NPR News Now – November 24, 2025, 2AM EST
Host: Dale Willman | Runtime: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a succinct roundup of major global news for November 24, 2025. It covers developments in Ukraine peace talks, tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, escalating China-Japan diplomatic friction over Taiwan, a mass kidnapping in Nigeria, a major strike in Beirut by Israel, new research on cannabis and alcohol use, and the latest college football rankings.
Key News Topics & Insights
Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva
[00:16–00:47]
- Diplomats from the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations met in Geneva, aiming for a peace deal to end fighting in Ukraine.
- Secretary of State Marc Rubio sounded optimistic about recent talks:
- Quote: "I think today was worthwhile... very, very, it is probably the most productive day we have had on this issue." (Marc Rubio, 00:41)
- Discussions focused on a U.S.-proposed 28-step peace plan, which faces scrutiny for favoring Russia. Rubio indicated it is a "living document" open to changes.
U.S. Military Moves Near Venezuela & Brazil’s Concerns
[00:47–01:51]
- Brazilian President Lula Da Silva voiced concern at the G20 Summit about increasing U.S. military buildup near Venezuela.
- Intention to discuss these concerns with U.S. President Trump.
- Quote: "Once a shot is fired, it is hard to predict how it will end." (Lula Da Silva, via Kate Bartlett, 01:20)
- U.S. military actions include over 20 strikes on suspected drug boats and the deployment of major naval assets in the region.
- President Trump accuses Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, of heading a "terrorist drug cartel."
China-Japan Tensions Over Taiwan
[01:51–02:50]
- Escalating diplomatic rift after Japan’s Prime Minister called a possible invasion of Taiwan by China an "existential threat."
- China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the statement, asserting:
- "Taiwan was an inseparable part of China," and accused Japan of supporting armed intervention.
- Retaliatory measures by Beijing: flight cancellations, restrictions on tour groups and Japanese food imports.
Mass Abduction in Nigeria
[02:50–03:47]
- 50 of 303 students abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria managed to escape; over 250 remain captive.
- Pope Leo calls for the immediate release of those still held.
Israeli Strike in Beirut
[02:50–03:47]
- Israeli forces killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff in the first strike on Beirut since June.
- Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 5 killed, 25 injured.
- The timing is sensitive, just ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Lebanon.
Cannabis Use and Reduction in Alcohol Consumption
[03:47–04:29]
- Brown University Study: Using cannabis significantly reduced alcohol consumption among participants.
- In a controlled "fake bar" experiment:
- High-potency cannabis users drank 27% less alcohol than placebo group; low-potency users drank 19% less.
- Lead researcher Jane Metric:
- Quote: "It is telling us that cannabinoids could play potential therapeutic role in alcohol use disorder." (Jane Metric, 04:08)
- Researchers caution that cannabis is not risk-free and advise more research.
College Football Rankings Update
[04:29–04:54]
- Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M maintain their top three positions for the sixth consecutive week.
- Georgia in fourth; Oregon rises to fifth after a win over USC (42–27).
- Ole Miss drops to sixth, followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Alabama.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- Marc Rubio on Ukraine Peace Talks:
- "I think today was worthwhile... probably the most productive day we have had on this issue." – 00:41
- Lula Da Silva on U.S.-Venezuela Tensions:
- "Once a shot is fired, it is hard to predict how it will end." – 01:20
- Jane Metric on Cannabis & Alcohol Use:
- "It is telling us that cannabinoids could play potential therapeutic role in alcohol use disorder." – 04:08
Timeline of Key Segments
- Ukraine Peace Talks: 00:16–00:47
- U.S.-Venezuela tension & G20: 00:47–01:51
- China-Japan-Taiwan tensions: 01:51–02:50
- Nigeria kidnapping/Pope Leo’s appeal: 02:50–03:47
- Israeli strike in Beirut: 03:47
- Cannabis & alcohol study: 03:47–04:29
- College football rankings: 04:29–04:54
Tone
The episode maintains NPR’s classic, measured, fact-driven tone. Statements from world leaders and experts are relayed directly and impartially, while ensuring urgency and context around each developing story.