NPR News Now – November 26, 2025, 2PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk and tightly packed update on significant national and international events as of November 26, 2025. The stories include a major lawsuit over federal housing policy, the dismissal of a high-profile criminal case against President Trump, new "America First" fees for international visitors to U.S. national parks, a corruption sentence for former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra, a legal challenge to Australian internet restrictions for minors, and new research on the severe impacts of climate change on Africa.

Key Stories and Insights

1. States Sue Trump Administration Over Homeless Funding Changes

[00:19–01:20]

• Core Issue:
  Twenty mostly Democratic states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after HUD proposed shifting funds from permanent to transitional housing and adding new eligibility restrictions, which states allege are unlawful.

• Details:

  • HUD will deny funding to programs supporting diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), acknowledgment of transgender/nonbinary individuals, or non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
  • The states argue homelessness funding “must be distributed based solely on need,” as mandated by Congress.
  • HUD Secretary Scott Turner defends the changes, saying they aim to “promote self-sufficiency.”
  • Homelessness advocates warn the changes could force 170,000 people back onto the streets.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jennifer Ludden: “Advocates for ending homelessness said the overhaul could push 170,000 people back onto the streets.” [01:10]

2. Georgia Trump Prosecution Dismissed

[01:20–02:25]

• Core Issue:
  The Georgia election interference case against President Trump and allies has been dismissed, marking the end of all criminal proceedings related to his 2020 election efforts.

• Details:

  • The dismissal followed a motion from the special prosecutor, Pete Scandalakis, after the original district attorney, Fani Willis, was disqualified due to a conflict of interest.
  • The conduct being prosecuted was found to have been “conceived in Washington, D.C.,” making the federal courts the appropriate venue.
  • This Georgia case had been the last outstanding criminal charge against Trump after earlier federal cases were dropped.

• Notable Quote:

  • Sam Greenglass: “Scandalakis found that the alleged criminal conduct was conceived in Washington, D.C., writing the federal government is the appropriate venue for this prosecution.” [02:08]

3. National Park Service Implements ‘America First’ Fees for International Visitors

[02:25–03:14]

• Core Issue:
  International tourists visiting U.S. national parks will face significantly higher fees starting soon.

• Details:

  • New $100 entry fee for non-citizens, in addition to existing park entry costs.
  • Annual park passes for international visitors rise from $80 to $250.
  • Free admission days on certain U.S. holidays now restricted to U.S. residents.
  • The Department claims the increased revenue will address maintenance backlogs and budget shortfalls, some stemming from previous government shutdowns.

• Notable Quote:

  • Kristen Wright: “The Interior Department is also more than tripling the cost of an annual park pass for international visitors to $250 instead of $80, which is what U.S. residents [pay] … Free days on several patriotic holidays will only be free for U.S. residents.” [02:55]

4. International Briefs

[03:14–04:03]

• Peru:
  Former President Martín Vizcarra sentenced to 14 years in prison for taking over $600,000 in bribes during his tenure as a regional governor.

• Australia:
  Two teenagers, supported by the Digital Freedom Project, are suing to block a law that bans minors under 16 from using social media, calling it an unconstitutional restriction on free communication.

5. Climate Change and African Health

[04:03–04:52]

• Core Issue:
  Growing scientific evidence details how Africa is suffering disproportionate health consequences as global climate change intensifies.

• Details:

  • Africa produces relatively little global pollution but is heavily impacted by climate-driven disease (e.g., malaria, dengue) and disasters (e.g., 2023 Libyan floods).
  • Lancet: Increased threat from insect-borne diseases and displacement/deaths from climate disasters.
  • Science Advances: Nighttime heat is rising across the continent, impeding people’s ability to recover physically during sleep and causing a 20% increase in heat deaths since 2010.

• Notable Quote:

  • Alejandra Barunda: “Extra warm nights are a hallmark of climate change, and they’re particularly unhealthy since people’s bodies usually recover during nights… Increased night heat in Africa… has driven a nearly 20% increase in heat deaths since 2010.” [04:34]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:10 | Jennifer Ludden | “Advocates for ending homelessness said the overhaul could push 170,000 people back onto the streets.”| | 02:08 | Sam Greenglass | “Scandalakis found that the alleged criminal conduct was conceived in Washington, D.C., writing the federal government is the appropriate venue for this prosecution.”| | 02:55 | Kristen Wright | “… annual park pass for international visitors to $250 instead of $80 … Free days on several patriotic holidays will only be free for U.S. residents.”| | 04:34 | Alejandra Barunda | “Extra warm nights are a hallmark of climate change … driven a nearly 20% increase in heat deaths since 2010.” |

Segment Timestamps

• [00:19] States sue over homeless funding changes
• [01:20] Georgia drops Trump prosecution
• [02:25] New U.S. national park fees for foreigners
• [03:14] Quick international updates (Peru, Australia)
• [04:03] African health impacts of climate change

Tone and Delivery

The episode employs NPR’s signature concise, authoritative tone—delivering unfolding developments with clarity, a focus on factual reporting, and succinct quotes from expert reporters. Each story is prioritized for relevance and immediacy, offering listeners a snapshot of the most pressing news.