NPR News Now: November 25, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 Minutes
Episode Overview:
This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise, five-minute update on major world and US events, covering Ukraine peace efforts, the surge in Thanksgiving travel, retail economic data, a grassroots project in Greenland, and a historic comic book sale. The episode features critical insights from NPR correspondents and notable voices involved in the day’s news.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Ukraine Peace Talks and Renewed Hostilities

Timestamps: 00:20–01:23

• President Zelensky's Potential Visit to the US
  Ukraine’s national security adviser announces that President Volodymyr Zelensky may soon travel to the US to meet with President Trump to discuss a new European-backed peace initiative for Ukraine.

• Replacement of the Pro-Russian Peace Plan

  • A new European-backed peace plan is replacing the previous 28-point pro-Russian draft that was recently discarded in Geneva.
  • The Kremlin has already rejected the new proposal, responding with renewed military aggression against Ukraine.

• Escalation in Kyiv

  • Following the diplomatic fallout, Russia launched 22 missiles and more than 400 drones at the Kyiv region, resulting in seven deaths.
  • Quote (01:14):
    “I woke up from the explosions and I wanted to cry.”
    —Mykhailo Didenko, 25-year-old barista, expressing the exhaustion of civilians under attack

• Outlook:
  Ukrainians are weary yet hopeful that something positive may be achieved in coming months, against the backdrop of intensified Russian aggression.

2. Record Thanksgiving Travel Amid Government Reopening

Timestamps: 01:23–02:17

• Travel Volume

  • The FAA reports over 360,000 flights scheduled over the Thanksgiving holiday, with 52,000 flights in just one day.
  • Nearly 82 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles.

• FAA Operations Resume

  • The recent government shutdown impacted air travel operations; controllers have returned to work.
  • Quote (01:44):
    “We’re past the lapse. Controllers are back at work. They're excited to be back on the job. They're excited to be compensated to be back on the job. So we're all thrilled that we’re happy to tell you we've got a great plan.”
    —Brian Bedford, FAA Administrator

• Travel Advisory:
  Travelers are urged to give themselves extra time for check-in, security, and traffic, and to monitor weather conditions.

3. Economic Update: Retail Spending Slows Slightly

Timestamps: 02:17–03:07

• Retail Sales Findings

  • Retail growth slowed to up 0.2% in September compared to August.
  • The federal retail sales report, delayed due to the government shutdown, finally released.

• Yearly Comparison & Consumer Trends

  • Year-over-year spending at stores and restaurants is up 4.3% (versus September 2024).
  • Sectors seeing increased consumer activity: clothing, electronics, restaurants, and bars.

• Positive Outlook from Major Retailers

  • Major retailers (Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods) reporting strong sales.
  • Quote (02:53):
    “The industry is now predicting another record holiday season, counting on the fact that people generally are employed and wages are still growing faster than inflation.”
    —Alina Selyuk, NPR Correspondent

4. Community Initiative: Greenland’s New Skatepark

Timestamps: 03:07–04:21

• Grassroots Project in South Greenland

  • Community in Karoto fundraised approx. $23,000 to build the town’s first skatepark.
  • Project inspired by local parents' group chat, aiming to provide youth space despite high unemployment and debt.

• Mental Health and Community Impact

  • Quote (03:56):
    “The suicide rates and this not just for the kids, it’s just also for the parents to create something fun for the community and get some hope.”
    —Soan Muttensen, engineer & skateboarder

  • Previous models in Greenland’s capital show long-term benefits for youth engagement.

5. Rare Superman Comic Sets Auction Record

Timestamps: 04:21–04:58

• Historic Sale in Texas

  • A rare first Superman comic discovered by three brothers in their mother’s attic sold for over $9 million — a record-breaking price for any comic book.
  • The comic had been stored for decades, remaining in outstanding condition.

• Cultural Significance

  • The sale highlights the tremendous and growing value of pop culture collectibles.

Memorable Quotes by Timestamp

• “I woke up from the explosions and I wanted to cry.”
  —Mykhailo Didenko (Ukrainian civilian), 01:14

• “We’re past the lapse. Controllers are back at work. They're excited to be back on the job... So we're all thrilled that we’re happy to tell you we've got a great plan.”
  —Brian Bedford (FAA Administrator), 01:44

• “The industry is now predicting another record holiday season, counting on the fact that people generally are employed and wages are still growing faster than inflation.”
  —Alina Selyuk (NPR Economics Correspondent), 02:53

• “The suicide rates and this not just for the kids, it’s just also for the parents to create something fun for the community and get some hope.”
  —Soan Muttensen (engineer and skateboarder), 03:56

Notable Moments & Tone

• Ukrainian resilience and hope amid ongoing violence
• FAA’s upbeat confidence after the resumption of government operations
• Economist’s cautious optimism about holiday retail trends
• A heartfelt community story from Greenland underlines youth advocacy and hope
• The surprise and delight surrounding a hidden Superman comic's record-setting sale

In Brief:
This NPR News Now episode condenses breaking and feature stories into a crisp, five-minute segment, balancing international crisis updates, practical travel and economic news, community spotlight stories, and a pop culture surprise—each segment capturing both the urgency and humanity behind the headlines.