NPR News Now – November 7, 2025 (1 AM EST)
Episode Overview
This concise five-minute news recap covers significant political, legal, and international events on November 7, 2025. Major headlines include President Trump’s new initiative to lower the cost of obesity drugs, flight cancellations caused by an ongoing government shutdown, a jury verdict in the Virginia teacher shooting case, a deadly industrial accident in South Korea, sweeping tax reforms in Brazil, and Nancy Pelosi’s decision not to seek re-election.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump’s Obesity Drug Deal
[00:18–01:24]
- President Trump struck a deal with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to make weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic more affordable.
- The cost could be as low as $149/month for eligible individuals.
- Deal includes Medicare & Medicaid coverage; about 10% of Medicare enrollees estimated to qualify.
- Drugs to be available via a new "Trump Rx" online marketplace.
Notable Quotes:
- President Trump:
“These are two companies that [are] behind the groundbreaking weight loss drugs that have helped millions of Americans struggling with obesity live better, longer lives[]..."*
– [00:48] - Franco Ordonez:
“The deal includes coverage by Medicare and Medicaid, which could mean new customers for the companies.”
– [01:00]
2. FAA Flight Cancellations Amid Government Shutdown
[01:25–02:08]
- The FAA is slashing domestic flights by 10% at 40 major US airports due to staffing shortages from the government shutdown.
- Air traffic controllers are working without pay, with many taking second jobs or calling out sick.
- The situation worsened notably over the past weekend, affecting dozens of facilities.
Notable Quotes:
- Joel Rose:
“The government shutdown is clearly taking a toll on air traffic controllers who are required to work without pay... many are calling out sick.”
– [01:45]
3. Legal Verdicts and Noteworthy Cases
a. Sandwich-Throwing Incident during Law Enforcement Surge
[02:08]
- Sean Charles Dunn, who became a symbol of resistance after a viral video of him throwing a sandwich at a federal agent, was found not guilty of assault.
b. Virginia Teacher Shooting Lawsuit
[02:13–03:14]
- Jury awarded $10 million to Abby Zwerner, a former teacher shot by a 6-year-old student in 2023.
- Jury found administrator Ebony Parker ignored warnings about the student having a gun.
- Zwerner’s lawyer emphasized the need for institutional accountability.
Notable Quotes:
- Diane Toscano:
“When the city of Newport News and its schools failed to protect their teachers, students and citizens, we held them accountable through the courts. Now it's time for the city to ensure Abby receives the justice this verdict represents.”
– [02:49]
4. International News
a. South Korea Industrial Accident
[03:14]
- A boiler tower collapse at a power plant in southeastern South Korea killed at least one and trapped five others.
- Rescue efforts were paused over safety concerns amid unstable rubble.
- Cause of collapse under investigation.
b. Brazil’s Major Tax Reform
[03:32–04:31]
- Congress passed a tax reform exempting millions of poor and middle-class citizens from income tax.
- New exemption threshold: the equivalent of US$900/month (up from US$500).
- To balance revenue, taxes on high earners and dividends will increase.
- The legislation fulfills President Lula’s campaign promise; he plans to run for re-election.
- Congress also targeting fintech firms and betting operators for taxation.
Notable Quotes:
- Kerry Kahn:
“Supporters say it's common sense. Those who have less pay less. Those who have more pay more.”
– [04:10] - Kerry Kahn:
“President Luis Lula da Silva is set to sign the bill, handing him a major political victory as he plans to run for re-election next year.”
– [04:18]
5. Nancy Pelosi Retiring from Congress
[04:31–04:57]
- Nancy Pelosi, 85, will not seek another term after representing San Francisco since 1987.
- First woman to serve as House Speaker (2007).
- Instrumental in passing major Democratic legislation, including the Affordable Care Act.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- President Trump on obesity drugs and industry innovation [00:48]
- Joel Rose on the toll of the shutdown on air traffic controllers [01:45]
- Diane Toscano on institutional accountability in school shootings [02:49]
- Kerry Kahn’s summation of the philosophy behind Brazil’s new tax reform [04:10]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- [00:18] – President Trump’s obesity drug deal
- [01:25] – FAA flight cancellations due to shutdown
- [02:13] – Virginia teacher shooting lawsuit verdict and reaction
- [03:14] – South Korea power plant collapse
- [03:32] – Brazil’s Congress passes major tax reform
- [04:31] – Nancy Pelosi announces retirement
This NPR News Now episode delivers the day’s top national and global headlines with concise context and perspectives from NPR’s correspondents and sources.