NPR News Now — November 23, 2025, 4AM EST

Host: Dale Wilman (NPR)
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Overview:
This concise NPR news update covers several of the day's major stories, including international diplomacy around a US-sponsored Ukraine peace plan, the surprise resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, mixed outcomes from the COP 30 climate conference, a significant fire at the Port of Los Angeles, Pacific Northwest Christmas tree exports, and a violent incident involving a college football team.

1. US-Ukraine Peace Plan Criticism ([00:14]–[01:16])

Main Points & Discussion:

• Reports suggest US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed senators that the Ukraine peace plan, negotiated in Geneva, advances Russian interests.
• The US State Department denies these reports.
• Rob Schmitz (NPR, Berlin) highlights skepticism from Ukraine’s European allies over the negotiation process and content.
  • The plan would require Ukraine to cede territory (Donetsk and Luhansk) and block NATO membership.
  • Negotiations occurred without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
  • President Trump pressures Ukraine for a response, threatening to withdraw US support if rejected.

Notable Quotes:

“Ukraine’s European allies have criticized the plan, not least because it was negotiated between the US and Russia without Ukraine’s involvement.”
— Rob Schmitz, [00:34]

“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, [01:05]

2. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Surprise Resignation ([01:16]–[02:08])

Main Points & Discussion:

• President Trump expresses surprise after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced her resignation, following prolonged tensions between the two.
• Sarah Cullis (Georgia Public Broadcasting) reports from Greene’s district:
  • Many constituents remain supportive of both Trump and Greene, hoping they reconcile.
  • Others, including former opponents’ supporters, remain skeptical of Greene’s motivations.

Notable Quotes:

“I think he should get over it. And yes, supporter.”
— Pamela Shy (Greene constituent), [01:43]

“I’m glad that she has seen the light as she is like purporting, but I don’t think that she's… I think she's a grifter.”
— Josh Williams (Greene’s opponent’s supporter), [01:53]

“People told me that they felt like this tension between her and Trump is just politics and they have bigger concerns.”
— Sarah Cullis, [02:03]

3. Modest Progress at COP 30 Climate Conference ([02:08]–[03:09])

Main Points & Discussion:

• COP 30, held in Brazil, fails to agree on a phase-out plan for fossil fuels.
• Dozens of countries urged a phase-out, but the final agreement only initiates a process to discuss fossil fuel reduction.
• Meeting’s president, Andre Aranja Correo Delago, pledges to work on a road map for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
• Nations committed to tripling funding for climate adaptation measures such as flood defenses.

Notable Quotes:

“The final deal doesn’t say anything about phasing out fossil fuels, the main driver of global warming.”
— Michael Copley, [02:28]

“We need roadmaps so that humanity in a just and planned manner can overcome its dependence on fossil fuels.”
— Andre Aranja Correo Delago, [02:50]

4. Port of Los Angeles Fire Now Contained ([03:09]–[03:28])

Main Points & Discussion:

• A fire broke out on a container ship; all 23 crew safely evacuated.
• The fire, attributed to an electrical problem and subsequent explosion, is mostly contained.

5. Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Exports ([03:28]–[04:25])

Main Points & Discussion:

• Oregon and Washington continue the tradition of exporting Christmas trees globally, especially to Asia and the Middle East.
• Windy Tanata coordinates shipments, navigating trade barriers and logistics.
  • Highlights the stress of the season and joy their trees bring in high-end venues.
  • The largest tree shipped was a 35-foot evergreen arriving in Hong Kong.

Notable Quotes:

“He’s going into airports like going to Singapore airport, going to Hong Kong airport, and and then they go into like very iconic high end, five star, six star hotels.”
— Windy Tanata, [04:09]

6. University of Alabama at Birmingham Football Incident ([04:36]–[04:54])

Main Points & Discussion:

• A University of Alabama at Birmingham football player allegedly stabbed two teammates on Saturday.
• Both victims are stable; the suspect is in custody. Investigation ongoing.

End of Content.