NPR News Now — November 23, 2025, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment covers the latest global and national headlines. Main topics include the controversy over a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, debates on Affordable Care Act subsidies, Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro's arrest, changes to Eurovision voting rules, and major college football results.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Peace Plan Controversy in Ukraine

• [00:18] Dale Willman reports on backlash against the Trump administration's proposed 28-point peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.
• Lawmakers claim the plan aligns closely with Russian interests, allegedly proposing territorial concessions to Russia.
• Senator Angus King criticizes the plan, citing Secretary of State Marc Rubio:
  • Quote: “According to Secretary Rubio, it is not the administration's position. It is essentially the wish list of the Russians.” (Angus King, 00:35)
• State Department disputes the lawmakers' interpretation, calling the accusation “blatantly false.”
• Despite conflicting accounts, representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe are set to meet in Geneva to discuss the plan.

2. Health Insurance Price Spikes and ACA Subsidies

• [01:26] Reporter Selena Simmons Duffin outlines the risk facing 22 million Americans as ACA subsidies are set to expire, potentially causing sharp premium increases.
• Partisan divide persists on Capitol Hill:
  • Republican Chair Mike Crapo (Senate Finance Committee) argues against extending subsidies, warning of masking costs and potential fraud:
    • Quote: “We cannot simply throw good money after bad policy.” (Mike Crapo via Angus King, 01:46)
  • Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock insists the system must be stabilized before considering alternatives:
    • Quote: “We need to stabilize the system before we can explore innovative treatment options for long term care.” (Raphael Warnock via Angus King, 02:00)
• Open enrollment for healthcare.gov is underway; the deadline to select 2026 coverage is December 15.

3. Jair Bolsonaro’s Preventive Arrest in Brazil

• [02:17] Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been detained under a preventive arrest order from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing flight risk.
• Triggered after an ankle monitor was reportedly tampered with and a vigil took place outside Bolsonaro’s home—potentially a diversion for escape.
• The court fears an attempt to reach a nearby U.S. embassy.
• Bolsonaro’s lawyers criticize the arrest, noting his health concerns and calling the decision “deep perplexity.”
• Quote: “Morai cited both incidents in his order, saying the vigil could be a diversion for Bolsonaro to escape to a foreign embassy…” (Julia Carneiro, 02:30)

4. Eurovision Song Contest Rule Overhaul

• [03:13] Eurovision organizers have announced major rule changes in response to concerns over political influence in voting, especially following Israeli government efforts in the 2025 contest.
• New rules will sanction third-party attempts to manipulate votes and reinstate professional juries.
• Eurovision Contest Director Martin Green’s statement:
  • Quote: “…the contest should focus on music, unity, and, quote, remain a neutral space that must not be instrumentalised.” (Chloe Veltman, 03:34)
• Fans will also be encouraged to spread their votes more broadly across entries.

5. College Football Results

• [04:20] Quick roundup of Saturday’s big college football games:
  • Utah (#13) edged Kansas State in a 51-47 win; QB Devin Dampier scored twice in the air and twice on the ground, including a last-minute go-ahead touchdown (with 56 seconds left).
  • Oklahoma (#8) narrowly beat Missouri (#23) 17-6.
  • Ohio State (#1) defeated Rutgers 42-9.
  • Texas A&M (#3), Georgia (#4), and Oregon (#6) all logged wins.
  • Michigan (#18) bested Maryland 45-20; BYU (#11) and Cal Poly also secured victories.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Angus King (on the Ukraine peace plan):
  “It is essentially the wish list of the Russians.” (00:35)

• Senator Mike Crapo (on ACA subsidies):
  “We cannot simply throw good money after bad policy.” (01:46)

• Senator Raphael Warnock (on health care):
  “We need to stabilize the system before we can explore innovative treatment options for long term care.” (02:00)

• Martin Green, Eurovision Contest Director:
  “The contest should focus on music, unity, and… remain a neutral space that must not be instrumentalised.” (03:34)

Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine Peace Plan — 00:18–01:26
• ACA Subsidies Debate — 01:26–02:17
• Bolsonaro’s Arrest — 02:17–03:13
• Eurovision Rule Changes — 03:13–04:20
• College Football Highlights — 04:20–04:57

This concise bulletin captures major headlines with direct statements from key figures. The episode’s tone remains factual and succinct, delivering news with minimal commentary. For more context, listeners can check NPR’s website for detailed reports on each story.