The NewsWorthy — Key News Made Fast, Fair, and Fun

Episode: Ukraine Faces Deadline, Trump Embraces Mamdani & 'Wicked' Breaks Records
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Lacey Evans (filling in for Erica Mandy)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced update on major news stories from politics, international events, business, transportation, child safety, entertainment, and consumer tips. It covers the looming US-Ukraine peace proposal deadline, a surprising political alliance involving President Trump and New York's Mayor-elect, major congressional changes, international tensions in Venezuela, a divisive global climate summit, storm predictions complicating Thanksgiving travel, urgent product recalls, milestones in auto safety testing, an F1 race update, record-breaking movie openings, and a consumer look at Thanksgiving dinner prices.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Ukraine Pressured to Accept US Peace Proposal

[00:23]

• High-stakes: President Trump has given Ukraine until Thanksgiving to accept a controversial US-drafted peace plan.
• Proposal Details: Ends Russia's invasion, but requires Ukraine to cede land, reduce military size, among other concessions.
• Critique: European leaders find the plan too favorable to Russia; Ukraine's President Zelensky insists “peace must be dignified.”
• Diplomatic Tensions: Trump, via Truth Social, accused Ukraine of showing “zero gratitude.”
• Ongoing Talks: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff lead efforts, with Rubio expressing optimism.
  • Quote (Lacey Evans): “Apparently, Ukrainian representatives have already made some revisions to address security guarantees, long term economic development and more.” [01:34]

2. Trump Embraces Democratic Socialist Mamdani

[02:13]

• Surprising Turn: President Trump met with Zoran Mamdani (NYC's Mayor-elect and Democratic Socialist), marking a sharp shift from previous antagonism.
  • Trump previously described Mamdani as a “communist lunatic” and "an existential threat to New York."
  • Mamdani called Trump a “fascist” and "a despot."
• New Collaboration: Friday's meeting was called “productive” by Mamdani; Trump now refers to him as “a very rational person.”
  • Both pledge cooperation on cost of living and crime reduction.
    • Quote (Trump): “[Mamdani is] a very rational person and [we] agree on a lot more than [I] thought.” [02:33]
• Political Fallout: Marjorie Taylor Greene, formerly a Trump ally, resigns after fallout over Epstein investigation and Trump's foreign focus.
  • Trump calls her resignation “great news for the country.” [03:06]

3. Voting Maps & Supreme Court Intervention

[03:21]

• Texas: Supreme Court lets Texas use its new, GOP-friendly voting map for now, potentially affecting up to five House seats.
• Controversy: Opponents allege racial gerrymandering; fast-tracking needed as candidate filing closes Dec 8.
• Wider Context: Other states (CA, VA, MO, NC) are pursuing partisan redistricting favoring both parties.

4. Venezuela Airspace Warning & US Military Posturing

[04:09]

• Airlines Suspend Flights: Heightened FAA warnings over “worsening security and increased military activity.”
• US Bomber Flights: Trump administration conducts training near Venezuela; hints at escalation.
• Possible New Operations: Reuters reports a new US operational phase may launch soon.

5. Divisive UN Climate Deal

[04:36]

• COP30 Summit: Over 190 countries attended, but US officials absent; summit “one of the most divisive.”
  • Poor compliance on climate plans; final agreement omits fossil fuel phaseout.
  • Wealthy nations to triple aid to climate-vulnerable countries; small wins on grids and biofuels.
  • Quote (Lacey Evans): “Critics say it all shows how hard it is to find global cooperation on issues that impact everyone.” [05:27]

Quick Hits: Weather, Family Safety, and Entertainment

6. Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions

[06:55]

• Storms: Rain for Texas/Southeast; snow for Minnesota/Northeast. Holiday Thursday mostly dry but check forecasts.

7. Children’s Product Recalls

[07:39]

• Little Partners Learning Tower: Platform collapse risk; recall underway.
• Anna Queen Playpen: Suffocation hazard; destroy for refund.
• Bihart Infant Formula: Botulism spores confirmed, expanded recall; dozens of babies hospitalized.

8. Car Safety Breakthrough

[08:39]

• First Female Crash Test Dummy: Now reflects women's anatomy, addressing a key safety gap.
  • Women drivers are 73% more likely to be seriously injured in crashes than men.
  • Auto industry pushback: Some claim “new model could exaggerate injury risks.”
  • Mandate awaits Congressional action.

9. Formula 1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix

[09:30]

• Max Verstappen Wins Second Vegas GP: Lando Norris and George Russell take remaining podium spots.
• Aftermath: Norris and Oscar Piastri disqualified (illegal plank wear), impacting standings.

10. “Wicked for Good” Smashes Box Office Records

[10:09]

• $150 million opening weekend; second biggest Broadway adaptation debut, and only behind the year’s top Minecraft movie.

Money Monday: How Much Is Thanksgiving Dinner?

[12:18]

• Thanksgiving Meal Prices Down: Average meal for 10 people is $55 (lowest since 2021).
  • Turkey and wheat items cheaper; milk and fresh produce pricier.
  • Many stores offer deals (free turkey promotions, meal bundles).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ukraine’s Dilemma:

  • “Peace must be dignified.” — Ukrainian President Zelensky [00:56]

• On sharp political reversals:

  • “A very rational person and we agree on a lot more than I thought.” — President Trump on Zoran Mamdani [02:33]

• On climate diplomacy:

  • “Critics say it all shows how hard it is to find global cooperation on issues that impact everyone.” — Lacey Evans [05:27]

• On car safety disparity:

  • “Women drivers in the US are 73% more likely than a man driver to be severely injured in a car crash.” — Lacey Evans [08:57]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Peace Proposal & Deadline: [00:23–02:13]
• Trump & Mamdani Meeting, Politician Shakeups: [02:13–03:21]
• Texas Voting Map & SCOTUS: [03:21–04:09]
• Venezuela Flights, US Military Movements: [04:09–04:36]
• Divisive UN Climate Deal: [04:36–05:27]
• Thanksgiving Weather Outlook: [06:55–07:39]
• Product Recalls & Infant Formula Update: [07:39–08:39]
• New Female Crash Test Dummy: [08:39–09:30]
• F1 Las Vegas GP Results: [09:30–10:09]
• “Wicked” Movie Box Office Record: [10:09–10:46]
• Thanksgiving Dinner Costs: [12:18–end]

Tone and Style

• Balanced, accessible, and slightly upbeat. Factual, occasionally offering gentle humor or commentary on the ironies and surprises of current events.

This brisk yet informative episode packs wide-ranging news into just ten minutes, providing listeners both the basics and smart context—perfect for quick catch-up on a busy Monday.