NPR News Now: November 4, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise briefing on the top national and global news, covering major political, economic, social, and scientific developments as of the morning of November 4, 2025.

Main Themes & Purpose

This NPR News Now episode delivers rapid-fire updates on breaking news and significant stories in politics, economics, social policy, business, technology, and science—including the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, pivotal New York City elections, SNAP benefits cuts, major business deals, and an upcoming astronomical event.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Passing of Former Vice President Dick Cheney

[00:18–01:04]

• Announcement of Death: Former Vice President Dick Cheney died at age 84.

• Political Legacy:

  • Served as President Ford’s chief of staff, Wyoming congressman, defense secretary to President George H.W. Bush, and two-term Vice President under President George W. Bush.
  • Regarded as highly influential during Bush’s presidency, especially on defense and foreign policy.

• Archival Reflection:

  • Cheney downplayed his public image, emphasizing service and duty over perception.

    “I’m there specifically to serve him in any way I can and not worry a lot about what my public image might be… I really don’t worry about that.”
    — Dick Cheney (archival audio), [00:43]

• Role in Iraq War: Prominent advocate for the Iraq invasion based on faulty intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction.

2. New York City Mayoral Election

[01:04–02:13]

• High Turnout Expected: Election Day with a historic mayoral race.
• Candidates:
  • Zoran Mamdani: Democratic Socialist, frontrunner, movement energizes younger voters, would be NYC’s first Muslim mayor.
  • Andrew Cuomo: Former NY Governor (Democrat, running as independent), seeking comeback after a 2021 resignation over sexual harassment scandal.
  • Curtis Sliwa: Republican candidate.
• Key Developments:

  • Ex-President Trump backs Cuomo, urging GOP voters away from Sliwa, and threatens NYC with reduced federal funds if Mamdani wins.

  • Trump attacks Mamdani as a “communist”; unsupported claim.

    “Trump falsely claimed Mamdani is a communist and threatened to limit federal funds for New York City if he’s elected.”
    — Brian Mann, [01:48]

  • Mamdani pledges focus on affordability.

3. SNAP Benefits Cuts & Impact on Families

[02:13–03:11]

• Policy Change: The Trump administration restarts SNAP (food stamps) but only at half the standard amount.
• Consequences:

  • Millions—including many children—experience heightened food insecurity and stress.

  • Expert Insight:

    “The kiddos… they show up for our research visits and they’re really hungry. Parents are worried about their ability to put food on the table.”
    — Martha Wadsworth, [02:50]

  • Symptoms in children: anxiety, sleep disruption, irritability.

4. Economic & Business News

[03:11–04:29]

• Stocks: Premarket futures down.
• Starbucks in China:
  • Major deal: Starbucks to sell ~60% of its China stake via new joint venture, valued at $4 billion.
• Tech Giants’ Partnership:

  • OpenAI & Amazon Web Services:

    • $38 billion partnership; OpenAI (maker of ChatGPT) will use AWS infrastructure for AI workloads immediately.
    • AWS becomes key “backbone” for OpenAI’s future growth, with potential for further expansion into 2027+.
    • Amazon shares up 4% after the announcement.

    “The CEO of AWS says its infrastructure will serve as a backbone for OpenAI’s AI ambitions. The agreement is the latest in a string of recent deals worth billions…”
    — John Ruich, [04:01]

5. Science: Upcoming Supermoon

[04:29–04:56]

• Event Preview: Next supermoon arrives tomorrow night.
  • Closest approach to Earth; also a full moon.
  • NASA: will appear up to 14% bigger, nearly 1/3 brighter than the year's faintest moon.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dick Cheney on Vice Presidency:

  “I’m there specifically to serve him in any way I can and not worry a lot about what my public image might be… I really don’t worry about that.”
  — Dick Cheney (archive), [00:43]

• Brian Mann on NYC mayoral race:

  “Trump falsely claimed Mamdani is a communist and threatened to limit federal funds for New York City if he’s elected.”
  — Brian Mann, [01:48]

• Martha Wadsworth on SNAP cuts:

  “The kiddos… they show up for our research visits and they’re really hungry. Parents are worried about their ability to put food on the table.”
  — Martha Wadsworth, [02:50]

• John Ruich on AI partnership:

  “The CEO of AWS says its infrastructure will serve as a backbone for OpenAI’s AI ambitions…”
  — John Ruich, [04:01]

Useful Timestamps

• Dick Cheney’s legacy and archival quote: [00:18–01:04]
• NYC election dynamics and Trump endorsement: [01:30–02:13]
• SNAP cuts and expert insights: [02:13–03:11]
• OpenAI & Amazon AWS partnership: [03:47–04:29]
• Supermoon science explainer: [04:29–04:56]

This episode offers a brisk, information-packed briefing on significant breaking news, providing context and voices from key figures and experts for listeners looking to stay current in just five minutes.