NPR News Now – November 6, 2025, 3PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst, NPR
Episode Theme:
A concise update on major national and international news developments, with coverage of:

• The ongoing federal government shutdown and its impacts
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight reductions amid labor shortages
• Nancy Pelosi’s announcement to not seek re-election
• A judicial case symbolizing resistance during political tension
• A surge in cholera cases across Africa

Major Headlines & Discussion Points

1. FAA Reduces Flights Amid Shutdown-Induced Staffing Crisis

[00:01–01:35]

• Key Details:

  • The Trump administration announced starting tomorrow, the FAA will cut thousands of flights daily due to staffing issues as unpaid air traffic controllers increasingly call in sick.
  • Reductions will occur at 40 major airports in phases, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, with the potential to threaten air travel nationwide.

• Practical Advice for Travelers:

  • Passengers urged to anticipate longer security/boarding times and check flight statuses early.
  • Airlines encourage sign-ups for text alerts and booking early morning departures.
  • TSA recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international flights during the disruption.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Even clear skies could mean crowded airspace." — Windsor Johnston, NPR ([01:31])

2. Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement from Congress

[01:35–02:35]

• Key Details:

  • Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek another term after serving San Francisco since 1987.
  • Her farewell emphasized her affection for her city and constituents and referenced resilience, values, and progress.
  • Pelosi’s legacy includes:
    • Championing federal funding for AIDS and public transit
    • Passing Democratic priorities like the Affordable Care Act
    • Leading House actions such as two presidential impeachments and overseeing the January 6 investigation

• Memorable Moment:

  • "'It's an historic moment for the Congress.'" — Jeanine Herbst quoting Pelosi's 2007 swearing-in ([02:03])
  • "'It's an historic moment for the women of America.'" — Pelosi ([02:05])

• Summary Quote:

  • "Pelosi has been a leading foil to President Donald Trump, overseeing two impeachments and a House investigation into the January 6 attack on the Capitol." — Scott Schaefer, KQED ([02:29])

3. Federal Intervention Criticized After Sandwich-Throwing Acquittal

[02:35–03:34]

• Key Details:
  • A former DOJ employee, Sean Dunn, was acquitted in D.C. for throwing a sub sandwich at a federal agent during the Trump administration’s law enforcement surge.
  • Despite the agent’s claim of a messy attack, photographic evidence showed the sandwich remained wrapped.
  • This case reflects public pushback and legal rebuke against federal intervention tactics, with the sandwich image becoming symbolic of resistance.

4. Cholera Surge in Africa Deepens Health Concerns

[03:34–04:16]

• Key Details:

  • Angola recently saw a 700% increase in cholera cases, with about 1,000 new cases last week—children comprise a third of cases.
  • Cholera is preventable and treatable but needs robust water infrastructure and prompt medical care.
  • The Africa CDC reports cases and deaths are tripling those of 2022; the situation is expected to worsen during the rainy season.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "We see the number of total cases that are tripling what we've seen in 2022, and the same thing for the number of deaths." — Yat Boom, Africa CDC ([04:00])

5. Shutdown Threatens Home Heating Assistance

[04:16–05:02]

• Key Details:
  • The federal government shutdown, now in its 37th day, is delaying funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
  • This program typically helps about 6 million households with heating, cooling, or repairs.
  • Lack of funding risks leaving millions unable to pay utility bills as winter approaches; distribution will also be delayed after the shutdown ends.

6. Financial Markets Update

[05:00]

• Snapshot:
  • Dow: -271 points
  • NASDAQ: -301
  • S&P 500: -47

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Even clear skies could mean crowded airspace."
  — Windsor Johnston on flight disruptions ([01:31])

• "It's an historic moment for the women of America."
  — Nancy Pelosi, upon her first speakership ([02:05])

• "We see the number of total cases that are tripling what we've seen in 2022, and same thing for the number of deaths."
  — Yat Boom, Africa CDC ([04:00])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:01] FAA cutting flights; passenger advice ([00:53])
• [01:35] Pelosi’s announcement and legacy ([01:46])
• [02:35] DOJ employee acquitted in 'sandwich attack' ([02:35])
• [03:34] Cholera spike in Africa; CDC concerns ([03:34], [04:00])
• [04:16] Home heating assistance delayed ([04:16])
• [05:00] Market update ([05:00])