NPR News Now – 11-26-2025 4AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Date: November 26, 2025
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire update on top U.S. and global stories: political controversy in Washington over military justice, escalating tension in Israel and Gaza, Democratic Party electoral strategy, personal fallout from national immigration policy, a humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, and severe Thanksgiving weather.

1. Political Showdown: Sen. Mark Kelly, President Trump, and Military Justice

[00:11–00:49]

• Key Issue: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, facing possible court martial threats after urging troops to resist illegal orders, strongly criticizes President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s understanding of military justice.
  • Quote:
    • “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.”
      — Senator Mark Kelly, 00:27
• Context:
  • Kelly featured in a video with five Democratic colleagues, calling for U.S. troops to defy illegal commands.
  • The Pentagon has threatened court martial; the FBI is contacting all six involved Democrats for interviews.
  • All six lawmakers have national security backgrounds; they claim the Trump administration is trying to silence them.

2. Middle East Update: Israel Identifies Hostage Remains

[00:49–01:39]

• Key Issue:
  • Israel confirms the identity of remains returned by Palestinian militants: Dror, age 48.
  • The remains were identified as mediators in Cairo continue talks regarding a ceasefire.
• Broader Context:
  • The exchange comes amid ongoing negotiations for a second phase in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militants.
  • Episode underscores the human cost of the conflict.

3. Democrats Target Rural Voters for 2026

[01:39–02:21]

• Key Issue:
  • The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is investing a substantial eight-figure sum to reach rural voters, voters of color, and other key groups ahead of 2026 midterms.
  • Congresswoman Suzanne Del Bene, DCCC chair, highlights the “opportunity to engage voters on economic issues.”
  • Quote:
    • “When we look at the swing districts across the country... we know that rural voters are key in those districts.”
      — Suzanne Del Bene, 02:01
• Further Insight:
  • Del Bene underscores impact of Trump administration’s economic policies—particularly tariffs and healthcare cuts—on rural communities.
  • Democrats aiming to recover support after deep losses outside urban centers.

4. Immigration Policy Gets Personal for White House Spokesperson

[02:21–03:12]

• Key Issue:
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt’s nephew’s mother, Bruna Ferreira, was arrested by ICE in Massachusetts, then transferred to a facility in Louisiana.
  • Details:
    • Ferreira, a Brazilian national, had overstayed her tourist visa and was previously arrested for battery.
    • Despite deferred action status and positive character references, she remains detained.
  • Official Statement:
    • “All individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.”
      — Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokeswoman, 02:58
  • Family Response:
    • Ferreira is described as a hardworking person who “helps those in need.”

5. Severe Food Crisis in Northern Nigeria

[03:12–04:22]

• Key Issue:
  • UN’s World Food Program warns that unrest in northern Nigeria is pushing hunger to unprecedented levels: almost 35 million projected to face food insecurity in 2026.
  • Quote:
    • “Several communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and were in need of urgent support.”
      — David Stevenson, WFP Nigeria Director (paraphrased), 03:39
  • Details:
    • Nearly a fifth of Nigeria’s population affected; thousands risk famine-like conditions.
    • Crisis fueled by attacks from armed groups and Islamist militants.
    • Three major attacks this past week, including the kidnapping of 300+ Catholic schoolgirls; 250+ still missing.
    • The U.S. has condemned the Nigerian government over failures to protect Christians.

6. Thanksgiving Weather Hazards

[04:22–04:54]

• Key Issue:
  • Major winter weather is disrupting travel right before Thanksgiving:
    • Heavy snow in North and South Dakota—Interstates 94 and 29 closed due to whiteouts and crashes.
    • In Texas, at least two tornadoes struck the Houston area, damaging 100+ homes but causing no reported injuries.
  • Memorable Moment:
    • No direct quote, but the impact is clear as thousands of Americans attempt holiday travel.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Sen. Mark Kelly:
  “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.” (00:27)
• Rep. Suzanne Del Bene:
  “We know that rural voters are key in those districts.” (02:01)
• DHS Spokeswoman:
  “All individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.” (02:58)

Key Takeaways

• The episode delivers a concise but dense snapshot of global and domestic issues: governance disputes in the U.S., humanitarian crises abroad, and natural dangers at home.
• Political tensions are high surrounding military justice and the boundaries of executive power.
• Parties are gearing up for contentious midterm elections, targeting voters previously overlooked.
• Personal stories highlight the breadth and sting of U.S. immigration enforcement.
• Weather and insecurity—both political and meteorological—are affecting millions as the holidays begin.

Useful for listeners who need a compact briefing on headline news, politics, humanitarian emergencies, and practical updates impacting Americans as of November 26, 2025.