NPR News Now – November 5, 2025, 10PM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the top news stories in under five minutes, covering pressing national legal debates, the effects of the government shutdown, a deadly UPS plane crash, political developments in New York City, an impending Starbucks union strike, the state of lung cancer care, and tonight’s supermoon. The episode is hosted by Ryland Barton.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Debate on Presidential Tariff Powers

Timestamp: 00:16–00:59

• Issue: The Supreme Court heard arguments over whether President Trump can unilaterally impose tariffs, bypassing congressional approval.
• Administration’s View: The White House claims national security justifies this authority and warns that restricting the president's powers could destabilize the economy.
• Skepticism from the Court: Justice Neil Gorsuch, appointed by Trump, voices concern over unchecked executive power.
• Analysis:
  • Legal Analyst (00:44):

    “Congress is a practical matter. Can't get this power back once it’s handed it over to the president. It's a one-way ratchet toward the gradual but continual accretion of power in the executive branch and away from the people's elected representatives.”

• Challengers’ Argument: Critics argue Trump is seeking limitless authority, with American small businesses paying the price.

2. Government Shutdown Pauses Winter Heating Assistance

Timestamp: 00:59–01:57

• Context: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is on hold due to the ongoing government shutdown, jeopardizing heating aid for millions as winter approaches.
• Scale: LIHEAP serves about 6 million households nationally; New York’s enrollment is indefinitely delayed, matching delays in Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota.
• Personal Impact:
  • Florence Wright, New York resident (01:41):

    “Yeah, I mean, we burn fuel oil. What are we going to do if the heat don’t go through? You know, one tank of fuel is half of our income a month.”

• Reporting: Emily Russell of North Country Public Radio contextualizes the hardship for rural families.

3. UPS Plane Crash in Louisville

Timestamp: 01:57–02:43

• Event: A UPS aircraft crashed during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least 12, including three UPS crew members.
• Investigation Status:
  • Flight data and cockpit recorders have been recovered, though damaged by fire.
  • Analysis will take place in Washington, D.C.
  • Security footage shows the left engine detached as the plane was taking off.
• NTSB Commentary:
  • Todd Inman (via Curtis Tate, 02:14):

    “That correlates with the video that we’ve seen of it detaching from the airplane while it’s in flight.”

• Scope: The debris field covers half a mile.

4. New York City Mayoral Transition

Timestamp: 02:50–03:11

• Election Result: Zoran Mamdani, age 34, is the Mayor-elect, having defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
• Transition News: Mamdani’s transition team consists entirely of women, all former city and federal officials.
• Challenges: He faces the task of delivering on campaign promises while confronting opposition from a hostile Trump administration.
• Quote:
  • Mamdani pledges to be “both compassionate and capable” in his administration.

5. Starbucks Union Prepares to Strike

Timestamp: 03:11–03:44

• Union Action: Starbucks union members will strike next week unless a contract is finalized.
• Date of Note: The proposed strike starts November 13, coinciding with Starbucks' Red Cup Day, one of its busiest sales events.
• Reason for Timing: The strike is timed for maximum impact during a major company promotion.

6. State of Lung Cancer Care in the U.S.

Timestamp: 03:44–04:26

• Progress: Over 70 new lung cancer drugs in the past decade have increased the 5-year survival rate dramatically from 18% to 30%.
• Threats to Progress:
  • Federal cuts to NIH, CDC, and Medicaid threaten ongoing advances.
  • Persistent racial disparities: Black, Latino, and Native American patients are less likely to be diagnosed early and survive.
• Reporting by Yuki Noguchi:

  “The report also says recent funding and staffing cuts...threaten this progress, and racial inequalities persist.” (04:02–04:20)

7. Tonight’s Supermoon

Timestamp: 04:26–04:56

• Astronomical Event: The closest supermoon of the year occurs tonight, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year.
• Note: While visually impressive, the change is subtle to the naked eye. This is the second of three supermoons in 2025.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Legal Analyst (00:44):

  “…a one way ratchet toward the gradual but continual accretion of power in the executive branch and away from the people's elected representatives.”

• Florence Wright, LIHEAP recipient (01:41):

  “One tank of fuel is half of our income a month.”

• Yuki Noguchi (04:02):

  “Black, Latino and Native American people are less likely to be diagnosed early, receive treatment and survive the disease.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Presidential Tariff Powers Supreme Court Case: 00:16–00:59
• LIHEAP Heating Aid Delays: 00:59–01:57
• UPS Plane Crash Update: 01:57–02:43
• NYC Mayoral Transition: 02:50–03:11
• Starbucks Union Strike Plans: 03:11–03:44
• Lung Cancer Care Progress & Disparities: 03:44–04:26
• Supermoon Tonight: 04:26–04:56

This concise yet comprehensive edition of NPR News Now offers a snapshot of major political, economic, social, and scientific issues affecting Americans as of November 5, 2025.