NPR News Now: 11-26-2025 6AM EST

Host: Nora Rahim | Date: November 26, 2025

Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers the top global and U.S. news stories as of 6AM EST on November 26, 2025. Key topics include the FBI's probe of Democratic lawmakers' military-related statements, the ongoing Israeli-Hamas ceasefire and hostage releases, U.S. involvement in Ukraine peace negotiations, Taiwan's major defense investment, record Thanksgiving travel, and the ongoing eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Investigates Lawmakers’ Video on Military Orders

[00:19]

• The FBI is attempting to interview six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video reminding military personnel not to obey illegal orders. President Trump labeled them "traitors."

• Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, is among those being investigated and could be subject to a court martial.

• Kelly appeared on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live and commented:

  “He can go after me under the Uniform Code of Military justice, which is the law in the military, which is kind of wild because we recited something in the Uniform Code of Military justice, and he’s going to prosecute me under the Uniform Code of Military justice for reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
  — Mark Kelly [00:47]

• Kelly argues the administration is infringing upon his First Amendment rights.

2. Update on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Identification

[01:08]

• Israel has confirmed that a body released from Gaza is Dror Or, who was killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.

• Or's wife was also killed; two of their children had been held hostage but were released.

• In exchange, Israel is releasing the bodies of 15 Palestinians as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

  “All remaining hostages, both alive and dead in Gaza, are supposed to be returned to Israel. There are still two more bodies remaining. Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately stalling. Hamas has insisted it is struggling to find the bodies under the rubble.”
  — Kat Lansdorf, NPR News [01:30]

3. U.S. Mediation and Progress Toward Ukraine Peace

[02:12]

• President Trump announced "great progress" on ending the Ukraine war and sent envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged progress and expressed willingness for future meetings involving President Trump and European leaders.

  "And I'm ready to meet with President Trump. There are sensitive points to discuss and we think that the presence of European leaders could be helpful."
  — Volodymyr Zelensky [02:36]

• Sensitive issues include the status of Russian-occupied regions and future security guarantees.

• Zelensky reported Ukraine shot down 22 Russian missiles and 400+ drones overnight, again stressing skepticism of Russian intentions:

  "And as long as Russia has not taken real steps to shut down its... war machine, he said, no one can take its claims to want peace seriously."
  — Reported by Eleanor Beardsley [03:01]

4. Taiwan Announces Massive Defense Expenditure

[03:13]

• Taiwan will spend $40 billion to bolster its defense against China, constructing a "Taiwan dome" advanced air defense system and acquiring U.S.-made weaponry.
• President Trump has pressured Taiwan to increase its own defense spending.

5. Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Hit New Records

[03:48]

• The FAA anticipates the busiest Thanksgiving air travel period in 15 years, though advanced air bookings are down 4% from last year due to complications from a government shutdown.

• Administrator Brian Bedford likened the season to the industry's "Super Bowl":

  "The airlines, airports, TSA, FAA, especially for us, this week is our Super Bowl." — Brian Bedford [03:58]

• AAA forecasts 73 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving, mostly by car.

6. Ongoing Eruption of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii

[04:29]

• Kilauea volcano erupted for the 37th time since December, sending lava 400 ft airborne.
• No homes threatened; eruptions remain contained in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Kilauea is described as "one of the most active volcanoes in the world."

Memorable Quotes

• Mark Kelly on court-martial threats:

  "He’s going to prosecute me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice." [00:47]

• Kat Lansdorf on the ceasefire hostages:

  "All remaining hostages, both alive and dead in Gaza, are supposed to be returned to Israel..." [01:30]

• Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukraine peace talks:

  "I'm ready to meet with President Trump. There are sensitive points to discuss..." [02:36]

• Brian Bedford on Thanksgiving travel:

  "This week is our Super Bowl." [03:58]

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Democratic Lawmakers and FBI Investigation: 00:19–01:08
• Israel-Hamas Ceasefire & Hostage Return: 01:08–02:12
• Ukraine Peace Negotiations: 02:12–03:13
• Taiwan Defense Spending: 03:13–03:48
• Thanksgiving Travel Projections: 03:48–04:29
• Kilauea Volcano Update: 04:29–04:57

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid, information-rich roundup of the day's most significant headlines, with direct updates from reporters worldwide and notable comments from key political figures.