NPR News Now - November 25, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Rapid, global summary of pressing news stories, including US legal developments, international diplomacy, notable cultural passings, and community projects.

Main Theme & Purpose

This compact NPR News Now episode delivers the latest updates on major political and global developments: the dismissal of high-profile federal cases against prominent Trump critics, shifts in the Ukraine peace process, tributes to a reggae music legend, and a glimpse into community-building in Greenland. The episode encapsulates the dynamic news environment with clarity and brevity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Federal Judge Dismisses Cases Against James Comey & Letitia James

(00:15–01:43)

• Dismissal Details:
  • Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James had cases against them dismissed by US District Judge Cameron McGowan.
  • The judge ruled that Lindsey Halligan, appointed by President Trump as Acting US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was not legally appointed, invalidating the prosecutions she brought.
  • The White House intends to appeal the dismissal.
• Charges:
  • Comey: Obstruction of justice, making false statements to the Senate.
  • James: Bank fraud, false statements to a financial institution.
  • Both have pleaded not guilty.
• Notable Quotes:
  • James Comey, on dismissal and future prospects:

    “I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, and my attitude's going to be the same. I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary.”
    (Giles Snyder quoting Comey, 00:22)

  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, defending the appointment:

    “The Department of Justice will be appealing very soon, and it is our position that Lindsey Halligan is extremely qualified for this position, but more importantly was legally appointed to it.”
    (Caroline Levitt, 01:19)

• Significance:
  • The rulings represent a setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to prosecute political opponents and raise questions about the legal process surrounding high-profile appointments.

2. Oregon Pipeline Leak Prompts Emergency Declaration

(01:43–02:08)

• Event:
  • Governor Tina Kotek declares a state of emergency after a leak leads to shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline.
  • The pipeline is a crucial fuel supply to the Pacific Northwest; British Petroleum crews are working around the clock to repair it.
• Travel Impact:
  • Airlines in Oregon and Washington activate contingency plans as the busy Thanksgiving travel week begins.

3. Changes to US-Backed Ukraine Peace Plan

(02:09–03:07)

• Diplomatic Developments:
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces the “original US-backed 28-point peace plan” favoring Russia is now invalid.
  • The plan had breached multiple “red lines” for both Ukraine and European allies, including issues of territory and NATO membership.
  • European leaders, led by German Chancellor Frederick Maers, played a key role in pressing for a new framework during Geneva talks.
  • Sensitive issues are set aside for upcoming direct talks between Zelenskyy and President Trump.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Eleanor Beardsley paraphrasing Zelenskyy:

    “After difficult work, many of the right elements have been taken into account in the new framework. He said he would discuss the most sensitive issues with President Trump.”
    (Eleanor Beardsley, 02:46)

4. Death of Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff

(03:08–03:59)

• Announcement:
  • Jamaican music icon Jimmy Cliff has died at age 81 following a seizure and pneumonia, per his wife's Instagram post.
• Career Highlights:
  • Well-remembered for his appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk in 2010 (“It was a big pleasure. Enjoyed it. A great Monday morning.”).
  • Starred in and authored the title track for “The Harder They Come” (1972), a film that helped popularize reggae worldwide.
  • Famous song spotlit: “You Can Get It If You Really Want.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Jimmy Cliff at NPR’s Tiny Desk:

    “Thank you very much indeed. It was a big pleasure. Enjoyed it. A great Monday morning.”
    (Archive clip, 03:27)

5. South Greenland Community Builds First Skate Park

(04:00–04:49)

• Project Details:
  • Community in Karoto, South Greenland, raises about $23,000 to build a skate park (half pipe, two ramps) despite high unemployment and town debt.
  • Spark for the initiative came from a parents group chat, driven by the need for youth spaces.
• Purpose and Impact:
  • The skate park aims to bolster community morale and provide hope in the face of high suicide rates and limited opportunities.
• Notable Quote:
  • Soan Muttensen, engineer and skateboarder:

    “The suicide rates and this not just for the kids, but it's just also for the parents to create something fun for the community and get some hope.”
    (Soan Muttensen, paraphrased by host, 04:23)

  • William Kriegel, Nuuk’s former culture and education director:

    “Youth spaces remain vital.”
    (Julia Rignot reporting, 04:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On facing continued prosecution:
  “I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary.”
  (James Comey, via Giles Snyder, 00:22)

• On pressing for youth hope in Greenland:
  “It's just also for the parents to create something fun for the community and get some hope.”
  (Soan Muttensen, 04:23)

• Jimmy Cliff’s gratitude and legacy:
  “Thank you very much indeed. It was a big pleasure. Enjoyed it.”
  (Jimmy Cliff, archive clip, 03:27)

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:15–01:43: Dismissal of cases against Comey and James; legal background and White House response.
• 01:43–02:08: Oregon pipeline emergency; travel and fuel concerns.
• 02:09–03:07: Ukraine peace plan revised; Geneva diplomacy.
• 03:08–03:59: Jimmy Cliff tribute and passing.
• 04:00–04:49: Greenland’s skate park – community effort.
• 04:49: NPR sign-off.

For more, visit npr.org/news. This summary omits advertisements, intro, and outro for a focused news recap.