NPR News Now – November 23, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of major global and national headlines, focusing on:

• Political controversy around President Trump's proposed Ukraine peace plan
• Recent drone incidents near sensitive NATO facilities in Europe
• Key outcomes from the G20 summit in South Africa
• Thanksgiving travel and weather updates
• Practical tips for holiday food safety

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Political Controversy: Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan

• Bipartisan Backlash: Senators from both parties express skepticism and concern over President Trump's peace proposal for the war in Ukraine.
• Allegations of Russian Bias: Critics, like Senator Angus King, argue the plan aligns closely with Russian demands and was crafted without Ukrainian input.
• White House Response: The administration pushes back, claiming the plan was written by U.S. officials, not solely shaped by Russian interests.
  • Quote:
    • “According to Secretary Rubio, it is not the administration's position. It is essentially the wish list of the Russians.”
      – Senator Angus King, [00:45]
• Ongoing Diplomacy: Negotiators from the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, and the EU are meeting in Geneva to further discuss the plan's details.

2. Security Concerns: Drones Over NATO Nuclear Bases

• Incident in the Netherlands:
  • Defense officials report drones over Volkel Air Base, one of six European bases that stores U.S. nuclear bombs.
  • The Dutch Air Force attempted to shoot down the drones, but failed.
  • An official investigation is underway.
• Regional Pattern:
  • Similar drone flyovers reported at Belgium’s Kleine Brogel military base and repeated airspace invasions at Brussels Airport.
• No Attribution Yet:
  • No country or group has claimed responsibility.
  • Context of heightened concern given strategic sensitivity.
  • Reporter: Terry Schultz, [01:33 – 02:13]

3. G20 Summit Concludes in South Africa

• Summit Closes with U.S. Boycott:
  • The U.S. boycotted the event, but South Africa leads adoption of a leaders' declaration.
• Major Agreements:
  • Cooperation on climate financing.
  • Calls for greater debt transparency for developing countries.
  • Focus on addressing systemic inequalities and challenging high interest rates faced by African and other Southern hemisphere nations.
  • Quote:
    • “There's greater debt transparency... particularly important for African countries... because historically buyers means that they are usually charged super high interest rates.”
      – Pomza Fulani, BBC, [02:35]
• Reporter: Pomza Fulani (BBC), reporting from Johannesburg.

4. Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Surge

• Record Numbers Expected:
  • Approximately 82 million Americans anticipating travel.
  • All forms of transportation—car, train, bus, cruise—will see heavy usage.
• Congestion Forecasts:
  • Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons projected as the busiest times.
  • Major metro area drivers advised to expect delays.
• Weather Warnings:
  • Southern Plains, especially Texas and Oklahoma, likely to experience heavy rainfall during peak travel.
  • Return trips could be compromised by rain and snow in some regions.
  • Quote:
    • “During the peak travel time... increasing rains across the Southern Plains, anywhere across central Texas into eastern Oklahoma.”
      – Bob Oravec, National Weather Service, [03:54]
• Reporter: Chandelyse Duster, [03:30 – 04:10]

5. Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips

• Leftover Storage:
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
  • For longer storage, freeze them in airtight containers or bags for up to three months.
• Labeling Best Practices:
  • Label and date leftovers for safety and clarity.
  • Quote:
    • “In the refrigerator, you can keep your leftovers three days. But if you need longer storage... up to three months in the freezer.”
      – Nicole Johnson, food safety expert, [04:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senator Angus King (on the Ukraine peace plan):
  “It is essentially the wish list of the Russians.” [00:45]

• Pomza Fulani (on debt transparency):
  “Greater debt transparency... particularly important for African countries... usually charged super high interest rates.” [02:35]

• Bob Oravec (on weather during Thanksgiving travel):
  “Increasing rains across the Southern Plains, anywhere across central Texas into eastern Oklahoma.” [03:54]

• Nicole Johnson (on Thanksgiving leftovers):
  “You can keep your leftovers three days. But... up to three months in the freezer.” [04:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17] – U.S. Senators criticize Ukraine peace plan
• [01:33] – Drones sighted over NATO bases in Europe
• [02:13] – G20 summit results and declaration
• [03:30] – Thanksgiving travel forecasts and weather warnings
• [04:10] – Practical Thanksgiving food safety advice

This summary captures the top stories and insights from NPR News Now’s 8AM edition on November 23, 2025, providing clear context for listeners who missed the broadcast.