SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) – These are the top stories from Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, here on NCC News.
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to release the Epstein files after months of public pressure. One Syracuse Democrat told NCC News that Republicans had overplayed their hand. He explained that the real effects of the files’ release will be felt in next year’s midterm elections.
Since the shutdown ended earlier this month, many airport workers have returned to their jobs. However, with the added air traffic from Thanksgiving and the holiday season, some delays are still expected. As these delays loom, travellers need to take extra precautions with their flight.
“Monitor the situation. Check to see if your flight is getting cancelled or delayed earlier throughout the week, because if theres a pattern happening then it could potentially lead up,” says Collin Smith, a D.C. native flying home for the holiday, “The cancellations, the delays, they back up on you, but just stay vigilant throughout the week.”
The expected delays have caused airports to remind people to remain patient with airline staff.
Getting home for Thanksgiving break is only half the holiday. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported a 5% decrease in the cost of Thanksgiving dinner nationwide. The cost of popular ingredients in Thanksgiving festivities, like milk and sweet potatoes, have gone up. One Central New Yorker spoke on her frustration with produce price hikes as she shopped ahead of the holiday.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Goodchild Web Reporter
Dean Goodchild: This is your NCC News Brief. I’m Dean Goodchild. Here’s what our top stories are today.
Goodchild: Yesterday, the Senate unanimously agreed to release the Epstein files after months of public pressure. One Syracuse Democrat says that Republicans overplayed their hand, and this decision could cause some conservative voter base to swing left. The 2026 midterm elections may reveal the full effects of the files’ release.
Goodchild: Staying alert and checking your flight status could decide whether your seat at Thanksgiving is filled or not. With the holidays right around the corner and many people on the move for Thanksgiving, the delays from the shutdown earlier this month loom over travelers. Airline complications seem unavoidable for those flying, but D.C. native Collin Smith says he’s thinking ahead for his trip home.
Collin Smith: Monitor the situation. Check to see if your flight is getting cancelled or delayed earlier throughout the week, because if there’s a pattern happening, then it could potentially lead up. The cancellations, the delays, they back up on you but just stay vigilant.
Goodchild: The government shutdown ended earlier this month, but reopening federal services takes time, so airports are reminding people to stay patient with airline staff
Goodchild: Once you’re home for Thanksgiving, dinner may look a little different. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports a 5% decrease in the cost of Thanksgiving dinner but popular ingredients like sweet potatoes and milk are up as much as 37%. One Central New Yorker says she’s seen the biggest price hike in produce.
Goodchild: Thanks for listening to the top stories of today. For NCC News, I’m Dean Goodchild.