NPR News Now – November 22, 2025, 7AM EST

Main Theme:
A concise update on the latest national and international developments, including major political shifts in the U.S. Congress, court action on voting rights in Texas, implications of the AI stock boom, concerns over management at the Kennedy Center, and key climate action commitments from COP30.

1. Major Political Shake-up: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces Resignation

Key Points:

• Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene will leave Congress in January, following public conflicts with President Trump and controversy over the Epstein files.
  • Quote [00:37] (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.”
• Greene’s departure is not unexpected, given her history of openly clashing with her own party and President Trump.
• She has been a vocal critic of GOP members not aligned with “Trump 2.0” policies, especially on foreign policy (U.S. support for Israel’s war on Gaza, bombing of Iran) and domestic disagreements over tariffs.
• Her exit raises questions about the future of the GOP’s hard-right contingent.
  • Quote [01:02] (Stephen Fowler): “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.”

2. Supreme Court Puts Texas Congressional Map Ruling On Hold

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on a lower court decision that found Texas’s new congressional map likely to be an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
• The original court cited public statements from Republican lawmakers indicating intent to eliminate districts where Black and Latino voters formed a majority.
• Texas argues their intent was to draw more Republican-favorable districts, not to target racial groups directly.
• If the Supreme Court allows the contested map, Republicans could gain up to five more U.S. House seats.
• There is tight timing, as Texas’s candidate filing deadline is approaching (in about two weeks).
  • Quote [01:38] (Hansi Lo Wang): “If the Supreme Court clears a way for Texas to use the contested map, Republicans may be able to pick up five more seats in the US House. But time is running out…”

3. Wall Street Turbulence Amid AI Boom Concerns

Key Points:

• Stock markets had a rough week, as investors grow wary of whether the AI investment craze is sustainable or just a bubble.
• Nvidia, the leading AI chipmaker, reported $32 billion in profit in just one quarter and now stands as the world’s most valuable company.
• Despite strong financials, apprehension is mounting about whether this surge truly benefits the broader economy or is inflating a bubble.
  • Quote [02:27] (Maria Aspen): “But will all the computer chips Nvidia is selling actually transform the economy? Investors are increasingly worried that all the money companies are spending on AI won't pay off in the long term. That would be a rude awakening for the stock market…”

4. Senate Investigation Targets Kennedy Center Leadership

Key Points:

• Senate Democrats, led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, are scrutinizing the Kennedy Center’s financial management, citing “millions in lost revenue, luxury spending and preferential treatment for Trump allies.”
• Documents on a Senate committee website appear to corroborate these claims, referencing deals such as FIFA using the center rent-free for three weeks.
• Whitehouse has demanded Kennedy Center President Richard Grinnell turn over relevant financial documents; Grinnell has denied the accusations, calling them partisan and false.
  • Quote [03:30] (Elizabeth Blair): “In a letter, Whitehouse asked Kennedy Center President Richard Grinnell to turn over documents related to the center's financial management expenditures, donors and contracts by December 4. Grinnell wrote back…saying his letter is filled with partisan attacks and false accusations.”

5. COP30 Climate Summit: Pledge to Cut Fossil Fuel Subsidies, Stalemate on Broader Deal

Key Points:

• Over two dozen countries pledged to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and accelerate renewable energy adoption at COP30 in Brazil.
• Progress toward a final agreement remains stalled, with oil-producing nations resisting stronger language on fossil fuel transition.
• The summit’s outcome could have long-term effects on global climate policy, depending on enforcement.
• Reinforcing the urgency, it’s noted that fossil fuel combustion is the chief driver of global warming.
  • Summary [04:14]: “Negotiators say the outcome could shape global climate policy for years if the commitments made are actually enforced.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Marjorie Taylor Greene on her resignation and the Epstein controversy:
  “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.” [00:37]
• Stephen Fowler on Greene’s legacy:
  “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.” [01:02]
• Hansi Lo Wang on Texas gerrymandering:
  “If the Supreme Court clears a way for Texas to use the contested map, Republicans may be able to pick up five more seats in the US House. But time is running out to change the map for Texas midterm election.” [01:38]
• Maria Aspen on the AI stock surge:
  “But will all the computer chips Nvidia is selling actually transform the economy? Investors are increasingly worried that all the money companies are spending on AI won't pay off in the long term. That would be a rude awakening for the stock market…” [02:27]
• Elizabeth Blair on Kennedy Center investigation:
  “Documents posted on a Senate committee website appear to support those claims, including letting the soccer organization FIFA take over the center for three weeks rent free.” [03:30]

Timestamps for Segments

• [00:20] Political News (Marjorie Taylor Greene)
• [01:21] GOP Hard-Right Questions Following Greene’s Departure
• [01:38] Supreme Court & Texas Congressional Map
• [02:15] Wall Street & AI Investment Anxiety
• [03:14] Senate Investigation into Kennedy Center
• [04:14] COP30 and Global Climate Commitments

Tone:
Direct, sober, and to the point—typical of NPR News reporting, with a focus on exposition over speculation.

This episode delivers a tightly packed overview of high-stakes political and economic shifts, legal contests around elections, oversight in the arts, and hope (with caveats) on the climate front—essential listening for a snapshot of the day’s most consequential stories.