NPR News Now – November 25, 2025, 9PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Theme: Top U.S. and global news headlines in five minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise summary of major developments in U.S. politics, international diplomacy, social media transparency, and a notable obituary. Key themes include escalating tensions around military obedience in the U.S., controversial legal actions by the White House, major updates on Ukraine peace negotiations, new revelations about social media influencers’ real locations, and the passing of a historic survivor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Controversy Over Military Obedience and Illegal Orders

[00:11 – 01:17]

• Context:
  Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, along with five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds, released a video emphasizing that U.S. troops must not follow illegal orders.
• President Trump’s Response:
  Trump labeled the lawmakers' statements as “seditious behavior punishable by death” on social media.
• Explanation & Legal Context:
  Reporter Quill Lawrence notes several judges have recently ruled that the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops, in defiance of state governors, is illegal.
• Key Point:
  The lawmakers are reminding troops, particularly officers, that following illegal orders is forbidden and “just following orders” is not a defense for unlawful actions.
  • Quote [00:57] – Quill Lawrence:

    “You don’t have to follow illegal orders and that, importantly, just following orders is not a defense for doing something illegal.”

2. White House Appeals After Legal Setback in High-Profile Indictments

[01:17 – 02:15]

• Context:
  A federal judge dismissed the administration’s cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, representing a significant challenge to the government’s pursuits.
• Reason for Dismissal:
  Trump’s appointment of Lindsey Halligan as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was deemed illegal, nullifying the indictments.
• White House Reaction:
  Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated the DOJ will appeal, reaffirming confidence in Halligan’s qualifications and legal appointment.
  • Quote [01:52] – Caroline Levitt:

    “It is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly was legally appointed to it.”

• Charges:
  • Comey: Obstruction of justice, false statement to the Senate.
  • James: Bank fraud, false statements to a financial institution.
  • Both plead not guilty.

3. Major Shift in Ukraine Peace Negotiations

[02:15 – 03:10]

• Context:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the original U.S.-backed 28-point peace plan, previously seen as favoring Russia, is no longer viable.
• Implications:
  German Chancellor Frederick Maers warned Trump during negotiations that all of Europe was impacted by these discussions.
• Negotiation Update:
  Zelensky says the new framework incorporates more favorable elements for Ukraine. Sensitive issues — such as ceding territory and NATO status — will be settled in direct talks with Trump.
  • Quote [02:41] – Eleanor Beardsley (reporting Zelensky’s statement):

    “After difficult work, many of the right elements have been taken into account in the new framework.”

4. X Platform Reveals Influencers’ True Locations

[03:10 – 04:11]

• Context:
  Social media platform X introduced a feature showing users the real locations of account holders.
• Findings:
  Accounts with American personas were actually based in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, often spreading divisive content.
• Expert Analysis:
  Darren Linville of Clemson University notes most are motivated by profit rather than ideology.
  • Quote [03:53] – Darren Linville:

    “In most of these cases, it’s most likely just influencers who are trying to make a buck.”

• Platform Response:
  X has started suspending such deceptive accounts.
• Insight:
  Linville welcomes the transparency, calling it “increasingly rare to see online.”

5. Obituary: Viola Fletcher, Last Tulsa Massacre Survivor

[04:11 – 04:54]

• Legacy:
  Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, died at age 111.
• Historical Significance:
  As a child, she witnessed the destruction of “Black Wall Street,” one of the most violent episodes of racial violence in U.S. history.
• Continued Advocacy:
  She testified before Congress, calling for reparations as recently as a century after the massacre.
• Notable Moment:
  Jeanine Herbst remembers her as a symbol of legacy, perseverance, and the century-long quest for racial justice.

Notable Quotes

• Quill Lawrence on Illegal Orders [00:57]:
  “You don’t have to follow illegal orders and that, importantly, just following orders is not a defense for doing something illegal.”
• Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary [01:52]:
  “It is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly was legally appointed to it.”
• Eleanor Beardsley, on Zelensky’s stance [02:41]:
  “After difficult work, many of the right elements have been taken into account in the new framework.”
• Darren Linville, Clemson University [03:53]:
  “In most of these cases, it’s most likely just influencers who are trying to make a buck.”

Timestamps & Segments

• 00:11 – Pentagon investigates remarks on illegal orders
• 01:17 – White House plans appeal following judge’s dismissal of indictments
• 02:15 – Ukraine drops original peace plan; new framework underway
• 03:10 – X feature exposes influencers’ actual locations
• 04:11 – Death of Viola Fletcher, last Tulsa massacre survivor

This structured summary captures all the major points, memorable moments, and updates in the fast-paced 5-minute NPR News Now episode, giving listeners a clear, comprehensive overview of the day’s top news stories.