NPR News Now: 11-22-2025 11PM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Air Date: November 23, 2025
Episode Theme: The latest national and international news headlines, with updates on diplomacy efforts in Ukraine, legal developments in Arizona, a hazardous fire at the Port of Los Angeles, drone incursions in sensitive European airspace, and college football highlights.

1. Main Theme

This five-minute NPR News update covers the day’s critical stories: U.S.-brokered attempts at a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing prosecutions in the Arizona ‘fake electors’ case, a dangerous container ship fire in Los Angeles, drone incidents over military bases in Europe, and a roundup of major college football results.

2. Key News Segments & Insights

U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine

[00:17] – [01:26]

• Diplomatic Talks: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff are headed to Geneva for U.S.-Russian negotiations, aiming to end Russia's war in Ukraine with a controversial peace plan.
• Plan Details: The U.S. proposal reportedly requires significant concessions from Ukraine, including territory in the east and a ban on joining NATO.
• European Criticism: European allies criticize the lack of Ukrainian participation in the negotiations and seek ways to modify the plan.
• U.S. Pressure: President Trump expects a response from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy by Thursday, warning that rejecting the plan could cost Ukraine vital U.S. support.

Quote:
“European leaders say they're looking for a way to make the Trump plan more palatable for Ukraine and its European allies. As it stands, it would require Ukraine to cede control of eastern Donetsk and Luhansk and would prohibit Ukraine from trying to join NATO.”
— Rob Schmitz, [00:56]

Arizona ‘Fake Electors’ Case

[01:26] – [02:12]

• Legal Proceedings: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes continues efforts to prosecute eleven Republican ‘fake electors’ and seven others for allegedly attempting to subvert 2020 presidential election results.
• Judicial Hurdle: The initial indictment was quashed after a judge ruled jurors hadn't been shown a relevant 1887 law text; the AG is appealing to the state Supreme Court.

Quote:
“A spokesman for May has confirmed that she will seek a review of the lower court's ruling by the state Supreme Court.”
— Cameron Sanchez, [02:05]

Port of Los Angeles Container Ship Fire

[02:12] – [03:11]

• Hazard: A significant fire caused by hazardous materials aboard a container ship prompted a shelter-in-place order, now lifted, but the fire continues burning offshore.
• Response: The ship has been moved about a mile away from the port, reducing the risk to communities. 44 port terminals were temporarily shut.
• Safety: All crew were unharmed; arson is not suspected, with an electrical malfunction likely to blame.

Quote:
“We do have very specific information from the manifest and I have identified what are in all of these. So there’s certain ones that are identified for hazardous materials.”
— Fire Captain Adam von Gerpen, [02:45]

Drone Incursions Over NATO Military Bases

[03:11] – [04:21]

• Incident: Dutch military failed to shoot down multiple drones flying over Volkel Air Base (one of six European bases with US nuclear bombs), resulting in a temporary airport closure.
• Context: Similar drone incidents have occurred at other sensitive sites across Belgium and the Netherlands; authorities have not identified the source.
• Impact: The incidents raise concerns about NATO airspace security and vulnerability of strategic assets.

Quote:
“Volkel is one of six air bases in Europe where US Nuclear bombs are stored. The Kleiner Brugel military base in Belgium, also host to nuclear weapons, has similarly seen repeated incidents of drones flying above it in recent weeks.”
— Terry Schultz, [03:50]

College Football Highlights

[04:21] – [04:56]

• Game Summaries:
  • Ohio State beat Rutgers 42–9, overcoming early injuries.
  • Texas A&M shut out Samford 48–0.
  • Georgia triumphed over Charlotte 35–3.
  • Oklahoma narrowly defeated Missouri 17–16.
  • UConn won over FAU in a tight 48–45 match.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “President Trump says he wants a response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by Thursday. If Zelenskyy rejects it, he risks losing US Support, including crucial intelligence sharing.”
  — Rob Schmitz, [01:13]

• “At one point, 44 of the La Port’s seven terminals were shut down. It’s believed the fire likely was the result of an electrical malfunction. An investigation is underway. 23 crew members were on the ship. There were no injuries.”
  — Steve Futterman, [02:54]

• “Drone use is prohibited near airports, airports in the Netherlands. Volkel is one of six air bases in Europe where US Nuclear bombs are stored.”
  — Terry Schultz, [03:56]

4. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Ukraine Peace Plan: [00:17] – [01:26]
• Arizona ‘Fake Electors’ Case: [01:26] – [02:12]
• Port of Los Angeles Fire: [02:12] – [03:11]
• European Drone Incidents: [03:11] – [04:21]
• College Football: [04:21] – [04:56]

This concise episode delivers crucial updates for informed listeners, including the evolving Ukraine peace negotiations, the fate of a prominent election interference case, public safety responses to environmental hazards, transatlantic security incidents, and the latest in sports.