NPR News Now: November 22, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: November 22, 2025
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of significant breaking global and national news, with a focus on U.S. politics, international developments, public safety incidents, and sports updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene

• Announcement: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) will resign from Congress, effective January 5th, 2026.
  • [00:16] Dale Willman: “Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia says she'll resign from Congress on January 5th.”
• Background:
  • Once a staunch Trump supporter, Greene has recently criticized Trump, especially over “The Epstein Files.”
  • Greene has been vocal about divisions within the Republican Party, particularly regarding Trump’s “2.0” policy agenda.
    • [00:33] Stephen Fowler: “It’s also worth noting that it’s because this split has been a long time coming... On the foreign policy front, that includes the bombing of Iran in support of Israel’s war in Gaza. Domestically, there’ve been rifts over some of the tariff policies and the subsequent walkbacks the administration’s done.”
• Trump's Response:
  • Trump publicly disavowed Greene, now calling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene,” and pledged to back a primary challenger.
    • [00:57] Dale Willman: “Trump now calls her Marjorie Traitor Greene, and has said he would endorse a challenger against her in next year's primary elections.”

2. Federal Court Blocks IRS Data Sharing with ICE

• Ruling: A federal judge has blocked the IRS from sending taxpayer addresses to immigration authorities.
  • [01:13] Dale Willman: “A federal judge Friday blocked the Internal Revenue Service from sharing taxpayers addresses with immigration officials.”
• Context:
  • Previously, the IRS shared the addresses of 47,000 people with ICE to support deportation efforts under the Trump administration.
  • The order is deemed a victory for small businesses, unions, and nonprofit groups who filed the lawsuit.
    • [01:21] Jude Joffe Block: “The judge found that data sharing was unlawful. The order bars Treasury Secretary Scott Besant from sharing confidential taxpayer information with the Department of Homeland Security or its sub agencies unless the government is directly engaged in a relevant criminal investigation.”
• Next Steps: It’s unclear if the Trump administration will appeal the decision.

3. Ukraine Faces Pressure Over ‘Peace Deal’ Favoring Russia

• Key Update: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describes the situation as “one of its hardest moments in history.”
  • [01:55] Dale Willman: “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country is facing one of its hardest moments in history.”
• Details of Peace Proposal:
  • A 28-point plan would require Ukraine to surrender territory, reduce its military, and relinquish weapons.
    • [02:09] Eleanor Beardsley: “Neither Ukraine nor the Europeans knew anything about the 28 point plan, which would require Kyiv to surrender significant territory, reduce the size of its military and relinquish weapons.”
• Reaction:
  • Zelensky describes the choice as between “the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”
  • Ukrainians widely see the plan as a call for capitulation.
  • European leaders insist any peace agreement must include Ukraine and the EU at the negotiating table.

4. Fire on Ship at San Pedro Port, California

• Incident:
  • A ship is on fire, having resulted in one explosion; over 100 firefighters are battling the blaze.
    • [02:53] Dale Willman: “A ship is on fire at this hour at the San Pedro port in California. All crew members have been safely evacuated... Officials say more than 100 firefighters are attempting to put out the blaze.”
• Safety:
  • All crew evacuated, no injuries reported so far. Hazardous materials identified nearby.

5. Mass Kidnapping at Nigerian Boarding School

• Event:
  • Attackers abducted students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papyri, days after a similar attack in a neighboring state.
    • [03:31] Jewel Bright: “The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday at the St. Mary's Catholic School in Papyri. A massive search and rescue operation is now underway.”
  • Local authorities accuse the school of ignoring government orders to close amid abduction warnings.
  • Ongoing insecurity in Nigeria; frequent abductions by armed groups.
• Controversy:
  • Trump administration accuses Nigerian government of failing to protect civilians and of “condoning a genocide against Christians.”
  • Nigerian government rejects accusations, emphasizing all communities have been victims.

6. Shooting at Christmas Tree Lighting in North Carolina

• Incident:
  • Four people shot during public event in Concord, North Carolina, three in critical condition.
    • [04:12] Dale Willman: “Four people were shot Friday evening during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, which is northeast of Charlotte. Officials say three of those injured are in critical condition.”
  • No motive has been determined; chaotic scenes shared online.

7. LPGA Tour Championship Update

• Golf:
  • Geno Titical leads by three strokes at the LPGA Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, after shooting a 63, aiming for a $4 million prize.
    • [04:27] Dale Willman: “Geno Titical shot a 63 on Friday to build a three-stroke lead in the LPGA Tour Championship underway in Naples, Florida.”
  • Other top contenders: Se Kim Young (three strokes back after a 66) and Nelly Korda (five back in third).

Notable Quotes

• Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation and Trump rift:
  • Stephen Fowler [00:33]: “Marjorie Taylor Greene has been at the forefront of criticisms this year of Republicans who haven't always agreed with Trump 2.0 policy planks.”
  • Dale Willman [00:57]: “Trump now calls her Marjorie Traitor Greene, and has said he would endorse a challenger against her in next year's primary elections.”
• IRS Ruling:
  • Jude Joffe Block [01:21]: “The judge found that data sharing was unlawful. The order bars Treasury Secretary Scott Besant from sharing confidential taxpayer information with the Department of Homeland Security or its sub agencies unless the government is directly engaged in a relevant criminal investigation.”
• Ukraine Peace Deal Pressure:
  • Eleanor Beardsley [02:15]: “Ukraine may find itself facing a very difficult choice, said Zelensky, either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.”
• Nigeria Kidnapping Response:
  • Jewel Bright [03:48]: “The Trump administration has accused Nigeria's government of failing to protect civilians and of condoning a genocide against Christians. The Nigerian government denies this and says people of all religions have been victims of attacks.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Marjorie Taylor Greene resignation & GOP split: 00:16–00:57
• IRS blocked from sharing data with ICE: 01:13–01:55
• Ukraine peace deal/Russia pressure: 01:55–02:53
• San Pedro ship fire: 02:53–03:31
• Nigeria boarding school kidnapping: 03:31–04:12
• North Carolina Christmas event shooting: 04:12–04:27
• LPGA Tour Championship update: 04:27–04:55

This summary delivers a focused overview of the episode’s main stories, notable developments in U.S. politics, international crises, public safety, and sports, with clear attribution and timestamps for key moments.