NPR News Now: 11-23-2025 2PM EST

Date: November 23, 2025
Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with concise updates on major international and domestic stories. The main topics include ongoing peace efforts and controversy around the U.S.-backed plan to end the war in Ukraine, escalations between Israel and Lebanon, Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, the G20 summit in Johannesburg, global climate change talks, and travel forecasts for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva

• Overview: U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials are meeting in Geneva to discuss a U.S.-backed plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but the plan is contentious.
• Skepticism Over the Plan:
  • Some say the plan concedes too much to Russia, possibly including ceding territory.
  • U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and others believe Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the plan originated with Russia.
  • Quote – Secretary of State Marco Rubio (01:00):

    "It is not our recommendation. It is not our peace plan. It is a proposal that was received and as an intermediary we have made arrangements to share it."

• Clarification and Participation:
  • Rubio disputes the senators’ characterization, insisting the U.S. is behind the plan.
  • He is participating in the Geneva talks.

2. Israel Bombs Beirut: Escalation Ahead of Papal Visit

• Incident:
  • Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut for the first time in months, killing at least five and wounding dozens.
  • Reporter Jane Araf (01:30):

    "Israel launched the strike a week before Pope Leo lands in Beirut on his first papal visit to Lebanon. [...] Attacks in the Lebanese capital have been rare."

• Target and Context:
  • Target was a senior Hezbollah official.
  • Comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which has mostly confined violence to southern Lebanon.

3. Canada-U.S. Trade Relations

• Canadian PM’s Stance:
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney says there’s no urgency to resume trade talks with the U.S.
  • Quote – Dan Karpenschuk, reporting (02:20):

    "Carney said he would resume discussions with the U.S. 'when it's appropriate,' adding that he didn't have any pressing issue to talk about with President Trump."

• Backdrop:
  • President Trump halted trade negotiations last month after a provocative Ontario ad on tariffs.
  • Carney is focusing on Canada’s global trade partnerships.

4. G20 Summit and U.S. Boycott

• G20 Summit Ends:
  • The summit concluded in Johannesburg; traditionally, the host nation passes the gavel to the next—this time the U.S.
  • President Trump boycotted, citing alleged discrimination by South Africa.
• Climate Change Talks:
  • The U.S. also skipped climate talks in Brazil.
  • 80 countries pushed for a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, but the final agreement avoided explicit mention of fossil fuels, only promising modest action and financial aid for developing nations adapting to climate change.

5. Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast

• Heavy Travel Expected:
  • Nearly 80 million Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving.
  • Chandelyse Duster report (03:56):

    "Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are expected to be the most congested times for drivers in major metro areas."

• Weather Concerns:
  • National Weather Service’s Bob Oravec warns of rain for the Southern Plains and potentially snowy returns for some regions.
  • Quote – Bob Oravec (04:20):

    "During the peak travel time going through this week, there will be increasing rains across the Southern Plains. Anywhere across central Texas into eastern Oklahoma."

• Airline Traveler Etiquette:
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a video urging respectful dress and behavior at airports, contrasting the “golden age of travel” with present-day issues like unruly passengers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S. Involvement in the Ukraine Peace Plan:

  "It is not our recommendation. It is not our peace plan. It is a proposal that was received and as an intermediary we have made arrangements to share it."
  – Secretary of State Marco Rubio (01:00)

• Papal Visit and Beirut Airstrike:

  “Israel launched the strike a week before Pope Leo lands in Beirut on his first papal visit...”
  – Jane Araf, NPR (01:30)

• Canadian PM on Trade Talks:

  "Carney said he would resume discussions with the U.S. 'when it's appropriate,' adding that he didn't have any pressing issue to talk about with President Trump."
  – Dan Karpenschuk, NPR (02:20)

• Thanksgiving Travel Weather Advisory:

  "During the peak travel time going through this week, there will be increasing rains across the Southern Plains."
  – Bob Oravec, National Weather Service (04:20)

Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine Peace Talks & U.S. Political Dispute: 00:20 – 01:20
• Israel Bombs Beirut & Papal Visit Context: 01:20 – 02:06
• Canada-U.S. Trade Relations: 02:06 – 02:59
• G20 Summit, U.S. Boycott, and Climate Talks: 02:59 – 03:56
• Thanksgiving Travel Projections & Weather: 03:56 – 04:36
• Air Traveler Behavior PSA: 04:36 – 04:58

This brief episode delivers essential updates across major stories with direct reporting and key quotes, making it a valuable catch-up for listeners on international diplomacy, regional conflicts, trade negotiations, climate news, and national travel trends.