NPR News Now – Summary
Episode: NPR News: 11-26-2025 5AM EST
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Dave Mattingly (NPR)
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview
This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of significant global and national stories. Reporting focuses on U.S.-driven Ukraine peace negotiations, the lingering threat from unexploded ordnance in Gaza, a tightening congressional race in Tennessee, recent Wall Street gains and economic outlook, a fatal climbing accident in New Zealand, and volcanic activity in Hawaii. The tone is factual and brisk, designed for listeners seeking an up-to-the-minute news snapshot.
Key Segments and Discussion Points
1. U.S. Ukraine Peace Negotiations
[00:15–01:24]
- President Trump’s Deadline Shift
- President Trump has retreated from his original Thanksgiving deadline for Ukraine to accept his latest peace plan, suggesting ongoing discussions and progress.
- Trump noted, "Ukraine is doing well. I think they're pretty happy about it. They'd like to see it end and we won't know for a little while, but we're making progress." (Donald Trump, 00:37)
- The original 28-point U.S. proposal has been reduced in scope through continuing talks with Kyiv.
- Steve Witkoff (U.S. envoy) is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
- Trump minimized controversy over reports that Witkoff advised the Russian side, characterizing it as standard dealmaking.
2. Dangers of Unexploded Ordnance in Gaza
[01:24–02:08]
- Aftermath of Israeli Bombardment
- Even during the ceasefire, Gaza faces peril from thousands of tons of unexploded missiles and bombs.
- Health officials reported three Palestinian deaths (including children) and ten injuries from contact with war remnants.
- Civil defense teams highlight that explosives remain buried in homes, streets, and rubble, posing daily threats:
"Gaza remains a minefield since the ceasefire began...everyday life [is] a deadly gamble." (Anas Bhabha, 01:24)
- The UN emphasizes urgent mine clearance; the threat to civilians, especially children, is constant and severe.
3. Tennessee Congressional Special Election
[02:08–03:09]
- Shifting Political Landscape
- The 7th congressional district, historically a Republican stronghold, is now considered "likely Republican" instead of "solid."
- The seat, vacated by retiring Rep. Mark Green, is contested by Democrat Afton Bain and Republican Matt Van Epps.
- With the election occurring during the holidays, GOP Chair Scott Golden voiced concern about turnout:
"I think there's concern. It's just that people aren't aware that they have the opportunity to vote right now." (Scott Golden, 02:50)
- Analysis suggests Democratic voters may be more energized for the December 2nd vote.
4. Wall Street and Federal Reserve Outlook
[03:09–03:54]
- Economic Upbeat
- Investor optimism rose over potential rate cuts at the Fed's upcoming policy meeting.
- The Dow gained 664 points (1.4%) after data revealed slowing U.S. retail sales in September.
- Context: The Fed had already cut rates by 0.25% in both September and October.
5. Mountaineering Tragedy in New Zealand
[03:54–04:32]
- Climbers Lost on Aoraki Mount Cook
- A U.S. citizen and his French guide died after falling while roped together; both bodies have been recovered.
- Two additional climbers were rescued.
- The incident comes a year after three North American climbers went missing on the same mountain.
-
"They were declared dead, but their bodies were never found." (Christina Kukola, 04:20)
6. Kilauea Volcano Eruption in Hawaii
[04:32–04:54]
- Spectacular Eruption
- Kilauea volcano sent lava fountains hundreds of feet into the air.
- This is the 37th eruption since December of last year.
-
"Scientists say it marks the 37th time that’s happened since December of last year." (Dave Mattingly, 04:36)
Notable Quotes
-
President Trump (on Ukraine negotiations):
"Ukraine is doing well. I think they're pretty happy about it. They'd like to see it end and we won't know for a little while, but we're making progress." [00:37]
-
Anas Bhabha (on Gaza):
"Gaza remains a minefield since the ceasefire began...everyday life [is] a deadly gamble." [01:24]
-
Scott Golden (on Tennessee election):
"I think there's concern. It's just that people aren't aware that they have the opportunity to vote right now." [02:50]
-
Christina Kukola (on New Zealand climbing deaths):
"They were declared dead, but their bodies were never found." [04:20]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Ukraine Peace Talks: 00:15–01:24
- Gaza's Unexploded Ordnance: 01:24–02:08
- Tennessee Special Election: 02:08–03:09
- Financial Markets Update: 03:09–03:54
- NZ Climbing Accident: 03:54–04:32
- Hawaii Volcano Eruption: 04:32–04:54
NPR News Now continues to offer a quick, authoritative update on key stories shaping America and the world.
