NPR News Now — November 22, 2025, 4AM EST

Host: Dale Willman

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode covers major political developments, labor news, rising healthcare costs, a notable legal acquittal in Ohio, and updates from professional golf tournaments. The focus is on urgent national events—ranging from Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Congressional resignation to new perspectives on U.S. healthcare expenses—summed up with concise reporting and expert commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Congressional Resignation

• Announcement: Greene, a former staunch Trump supporter now critical of him, will resign from Congress on January 5th.
• Context & Analysis
  • Stephen Fowler highlights the growing rift between Greene and Trump, particularly on policies concerning Iran, Israel, domestic tariffs, and intra-party disagreements.
  • Noteworthy name-calling: Trump now refers to Greene as "Marjorie Traitor Greene" and has pledged to endorse a primary challenger.
  • Example Quote:
    • “It’s also worth noting that...this split has been a long time coming. 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.” — Stephen Fowler [00:33]
• Memorable Moment: Recap of the shifting dynamics between Greene and Trump, and the implications for the Republican Party.

2. White House Meeting: Trump & NYC Mayor Elect Mandani

• Event: President Trump and Zoran Mandani, New York City’s newly elected mayor, hold a seemingly cordial White House meeting.
• Contrast: Despite previously sharp criticisms (“authoritarian” vs. “total nut job”), both struck a surprisingly warm tone for the press.
  • “Trump spoke of how impressed he was with Mandani, and said at least some conservatives will be surprised by him.” — Dale Willman [00:57]

3. Air Traffic Controllers and Government Shutdown Bonuses

• Situation: Only 311 out of more than 10,000 air traffic controllers qualify for $10,000 performance bonuses related to federal shutdown attendance.
• Details:
  • Many controllers worked without pay during the 43-day shutdown; most do not qualify for the bonus due to missed shifts (often from financial distress).
  • Some view the bonus system as a “betrayal” rather than a reward.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy frames the bonuses as patriotic recognition.
  • Example Quote:
    • “More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving.” — Air traffic controllers union, via Joel Rose [01:34]

4. Rising Health Insurance Costs and Their Causes

• Report: Increases in premiums for both ACA marketplace and employer-based health coverage.
• Insight:
  • Cynthia Cox (KFF): Main cost driver is higher prices for medical services and prescription drugs in the U.S., not higher insurance company profits.
  • Americans actually use slightly less healthcare than peers in other wealthy nations but pay more per service.
  • Example Quote:
    • “A hospital visit in the United States costs more. A doctor’s visit costs more. The same prescription drug costs more.” — Cynthia Cox, reported by Selena Simmons Duffin [02:32]

5. Ohio Police Officer Acquitted in Fatal Shooting

• Event: Officer Connor Grubb acquitted in the killing of Takia Young, a pregnant woman accused of shoplifting outside a Columbus Kroger in 2023.
• Details:
  • Police confronted Young; as she attempted to leave, Grubb shot her through the windshield.
  • Young’s family expressed sorrow; Grubb’s attorney acknowledged the trial’s emotional toll.
  • Future of Officer Grubb’s career remains uncertain.
  • Example Quote:
    • “They understand the frustration, the sorrow, and the pain that Ms. Young’s family feels, and it’s real.” — Mark Collins, Grubb’s Attorney [03:34]

6. Golf Tournament Updates

• LPGA Tour Championship (Naples, FL):
  • Gino Tittical leads after shooting 63 on Friday.
  • Se Young Kim and Nelly Corda trailing in second and third.
• PGA Classic (St. Simons Island, GA):
  • Andrew Novak leads after stellar second round (11 birdies).
  • Patrick Rodgers and Michael Thorbjornsson one stroke behind.
• Quote/Summary:
  • “Gino Tittical is hoping for a $4 million payday at the LPGA Tour Championship...” — Dale Willman [04:08]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It’s also worth noting that...this split has been a long time coming."
  — Stephen Fowler (on Greene-Trump split) [00:33]

• "Trump now calls her Marjorie Traitor Greene and had said he would endorse a challenger against her in next year's primary elections."
  — Dale Willman [00:57]

• "More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving."
  — Air traffic controllers union, via Joel Rose [01:34]

• "A hospital visit in the United States costs more. A doctor’s visit costs more. The same prescription drug costs more."
  — Cynthia Cox, reported by Selena Simmons Duffin [02:32]

• "They understand the frustration, the sorrow, and the pain that Ms. Young’s family feels, and it’s real."
  — Mark Collins, Grubb’s Attorney [03:34]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] — Opening News; Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation
• [00:33] — Analysis of Greene-Trump split (Stephen Fowler)
• [00:57] — Trump and Mayor Mandani White House meeting
• [01:34] — Air traffic controller bonuses (Joel Rose)
• [02:16] — Healthcare cost increases explained (Selena Simmons Duffin)
• [03:10] — Ohio officer acquittal (George Shilcock)
• [04:08] — Golf tournament updates

This episode delivers succinct but impactful national news updates, illuminating ongoing political realignments, debates about recognition for federal workers, and ongoing questions about the U.S. healthcare system, all capped off with major sports highlights.