NPR News Now – November 24, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode presents major global and domestic news stories, focusing on ongoing diplomatic negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine, escalating violence in Lebanon, mass kidnappings in Nigeria, suicide bombings in Pakistan, the global box office performance of "Wicked for Good," and new social media laws in Australia. The episode closes with highlights from the LPGA golf championship.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Geneva Peace Talks Over Ukraine Conflict

[00:16–00:50]

• Diplomats from the U.S., Ukraine, and several European countries are convening in Geneva, aiming to broker peace in Ukraine.
• Details of the U.S.-proposed 28-point peace plan (explained by Luke Garrett):
  • Ukraine would cede the Donbas, Crimea, and Luhansk to Russia.
  • The Ukrainian military would be reduced by 30%, capped at 600,000 troops.
  • Ukraine’s path to NATO membership would be blocked (though EU eligibility remains).
• Reaction:
  • Ukrainian ambassadors and many European states have expressed “serious concerns.”

Notable Quote:

“Ukraine would give up some territory to Russia, including in the Donbas, which it controls. It would also have to cede Crimea and Luhansk, which Russia has occupied... The deal would block Ukraine's pathway to NATO membership, though it would remain eligible for EU membership.”
— Luke Garrett [00:30]

2. Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Targets Hezbollah Commander

[00:50–01:50]

• Incident: Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs kills senior Hezbollah commander Haitham Ali Tabatabai, four others, and wounds dozens.
• First Israeli strike on Beirut in months, despite U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
• Lebanese President Joseph Ayoun calls for international intervention; Hezbollah claims this attack sets a “new red line.”

Notable Quote:

“Hezbollah announced that Haitham Ali Tabatabai was killed in an Israeli attack in Beirut's southern suburbs Sunday. The group described him as one of the founders of resistance against Israel.”
— Jane Araf [01:08]

3. Mass Kidnappings and Attacks in Nigeria

[01:50–02:50]

• Update on Student Kidnapping:
  • 50 of 300+ kidnapped students from St. Mary’s Catholic School escaped; aged 10–18.
  • No group has claimed responsibility; authorities are conducting rescue operations.
• Broader Security Issues:
  • Recent days have seen attacks on other schools and a church; 25 additional students abducted elsewhere.
  • Gunmen attacked a church, killing two and kidnapping 38; all church abductees have now been rescued.

Notable Quote:

“The attack is one of Nigeria's biggest school abductions since the 2014 kidnapping of 260 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants.”
— Jewel Bright [02:14]

4. Suicide Bombing in Pakistan

[02:50–03:21]

• Two suicide bombers attacked a security office in northwestern Pakistan.
  • One detonated at the main gate; the other was killed by security forces.
  • At least three officers killed; no group has yet taken responsibility.

5. Entertainment: ‘Wicked for Good’ Box Office Success

[03:21–04:08]

• The film “Wicked for Good,” sequel to “Wicked,” is a box office hit.
  • $150 million opening weekend in the U.S.; $75+ million overseas.
  • Original “Wicked” film earned $758 million worldwide; combined total set to surpass $1 billion.
  • Extensive promotions by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Notable Quote:

“It’s doing very well, but the story isn’t as well known in other countries.... Their combined box office will reach a billion dollars in the next few days.”
— Bob Mondello [03:35]

6. Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s

[04:08–04:28]

• New law bans social media use by anyone under 16 beginning December 10.
• Meta (Facebook, Instagram parent) is urging minors to download their digital histories prior to deleting accounts.
• Meta is the first social media company to announce compliance steps.

7. LPGA Golf Championship

[04:28–04:54]

• Gino Titical wins the LPGA championship in Florida.
  • Final round: 68, four shots ahead of Padjari Anandrukhan.
  • Prize: $4 million and Player of the Year title.
• Nelly Korda finishes third, ending the year without a win.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Ukraine’s Peace Plan:
  “Ukraine would have to reduce the size of its army by about 30%, capping it at 600,000 troops. And the deal would block Ukraine’s pathway to NATO membership.”
  — Luke Garrett [00:36]

• On Beirut Airstrike:
  “This was Israel's first attack in months on Beirut.... a Hezbollah official called Sunday's attack a new red line.”
  — Jane Araf [01:34]

• On Nigerian Abductions:
  “Nigeria has seen a wave of attacks in recent days targeting schools and places of worship.”
  — Jewel Bright [02:22]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Ukraine peace talks: [00:16–00:50]
• Beirut airstrike: [00:50–01:50]
• Nigeria student kidnappings: [01:50–02:50]
• Pakistan suicide bombing: [02:50–03:21]
• ‘Wicked for Good’ box office: [03:21–04:08]
• Australia social media law: [04:08–04:28]
• LPGA results: [04:28–04:54]

This concise yet comprehensive briefing delivers the major global headlines and their immediate context, aiding listeners who need an informed update in minutes.