NPR News Now – 11-26-2025, 2AM EST

Episode Overview:
This episode delivers concise updates on major global and national events, focusing on diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, an emergency pipeline outage in Oregon, political and legal developments in the U.S., and significant international news from Brazil. The report closes with a lighter moment about the passing of a beloved animal at the San Diego Zoo.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Developments in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

[00:13–01:17]

• Negotiation Status: Jael Snyder reports from NPR News that negotiators are making progress on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal, though key issues remain ahead of a Thursday deadline for Ukraine’s acceptance.
• Diplomatic Engagement:
  • Army Secretary Dan Driscoll meets separately with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in the UAE.
  • President Trump is sending his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
• Peace Plan Details:
  • Trump's original plan required Ukraine to cede territory annexed by Russia, a proposal that faced resistance.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio negotiated modifications making the plan, in Trump’s words, "fine tuned."
• Notable Quote:
  • “Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says there are a few delicate but not insurmountable details that need to be sorted out.” – Michelle Kellerman (00:33)
• Expert Commentary:
  • Former NATO Ambassador Evo Dalar stresses mutual agreement is essential:
    • “There was a plan that was pro Russian. You may now have a plan that is more to the liking of Ukraine, but that doesn't bring you anywhere closer to peace. We can't make progress unless Russia and Ukraine agree, and so far that hasn't happened.” – Evo Dalar (01:28)

2. Oregon Fuel Supply Emergency

[01:41–02:47]

• Pipeline Outage: The Olympic pipeline, providing 90% of Oregon’s fuel, suffered a leak and was fully shut down for over a week.
• Partial Restart & Government Response:
  • BP, which operates the pipeline, partially restarted operations but gave no repair timeline.
  • Governor Tina Kotak declared a fuel emergency, enabling longer work hours for truck drivers to relieve shortages.
• Impact:
  • Shortages occurred at Seattle Tacoma International Airport.
  • Portland’s airport is less vulnerable due to alternative supply routes.
• Notable Quote:
  • “When the pipeline is down, fuel comes to the state by barge, rail or truck. The emergency declaration allows truck drivers to work longer hours.” – Kyra Buckley (02:06)

3. FBI Investigation Involving Democratic Lawmakers

[02:47–03:28]

• Background: FBI contacts Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging US troops not to follow illegal orders.
• Related Investigation: Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly over potential military law violations.
• Timeline: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants briefing results by December 10.

4. White House Denies Plan to Remove FBI Director

[03:28–03:54]

• Context: The White House disputes a report that President Trump is considering ousting FBI Director Kash Patel.
• Presidential Statement:
  • "Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he thinks Patel is doing a great job." – Jael Snyder (03:38)

5. Brazil's Former President Jair Bolsonaro Imprisoned

[03:54–04:41]

• Developments: Bolsonaro begins serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup after his failed reelection bid in 2022.
• Details:
  • Supreme Court Justice Alejandro Moraes closed the case after appeals were exhausted.
  • Bolsonaro is confined in a small room in the federal police headquarters in Brasília.
  • His request for house arrest was denied despite claimed health issues.
• Global Reaction:
  • The Trump administration condemned the trial. U.S. sanctions followed the historic conviction.
• Notable Quote:
  • “This closes a turbulent chapter after a historic trial in Brazil, which was condemned by the Trump administration and led to US Sanctions and the unprecedented conviction of a former president for trying to overthrow the government.” – Julia Carneiro (04:22)

6. Farewell to a Zoo Icon

[04:41–04:56]

• San Diego Zoo: The Galapagos tortoise known as "Grandma" has died, estimated age 141.
• Legacy:
  • Grandma arrived in San Diego from the Bronx Zoo in the late 1920s or early 1930s.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Peace Progress

  • “We can't make progress unless Russia and Ukraine agree, and so far that hasn't happened.”
    — Evo Dalar (01:35)

• On Fuel Crisis Management

  • “The emergency declaration allows truck drivers to work longer hours.”
    — Kyra Buckley (02:17)

• On Brazil’s Historic Trial

  • "This closes a turbulent chapter after a historic trial in Brazil, which was condemned by the Trump administration and led to US Sanctions…"
    — Julia Carneiro (04:22)

Timeline of Important Segments

• Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 00:13–01:41
• Oregon Pipeline Outage: 01:41–02:47
• FBI & Democratic Lawmakers: 02:47–03:28
• FBI Director Rumors: 03:28–03:54
• Bolsonaro Sentenced: 03:54–04:41
• San Diego Zoo Tortoise: 04:41–04:56

Overall Tone:
Direct, factual reporting consistent with NPR’s signature style: neutral, authoritative, and concise, with brief analysis and direct quotes from officials and experts. This episode succinctly covers urgent global happenings, legal and political developments, and closes with a human-interest note.