NPR News Now: November 20, 2025 – 2AM EST

Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest U.S. and global headlines. This five-minute update covers State Department policy changes, U.S. diplomatic activity in Ukraine, sweeping immigration enforcement in North Carolina, President Trump’s immigration and tech workforce proposal, a global climate meeting in Brazil, and preparations for the G20 summit.

Key News Segments & Discussion Points

1. State Department Overhauls Diversity Policy

• [00:20–01:21]
  • Overview: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria from State Department performance evaluations, shifting the focus to "fidelity" and rewarding employees previously denied promotions under Biden-era DEI guidelines.
  • Key Details:
    • Under President Biden, promotion boards considered DEI commitment.
    • Rubio’s administration, per spokesperson Tommy Pigott, viewed DEI as an "ideological litmus test."
    • Nearly 300 employees now receiving pay raises and retroactive promotions.
    • DEI replaced with “fidelity” in promotion criteria.
  • Quote:
    • "[The DEI rule] penalize[d] competent and deserving government officials... [the new administration] rewards excellence."
      — Tommy Pigott, State Department Spokesperson [00:44]

2. U.S. Army Leadership Visits Ukraine, Explores Peace Plan

• [01:21–02:18]
  • Overview: Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Randy George visit Ukraine to discuss battlefield tech and possibly help launch U.S.-led peace talks. The trip coincides with unconfirmed reports of a new U.S.–Russia peace proposal.
  • Key Details:
    • Delegation was initially focused on drone technology and military lessons.
    • White House asked the Army to also support negotiations with envoy Steve Witkoff.
    • Reports suggest peace plan may require Ukraine to relinquish parts of Donbas and accept a reduced military.
    • NPR has not authenticated the leaked plan.
  • Quote:
    • "The sense was this delegation could more easily relate to the Ukrainian officers."
      — NPR reporting (Tom Bowman) [01:45]

3. Large-Scale Immigration Arrests in Charlotte, NC

• [02:18–03:16]
  • Overview: Over 250 people arrested in a Border Patrol sweep in Charlotte. Local immigrant families, including children, shelter in fear. Some detainees have criminal backgrounds, while others do not.
  • Key Details:
    • People remain indoors; school and work attendance disrupted.
    • Of those arrested, 44 have prior criminal records, two are suspected gang members.
    • Human impact highlighted via a 14-year-old’s firsthand account.
  • Quote (Paloma, a 14-year-old hiding with family):
    • "My aunt called me and she was like, it's ICE here... So I was very scared. So I ran downstairs and I closed the door. Then I went to my mom's room."
      — Paloma [02:51]

4. President Trump’s Immigration-Workforce Proposal

• [03:16–03:38]
  • Overview: President Trump supports immigrants training American workers in tech jobs, aligning with his "Make America Great Again" narrative. References the recent situation with South Korean Hyundai workers in Georgia.
  • Key Details:
    • Some South Korean workers were detained and deported after an immigration raid but later returned.

5. Global Climate Conference in Brazil, U.S. Absent

• [03:38–04:43]
  • Overview: Over 80 countries at a UN conference call for a concrete global plan to phase out fossil fuels. The U.S., as the top oil and gas producer, is notably not participating.
  • Key Details:
    • Many nations emphasize urgency; absence of the U.S. seen as both a hindrance and a relief by some.
    • Vanuatu’s climate minister, Ralph Regenvanu, says the U.S.'s absence may streamline talks.
    • White House clarifies non-participation: prioritizing U.S. economic/national security over "vague climate goals."
  • Quote (Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu):
    • "Generally, it's a good thing they're not here because we have less recalcitrants to deal with."
      — Ralph Regenvanu [04:27]
  • Quote (White House Spokesperson Taylor Rogers):
    • "President Trump will not jeopardize our country's economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals."
      — Taylor Rogers [04:36]

6. U.S. to Boycott G20 Summit in South Africa

• [04:43–04:58]
  • Overview: Over 40 nations prepare for the G20 summit; President Trump announces the U.S. will boycott this year’s event.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Tommy Pigott, State Department Spokesperson [00:44]:
  • "An ideological litmus test that penalize competent and deserving government officials."
• Paloma, Charlotte Resident [02:51]:
  • "I was very scared. So I ran downstairs and I closed the door. Then I went to my mom's room."
• Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu [04:27]:
  • "Generally, it's a good thing they're not here because we have less recalcitrants to deal with."
• White House Spokesperson Taylor Rogers [04:36]:
  • "President Trump will not jeopardize our country's economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals."

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:20 — State Department DEI policy overhaul
• 01:21 — U.S. Army visit and tentative peace plan in Ukraine
• 02:18 — Charlotte immigration arrests & family experiences
• 03:16 — Trump’s immigrant workforce proposal
• 03:38 — Global climate conference in Brazil, U.S. absence explained
• 04:43 — U.S. boycotts G20 summit

Note:
This episode delivers a broad yet focused news sweep with special emphasis on U.S. domestic policy shifts, immigration enforcement, and America’s evolving role on the world stage. The tone reflects NPR’s hallmark blend of succinct, factual reporting with the voices of those impacted.