NPR News Now – November 23, 2025, 11PM EST
Host: Dale Willman | Date: November 24, 2025
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of major U.S. and global news, with a focus on Ukraine peace talks, G20 summit outcomes, economic outlook, travel, airline disruptions, and college football.
1. U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva (00:17–00:55)
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Main Points:
- U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet in Geneva to negotiate a peace proposal aimed at ending Ukraine’s 3.5-year war with Russia.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlights extensive U.S. engagement with Ukraine’s political and military leadership.
- U.S. peace plan faces criticism for being "too favorable to Moscow," but is described as a "living document" subject to change and requiring Russian approval for finalization.
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Notable Quotes:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “There’s been extensive engagement with the Ukrainian side, including our secretary of the army... meeting with relevant stakeholders across the Ukrainian political spectrum.” (00:33)
- Dale Willman: “The US Plan has been criticized for being too favorable to Moscow. But Rubio calls that plan a living document and says it will change, but he says any final deal will still need the approval of Russia.” (00:55)
2. G20 Summit Ends Amid U.S. Absence (00:55–02:12)
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Main Points:
- G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg concludes successfully, per host nation South Africa, despite the absence and boycott by the United States.
- U.S. President Trump abstained, in protest over alleged human rights abuses and summit themes on debt and climate change.
- Summit achieved a joint declaration regardless, with the U.S. set to assume G20 presidency next.
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Memorable Segment:
- Kate Bartlett (NPR correspondent, Johannesburg):
- “South African attendees broke out into cheers as President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the summit closed.” (01:22)
- “Usually, the outgoing President of the G20 hands over formally to the incoming one. But as President Trump was not in attendance, that didn't happen.” (01:41)
- “The US Administration had boycotted the summit after falsely accusing South Africa of human rights abuses against its white minority... the summit achieved a joint declaration despite U.S. objections.” (01:41–02:12)
- Kate Bartlett (NPR correspondent, Johannesburg):
3. Stock Market Volatility and Upcoming Economic Data (02:12–03:12)
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Main Points:
- U.S. investors enter a holiday-shortened week after significant stock market volatility.
- Retailers report most consumers are cautious, with high-end spending led by the wealthy.
- National Retail Federation projects holiday sales could hit $1 trillion for the first time.
- Commerce Department to release September retail sales data, delayed by a government shutdown. Markets closed Thursday (Thanksgiving); early close Friday.
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Notable Quotes:
- Scott Horsley (NPR Business Correspondent):
- “Retailers have been reporting that most shoppers are cautious about their spending. Only the wealthy are likely to splurge on nonessential goods.” (02:33)
- “The National Retail Federation projects holiday sales will reach a trillion dollars for the first time this year.” (02:44)
- Scott Horsley (NPR Business Correspondent):
4. International Airlines Suspend Venezuela Flights (03:12–03:49)
- Main Points:
- Several international airlines, including Turkish Airlines, suspend or pause flights to Venezuela over FAA warnings on military activity and increased security risks.
- U.S. military pressure seen as related factor.
- Six carriers have now indefinitely suspended flights.
5. Thanksgiving Travel Surge and Weather Warnings (03:49–04:28)
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Main Points:
- Nearly 82 million Americans expected to travel via car, train, bus, or cruise for Thanksgiving, according to AAA.
- Heaviest traffic anticipated Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in major metros.
- Weather forecasts predict heavy rain in the Southern Plains and potentially snowy, wet return conditions nationally.
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Notable Quotes:
- Chandelier Elise Duster (NPR Correspondent):
- “AAA says nearly 82 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with more people traveling by car, train, bus and cruise.” (03:49)
- Bob (National Weather Service Lead Forecaster):
- “There will be increasing rains across the Southern Plains... across central Texas into eastern Oklahoma.” (04:11)
- Chandelier Elise Duster (NPR Correspondent):
6. College Football Rankings Update (04:28–04:56)
- Main Points:
- New AP Top 25 poll: Oregon returns to the top five after defeating USC.
- Top five: 1. Ohio State, 2. Indiana, 3. Texas A&M, 4. Georgia, 5. Oregon.
- Ole Miss drops to sixth (idle week), followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Alabama rounding out the top ten.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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Marco Rubio (on peace talks):
“There’s been extensive engagement with the Ukrainian side... meeting with relevant stakeholders across the Ukrainian political spectrum in the legislative branch and the executive branch and the military.” (00:33) -
Kate Bartlett (on G20 closing):
“The summit achieved a joint declaration despite U.S. objections.” (02:12) -
Scott Horsley (on retail outlook):
“Markets will be closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday, and Friday's trading will end early.” (03:12) -
Bob (National Weather Service):
“There will be increasing rains across the Southern Plains anywh across central Texas into eastern Oklahoma.” (04:11)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Start | End | |--------------------------------------------------------|----------|----------| | Ukraine Peace Talks | 00:17 | 00:55 | | G20 Summit & U.S. Absence | 00:55 | 02:12 | | Market Volatility & Retail Data | 02:12 | 03:12 | | Airlines Suspend Venezuela Flights | 03:12 | 03:49 | | Thanksgiving Travel Surge & Weather | 03:49 | 04:28 | | College Football Rankings New Poll | 04:28 | 04:56 |
Summary:
This episode highlights urgent international diplomacy, sharp divides at the G20, U.S. economic uncertainties, global travel disruptions, and the pulse of American college football as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches — a snapshot of news shaping the U.S. and the globe, delivered in NPR’s clear and factual style.
