NPR News Now – November 23, 2025, 5PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Episode Theme: A concise update on key global and U.S. news stories, including advances in Ukraine peace talks, Middle East tensions, holiday retail forecasts, entertainment news, and Titanic memorabilia.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Brief global and U.S. news roundup
• Updates on geopolitics (Ukraine, Israel/Hezbollah)
• Economic insights ahead of the holidays
• International entertainment and cultural milestones
• Notable auction sales related to historical artifacts

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Backed Ukraine Peace Plan Stirs Confusion

[00:16] Jeanine Herbst reports:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Swiss, Ukrainian, and European officials regarding a 28-point peace plan in Switzerland.

• Controversy over plan's authorship and content:

  • Criticized as too "pro-Russian".
  • Requires Ukraine to cede some territory, reduce military strength, and rule out NATO membership—echoing Russian demands.

• Rubio claims optimism and progress, despite unresolved issues.

  Marco Rubio [00:49]:
  "Obviously, like any final agreement, they'll have to be agreed upon by the presidents. And there are a couple issues that we need to continue to work on. But I think the report today is that I think today was worthwhile. It was very, very it is probably the productive day we have had on this issue."

• Polish PM Donald Tusk expresses skepticism about authorship and transparency on social media.

  • A group of U.S. Senators say Rubio admitted the plan was Russian-origin, but Rubio disputes this, insisting, "it's a U.S. Plan."

2. Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Escalate in Beirut

[01:41] Jane Araf reports from Beirut:

• Israeli airstrike kills senior Hezbollah commander Haitham Ali Tabatabai in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
• Strike results in multiple casualties and injuries in a residential area.
• Tabatabai described as a founding member of the anti-Israel resistance.
• Marks first Israeli attack on Beirut in several months, despite a nominal U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
• Lebanese President Joseph Ayoun urges international intervention.
  • Hezbollah has refrained from attacking Israel since the ceasefire, but calls this strike a "new red line."

3. U.S. Holiday Retail Outlook Amid Cautious Consumerism

[02:30] Scott Horsley, NPR economics correspondent:

• Upcoming week is shortened due to Thanksgiving.
• Investors await delayed Commerce Department data on retail and restaurant sales (September figures, delayed by government shutdown).
• Retailers report cautious spending, with only wealthy consumers splurging.
• National Retail Federation projects holiday sales could hit $1 trillion this season, a new record.
• Market schedule notes: closed Thanksgiving Thursday, early close Friday.

4. "Wicked for Good" Surpasses Global Box Office Expectations

[03:23] Bob Mondello, NPR arts critic:

• "Wicked for Good," the second film in the Wizard of Oz prequel series, enjoys a strong global opening.
  • U.S. box office: ~$150 million opening.
  • Overseas: >$75 million, notable given the franchise’s lesser-known status abroad.
• Massive global appeal driven by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
• Combined with the first "Wicked" film, the franchise's box office is on track to cross $1 billion.

5. Titanic Memorabilia Sets Record at Auction

[04:14] Jeanine Herbst:

• Isadore Strauss’ 18-K gold pocket watch, a Macy’s co-owner and Titanic victim, sold for $2.3 million—record for Titanic artifacts.
• Strauss and wife were last seen together on Titanic’s deck; only his body recovered.
• Watch had been entrusted to the captain of the ship that responded to Titanic’s distress call.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Marco Rubio [00:49]:

  "I think today was worthwhile. It was very, very... it is probably the productive day we have had on this issue."

• Bob Mondello [03:23]:

  "[The film is] expected to do well here with what looks like a $150 million opening weekend. It's doing very well, but the story isn't as well known in other countries... so Wicked for Good opening to more than $75 million overseas... was not a given."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine Peace Plan—Marco Rubio & International Response: 00:16–01:41
• Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Update—Jane Araf, Beirut: 01:41–02:23
• Holiday Retail/Economic Outlook—Scott Horsley: 02:23–03:11
• Wicked for Good Box Office Analysis—Bob Mondello: 03:11–04:14
• Titanic Watch Auction Record—Jeanine Herbst: 04:14–04:53

Language & Tone:

• Objective, concise, and informative, preserving the measured delivery typical of NPR news updates.

This summary delivers a clear, segment-by-segment overview ideal for listeners who missed the broadcast, capturing all critical news and cultural highlights.