NPR News Now – November 22, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise briefing of the top stories as of early November 22, 2025. Major themes include a significant Congressional resignation, surprising political overtures in the White House, new developments in US-Russia diplomacy over Ukraine, urgent climate warnings, public health concerns ahead of Thanksgiving, and ongoing extreme weather in Southern California.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Congressional Resignation

• Details:
  • Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) will resign on January 5th, 2026.
  • She cites political infighting and controversy over the “Epstein files” as reasons for her stepping down.
• 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 [00:36]
• Implications:
  • Greene’s departure raises questions about the future of the GOP’s hard-right wing, potentially shifting internal party dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterms.
  • Political analysts suggest her resignation could impact the party's direction.

2. Surprisingly Cordial White House Meeting: Trump & Mandani

• Background:
  • After weeks of antagonistic rhetoric (including Trump threatening funding cuts), President Trump met New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani.
• Meeting Highlights:
  • Despite past tensions, the meeting was marked by smiles and public pledges to partner on affordability issues.
• Quote:
  • “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him, a big help because I want New York City to be great. Look, I love New York City. It’s where I come from. I spent a lot of years there. Now I’m right here.”
    — Zoran Mamdani [01:42]
• Analysis:
  • Both leaders have practical incentives: Mandani to secure federal funding; Trump to align with affordability messaging.

3. Putin Responds to US Peace Proposal on Ukraine

• News:
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledges receipt of a US peace plan regarding Ukraine.
  • He sees it as a potential foundation for peace, but underscores many unresolved issues.
• Quote:
  • “The Kremlin leader confirmed Russia had received the US Proposal, adding he thought it could be the basis for a lasting settlement. Yet Putin cautioned that the US had not discussed its ideas substantively with Russia, arguing it likely meant the White House had yet to convince Ukraine to accept terms.”
    — Charles Maynes [02:29]
• Controversy:
  • Critics allege the plan favors Russia, demanding Ukraine cede territory, cap its military, and drop NATO ambitions.
  • Putin reaffirms Russia will pursue its objectives regardless, citing recent battlefield gains.

4. COP 30 Climate Summit—Deadline Extended Amid Dire Warnings

• Situation:
  • Scientists at the 30th UN Climate Conference in Brazil warn that billions of lives are at risk without urgent fossil fuel cuts.
  • 80 nations support a global phaseout treaty.
• Update:
  • Conference, scheduled to conclude, will prolong negotiations to try and reach consensus.

5. Low Vaccination Rates as Holidays Approach — Public Health Risks

• Findings:
  • Only 14% of US adults and under 6% of children have received updated COVID vaccines.
  • About one third of adults have had flu shots.
  • Low vaccination rates persist despite the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel surge.
• Quote:
  • “The good news is that so far there aren’t a lot of people catching COVID and flu right now. But flu is on the rise, and Covid is expected to also pick up soon.”
    — Rob Stein [03:50]
• Implication:
  • Health officials warn the situation may worsen as people gather for the holidays.

6. Southern California Hit By Another Major Storm

• Weather Update:
  • The third storm in just over a week brings heavy rain to Los Angeles and Orange counties.
  • Forecasters warn of flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in downtown LA and Huntington Beach.
• Regions Affected:
  • Southern California, especially Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• [00:36] Marjorie Taylor Greene:
  “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.”

• [01:42] Zoran Mamdani:
  “I expect to be helping him, not hurting him, a big help because I want New York City to be great. Look, I love New York City. It’s where I come from. I spent a lot of years there. Now I’m right here.”

• [02:29] Charles Maynes (on Putin):
  “The Kremlin leader confirmed Russia had received the US Proposal, adding he thought it could be the basis for a lasting settlement. Yet Putin cautioned that the US had not discussed its ideas substantively with Russia, arguing it likely meant the White House had yet to convince Ukraine to accept terms.”

• [03:50] Rob Stein (on vaccination rates):
  “The good news is that so far there aren’t a lot of people catching COVID and flu right now. But flu is on the rise, and Covid is expected to also pick up soon.”

Segment Timestamps

• [00:11] Headline: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation
• [01:23] Trump-Mamdani White House meeting
• [02:08] Putin comments on US Ukraine peace plan
• [03:10] COP 30 climate negotiations continue
• [03:50] US vaccination rates and health risk
• [04:27] Southern California storm and weather warnings

Summary

In just five content-packed minutes, this episode delivers critical updates spanning US politics, global diplomacy, climate action, public health, and severe weather. Key takeaways include the potential political impact of Rep. Greene’s resignation, an unexpected détente between Trump and NYC’s new mayor, the fraught path toward peace in Ukraine, urgent climate and health warnings, and the toll of relentless storms in California. The reporting is brisk, authoritative, and attuned to both the headlines and their broader context.