants of the extinct aquatic predator.