NPR News Now: 11-05-2025, 10AM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode, hosted by Korva Coleman, provides listeners with a concise five-minute update on the major stories shaping national and global headlines on November 5, 2025. The episode features economic news, significant election results, education reform, the continued government shutdown, new controversies in federal surveillance, and an unusual wildlife incident in Japan.

Key News & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Supreme Court Reviews President Trump's Tariffs

[00:15 - 01:10]

• The Supreme Court is deliberating whether President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs on imported goods using a 1970s law that makes no direct mention of tariffs.
• These tariffs, which affect nearly all US imports, are being challenged by small businesses and states.
• Economic update: The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened up by about 150 points.
• Corporate News:
  • McDonald's reports a nearly 2.5% increase in US sales, boosted by higher spending per customer and the return of snack wraps.
  • Pfizer notes a slow start to COVID-19 vaccine sales this autumn, attributed to narrowed federal recommendations.

“The high court's being asked to decide whether President Trump went too far in slapping tariffs on virtually everything the US imports using a 1970s law that never mentions the word tariffs.”
— Scott Horsley (00:29)

2. Democrats Secure Key Election Victories

[01:10 - 01:56]

• Democrats win gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.
• Notable victory: Democratic Socialist Zoram Mamdani becomes New York City’s mayor, campaigning on affordability.
• Exit polls indicate the cost of living was pivotal for voters, with 60% who prioritized this concern siding with Democrats.
• Mamdani discusses his funding plans:
  • Proposes a 2% tax increase for New Yorkers earning over $1 million/year.
  • Suggests raising New York's corporate tax from 7.25% to 11.5% to match New Jersey's rate.

“You have to raise taxes on the top 1% of New Yorkers... And you do that by raising taxes by them 2%. And then you also increase the corporate tax of New York state to match that of New Jersey.”
— Zoram Mamdani (01:39)

3. State Ballot Measures & Education Reform

[01:56 - 03:09]

• Colorado: Voters approve increased taxes on affluent residents to fund food assistance.
• California: Strong support to empower lawmakers to redraw congressional district maps, aiming to add five Democratic representatives.
• Missouri: Independence School District maintains a four-day week, setting precedent for large suburban districts amid teacher shortages and new legal requirements.

“About a third of the state school districts are participating in a four day week as they navigate how to keep educators while struggling with limited resources to raise salaries.”
— Jodi Fortino (02:30)

4. Federal Government Shutdown Continues

[03:09 - 03:50]

• The government shutdown reaches 36 days.
• President Trump refuses negotiation with Democrats, presses Republican senators to end the filibuster for passing a spending bill, but faces reluctance.
• Senate Democrats highlight a lack of transparency from ICE regarding new facial recognition technology reportedly being used on the public in cities like Chicago.

5. ICE's Use of Facial Recognition Technology

[03:50 - 04:31]

• Senate Democrats, led by Senator Edward Markey, are demanding ICE answer questions on the scope and privacy risks of its phone-based facial recognition system.
• Major concerns: Whether the technology’s database includes only wanted individuals or the broader public.
• ICE has not responded to Congressional or NPR inquiries.

“I don't know. And if I don't know, the Congress doesn't know. And if the Congress doesn't know, the American people don't know. This is a technology being deployed by the Trump administration against the American people.”
— Senator Edward Markey (04:08)

6. Japan’s Bear Crisis Leads to Military Involvement

[04:31 - 04:54]

• After at least 12 fatalities and over 100 injuries in bear attacks since April, Japan deploys troops to a northern region to help capture bears, who will then be killed by local hunters.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The high court's being asked to decide whether President Trump went too far in slapping tariffs on virtually everything the US imports using a 1970s law that never mentions the word tariffs.” — Scott Horsley (00:29)
• “You have to raise taxes on the top 1% of New Yorkers... And you do that by raising taxes by them 2%. And then you also increase the corporate tax of New York state to match that of New Jersey.” — Zoram Mamdani (01:39)
• “I don't know. And if I don't know, the Congress doesn't know. And if the Congress doesn't know, the American people don't know. This is a technology being deployed by the Trump administration against the American people.” — Senator Edward Markey (04:08)
• “Japan’s military will catch the bears for local hunters to then kill.” — Korva Coleman (04:31)

Notable Timestamps

• [00:15] – Market opens & Supreme Court reviews Trump tariffs
• [01:10] – Democratic wins in key elections; cost of living as a decisive issue
• [01:39] – Zoram Mamdani details tax plans for NYC funding
• [02:30] – Missouri school district maintains four-day week
• [03:09] – Federal government shutdown update
• [03:50] – Lawmakers challenge ICE facial recognition use
• [04:31] – Japan deals with fatal bear attacks via military involvement

Takeaway

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update on vital news of the day, focusing on political change, ongoing policy debates, and unusual global stories. Key themes are political accountability, the intersection of technology and civil liberties, and how communities are adapting to both economic and environmental challenges.