NPR News Now – November 22, 2025, 10AM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR)
Date: November 22, 2025
Episode: NPR News: 11-22-2025 10AM EST
Length: 5 minutes
Overview
This episode presents the top national and global news stories shaping the day: a high-profile resignation in Congress, global diplomatic developments, a consequential Supreme Court decision, a major port fire, and new international climate commitments.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Resignation
Segment begins: 00:11
- Context: Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene will step down in January 2026.
- Background: Months of friction with President Trump and division over issues like the Epstein files release.
- Trump’s Reaction: Called Greene a "traitor," threatened to support a primary challenger in her district.
- Impact: Raises questions about the Republican Party's hard-right direction.
Quote:
“I do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the president that we all fought for, only to fight and win my election.”
– Marjorie Taylor Greene, online video (01:02)
- Next Steps:
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to set a special election within 10 days of resignation (01:16).
- Analysis: Uncertainty for the Republican Party as it approaches the midterms.
2. G20 Summit in Johannesburg
Segment begins: 01:25
- Event: G20 opens in Johannesburg; members agree to adopt a joint declaration.
- U.S. Boycott: United States absent over accusations against South Africa regarding minority rights.
- International Response:
- South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa thanks members and frames the agreement as a triumph for global cooperation.
Quote:
“The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver.”
– President Cyril Ramaphosa (01:48)
- Additional Notes: UK, France, and other leaders commend South Africa’s chairmanship (02:01).
3. Supreme Court Allows Texas Redistricting Map
Segment begins: 02:01
- Issue: Supreme Court permits use of new Texas congressional map for now, amidst allegations of racial gerrymandering.
- Potential Impact:
- Map could help Republicans secure up to five more House seats (02:26).
- Lower courts found challengers likely to prove the map unconstitutional due to intent to dilute minority voting power.
- Arguments:
- Critics argue Republicans aimed to eliminate districts where Black and Latino voters could elect candidates.
- Texas claims focus was purely partisan, not racial.
- Timeline: Decision needed soon; Texas primary filing deadline two weeks away.
Quote:
"Time is running out to finalize Texas map for the midterms."
– Hansi Lo Wang (03:10)
4. Port of Los Angeles Fire
Segment begins: 03:10
- Incident: Fire broke out on a container ship Thursday night, followed by an explosion (03:26).
- Response:
- Immediate concern for crew; all 23 were accounted for with no injuries.
- Origin likely due to electrical spark/malfunction on the lower deck.
- Hazardous materials present heightened risk.
- Ship arrived from Tokyo; Coast Guard assisting.
Quote:
“Any of the firefighters who are in the smoky conditions need to be on self contained breathing apparatus.”
– Adam Van Gerpen, LA Fire Dept. (03:53)
5. COP30 Climate Commitments
Segment begins: 04:12
- Agreement: Over two dozen countries pledge to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and increase renewables.
- Status:
- Announced at COP30 in Brazil, but summit remains deadlocked over final agreement language.
- Oil-producing states resist references to fossil fuel transition.
- Implication: Outcome will shape global climate policy, dependent on commitment enforcement.
- Context: Reinforces link between fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions/global warming.
Notable Quotes & Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:02 | Marjorie Taylor Greene | "I do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me..." | | 01:48 | President Cyril Ramaphosa | "The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world..." | | 03:10 | Hansi Lo Wang | "Time is running out to finalize Texas map for the midterms." | | 03:53 | Adam Van Gerpen | “Any of the firefighters who are in the smoky conditions need to be on self contained breathing apparatus.” |
Segment Timestamps
- 00:11 – MTG resignation and party impact
- 01:25 – G20 summit and multilateral win
- 02:01 – SCOTUS Texas redistricting ruling
- 03:10 – Los Angeles port fire
- 04:12 – COP30 climate commitments
Tone & Style
The reporting is concise, neutral, and fact-driven, characteristic of NPR’s style. Audio quotes from public officials and correspondents add direct insights to key stories. The episode efficiently covers major developments with an emphasis on current events shaping U.S. politics, international relations, public safety, and climate policy.
