NPR News Now – 11-26-2025 9AM EST

Main Theme:
A concise overview of current national and international news headlines, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy, escalating defense budgets in Taiwan, fire disasters in Asia, U.S. political races, a significant CDC appointment, and unemployment trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Envoy to Russia for Ukraine Peace Talks

• [00:16] President Trump announced that envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week to meet President Putin, aiming to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Trump characterized the much-discussed 28-point peace proposal as more conceptual than concrete, emphasizing ongoing negotiations:
  • “That was just a map. All that was is a map. That was not a plan, it was a concept. And from there they've taken each one of the 28 points and then you got down to 22 points. A lot of them were solved and actually very favorably solved. So we'll see what happens.” — Donald Trump [00:41]

2. Taiwan's $40 Billion Special Defense Budget

• [01:15] Taiwan's President Lai Chingduo announced a $40 billion defense budget (2026-2033), mainly for advanced missiles and a new air defense system (“T Dome”), responding to threats from China.
• The budget aims to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030 and must pass opposition-controlled parliament (Kuomintang Party), which prefers diplomacy with Beijing.
• “Taiwan's President Lai Chingduo said that the special budget will promote peace across the Taiwan Strait by strengthening deterrence.” — Anthony Kuhn, NPR News [01:15]

3. Deadly Fires in Asia

• [01:58] Reports on two separate fire disasters:
  • Hong Kong: Apartment complex blaze killed at least 13.
  • Bangladesh: Massive slum fire in Dhaka left thousands homeless, with around 1,500 homes destroyed. No fatalities reported.

4. Competitive Congressional Race in Tennessee

• [02:26] Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, long a Republican stronghold, is now rated “likely Republican” (was “solidly Republican”) by the Cook Political Report.
• Race heats up between Democrat Afton Bain and Republican Matt Van Epps. GOP focuses on voter turnout amid holiday season.
• “I think if there's concern, it's just that people aren't aware that they have the opportunity to vote right now.” — Scott Golden, Tennessee GOP Chair [02:56]
• Analysis suggests Democrats may be more motivated to vote in the December 2nd special election.

5. Housing Loan Limits Raised

• [03:15] Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to guarantee single-family home loans up to $832,750 next year to adjust for rising home prices.

6. New CDC Deputy Director Appointment Controversy

• [03:58] Dr. Ralph Abraham, former Republican congressman and vocal critic of COVID vaccines, appointed as principal deputy director of the CDC.
• Abraham’s record includes opposing vaccine promotion during his stint as Louisiana Surgeon General.
• Former CDC official Dr. Nirav Shah harshly criticized the appointment:
  • “With the addition of Dr. Abraham, they now have a scientific gloss that they can put on their anti vaccine theories.” — Dr. Nirav Shah [04:27]
• The CDC hasn't specified Abraham's start date.

7. Unemployment Claims Fall

• [04:42] Labor Department report: Unemployment benefit applications fell by 6,000 last week, signaling ongoing labor market strength.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump on Ukraine Peace Talks:
  • “That was just a map. All that was is a map. That was not a plan, it was a concept...you got down to 22 points. A lot of them were solved and actually very favorably solved. So we'll see what happens.” [00:41]
• Tennessee GOP Chair on Voter Awareness:
  • “I think if there's concern, it's just that people aren't aware that they have the opportunity to vote right now.” — Scott Golden [02:56]
• Dr. Nirav Shah on Dr. Abraham’s Appointment:
  • “With the addition of Dr. Abraham, they now have a scientific gloss that they can put on their anti vaccine theories.” [04:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:16] U.S. envoy sent to Russia regarding Ukraine war negotiations
• [01:15] Taiwan's major defense spending announcement
• [01:58] Fatal fires in Hong Kong and Bangladesh
• [02:26] Tennessee’s 7th District special election heats up
• [03:15] U.S. raises maximum government-backed home loan limits
• [03:58] CDC deputy director named — controversy over Dr. Ralph Abraham
• [04:42] Unemployment claims drop; labor market strength

Tone:
Objective, fact-driven, and concise; urgency and gravity appropriate for topics such as war, disaster, health leadership, and political contests.

Intended Audience Use:
Ideal for listeners or readers seeking a quick but comprehensive update on key U.S. and world news events, policy decisions, and the political climate as of November 26, 2025.