ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - November 23, 2025

Here's a detailed summary of the provided YouTube video transcript, maintaining the original language and technical precision:

Key Concepts

• Cross-Country Storm: A significant weather system impacting travel across the United States.
• Thanksgiving Travel: The period of high travel volume leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.
• FAA Warnings: Federal Aviation Administration advisories to pilots regarding safety concerns.
• Venezuela Tensions: Escalating political and military friction between the U.S. and Venezuela.
• Ukraine Peace Talks: Negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
• Slender Man Attacker: An individual convicted of a stabbing related to the fictional Slender Man character.
• Jeffrey Epstein Saga: Ongoing legal developments concerning the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• UAB Football Incident: A stabbing involving college football players.
• Food Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported food products.
• Titanic Memorabilia: Artifacts from the Titanic shipwreck.
• "Wicked: For Good" Box Office: The financial performance of a musical adaptation.
• Tatiana Schlossberg's Diagnosis: The public announcement of a rare and incurable disease by JFK's granddaughter.

Cross-Country Storm and Thanksgiving Travel

A significant cross-country storm is impacting travel plans for millions of Americans during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period. The storm, originating from the south, is bringing heavy rain and flash floods to various regions.

Key Points and Details:

• Impacted Areas:
  • Texas: Heavy rain and elevated flash flood risks are present tonight into tomorrow morning.
  • DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth): Potential for travel delays on Monday as the storm shifts east into the Lower Mississippi Valley.
  • Austin to Greenville: Potential for flooding on Monday.
  • Southeast: Scattered showers expected on Tuesday, with a reduced severe potential (large hail, damaging wind gusts) from Austin to Shreveport.
  • Minneapolis: A system is expected to bring snow on Tuesday, impacting a major travel hub.
  • Northeast (Philly through Boston, New York): Wet weather is anticipated on Wednesday, potentially slowing travel, but expected to clear by Thursday.
• Travel Volume: This Thanksgiving period is projected to be the busiest in 15 years.
  • Air Travel: Over 31 million passengers are expected to fly this week. The TSA anticipates processing over 3 million passengers on the peak travel day, next Sunday.
  • Road Travel: AAA estimates 81 million people will be traveling by road.
• TSA Preparedness: Despite recent staffing shortages and disruptions from a government shutdown, the TSA states its officers are "well trained and laser focused on getting folks to the checkpoint" and are prepared for the holiday crowds.
• TSA Officer Bonuses: The Trump administration is distributing $10,000 bonus checks to some TSA officers and air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance while working without pay during the government shutdown. However, concerns exist that thousands of workers who reported for duty were excluded from this recognition.
• New Fee Proposal: Officials are proposing an $18 fee for travelers who do not have a REAL ID or a passport when going through security.

Real-World Application/Example:

• A Vietnam veteran was rescued by roommates as his car was floating away in floodwaters in Southern California due to the storm.

Rising Tensions Between the U.S. and Venezuela

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued warnings to airlines about potential hazards in the airspace over Venezuela, leading to flight cancellations. President Trump has not ruled out military action.

Key Points and Details:

• FAA Warning: The FAA cited worsening security and heightened military activity as threats to aircraft at all altitudes over Venezuela.
• Airline Cancellations: Six international carriers have suspended flights to Caracas, Venezuela's capital.
• U.S. Military Pressure: The U.S. is increasing military pressure on Venezuela, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford, described as the largest and most lethal carrier in the world, to the Caribbean Sea.
• Accusations Against Maduro: The Trump administration accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of fueling the drug trade into the U.S. Maduro denies these ties.
• U.S. Strikes: Since September, the U.S. has conducted at least 20 strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, resulting in over 80 deaths, many of whom were from Venezuela. The administration has not provided public evidence to support the claim that these individuals were smuggling drugs.
• Republican Concerns: Some Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism and a lack of briefings regarding the administration's actions. Senator Rubio stated, "I have been given zero, not one briefing because I'm skeptical of what they are doing."
• Potential for U.S. Troops: President Trump stated he is "not ruling out anything" regarding putting U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela.
• Trump's Planned Call: Trump indicated he would be speaking to Maduro in the near future with "something very specific to say."
• Terrorist Organization Designation: Venezuela's President Maduro and his government are to be added to the State Department's list of the world's most dangerous terrorist organizations, which President Trump claims grants authority to strike inside Venezuela, though legal experts dispute this.

Ukraine's Future and Peace Talks

High-level talks are underway in Geneva regarding Ukraine's future, with the U.S. administration pushing back against criticisms that a proposed 28-point peace plan favors Russia.

Key Points and Details:

• Location of Talks: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Participants: American and Ukrainian negotiators.
• Russian Actions: Multiple Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv were reported during the talks.
• Progress Claimed: Top Trump administration and Ukrainian officials stated they have made "productive and meaningful progress" towards ending the war. A U.S. official noted, "There is still work to be done, but we are much further ahead today at this time than we were when we began this morning and a week ago."
• The 28-Point Peace Plan: This plan, reportedly presented with U.S. pressure on Ukraine, has been criticized for potentially handing over more Ukrainian land to Russia and significantly reducing Ukraine's military.
• Criticism of the Plan: Senator Rubio stated, "According to Secretary Rubio is not the administration's position. It is essentially the wish list of the Russians."
• State Department Denial: The State Department denied the plan was a Russian wish list, asserting it was based on input from both sides.
• Foundational Texts Agreed Upon: Rubio indicated that today's talks with Ukraine resulted in agreement on "foundational texts," suggesting the Thanksgiving deadline might be extended.
• Stakes of the Conflict: Russia's invasion began nearly four years ago. Russian troops occupy one-fifth of Ukraine, with entire towns and cities destroyed and millions displaced. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed.
• U.S. Support Threat: President Trump had threatened to stop all support and intelligence sharing unless Ukraine signed a deal, according to a Ukrainian official.
• Zelenskyy's Statements: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy previously described the situation as "one of the most difficult moments in our history." However, he later sounded more positive, stating President Trump is "hearing us" and calling the talks "important."
• Russia's Acceptance: The key question remains whether Russia will accept any proposed changes to the plan.

Urgent Search for Slender Man Attacker

Authorities are searching for Morgan Geyser, who escaped from a group home in Wisconsin after cutting off her monitoring bracelet. Geyser was convicted of stabbing a classmate a decade ago in an attempt to appease the fictional Slender Man character.

Key Points and Details:

• Escape Details: Morgan Geyser cut off her ankle monitor and fled a group home on Saturday. She was last seen with an adult acquaintance.
• Conviction: In 2014, Geyser and her friend, both 12 years old at the time, stabbed a classmate 19 times to please the fictional character Slender Man.
• Plea: Geyser pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted homicide.
• Release from Facility: A judge had ordered her release from a psychiatric facility.
• Victim's Family: The family of the stabbing victim, Peyton Leitner, stated they are safe and cooperating with law enforcement.

UAB Football Players Stabbed

Two college football players were stabbed hours before a game at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). A teammate is now in custody.

Key Points and Details:

• Incident: The attack occurred Saturday morning at the team's training facility.
• Suspect: Daniel Mincy, a 20-year-old redshirt freshman and former University of Kentucky student, was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a charge of attempted murder.
• Victims: The two injured players, whose names have not been released, were taken to the hospital. They are reported to be in stable condition.
• UAB Statement: UAB stated their thoughts are with the victims and their families and that the safety and well-being of all students remain their top priority.
• Team's Decision to Play: Despite the emotional toll, the team played their final home game against the University of South Florida to honor their seniors. UAB lost the game.

Jeffrey Epstein Saga: DOJ Seeks to Unseal Testimony

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is again asking a federal judge in Florida to unseal grand jury testimony from the initial federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago.

Key Points and Details:

• DOJ Request: The DOJ is seeking to unseal grand jury transcripts from the original federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• Previous Denials: Judges in New York and Florida have previously denied similar requests earlier this year. One judge suggested the DOJ was attempting to distract from existing records.
• New Law: A new law requires the DOJ to release all unclassified documents and records related to Epstein and his accomplices, but it does not specifically mention grand jury transcripts.
• Urgency: The DOJ is asking for a quick ruling due to a looming December deadline.

Food Prices and Tariff Reductions

President Trump is lifting some tariffs on imported food products in an effort to lower costs for consumers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Key Points and Details:

• Tariff Reductions: Import taxes on beef, coffee, fruits, and other products are being eliminated.
• Motivation: This move is intended to address escalating pressure on the administration to tackle rising food costs for American families.
• Thanksgiving Dinner Cost: According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the national average for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for ten is approximately $55.18 in 2025, a 5% decrease from $58.08 a year ago.
• Consumer Perception: Despite the decrease in the overall dinner cost, many Americans report their grocery bills are still soaring. A Fox News poll indicated 85% of voters believe their grocery prices have increased this year, with 60% stating costs have increased "a lot."
• Specific Item Price Changes:
  • Turkey: Down 16% this year.
  • Milk (gallon): Up 16%.
  • Potatoes: Up 37%.
  • One-pound veggie tray: Up over 60%.
• Brazilian Goods: Tariffs are being lifted on Brazilian goods, a significant supplier of beef and coffee to the U.S.
• Further Exemptions Considered: The administration is considering additional exemptions that could further reduce tariffs.

"Wicked: For Good" Box Office Success

The new "Wicked" sequel, "Wicked: For Good," has achieved a record-breaking opening weekend at the box office.

Key Points and Details:

• North American Gross: The film earned an estimated $150 million in North America alone.
• Record Achievement: This figure surpasses the opening weekend gross of the first "Wicked" film last year.
• Broadway Musical Adaptation Record: It marks the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.

Titanic Memorabilia Auction

A gold pocket watch belonging to Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's, who perished on the Titanic, sold for a record auction price.

Key Points and Details:

• Item: Gold pocket watch.
• Owner: Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's.
• Circumstances: Straus was last seen with his wife Ida as the Titanic sank in 1912.
• Auction Price: $2.3 million.

Tatiana Schlossberg's Diagnosis

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has publicly shared her diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation, an aggressive and incurable disease.

Key Points and Details:

• Diagnosis: Acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation.
• Nature of Disease: Described as aggressive and incurable.
• Publication: Schlossberg shared her story in a quiet essay published in "The New Yorker."
• Personal Reflection: She expresses feelings of being "cheated" and sad about not being able to continue her life with her husband. She also reflects on her desire to be good and protect her mother, now adding a "new tragedy" to their lives.
• Gratitude and Appreciation: Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Schlossberg's words convey a sense of gratitude.
  • Nurses: She praises nurses as "competent, full of grace and empathy, willing to serve others."
  • Oncologist: She commends her oncologist for tirelessly searching for treatments and trying to stop her from dying.
  • Husband: She details her husband George's unwavering support, sleeping on the hospital floor, not getting angry during her steroid treatments, and caring for their children while bringing her dinner.
• Age: Schlossberg is 35 years old and a mother of two.

Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Death

The grandparents of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old whose body was found on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, are speaking out.

Key Points and Details:

• Cause of Death: Authorities have informed the family that Anna Kepner's cause of death was asphyxiation, specifically a "bar hold" (a chokehold).
• Condition of Body: The medical examiner's office reportedly found her body in "perfect condition."
• Suspect: Anna's stepmother stated in a court filing that one of her minor children is a suspect.
• Arrests: No arrests have been made.
• Further Coverage: More details are expected to be shared by Anna's grandparents on "Good Morning America."

Explosion Near Youngstown, Ohio

An explosion near Youngstown, Ohio, resulted in multiple injuries, mostly minor, and caused significant damage.

Key Points and Details:

• Incident: An explosion occurred near Youngstown, Ohio.
• Damage: Windows were blown out on multiple floors.
• Injuries: Several injuries were reported, predominantly minor.
• Cause: The cause of the explosion is under investigation.