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.