NPR News Now — November 26, 2025 — 7AM EST

Host: Nora Ram
Episode Theme:
A concise, five-minute roundup of the morning’s top headlines, including updates on diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, housing policy lawsuits, a baby formula recall, the annual presidential turkey pardon, and anticipated holiday travel surges.

1. Ukraine Peace Talks Progress

Timestamps: 00:15 – 00:58

• President Trump is sending top aides to Moscow and Kiev to work on a new agreement to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • The original U.S.-backed proposal was criticized for being too favorable to Russia, but is now being modified with Ukrainian and European input.
  • Trump states the U.S. is “close to an agreement.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “Trump now says that there are only a few remaining points of disagreement.” — Franco Ordonez [00:42]
  • “He’s dispatching his special envoy Steve Witkoff and maybe even his son-in-law to Moscow to meet with President Putin...sending Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with the Ukrain[ians].” — Franco Ordonez [00:45]

2. Humanitarian Conditions & Ceasefire in Gaza

Timestamps: 00:58 – 02:16

• Israeli Prime Minister confirms identification of a body released from Gaza as part of the ongoing US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• The ceasefire holds for a seventh week, but living conditions remain severe:
  • 25% of Gazans survive on one meal per day.
  • Hospitals are critically short of medicine.
  • Essential supplies like antibiotics and fuel are largely blocked, though consumer goods come in.
• Civil Defense vehicles are inoperable due to fuel shortages. Flooding leaves many residents without adequate shelter.
• Aid is stalled by bureaucratic barriers, with only 32 trucks having entered Gaza in a week, despite larger promised deliveries.
• Notable Quote:
  • “On the surface, Gaza looks like it’s being restocked...But the Israeli government restricts the essentials from entering as antibiotics and fuel remain out of reach for most.” — Anas Bhabha [01:32]
  • “The UN says tons of winter clothes, bedding, and shelter supplies are waiting for Israeli clearance. But the aid groups are facing bureaucratic obstacles.” — Anas Bhabha [01:50]

3. Lawsuit Over U.S. Homeless Housing Policy Changes

Timestamps: 02:16 – 03:13

• 20 states (mostly Democrat-led) are suing the Trump administration over newly announced restrictions on long-term housing for homeless populations.
• The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) aims to redirect billions from permanent to transitional housing, and adds restrictions:
  • No funding for programs promoting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion),
  • Restrictions affecting transgender/non-binary individuals,
  • Mandates cooperation with immigration enforcement.
• The states’ lawsuit claims these changes are unlawful, violating Congress’s mandate that funds be distributed based solely on need.
• Homelessness advocates warn 170,000 people may lose housing as a result.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The lawsuit...says Congress mandated that homelessness funding be distributed based solely on need.” — Jennifer Ludden [02:48]
  • “Advocates for ending homelessness say the overhaul could push 170,000 people back onto the streets.” — Jennifer Ludden [03:08]

4. Baby Formula Contamination Outbreak

Timestamps: 03:13 – 03:56

• Buy Hard baby formula recalls all products amid botulism contamination fears:
  • Out of 36 tested samples, 5 showed presence of the potentially deadly botulism bacteria.
  • At least 31 babies across 15 states have fallen ill since August.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Notable for the swift company-wide recall and gravity of health risk for infants.

5. Annual Presidential Turkey Pardon

Timestamps: 03:56 – 04:41

• President Trump pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys, Waddle and Gobble, in the White House Rose Garden.
• The event was marked by lighthearted banter and a few gobbles from Gobble.
• The turkeys are being relocated to North Carolina State University.
• Notable Quote with Speaker:
  • President Trump, speaking during the ceremony [04:11]:

    “Today we continue a time honored American tradition. Boy, that’s a well trained turkey. See how happy he is. In a few moments, I will grant a full, absolute and unconditional presidential pardon to two handsome Thanksgiving turkeys.”

6. Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Expected

Timestamps: 04:41 – 04:57

• AAA predicts record numbers of people hitting the road for Thanksgiving; the majority will travel by car.
• The FAA expects the biggest Thanksgiving air travel surge in 15 years.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Sets the scene for an exceptionally busy travel period countrywide.

Summary:
The episode effectively delivers a snapshot of urgent global and domestic stories, with a balanced mix of serious developments—in foreign diplomacy, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and U.S. policy shifts—alongside lighter Thanksgiving traditions and practical updates for holiday travelers. The tone remains factual and brisk, consistent with NPR’s news style.