NPR News Now – November 22, 2025, 11AM EST

Host: Nora Ramm | Duration: 5 minutes
Overview:
This NPR News Now episode offers a concise roundup of major headlines from US politics to global affairs, business trends, weather emergencies, and breaking local news. From Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s dramatic resignation and controversy in Georgia to global reactions at the G20, a volatile stock market, and severe storm threats in Australia, the episode distills the week’s urgent events.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns from the House (00:20)

• Details:
  Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation, effective January. Despite past strong support for President Trump, recent disagreements—especially over the release of Jeffrey Epstein files—soured their relationship. Trump labeled her a "traitor," prompting Greene's emotional response.
• Key Quote:
  • "Standing up for American women who were raped at 14 years old, trafficked and used by rich, powerful men should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the president of the United States whom I fought for."
    — Marjorie Taylor Greene (00:46)
• Additional Insight:
  Greene said she seeks to spare her district a divisive primary battle instigated by the president.

2. Stock Market Jitters Over AI Boom (01:01)

• Details:
  Wall Street had a turbulent week, with investors questioning if the artificial intelligence surge is sustainable or a bubble. Nvidia, now the world’s most valuable company, posted massive profits ($32 billion in three months), but doubts remain about AI’s economic impact.
• Key Quote:
  • "Will all the computer chips Nvidia is selling actually transform the economy? Investors are increasingly worried that all the money companies are spending on AI won't pay off in the long term."
    — Maria Aspen, NPR (01:20)
• Additional Insight:
  The stock market remains buoyed by tech stocks but faces risks if AI investments underperform.

3. G20 Summit: Concerns on US Peace Plan for Ukraine (02:07)

• Details:
  At the G20 summit in South Africa, European and Western leaders voiced concerns over a US-trumpeted Ukraine peace proposal. The 28-point plan is criticized for favoring Russia, requiring Ukraine to cede territory with only limited security guarantees.
• Notable Moment:
  • "The plan places Ukraine in a difficult position. It foresees the country handing over territory to Russia while offering limited security guarantees to Ukraine."
    — Kate Bartlett, NPR (02:23)
  • The leaders’ statement emphasized that "borders must not be changed by force" and restricting Ukraine's military would leave it exposed to further aggression.

4. US Absent from G20 Due to Discrimination Claim (03:05)

• Details:
  The US skipped this year's G20 summit. President Trump cited alleged discrimination against white farmers by the South African government as the reason.

5. Brazil: Ex-President Bolsonaro Ordered Detained (03:05)

• Details:
  Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to be taken into custody for tampering with his ankle monitor. Bolsonaro, convicted for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election, had been under house arrest during his appeal.
• Key Fact:
  Sentenced to 27 years in prison.

6. Severe Storm Fina Threatens Australia’s North (03:52)

• Details:
  Tropical storm Fina, now a Category 3 cyclone, approaches Darwin. Emergency shelters open; the storm is forecast to skirt the coast but has already impacted remote communities.
• Key Quote:
  • "Residents in the coastal city of Darwin and surrounding areas are on alert for a night of destructive weather as Fina brings heavy downpours and gale force winds."
    — Christina Kukola, NPR (03:52)
• Additional Insight:
  Category 3 is two tiers below the most severe rating; Darwin’s airport and businesses are shut.

7. Major Container Ship Fire at Port of Los Angeles (04:32)

• Details:
  Over 100 firefighters battle a container ship fire with hazardous materials at North America’s busiest port. The incident triggered an explosion, prompted a shelter-in-place order, but resulted in no reported injuries.
• Key Fact:
  Cause of the fire remains unknown as the investigation continues.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Greene’s emotional defense: Marjorie Taylor Greene disputes Trump’s “traitor” label and outlines her reasoning for resigning (00:46).
• AI Market Doubts: Maria Aspen frames investor anxiety on the future of AI investments (01:20).
• European Pushback: Kate Bartlett summarizes G20 leaders’ concerns about territorial concessions in Ukraine Peace Plan (02:23).
• Storm Urgency Down Under: Christina Kukola describes the palpable anxiety in Darwin ahead of cyclone Fina (03:52).

Reporter Attributions:

• Nora Ramm (Host, Washington updates)
• Maria Aspen (AI/Wall Street, New York)
• Kate Bartlett (Ukraine/G20, Johannesburg)
• Christina Kukola (Australia, Melbourne)

This episode offers a rapid, clear snapshot of critical global and national developments, keeping the tone factual and urgent throughout, with each segment tightly delivering the latest updates.