NPR News Now – 8AM EST, November 26, 2025

Host: Nora Ramm, NPR
Episode Theme:
A rapid-fire five-minute national and international news update, focusing on developing political controversies in Washington, international diplomatic efforts on the Ukraine war, ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, holiday drunk-driving risks, and a Thanksgiving alternative.

1. Political Controversy: FBI Investigates Democratic Lawmakers (00:20–01:35)

• Key Developments:

  • The FBI is seeking to interview six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video encouraging military personnel to defy "illegal orders."
  • President Trump responded by accusing the lawmakers of sedition, “which he said is punishable by death.”
  • Senator Alyssa Slotkin labeled Trump’s move as an attempt to intimidate; Representative Maggie Goodlander firmly rejected the intimidation.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Maggie Goodlander (00:48):

    "I am doing my job. I will not be intimidated. I will not be harassed. I will continue to do my job and uphold my oath and I will never give up the ship."

  • Nora Ramm (Host): The video claimed “American troops swear an oath to the U.S. Constitution, not the president,” and all six lawmakers have military or intelligence backgrounds.

• Important Context:

  • Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, is under Pentagon investigation for possible military law violations.
  • The controversy signals heightened tensions over presidential power and the military’s constitutional role.

2. Diplomacy: Trump’s Envoy to Moscow for Ukraine Peace Talks (01:35–02:17)

• Key Developments:

  • President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Moscow for talks with President Putin about a deal to end the Ukraine war.
  • NPR’s Charles Mainnes (reporting from Moscow) says Witkoff’s draft peace plan “initially offered terms favorable to Moscow” but was amended after input from Europe and Ukraine.
  • Russian officials warn that changes could jeopardize the deal.
  • Controversy arose from a leaked transcript in which Witkoff allegedly gave advice on “handling Trump” to a Putin aide. Trump dismissed this, calling it “a standard form of negotiation.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Charles Mainnes (01:35):

    "Witkoff seeks approval for a draft peace plan that initially offered terms favorable to Moscow, but has since been fine tuned with input from Europe and Ukraine. Senior Russian officials have warned those amendments could make the plan a non starter."

3. Middle East Report: UN Peacekeepers, Israel & Hezbollah (02:17–03:15)

• Key Developments:

  • The UN in Lebanon reports no evidence that Hezbollah is rebuilding military infrastructure near Israel’s border, contrary to Israeli claims.
  • Israel states its continued attacks in Lebanon are a response to Hezbollah’s actions—claims the UN peacekeepers dispute.
  • According to Lebanese officials, Israeli attacks have killed over 300 people in the last year; nearly half are civilians.

• Notable Quotes:

  • UN Spokesperson, Candace Hardeel (03:01):

    "Again, we haven't seen evidence of any Hezbollah rebuilding, of moving of weapons or anything like that."

  • Jane Araf (NPR, 03:06):

    "The UN says almost half of those killed in the Israeli attacks have been civilians."

4. Domestic Concern: Drunk Driving Over Thanksgiving (03:15–04:09)

• Key developments:

  • Thanksgiving and its surrounding days are high risk for drunk driving fatalities — over a third of such fatalities are expected to be alcohol-related.
  • Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, calls Thanksgiving Eve “the most popular night for drinking, and … one of the most deadliest nights on the road.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Stacey Stewart (03:42):

    "In fact, Thanksgiving Eve is actually the most popular night for drinking, and it's also one of the most deadliest nights on the road. We refer to Thanksgiving Eve as Blackout Wednesday."

  • Stewart urges arranging safe rides or having a designated driver, even for hosts.

5. Human Interest: “Adopt a Turkey” Instead of Eating One (04:09–04:43)

• Key Developments:

  • Some nonprofits offer “adopt a turkey” programs—people pay to sponsor turkeys at sanctuaries (“they don't actually take them”) so the birds are spared as a protest against inhumane farming.
  • The Lovin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado runs such a program, emphasizing turkeys’ social and emotional capacities.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Lynette Cook (Lovin Arms, 04:29):

    "They are capable of creating those bonds of friendship with human beings, with each other, with other species. And I think it's important that we..."

  • Host Nora Ramm adds: “Some view the adoption option as a protest against what they call inhumane conditions in turkey farms, that turkeys have feelings and should be treated with kindness.”

Memorable Moments

• Clip of Defiance: Goodlander’s unwavering vow not to be intimidated by the FBI or executive branch (00:48).
• UN Refutes Israel: Peacekeeping spokesperson’s clear denial of Israeli claims on Hezbollah rebuilding (03:01).
• “Blackout Wednesday”: Striking term for pre-Thanksgiving drinking from MADD CEO Stewart (03:42).

Key Timestamps Overview

• 00:20 – Lawmakers under FBI investigation for video; Trump accuses them of sedition
• 00:48 – Goodlander's defiant response
• 01:35 – Trump’s envoy to Moscow for Ukraine deal; concerns over peace plan changes
• 02:17 – UN disputes Israeli claims about Hezbollah; casualties highlighted
• 03:15 – Drunk driving warnings for Thanksgiving; “Blackout Wednesday”
• 04:09 – Nonprofits encouraging turkey “adoption” instead of consumption

Podcast tone: Factual, brisk, and balanced, with direct quotes from newsmakers and field reporters. Coverage moves swiftly through global and national issues, offering brief but substantive updates.