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)

• 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.

• 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)

• 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.

• 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)

3. Stock Market Volatility and Upcoming Economic Data (02:12–03:12)

• 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.

• 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)

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)

• 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.

• 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)

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

• 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.