NPR News Now: November 24, 2025, 3AM EST — Episode Summary
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise, five-minute roundup of the top stories shaping the United States and the world as of November 24, 2025. Key topics include ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, U.S.-Canada trade tensions, strong language from New York’s mayor-elect about President Trump, Thanksgiving travel trends, security concerns in Pakistan, new research into weight loss drugs, and an unusually strong box office showing for a Broadway musical film adaptation.
Key Stories and Insights
1. U.S. Proposal to End the War in Ukraine
[00:14-01:13]
- U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to discuss a 28-point American peace proposal.
- The plan is widely seen as favorable to Russia, drafted with little input from Ukraine or European allies.
- Major points include Ukraine relinquishing territory, shrinking its military, and being barred from joining NATO.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the stark choices faced: “between losing its dignity or losing the US as a key international partner.”
- Former President Trump clarified that the plan is not his "final offer to Ukraine."
Notable Quote:
"His country faces a choice between losing its dignity or losing the US as a key international partner."
— Danielle Kurtzleben, quoting President Zelenskyy [00:48]
2. U.S.-Canada Trade Talks on Hold
[01:13-02:06]
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has no urgency to resume trade talks with Washington.
- Carney stated he would reopen talks "when it's appropriate" and has no pressing issues to discuss with President Trump.
- Focus remains on building new trade partnerships globally.
- Trump previously halted trade talks after a Canadian ad featuring Ronald Reagan's voice criticized tariffs.
- Carney left the door open for dialogues "most likely in the next couple of weeks."
Notable Quote:
“I would resume discussions with the U.S. quote, when it's appropriate, adding that he didn't have any pressing issue to talk about with President Trump.”
— Dan Karpenchuk, summarizing Carney [01:25]
3. New York Mayor-Elect’s Comments on President Trump
[02:06-02:42]
- Zoran Mamdani stands by calling Trump a “despot and a fascist” despite a recent positive meeting.
- Mamdani signals willingness to work with Trump on city issues—except immigration.
- Expresses concern over federal immigration enforcement leading to detentions and deportations of New Yorkers guilty only of routine court appearances.
Notable Quote:
“The concern comes from beyond those crimes, the many New Yorkers who at this moment are being arrested, they're being detained, they're being deported for the crime of showing up to a regular court appearance.”
— Zoran Mamdani [02:27]
4. Thanksgiving Travel Reaches Record High
[02:42-03:16]
- AAA estimates 73 million Americans will drive over 50 miles for Thanksgiving—the highest ever, accounting for over 20% of the population.
- An additional 6 million may travel by air, with possible declines if concerns over recent government shutdown-induced flight disruptions persist.
5. Security Incident in Pakistan
[03:16-03:38]
- At least three killed following a coordinated suicide bombing targeting Pakistani federal police in the northwest.
- One bomber detonated at the main gate; another was shot by security forces.
6. Weight Loss Drug Research
[03:38-04:24]
- New studies show drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are effective for weight loss only when they influence the brain’s "vomit center," which also causes nausea.
- Experiments in mice demonstrated blocking this brain area prevented both nausea and weight loss.
- The nausea side effect is a leading reason many patients quit these medications, despite industry efforts to mitigate it.
Notable Quote:
“It’s very challenging, we think, right now to be able to separate these side effects, like nausea, from GLP1’s intended effects like weight loss.”
— Warren Jakowicz, University of Michigan [04:05-04:11]
7. Box Office Success for Broadway Musical Adaptation
[04:24-04:54]
- The musical movie "Wicked for Good" topped the weekend box office with $150 million domestically and $226 million globally—remarkable amid a lukewarm year for films.
- 71% of ticket buyers were women.
- "Now You See Me, Now You Don’t" and "Predator Badlands" trailed with $9.1M and $6.3M, respectively.
Memorable Moments & Selected Timestamps
- [00:48] Zelenskyy’s stark assessment of the Ukraine peace plan’s implications.
- [01:25] Canada’s Prime Minister gently rebuffs Trump on trade talks.
- [02:27] Mayor-elect Mamdani’s unwavering critique yet pragmatic stance on Trump.
- [04:05] Scientific explanation connecting nausea to weight loss efficacy in popular drugs.
Tone and Style
The episode maintains NPR’s signature brisk, factual, and balanced delivery. Sources are directly cited, providing succinct but impactful quotes from world and local leaders. Even with time constraints, reporters offer context and nuance, especially on sensitive topics such as international conflict resolution and domestic political dialogue.
Ideal for listeners seeking:
A brisk, credible summary of top global and domestic stories, with clear explanations and direct quotes from primary newsmakers.