NPR News Now — 11-22-2025, 6PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: The latest updates on U.S. politics, international crises, climate negotiations, and cultural events.

1. Main Theme / Purpose

This episode delivers a succinct roundup of key news headlines: the resignation of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, ongoing conflict and a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, the mixed outcome of the COP30 climate summit, a major U.S. Supreme Court decision on Texas redistricting, and sweeping changes to the Eurovision Song Contest.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

A. Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns from Congress

• Background: Greene, a former Trump loyalist, stepped down following a rift with the former president and after defying him in a crucial congressional vote.
• Details:
  • Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie led Republicans in releasing the Epstein files, defying Trump ([00:33]).
  • Trump publicly responded, criticizing Greene's support for Massie and framing her resignation as fallout from losing his backing:

    "She started backing perhaps the worst Republican congressman in our history, you know, stupid person named Massey... once I left her, she resigned because she would never have survived a primary. But I think she's a nice person."
    — Donald Trump ([00:45])

  • Special election to replace Greene will be called in Georgia's 14th district ([01:06]).
• Context: Greene was sworn in days before the January 6th insurrection; her resignation marks the end of a turbulent 5-year tenure.

B. Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Under Strain

• Developments:
  • At least 20 killed and 80 injured in Gaza from Israeli strikes ([01:20]).
  • Both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of violating a fragile ceasefire, which is technically still in place ([01:36]).
  • Israeli military claims Hamas militants entered Israeli-controlled territory, prompting strikes that killed five senior Hamas officials.
  • Hamas condemns the attacks as a “blatant violation” and calls for mediator intervention, including from the U.S.
• Analysis: Despite alleged violations, the ceasefire—currently in its second month—remains formally unbroken but has “largely stalled in the first phase.”

C. COP30 Climate Summit Ends Without Consensus

• Outcome: The UN conference in Brazil concludes with no new agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, the main driver of global warming ([02:16]).
• Statements:
  • COP30 President Andre Correa Dulago acknowledges disappointment with the results but promises continued efforts:

    "We know some of you had greater ambitions for some of the issues at hand. I know the youth civil society will demand us to do more to fight climate change. I want to reaffirm that. I will try not to disappoint you during my presidency."
    — Andre Correa Dulago ([02:35])

• U.S. Role: The U.S. did not attend; the Trump administration declined to send a delegation ([02:57]).
• Assessment: The summit delivered “only modest progress” on both emissions reduction and climate change adaptation funding.

D. Supreme Court Allows Texas Redistricting Map

• Summary: The high court will let Texas use its newly redrawn map—accused of eliminating majority Black and Latino districts—while its constitutionality is decided ([03:26]).
• Context: The case is a flashpoint in ongoing Republican efforts, under Trump, to maintain control of the U.S. House ([03:40]).
• Timeline: A final decision may come "as soon as Monday."

E. Eurovision Song Contest Implements Major Rule Changes

• Focus: The European Broadcasting Union adopts sweeping changes to limit governmental influence and ensure the contest remains "neutral" ([04:04]).
• Director Statement:

  "The contest should focus on music unity and, quote, remain a neutral space that must not be instrumentalised."
  — Martin Green, Eurovision Contest Director ([04:06])

• New Rules: Sanctions for outside influence, reforms to voting (encouraging wider vote distribution among entries), and a larger role for professional juries.
• Context: Changes respond to backlash over the Israeli government's lobbying in the 2025 contest, where contestant Yuval Rafael nearly won ([04:20]).

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on Marjorie Taylor Greene:

  "...once I left her, she resigned because she would never have survived a primary. But I think she's a nice person." — Donald Trump ([00:45])

• COP30 President Acknowledging Frustration:

  "I know the youth civil society will demand us to do more to fight climate change. I want to reaffirm that. I will try not to disappoint you during my presidency." — Andre Correa Dulago ([02:35])

• Eurovision Contest Director on Rule Overhaul:

  "The contest should focus on music unity and... remain a neutral space that must not be instrumentalised." — Martin Green ([04:06])

4. Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns, Trump reacts | 00:13–01:20 | | Gaza ceasefire fraying, latest violence | 01:20–02:16 | | COP30 climate talks end with limited progress | 02:16–02:57 | | Supreme Court greenlights disputed Texas map | 02:57–03:45 | | Major changes to Eurovision Song Contest rules | 04:04–04:51 |

5. Engaging Highlights

• The news cycle is dominated by political upheaval as prominent Republicans break ranks and as redistricting battles heat up.
• Internationally, both peace and climate action remain elusive, with ceasefires and summit outcomes in a precarious state.
• A beloved cultural institution—Eurovision—acts to preserve its integrity amid geopolitical controversy.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This edition delivers brisk yet comprehensive coverage of several pressing issues—illustrating tumult and transition both at home and abroad, and offering direct voices from key players for a vibrant snapshot of the day's news.