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Welcome to Neural Newscast. I'm Andrew Lindbeck. On this November 21, 2025, we remember.

On this day in 1789, North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution,

officially becoming the 12th state to join the Union, according to the National Archives.

You are listening to NNC, Neural Newscast.

Subscribe and listen wherever you choose, and be sure to listen to our archive for more content like this episode, published daily at nnewscast.com.

Now, let's cover the latest political moves.

UK Cabinet Minister Michael Gove issues an apology amid the COVID-19 inquiry's scrutiny of pandemic

decision-making after evidence alleging a toxic culture, BBC and AP report. Cassandra Joyce

reports on this story. Michael Gove apologises during the UK COVID-19 inquiry, saying mistakes were

made in the 2020-21 response, while defending decisions he argues balanced health and the economy.

The apology follows testimony describing a toxic culture in parts of government, as reported by BBC

and The Guardian, and formal hearings documented by the inquiry. Opposition parties, cited by AP,

press for clearer accountability and civil service reforms. Gov says lessons must be learned

without rewriting choices made under pressure as the inquiry moves to future phases on governance

and preparedness. This is Cassandra Joyce for Neural Newscast.

A federal judge blocks President Donald Trump from deploying more than 2,000 National Guard

troops in Washington, D.C., pending further review.

U.S. District Judge Giamh.

Cobb issues a temporary order pausing the call-up, including units from outside D.C.,

until December 11, Reuters reports.

The dispute centers on control of Guard deployments in the Capitol and when federal authority

can override local prerogatives.

Supporters argue the president needs flexibility to respond to unrest.

Critics warn broad federal deployments risk politicizing security.

Further hearings are expected as the case proceeds.

This is Daniel Grove for Neural Newscast.

International developments you should know.

Reuters and Politico report a leaked U.S. draft,

outlining steps on a ceasefire, withdrawals, and reconstruction

aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Here's Monica Kellyn with more.

The draft, described by Reuters and Politico, lists 28 steps, a verified ceasefire,

phased withdrawals, and security guarantees tied to compliance, alongside monitoring and staged

sanctions relief.

Some elements match Kyiv's priorities, prisoner exchanges and energy security,

while others touch red lines, like constraints on NATO pathways or de facto recognition of

occupied areas. The document also sketches reconstruction funding and war crimes accountability.

Ukrainian officials reiterate any deal must restore 1991 borders and provide lasting security.

Washington declines detailed comment, and diplomats say consultations continue with allies.

This is Monica Kellan for Neural Newscast.

At least 52 people are kidnapped from a Catholic school in northwest Nigeria, officials say.

Gunmen storm the campus before dawn and seize students and staff in the second mass abduction this week, AP reports.

Local authorities launch a search and deploy security forces to nearby forests.

The attack follows years of school kidnappings targeting rural communities for ransom.

Families gather at the school, pleading for swift action.

Nigerians are in the middle of the country.

Nigeria's presidency condemns the assault and vows rescue efforts,

and police urge communities to share tips as investigations continue.

This is Daniel Grove for Neural Newscast.

Turning to the economy now.

A top Federal Reserve official says there is room to lower borrowing costs, boosting hopes for a

December rate cut. Reuters reports. Ethan Wells joins us with the latest.

In remarks in New York, John C. Williams, president of the New York Fed,

says inflation is moving toward 2% and the central bank has room to lower rates,

according to the New York Fed and Reuters. He notes the labor market is cooling without collapsing.

Futures pricing tracked by CME FedWatch shows higher odds of a December cut, with markets

penciling an additional easing next year. A move would lower some borrowing costs for

households and businesses while testing whether inflation stays on track.

This is Ethan Wells for Neural Newscast.

Offgem plans a slight energy price cap increase from January, bringing a small rise in household

bills next year, the regulator says. Here's Cassandra Joyce with more.

UFGEM says its cap will rise 0.2% from January for typical dual-fuel homes across Great Britain, reflecting updated wholesale and network costs.

The cap limits unit rates, not total bills, meaning usage and tariffs still drive what people pay.

Consumer groups urge checking fixed deals, improving efficiency, and claiming eligible support ahead of peak winter demand.

Reuters notes the change is modest compared with prior swings, but any increase adds pressure on lower-income households.

This is Cassandra Joyce for Neural Newscast.

The latest from the world of innovation.

The AI boom accelerates, delivering big gains but also amplifying worries about jobs, deepfakes, and safety risks.

According to company earnings and AP reporting, I'm joined by Kara Swift.

Earnings from major tech firms and pitchbook data show record AI spend and valuations, alongside billion-dollar startup rounds.

Products range from faster search to code generation tools, while schools and hospitals grapple with deepfakes and safety reviews.

AP and Bloomberg Report.

Regulators in the EU advance the AI Act and U.S. agencies issue guidance on high-risk

systems. The result, strong revenue tailwinds for model providers and chipmakers, coupled

with calls for guardrails on transparency, data use, and model accountability.

This is Kara Swift for Neural Newscast.

Here's today's health news.

Researchers pursue weight loss drugs designed to reduce nausea and other side effects seen with current treatments, according to recent studies and company updates reported by AP and Reuters.

Climate Change and Sustainability Headlines

New data show India's average temperature has climbed nearly 1 degree Celsius over the past decade,

intensifying heat risks as COP30 negotiators press New Delhi on stronger targets,

according to the India Meteorological Department and Reuters.

Here's Amelia Richardson with more.

At COP30 in the lame Brazil, negotiators press India for stronger targets and clearer timelines in its updated climate pledge, Reuters reports.

New Delhi highlights rapid growth in renewables and falling emissions per unit of GDP, while critics note overall emissions continue to rise with energy demand.

Delegates push for an updated nationally determined contribution at the summit to guide investment.

India's stance is pivotal for global 2030 goals, as it is the world's third largest emitter.

This is Amelia Richardson for Neural Newscast.

Exploring the latest in science.

Archaeologists reveal 16 ancient Native American canoes recovered from a Wisconsin lake, offering

new historical insights, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society and AP.

I'm joined by Nathaniel Cohen.

Researchers working with the Wisconsin Historical Society document 16 dugout canoes in Lake Mendota

near Madison, dated roughly 700 to 5,200 years old through radiocarbon analysis AP reports.

The first vessel surfaced in 2021. Subsequent finds cluster along a network of indigenous trails,

suggesting a shoreline staging area, teams catalog wood species, tool marks,

and use where to map travel, trade, and daily life around the lake as surveys continue.

This is Nathaniel Cohen for Neural Newscast.

A look at what's happening in entertainment.

Reese Witherspoon offers blunt money advice after selling her media company and reflecting

on early financial mistakes, according to CNBC and Variety.

Lydia Holmes has more on this.

According to Financial Reports and CNBC, Reese Witherspoon shares money advice after selling

Hello Sunshine in 2021 at a valuation near $1 billion to a Candle Media-backed firm.

She says early success led to mistakes, like not budgeting and avoiding tough questions.

Now she urges learning investing basics and building multiple income streams.

Know where every dollar goes, Witherspoon says, reframing celebrity success as discipline planning,

not just box office hits. This is Lydia Holmes for Neural Newscast.

Toy Story turns 30, marking a milestone that reshapes animation and pop culture.

Pixar's 1995 feature, the first full-length computer animated film, launched a franchise

that grossed billions worldwide and won Academy Awards AP and Box Office Mojo Note.

The film's humor, character depth, and technical leaps push studios toward CG,

sidelining hand-drawn features and setting a new standard that endures across the industry.

This is Isabella Wright for Neural Newscast.

That concludes today's top stories.

For more, visit NeuralNewscast.com and follow us for updates.

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That's today's essential news.

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I'm Andrew Lindbeck, signing off.

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