NPR News Now: November 22, 2025, 9AM EST

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This episode delivers the day's top headlines in just five minutes, covering major political developments in the U.S., updates on the war in Ukraine, a significant immigration court ruling, global health funding challenges, and a tragic school attack in Nigeria.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns from Congress

• [00:11] Windsor Johnston reports Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) will step down from her Congressional seat on January 5, 2026. Her resignation follows intense political infighting and controversy tied to the release of the "Epstein files."
• [00:37] In her own words, Greene highlights personal and political pressures:

  • "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 ([00:37])

• Her exit raises questions about the future of the GOP’s hard-right faction, especially with the 2026 midterms approaching.

2. Putin Responds to US Peace Proposal on Ukraine

• [01:09] Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly addresses a U.S. peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, describing it as potentially a step toward peace but expressing skepticism over the lack of substantive discussion.
• [01:32] Reporter Charles Maynes explains Putin’s stance:
  • Putin said, “the US had not discussed its ideas substantively with Russia,” and implied Ukraine had not yet agreed to the terms.
  • He insisted, “Moscow would achieve its objectives in Ukraine either way,” referencing recent Russian battlefield gains ([01:53]).
• Critics argue the plan favors Russia by potentially forcing Ukraine to cede territory, cap its military, and forgo NATO aspirations.

3. Federal Judge Blocks IRS from Sharing Taxpayer Addresses with ICE

• [02:13] A court ruling halts the IRS practice of providing immigrant address data to U.S. immigration enforcement.
• [02:27] Jude Joffe Block reports:
  • In August, the IRS handed over 47,000 addresses to ICE, a move now found 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.” ([02:37])

• The judgment is seen as a significant win for immigrant rights groups and small businesses.

4. Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Falls Short

• [03:09] Jonathan Lambert reports on the Global Fund's fundraising gap:
  • The fund sought $18 billion for a three-year budget but secured just $11 billion.
  • U.S. support dropped to $4.6 billion, down from $6 billion in 2022, with cuts also seen from other nations.

  • “Still, the organization’s coffers will likely be less equipped to fight these deadly diseases.” ([04:02])

• This shortfall may hamper progress against TB, malaria, and AIDS globally.

5. Mass Kidnapping at Northern Nigerian School

• [04:11] Reports from Nigeria detail a violent attack on a Catholic school where over 300 children and a dozen teachers were kidnapped.
• Security forces are involved in rescue efforts, and some region schools closed following the abduction—the second such mass kidnapping in a week.
• UNICEF notes only 37% of schools in conflict-affected states have systems to detect imminent threats.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marjorie Taylor Greene on Political Fallout ([00:37]):

  • “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.”

• Putin’s Pragmatic Yet Defiant Stance ([01:53]):

  • “Moscow would achieve its objectives in Ukraine either way,” Charles Maynes summarizes Putin’s message.

• IRS Ruling on Data Sharing ([02:37]):

  • “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.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:11: Greene’s resignation and context
• 00:37: Greene’s personal statement
• 01:32: Putin’s response to US Ukraine proposal
• 02:27: Details of IRS-ICE data sharing court ruling
• 03:26: Global Fund fundraising shortfall explained
• 04:11: Nigerian school mass abduction

This episode concisely covers pressing news, offering key context and direct perspectives from those involved, useful for any listener wanting to stay informed on global and domestic developments.