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Hi, it's Terry Gross, host of FRESH AIR. Hey, take a break from the 24 hour news cycle with us and listen to long form interviews with your favorite authors, actors, filmmakers, comedians and musicians, the people making the art that nourishes us and speaks to our times. So listen to the FRESH AIR podcast from NPR and WHYY live from NPR News.
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In Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to fully fund snap food benefits during the government shutdown. The ruling comes after the administration said it would only partially fund food aid after initially saying it wouldn't at all. Last week, two judges ordered the government to pay for the benefits using an emergency fund. This is day 37 of the record long government shutdown. Earlier this week, some Democrats suggested they were searching for a way out. But as NPR's Sam Greenglass reports, victories at the ballot box Tuesday have emboldened many of them to hold firm.
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Over breakfast at the White House, President Trump told Senate Republicans the shutdown hurt their party on Election Day. The results have given some Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, confidence to hold out for an extension of expiring health care subsidies.
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The election results were not vague. They were a lightning bolt.
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Bipartisan talks among rank and file senators are continuing, but it's unclear if eight Democrats will back a funding measure without a firm plan to extend the subsidies. That can also pass the House and get the president's signature. Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.
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The government shutdown is threatening to disrupt air travel nations with fewer staff on duty. The FAA is warning of delays and limited airspace starting tomorrow. NPR's Windsor Johnston has more on what travelers can do to avoid getting grounded.
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The Federal Aviation Administration is urging passengers to plan for longer security and boarding times. Some regional control centers could operate with reduced staff, meaning fewer flights allow through at once. Airlines are advising customers to check flight status early and sign up for text alerts. The Transportation Security Administration says arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three for international is even more critical. During the shutdown, travel experts recommend booking early morning departures. The FAA says it's working to minimize disruptions, but until funding is restored, even clear skies could mean crowded airspace. Windsor Johnston, NPR News, Washington.
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Former speaker of the House and California congressman woman Nancy Pelosi says she won't seek reelection. NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports.
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First elected in 1987, Pelosi would go on to become one of the most effective leaders of the Democratic Party. She cemented her place in the history books in 2007. When she was elected to become the first woman to serve as speaker of the House, she could reliably deliver Democratic votes on must pass legislation when necessary. Although her first speakership came at a complicated time with a looming financial crisis, she reclaimed the gavel in 2019. During her tenures as speaker speaker, she oversaw the passage of landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care act, and enacted trillions in new spending as part of the American Rescue plan. Barbara Sprunt, NPR News, Washington.
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You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The Senate is voting on legislation to check President Trump's ability to launch an attack against Venezuela. Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded the Trump administration provide them with more information on the military strikes against alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. The UN Security Council has removed sanctions on Syria's new leader. This comes just days before President Ahmad El Shirra is due to meet President Trump at the White House. As NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports, the US.
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Drafted the resolution which passed 14. 0. China abstained, saying the US did not take into account its concerns about terrorist groups in Syria. Al Shirra led insurgents who toppled Syrian President Bashar al Assad last year. US Ambassador Mike Waltz Said says now that Al Sharra and Syria's interior minister have been taken off the UN Sanctions list, they can help give Syria a chance for greatness.
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With the adoption of this text, the council is sending a strong political signal that recognizes Syria is in a new era.
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He says Al Sharra is working hard to counter terrorism and promote regional stability. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Washington.
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Solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern US States. Tonight, the sun emitted a huge burst of energy that's currently on its way to Earth. Once it gets here, it could cause colorful light displays. Authorities say they don't expect major disruptions to radio communications. The sun's at its maximum phase of its 11 year activity cycle. This is NPR News from Washington.
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This five-minute NPR News Now episode, recorded on November 6, 2025, delivers concise updates on the government shutdown, SNAP benefits, fallout from recent elections, looming air travel disruptions, Nancy Pelosi’s historic announcement, Senate action on Venezuela, developments in Syria, and a potential aurora borealis event across northern U.S. states.
Federal Judge’s Ruling:
A judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP (food stamp) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, reversing earlier decisions to partially or not fund the program.
Emergency Funding Ordered:
Two judges previously directed the government to tap an emergency fund for SNAP payments.
Record-Length Shutdown:
The shutdown has reached day 37, the longest in U.S. history.
Democratic Strategy Post-Election:
Recent election victories are emboldening Democrats to hold out for an extension of expiring health care subsidies in any funding deal.
"[Election results] were not vague. They were a lightning bolt."
— Chuck Schumer, as paraphrased by Sam Greenglass (01:12)
Talks Continue:
Bipartisan Senate negotiations remain unresolved, with at least eight Democrats needed for a funding measure that both passes the House and gains the president’s approval.
FAA Warning:
Ongoing shutdown is likely to disrupt air travel, with potential delays and airspace restrictions caused by staffing shortages.
Advice for Travelers:
"During the shutdown, travel experts recommend booking early morning departures."
— Windsor Johnston (02:15)
Efforts to Minimize Disruptions:
FAA is working to minimize issues, but continued funding lapses mean flight delays and crowded airspaces remain likely.
Historic Career:
Nancy Pelosi, first elected in 1987, announces she will not seek reelection.
Legislative Legacy:
"[Pelosi] could reliably deliver Democratic votes on must pass legislation when necessary."
— Barbara Sprunt (02:51)
Security Council Action:
U.S. Perspective:
"With the adoption of this text, the council is sending a strong political signal that recognizes Syria is in a new era."
— U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz (04:18)
On Election Results and Shutdown:
“The election results were not vague. They were a lightning bolt.”
— Chuck Schumer (as quoted by Sam Greenglass, 01:12)
On Pelosi’s Leadership:
“[Pelosi] could reliably deliver Democratic votes on must pass legislation when necessary.”
— Barbara Sprunt (02:51)
On Syria’s New Era:
“With the adoption of this text, the council is sending a strong political signal that recognizes Syria is in a new era.”
— U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz (04:18)
On Air Travel During Shutdown:
“During the shutdown, travel experts recommend booking early morning departures.”
— Windsor Johnston (02:15)
This episode delivers a sweeping overview of urgent political, social, and scientific stories, offering listeners concise but impactful updates on major developments of national and international significance.