NPR News Now — November 24, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman (NPR)
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode theme: A concise overview of major global and U.S. news developments, highlighting diplomatic negotiations on Ukraine, U.S. immigration policy, rising tensions over Venezuelan airspace, an alleged criminal plot in Haiti, and box office results.

Key News Highlights

1. U.S. and Ukraine Discuss Peace Proposal (00:19–01:18)

• Theme: The U.S. presented a controversial plan to end the Ukraine war, favoring Russian interests.
• Details:
  • Representatives from the U.S. and Ukraine met in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • The 28-point proposal was drafted without substantial Ukrainian or European input.
  • Key points of the proposal:
    • Ukraine cedes some territory to Russia
    • Downsizing of Ukrainian military
    • Blocking Ukraine from joining NATO
• Ukrainian Response:
  • President Zelenskyy, in a video address, said:

    “My country faces a choice between losing its dignity or losing the US as a key international partner.”

• U.S. Perspective:
  • President Trump clarified:

    “[This is] not [his] final offer to Ukraine.” (01:12)

• Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben

2. Trump Ends Protections for Somali Migrants in Minnesota (01:18–02:06)

• Theme: President Trump announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, sparking community backlash.
• Details:
  • The decision is accompanied by allegations from Trump about Somali crime in Minnesota (not substantiated with specifics).
  • Community response has been immediate, with Minneapolis Somali leaders organizing to oppose the move.
• Notable Quote:
  • Khalid Omar, community organizer:

    “What we saw from our president was an attack, a direct attack to our community here in Minnesota, especially our Somali community. So what we decided is that [unity] is greater than the fear.” (01:46)

• Reporter: Dana Ferguson

3. Flight Cancellations Amid Venezuela Military Tensions (02:06–02:50)

• Theme: Heightened U.S. military presence near Venezuela prompts safety warnings and flight cancellations.
• Details:
  • FAA issued warnings about potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace.
  • Multiple international airlines (including Avianca, Iberia) suspended flights.
  • American military buildup noted as a factor.
• Notable Quote:
  • Luis Fajardo, BBC:

    “Several airlines both from Europe and from Latin America… are responding to notifications by US Authorities describing what they call potentially dangerous situations in Venezuelan airspace over the next few days.” (02:23)

4. NYC Mayor Elect Mamdani Stands by Criticism of Trump (02:50–03:34)

• Theme: Political tensions persist between New York’s incoming mayor and President Trump.
• Details:
  • Zoran Mamdani reiterated past criticisms (“despot” and “fascist”) despite a recent friendly meeting with Trump.
  • Publicly stands by his previous statements.

5. Texas Men Charged in Plot Against Haiti’s Ganav Island (03:34–04:19)

• Theme: Indictment of two Texas men accused of planning a violent takeover of a Haitian island.
• Details:
  • Gavin Weissenberg and Tanner Thomas allegedly intended to kill men and enslave women and children.
  • Plans included recruiting homeless people and learning Haitian Creole.
  • Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for military training; Weissenberg joined a fire academy but did not complete it.
  • Defense lawyers contest the veracity and context of the U.S. government’s claims:

    “The Justice Department’s claims have, quote, some limited factual basis but are wildly misleading.” — Weissenberg’s attorney (03:58)

  • Both plead not guilty.
• Reporter: Kristen Wright

6. Box Office Results: “Wicked for Good” Breaks Records (04:19–04:56)

• Theme: The adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked for Good” posts historic ticket sales.
• Details:
  • $150 million domestic take; biggest opening ever for a Broadway-based film.
  • Other films:
    • “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” — $9.1 million
    • “Predator: Badlands” — $6.3 million
    • “The Running Man” — $5.8 million

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:59 | Volodymyr Zelenskyy | “My country faces a choice between losing its dignity or losing the US as a key international partner.” | | 01:12 | Donald Trump | “[This is] not [his] final offer to Ukraine.” | | 01:46 | Khalid Omar | “What we saw from our president was an attack, a direct attack to our community…” | | 02:23 | Luis Fajardo | “…airlines… are responding to notifications by US Authorities describing…dangerous situations in Venezuelan airspace…” | | 03:58 | Weissenberg’s attorney | “The Justice Department’s claims have, quote, some limited factual basis but are wildly misleading.” |

Structure and Tone

• Language/Tone: Objective, brisk, and focused on factual reporting; features concise, direct quotes and reporting typical of NPR’s news style.
• Flow:
  • International and political headlines (Ukraine, immigration)
  • Emerging security threats (Venezuela, Haiti)
  • National and cultural updates (New York mayor, box office)

This summary provides a complete, timestamped breakdown of the episode’s core news items, capturing the critical information and tone as reported.