NPR News Now – 11-25-2025 6AM EST

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivered concise updates on major national and international developments as of November 25, 2025. Key stories included the Pentagon’s probe into Senator Mark Kelly, developments in Ukraine peace talks, congressional hearings on immigration enforcement, the passing of notable figures Viola Ford Fletcher and Udo Kier, and a health update on Jesse Jackson. The reporting is brisk, objective, and focused on primary details and firsthand voices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon Investigation of Senator Mark Kelly

• [00:14] The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), a retired Navy pilot, over an alleged breach of military law. This relates to his appearance in a video urging troops to defy illegal orders.
• Context: Retired service members can still be recalled for court martial under federal law.
• Expert Insight [00:46]:
  • Military Lawyer Kevin Carroll:

    "This would be unprecedented, I think... the last thing even similar he could think of was in 1925, so 100 years ago. But that was an active duty officer. This is very different."

  • Carroll suggests the probe may aim to "silence political dissent."
• Senator Kelly's Response [01:08]:
  • Kelly insists he "upheld his oath to the Constitution" and calls the investigation "political bullying."

2. Ukraine Peace Talks — Geneva

• [01:08] A peace plan for Ukraine, originally drafted by the US and Russia, has been discarded at ongoing Geneva talks. European leaders are now revising the proposal amid accusations that the original plan favored Russia.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Statement [01:33]:
  • Via social media, Zelenskyy says that ending the war is "now workable" and the right steps are being pursued.
  • Recurrent Ukrainian anxiety over Russian influence, especially in relation to the Trump administration, is noted.
• Civilian Perspective [01:54]:
  • Ruslana Panklieff, businesswoman:

    "I trust Zelenskyy and I trust in my country and in these people who lives in this country, who stay in this country, it's a very strong power, really, people who are not afraid and who be very strong."

  • She expresses confidence that Ukraine will ultimately prevail.

3. Congressional Hearing on Immigration Arrests

• [02:12] In Los Angeles, Democratic lawmakers held a hearing focused on the Trump administration’s immigration raids.
• [02:26] Congressman Robert Garcia (CA) led the hearing, expressing national concern:
  • Quote:

    "Right now, Donald Trump. Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Tom Holman are causing terror not just in Los Angeles, but across the country." ([02:32])

• [02:40] LA Mayor Karen Bass testified that the raids are illegal and racially targeted.
• [02:48] Actor Udo Kier highlighted the everyday nature of enforcement:

  "But just about every day, immigrant enforcement actions continue."

• Personal Account [02:52]:
  • Andrea Velez shared being apprehended despite asserting US citizenship — underscoring a sense of insecurity:

    "Don’t feel safe at all." ([03:01])

• Committee Action:
  • Plan to establish a database for documenting affected individuals’ stories.

4. Passings

Viola Ford Fletcher (Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor)

• [03:11] Viola Ford Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre ("Black Wall Street"), has died at 111. In recent years, she actively advocated for justice for victims and survivors.

Udo Kier (Actor)

• [03:54] German actor Udo Kier, known for his work in more than 200 films, including Andy Warhol’s horror movies and collaborations with director Lars Von Trier, has died at 81.
  • [04:12] Kier (in a 2021 interview):

    "I believe very much in small things, not big acting things."

  • [04:24] Quoting director Lars Von Trier:

    "His favorite line don’t act, so I try not to act."

• Died in Palm Springs, as reported by Variety.

5. Jesse Jackson Health Update

• [04:36] Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, was released from a Chicago hospital in stable condition. Jackson was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:46 | Kevin Carroll (lawyer) | "This would be unprecedented, I think...the last thing even similar he could think of was in 1925..." | | 01:54 | Ruslana Panklieff | "I trust Zelenskyy and I trust in my country and in these people...it's a very strong power..." | | 02:32 | Congressman Robert Garcia | "Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Tom Holman are causing terror not just in Los Angeles, but across the country." | | 03:01 | Andrea Velez | "Don’t feel safe at all." | | 04:12 | Udo Kier | "I believe very much in small things, not big acting things." | | 04:24 | Udo Kier | "His favorite line don’t act, so I try not to act." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14 — Pentagon investigation of Senator Kelly
• 01:08 — Update on Ukraine peace talks
• 02:12 — Congressional hearing on immigration raids in Los Angeles
• 03:11 — Death of Viola Ford Fletcher, Tulsa Race Massacre survivor
• 03:54 — Passing of actor Udo Kier, career highlights
• 04:36 — Jesse Jackson released from hospital

Summary Tone & Language

The episode employs NPR’s signature factual, precise, and empathetic tone, balancing high-level summaries with first-person perspectives and expert analysis. Short soundbites deepen the impact of the reporting, with memorable lines standing out amid rapid-fire headlines.