NPR News Now – November 23, 2025, 6AM EST
Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: November 23, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise, five-minute roundup of the day’s top national and global news, with a focus on U.S. political developments, evolving global conflicts, and changes to state policies.
1. Bipartisan Pushback on Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan
[00:14] - [01:23]
Key Points:
- Bipartisan U.S. senators are pushing back against President Trump’s approach to ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Senators claim Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them the peace plan Trump is urging Kyiv to accept is actually a "Russian wish list," not the administration’s real proposal.
- The State Department calls this account "false."
- Rubio denies the senators’ version, suggesting online that they are mistaken.
Notable Quotes:
- Windsor Johnston (Host):
"Bipartisan lawmakers are pushing back on President Trump’s approach to ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They say Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them the peace plan Trump is pushing Kyiv to accept is a Russian wish list and not the actual proposal offering Washington's positions." [00:14]
- Rob Schmitz (NPR Correspondent):
"Senator Angus King said Rubio told them the plan was not the Trump administration’s plan, but a wish list of the Russians... The bipartisan group of senators ... are critical of Trump’s approach to ending the Russia Ukraine war." [00:45]
2. Escalation and Ceasefire Tensions in Gaza
[01:23] - [02:21]
Key Points:
- Israel launches new airstrikes across Gaza, reportedly killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 80 (according to Palestinian health officials).
- Both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, but the agreement technically remains in place.
- Airstrikes targeted a vehicle in Gaza City, central Gaza, and gunfire occurred in Rafah.
- Israel claims Hamas militants provoked the violence by crossing a demarcation line; Hamas calls the strikes a “blatant violation” and urges mediators, including the U.S., to intervene.
- The ceasefire, now in its second month, is described as "fragile" and "largely stalled."
Notable Quotes:
- Kat Lahnsdorf (NPR Correspondent):
"An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in Gaza City in the north while several airstrikes hit central Gaza... Hamas called the attacks a, quote, 'blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement' and called on the mediators, including the US, to pressure Israel to stop." [01:43]
3. Arizona Prosecutes “Fake Electors” Despite Legal Setback
[02:21] - [03:11]
Key Points:
- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes will continue pursuing a case against a group accused of being “fake electors,” who allegedly tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
- In 2023, 11 Republican electors and 7 others were indicted on felony fraud charges.
- A judge quashed the original indictment, saying key information (the text of an 1887 law) was missing from grand jury instructions.
- Mayes will seek a review by the Arizona Supreme Court.
Notable Quotes:
- Cameron Sanchez (KJZZ):
"General Kris Mayes began prosecuting the 11 Republican electors and seven other defendants in 2023... A spokesman for Mayes confirmed that she will seek a review of the lower court's ruling by the state Supreme Court." [02:38]
4. Indiana Mandates New College Degrees Reflect “American Values”
[03:11] - [04:20]
Key Points:
- New Indiana law requires public colleges to show how new degree programs support “American values.”
- As part of the application, colleges must indicate how their programs encourage “civic responsibility” and uphold “core values of American society.”
- Emily Price, spokesperson for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, confirmed the directive.
- The changes come after the state eliminated many low-enrollment degrees, prompting new consolidated programs.
- The Trump administration has recently offered preferential federal funding to universities meeting certain policy conditions, but Indiana schools have yet to receive the required compact.
Notable Quotes:
- Ethan Sandweiss (WFIU):
"The new degree proposal form issued by state government asks how programs cultivate civic responsibility and commitment to the core values of American society." [03:36]
5. Trump Administration to End TPS for Somali Immigrants
[04:20] - [04:57]
Key Points:
- President Trump announces intent to end temporary legal protections (Temporary Protected Status, TPS) for Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
- Trump made the statement via social media.
- State leaders denounced the move as divisive, but clarified that it would only affect a small number: about 700 Somalis nationwide have TPS.
- Most Somali residents in Minnesota would not be affected.
Notable Quotes:
- Windsor Johnston (Host):
"President Trump says he’s pushing to end temporary legal protections for Somali immigrants in Minnesota... State leaders are calling the move divisive. They also note that most Somalis in Minnesota wouldn’t be affected. Only about 700 Somalis nationwide are covered by TPS." [04:20]
Memorable Moments & Tone
- The tone throughout this newscast is urgent, factual, and impartial, adhering to NPR’s standard for concise and objective reporting.
- Memorable is the sequence covering international conflicts (Ukraine and Gaza) back-to-back, revealing a day marked by high global tension.
- Each news segment is packed with relevant developments and grounded perspectives from on-the-ground correspondents and local partners.
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Ukraine/Russia Peace Plan Pushback: 00:14-01:23
- Gaza Ceasefire Strain: 01:23-02:21
- Arizona Fake Electors Prosecution: 02:21-03:11
- Indiana “American Values” Degree Requirement: 03:11-04:20
- TPS for Somali Immigrants in Minnesota: 04:20-04:57
For listeners who missed it:
This five-minute update covers major U.S. political controversies at home, the latest in global hot spots, and key state-level education and immigration developments—all grounded by first-hand reporting and expert commentary.