NPR News Now – November 23, 2025 – 5AM EST

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major global events, including reactions to a U.S.-drafted Ukraine peace plan, the results of the COP30 climate summit, a fire at the Port of Los Angeles, the Department of Transportation's new civility campaign, and a festive twist in New York City's subway system. The segment features on-the-ground reports, statements from officials, and reactions from the public.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Controversial U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine

• [00:19—01:18]
• U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet in Switzerland after the release of a U.S.-drafted peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
• Many Ukrainians express concern, viewing the proposal as too compromising.
• At a site in Ternopil devastated by Russian missile strikes (over 30 killed), the sentiment among locals is frustration and betrayal.

Notable Quotes:

• “They're proposing some kind of peace for us without us.”
  – President Ingish Shkarupa [01:02]
• "We paying the price. People are dying, cities are getting destroyed and everybody's doing nothing towards Russia. Nothing."
  – President Ingish Shkarupa [01:08]
• “Shkarupa says people here feel betrayed by the U.S.”
  – Eleanor Beardsley, reporter [01:18]

2. COP30 Climate Conference – Uneven Progress

• [01:25—02:05]
• The United Nations COP30 climate negotiations concluded with a last-minute deal emphasizing financial aid for nations impacted by climate change.
• Disappointment over the resolution's failure to address fossil fuel phaseout, even as over 80 countries lobbied for clearer commitments.

Key Insights:

• Burning oil, gas, and coal accounts for about 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The final agreement “did not mention fossil fuels.”

Notable Quote:

• "More than 80 countries were calling for this conference to emerge with a clear roadmap to move away from fossil fuels... The final agreement did not mention fossil fuels."
  – Julia Simon, reporter [01:48]

• The U.S. did not participate after the Trump administration refused to send a delegation. [02:05]

3. Fire at Los Angeles Port Contained

• [02:05—03:14]
• A fire broke out on a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles, leading to a temporary shelter-in-place order due to toxic smoke.
• The ship contained hazardous materials and was moved a mile offshore, reducing the immediate threat.
• Four out of seven port terminals were temporarily shut; no injuries reported among 23 crew members. An investigation is ongoing.

Notable Quote:

• “We do have very specific information from the manifest and I have identified what are in all of these. So there are ones that are identified for hazardous materials.”
  – Louisiana Fire Captain Adam von Gerpen [02:48]

4. Department of Transportation’s "Civility Campaign"

• [03:14—04:26]
• In response to unruly passenger behavior, the Department of Transportation launched a campaign urging travelers to ‘mind their manners’ and ‘dress with respect.’
• The campaign video contrasts the "golden age of travel" with modern incidents of disruptive passenger behavior.
• Passengers, however, attribute much of their stress to delays and cancellations. Notably, the civility push replaces the previous administration's plan to compensate stranded passengers.

Notable Quotes:

• “[Secretary Sean Duffy calls it the] ‘golden age of travel.’”
  – Amy Held, reporter [03:42]

• “‘Let's bring civility and manners back.’”
  – Secretary Sean Duffy [03:59]

• FAA data indicates such outbursts have significantly decreased since their 2021 peak. [04:15]

5. Holiday Scent Campaign in NYC Subway

• [04:26—04:58]
• Bath & Body Works launched an ad campaign scenting part of Grand Central Subway Station with vanilla and fresh pine.
• Transit officials say it’s a revenue-boosting move and commuters welcome the respite from the usual subway odor.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “[The U.S. peace plan] is pro-Russian and done behind Ukraine's back.”
  – President Ingish Shkarupa [01:02]
• "More than 80 countries were calling for this conference to emerge with a clear roadmap to move away from fossil fuels.... The final agreement did not mention fossil fuels."
  – Julia Simon [01:48]
• “Let’s bring civility and manners back.”
  – Secretary Sean Duffy [03:59]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine Peace Plan Reactions: [00:19 – 01:18]
• COP30 Climate Conference Results: [01:25 – 02:05]
• LA Port Fire Update: [02:05 – 03:14]
• Civility Campaign in Air Travel: [03:14 – 04:26]
• NYC Subway Festive Scents: [04:26 – 04:58]

This edition of NPR News Now provides a rapid, global overview, blending critical reporting on ongoing crises with lighter updates on public life and policy shifts.