NPR News Now – 11-24-2025, 11AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise five-minute update on international and national breaking news: U.S.–Venezuela tensions, Ukraine peace negotiations, U.S. holiday travel weather, stock market updates, Gaza aid shutdown, Bolsonaro’s detention in Brazil, and Australia’s new social media ban for minors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Venezuela Tension Escalates

[00:16–01:28]

• U.S. Terrorist Organization Designation:

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organization, implicating President Nicolas Maduro and senior Venezuelan military officials in drug trafficking.
  • The Trump administration backs these claims, citing the cartel’s alleged involvement in narcotics operations directed by top Venezuelan leadership.

• Venezuelan Response:

  • Venezuela’s government rejects the U.S. designation, dismissing it as a “ridiculous fabrication.”
  • Official statement: There is “no such thing as the Cartel de los Soles.”

• Military Developments:

  • U.S. warships and thousands of troops gather off Venezuela’s coast, prompting fears of a potential military strike.

• Notable Quote:

  • John Otis (Reporter):

    “The terrorist designation comes as the US has positioned warships and thousands of troops near the coast of Venezuela, raising expectations of a possible military strike inside the country.” [01:18]

2. Ukraine Peace Negotiations

[01:28–01:58]

• Criticism of Initial Peace Proposal:

  • Critics allege the proposal favored Russia too much; talks have resumed to amend it.
  • Negotiations involve representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, and Europe.

• Ukraine’s Stance:

  • President Zelenskyy, speaking in Sweden, insists on seeking a strengthened, not weakened, Ukraine solution.

• Notable Quote:

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    “Of course, we all continue working with partners, especially the United States, and look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken.” [01:47]

3. U.S. Thanksgiving Travel and Weather

[01:58–03:01]

• Travel Volume and Potential Delays:

  • Tens of millions of Americans expected to travel, predominantly by car but also by air.
  • Severe storms forecast for the Mississippi Valley early in the week, likely causing airport delays in Dallas, Little Rock, and Kansas City.
  • Subsequent storms will spread into the Midwest, east coast, and Southeast, affecting major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.

• Hazard Outlooks:

  • Possible wind-driven snow in the Northern Plains and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes could complicate road travel.

• Notable Quote:

  • Matt Bloom (Reporter):

    “Airports in Dallas, Little Rock and Kansas City could see delays due to heavy rainfall and winds. Come Tuesday, more rain is expected to spread from the Midwest to the east coast and Southeast.” [02:23]

4. Stock Market Update

[03:01–03:13]

• Markets Trading Higher:
  • Dow up 301 points, NASDAQ Composite up 473, S&P 500 up 86 points at the time of reporting.

5. Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation Closure

[03:13–03:40]

• Foundation Shuts Down:
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the U.S. and Israel, is closing after its role in overseeing civilian aid deliveries.
  • The group was criticized previously for delays in aid distribution. Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas started six weeks ago.

6. Brazil: Bolsonaro Detained Over House Arrest Violations

[03:40–04:34]

• Events Leading to Detention:

  • Supreme Court justices to vote on whether ex-President Jair Bolsonaro remains under arrest after violating terms of his house arrest.
  • Bolsonaro claimed to have tampered with his ankle monitor due to a “nervous breakdown” and hallucinations about wiretapping—allegedly related to medication changes.
  • He told police he used a soldering iron on the device out of “curiosity.”
  • Currently detained in the Federal Police headquarters in Brasilia (private room and bathroom), his lawyers argue he was mentally confused and are appealing his arrest.

• Notable Quote:

  • Julia Carneiro (Reporter):

    “[Bolsonaro] told a police agent he had used a soldering iron out of, quote, curiosity. He is since detained in a room with a private bathroom in the federal police headquarters in Brasilia.” [04:16]

7. Australia’s Social Media Ban for Minors

[04:34–04:56]

• Upcoming Regulation:
  • New law bans people under 16 from social media starting December 10.
  • Meta advises minors in Australia to download their digital histories before accounts are deleted.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On U.S.–Venezuela Relations:

  • John Otis:

    “The terrorist designation comes as the US has positioned warships and thousands of troops near the coast of Venezuela, raising expectations of a possible military strike inside the country.” ([01:18])

• On Ukraine Talks:

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    “Look for compromises that strengthen but not weaken.” ([01:47])

• On Bolsonaro’s House Arrest:

  • Julia Carneiro:

    “[Bolsonaro] told a police agent he had used a soldering iron out of, quote, curiosity.” ([04:16])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Venezuela U.S. Terrorist Designation: 00:16–01:28
• Ukraine & Peace Talks: 01:28–01:58
• Thanksgiving Travel & Weather: 01:58–03:01
• Stock Market Update: 03:01–03:13
• Gaza Aid Foundation Closes: 03:13–03:40
• Bolsonaro Arrest in Brazil: 03:40–04:34
• Australia Social Media Ban: 04:34–04:56

This summary informs listeners of all the major stories, capturing the direct tone and crucial details present in the original broadcast, suitable for those who missed the episode or need a quick, thorough update.