Welcome to your daily news roundup. Stay informed with the latest headlines. Subscribe to our newsletter, and don’t miss out on our podcast for an audio summary of top stories.
Top Stories
Transcripts published by Bloomberg reveal a coaching session from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to a Russian advisor on presenting a peace proposal to President Trump. These documents surface as Trump’s peace efforts in Ukraine show progress. Witkoff is reported to have guided Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in navigating Trump’s decision-making. The call is said to have occurred soon after the U.S. imposed sanctions on major Russian oil firms in mid-October. NPR has not independently confirmed these transcripts.
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff looks on during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Trump and members of his Cabinet at the White House on Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
- 🎧 NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports on Ukrainian parliament member Oleksandr Merezhko’s response to the transcripts. Merezhko, not surprised by the revelations, had previously advocated for Witkoff’s removal, citing a lack of competence and understanding of Ukraine. He acknowledges that Ukrainians must interact with Trump’s team, regardless of their perceived biases.
- 🎧 Trump’s focus remains on finding a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, with his team engaging both Moscow and Kyiv. NPR’s Franco Ordoñez notes that while discussions continue, a resolution remains elusive. Trump’s motivation may include humanitarian concerns and aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize.
After the government shutdown, federal officials confirm the U.S. aviation system’s return to normal operation, just ahead of the anticipated Thanksgiving travel surge. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has introduced “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” a campaign urging passengers to show respect to airport and airline personnel.
- 🎧 Critics argue that the campaign puts undue pressure on travelers while allowing airlines to avoid accountability for deteriorating flight experiences. With the FAA predicting a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period, NPR’s Joel Rose advises travelers to brace for large crowds.
Dr. Ralph Abraham, who has expressed controversial views on COVID vaccines, is set to become the CDC’s principal deputy director. This position has been vacant since February, following Dr. Nirav Shah’s resignation. Abraham, Louisiana’s surgeon general, is a known supporter of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and has previously backed investigations into the debunked vaccines-autism link, a topic recently revisited by the CDC. For more on Abraham, click here.
In-Depth Analysis
White round pills in orange bottle on blue background banner close up with copy space neirfy/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Pharmaceutical companies are developing oral forms of GLP-1 medications targeting obesity, providing an alternative to injections. While the FDA has yet to approve these pills, approval is anticipated by year-end. See details on these medications:
- 💊 Novo Nordisk’s oral obesity pill, containing semaglutide like Wegovy and Ozempic, is expected to be the first approved by the FDA.
- 💊 Oral pills are projected to be more affordable than injectables, which exceed $1,000 monthly. Deals with the Trump administration could see pills sold at $149 monthly.
- 💊 A 25 mg semaglutide pill study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows 16.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks, comparable to Wegovy’s results.
Visual Storytelling
Aerial view of the densely inhabited area of Pozzuoli, located within the Campi Flegrei volcanic caldera. Over half a million people live in this region, which is continuously monitored due to the ongoing volcanic activity and the risk of ground uplift, earthquakes, and gas emissions associated with bradyseism. Valerio Muscella for NPR
Campi Flegrei, a formidable volcano near Naples, Italy, has recently shown signs of activity that have not been observed for many years, prompting fears of a potential eruption. Historical eruptions from Campi Flegrei were so impactful that they caused global climate changes. In the event of an eruption today, over 500,000 residents would require evacuation from the designated “red zone.” Explore photos of the area and hear from locals about life near the volcano.
Quick Facts
Gramma’s 138th birthday was celebrated at the San Diego Zoo in 2022. San Diego Zoo/YouTube/Screenshot by NPR
- Gramma, the Galápagos tortoise, believed to have been born in 1884, lived for over a century at the San Diego Zoo. The “sweet and shy tortoise” passed away at 141 last Thursday.
- Thanksgiving boosts sales of Jiffy corn muffins, a longstanding favorite in U.S. grocery stores. This affordable baking mix has been popular for 75 years. Learn how Jiffy remains a staple in American kitchens.
- NPR’s Word of the Week delves into the origin of the word “turkey”, revealing a complex history just in time for the festive season.
Edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
