NPR News Now: November 22, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Wilman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Publication Date: November 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers major breaking and developing stories from U.S. politics, international affairs, public safety, and sports. Topics include Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, President Trump's remarks on Democratic lawmakers, Vladimir Putin's response to a U.S. Ukraine peace proposal, a shooting at a public event in North Carolina, an investigation into the Kennedy Center, and NCAA gambling violations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Resignation

• [00:16] Dale Wilman reports on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-GA) announcement that she will resign from Congress in January 2026.
• [00:30] Stephen Fowler provides context around Greene’s changing relationship with President Trump — from staunch ally to outspoken critic.
• [00:44] Marjorie Taylor Greene’s own words:

  "Enough and 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. While Republicans will likely lose the midterms." (Marjorie Taylor Greene, 00:44)

• [00:59] Fowler notes that Greene joins a historic wave of departing legislators: 40 House members and 10 Senators, mostly Republicans, who’ve said they will not seek re-election after 2026.

2. President Trump Accuses Lawmakers of Sedition

• [01:11] President Trump recently accused several Democrats of “sedition.”
• Context: These lawmakers publicly urged the military to “uphold the Constitution and defy illegal orders,” especially from President Trump.
• [01:22] Trump’s comments on Fox News Radio, referencing harsh historical punishments:

  "That is a really serious charge. I'll tell you what what they said is, and it was, I mean, I don't know about the modern day things because, you know, modern day is a lot softer. But in the old days if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death." (Donald Trump, 01:22)

• [01:37] Trump claims he isn’t threatening lawmakers but later posts:

  "Hang them, George Washington would."

3. Putin Responds to US Ukraine Peace Proposal

• [02:02] Charles Maines covers Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first public comments on a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine.
• Putin sees potential for the plan to serve as a resolution starting point, “but he also suggested that much remains to be worked out.”
• Putin says the White House has not yet discussed the plan in detail with Russia and implies Ukraine has not been convinced to accept the terms. Moscow is committed to achieving its goals, citing recent battlefield advancements.
• U.S. plan criticized as too favorable to Russia:

  “Critics of the US Plan say it tilts heavily in Russia's favor with calls for Ukraine to cede territory, cap its military and renounce ambitions to join NATO.” (Charles Maines, 02:36)

4. Shooting at North Carolina Christmas Tree Lighting

• [02:42] Dale Wilman reports breaking news from Concord, NC:
  • Four people shot at a Christmas tree lighting event.
  • Three injured critically; one in stable condition.
  • Police responded rapidly as they were already present at the scene.
  • Public urged to submit event-related videos or photos.

5. Quick Updates

Stock Market

• [03:21] The Dow Jones surged 493 points; NASDAQ up 195.

San Pedro, California Fire

• [03:23] All crew accounted for, no injuries after a container ship fire carrying hazardous materials.

6. Kennedy Center Leadership Investigation

• [03:31] Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, launch an investigation into alleged “cronyism and corruption” at the Kennedy Center.
• Accusations:
  • Millions in lost revenue, excessive spending, preferential treatment for Trump allies.
  • Example: Soccer organization FIF reportedly used the Center for three weeks rent-free.
• [03:51] Sen. Whitehouse demands President Richard Grenell turn over documents by December 4th.
• Grenell’s response:

  "His letter is filled with partisan attacks and false accusations." (Grenell, 03:59)

• Public exchange posted to Kennedy Center’s social media.

7. NCAA: Temple Basketball Gambling Scandal

• [04:24] Former Temple guard Heiser Miller found to have placed 42 bets on Temple games (total $473), including three against his own team.
• NCAA Action: Miller is declared permanently ineligible.
• Other staff members also violated rules but did not bet on Temple games.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marjorie Taylor Greene [00:44]:

  “Enough and 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...”

• Donald Trump on "Sedition" [01:22]:

  “In the old days if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death.”

• Grenell Responds to Senate Accusations [03:59]:

  “His letter is filled with partisan attacks and false accusations.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] Greene’s resignation and context
• [01:11] Trump accuses Democratic lawmakers of sedition
• [02:02] Putin’s response to US peace proposal
• [02:42] Shooting in Concord, NC
• [03:40] Kennedy Center investigation
• [04:24] NCAA gambling scandal

NPR News Now delivers fast, high-density reporting on top headlines — ideal for listeners seeking a factual rundown of the day's most important events.