NPR News Now — November 26, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Jael Snyder | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of key national news developments on November 26, 2025. Major stories include controversy over military justice involving Sen. Mark Kelly and President Trump, a record federal deficit, the annual presidential turkey pardon, a bipartisan stand on AI regulation, D.C. Mayor Bowser’s decision not to seek reelection, and severe winter weather impacting holiday travel.

1. Military Justice Controversy — Sen. Mark Kelly vs. Trump Administration

Timestamps: [00:11] – [00:49]

• Senator Mark Kelly criticizes President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over their lack of understanding of the Constitution and military justice.
• Kelly is threatened with court martial after a video surfaced of him and five other Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. troops to defy illegal orders.
• The FBI is contacting the six Democrats for interviews; all have national security backgrounds and accuse the Trump administration of attempting to silence dissent.

Notable Quotes:

• “I don’t think he understands the Constitution. I’m not so sure Pete Hegseth does either. Neither of them seem to understand the Uniform Code of Military justice...”
  — Sen. Mark Kelly [00:27]
• “Now he wants to court martial me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
  — Sen. Mark Kelly [00:44]

2. Federal Deficit Hits $284 Billion in October

Timestamps: [00:49] – [02:05]

• Scott Horsley reports the U.S. government ran a $284 billion deficit in October 2025.
• Higher tax collections compared to last year (in part due to delayed tax deadlines after the Los Angeles wildfire), but rising government spending and interest on federal debt ($100 billion) outpaced revenue—even surpassing military spending.
• Tariff collections exceed $33 billion, up significantly from last year, but insufficient to reduce the deficit.
• Lower corporate tax collections attributed to Republican tax cuts and summer spending bills.

Notable Quotes:

• “One of the government’s biggest expenses was interest on the federal debt, which topped $100 billion in October, more than the government spent on the military.”
  — Scott Horsley [01:40]

3. Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys

Timestamps: [02:05] – [02:54]

• President Trump continues the White House Thanksgiving tradition by pardoning two turkeys, “Waddle” and “Gobble,” in the Rose Garden.
• Trump’s remarks include light-hearted banter, noting the turkeys’ behavior.
• The pardoned turkeys are sent to live at North Carolina State University.

Notable Quotes:

• “Boy, that’s a well trained turkey. See how happy he is.”
  — President Trump [02:38]
• “In a few moments, I will grant a full, absolute, and unconditional presidential pardon to two handsome Thanksgiving turkeys.”
  — President Trump [02:44]

4. Markets & Legislative Updates

Timestamps: [03:03] – [03:48]

• Stock markets rally in early Wednesday trading; Japan’s Nikkei up 1.8%.
• Attorneys general from 35 states and D.C. urge Congress not to preempt state AI regulations, warning of “disastrous consequences” if AI is left unregulated. Their letter sets up a policy clash with the Trump administration.

5. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Declines Re-Election

Timestamps: [03:48] – [04:27]

• Muriel Bowser announces she will not seek a new term after high-profile clashes with President Trump, notably his federal intervention in the city’s affairs and control of the police force.
• Bowser cites personal and professional fulfillment: new stadium deal, increased housing, and guiding D.C. through the pandemic.
• Advisers attribute decision in part to “weariness” from ongoing conflict with the Trump administration.

Notable Quotes:

• “Summoned our collective strength to stand tall against bullies who threaten our very autonomy.”
  — Muriel Bowser's video (featured by narrator), [04:08]

6. Holiday Weather Disruptions

Timestamps: [04:27] – [04:54]

• Thanksgiving travelers face hazardous conditions:
  • Heavy snow closes parts of Interstates 94 and 29 in the Dakotas.
  • Tornadoes damage over 100 homes in the Houston area.

Key Takeaways

• Democratic senators and military justice: Rising tension regarding civilian oversight of the military and accusations of political retaliation.
• Soaring federal deficit: Interest payments surpassing military spending highlight financial pressures.
• AI regulation debate: Growing state-level activism in technology policy.
• D.C. mayoral politics: Federal-local clashes impacting major urban leadership.
• Travel disruptions: Early severe winter weather affecting holiday plans nationwide.

Reported by:

• Jael Snyder (Host)
• Scott Horsley (Deficit report, Washington)
• Deepa Shivaram (White House turkey pardon)
• Alex Koma (D.C. mayoral update)

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