NPR News Now — 8AM EST, November 7, 2025

Host: Korva Coleman
Podcast: NPR News Now

Overview

This five-minute news update covers major national and international stories as of the morning of November 7, 2025. The episode highlights significant impacts from the ongoing federal government shutdown, a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, rising Congressional unease regarding Venezuela, catastrophic hurricane aftermath in the Caribbean, political developments in New York, a school shooting lawsuit verdict in Virginia, and updates on a recent cargo plane crash and a major product recall.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Airline Disruptions Due to Federal Government Shutdown

• Host: Korva Coleman reports that due to the extended government shutdown, airlines are reducing flight offerings (00:19).
• Reporter: Joel Rose explains (00:36) that the FAA has issued orders to limit flight capacity at 40 major airports, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas, because of staffing shortages.
• Notable Quote:
  "We have service disruptions frequently in the airline business, so we've got a good playbook."
  — David Kinselman, United Airlines SVP (00:55)
• Additional Details: More than 800 flights have already been canceled, and FAA staff (air traffic controllers) are working without pay. Many are calling out sick or have taken second jobs (01:00).
• Source: FlightAware.com (01:15)

2. Military Strike & Congressional Response on Venezuela

• Update: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims the U.S. military struck another boat in the Caribbean, killing three alleged drug traffickers, though he gave no evidence (01:15).
• Senate Vote: Senate narrowly rejects a War Powers resolution to halt growing military engagement with Venezuela (01:15 - 02:25).
• Reporter: Claudia Grisales (01:40) details the bipartisan support and the concerns expressed.
  • Notable Quote:
    "The executive branch does not have the authority to kill at will anyone, anywhere, at any time for any reason."
    — Sen. Rand Paul, as referenced (01:54)
  • Insight: Some GOP senators, while voting against limiting the president’s war powers, still voice concern about escalation (02:01).

3. Hurricane Melissa’s Devastation in the Caribbean

• Reporter: Rebecca Hersher (02:35) covers the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
  • One of the Caribbean’s most powerful recorded hurricanes leaves large portions of Jamaica and Cuba in ruin.
  • At least dozens killed; damages estimated at $2.4 billion (insured losses only), according to Karen Clark and Company (02:35), with real totals likely higher.
• Key Point: Official damage estimates don’t include uninsured homes or public infrastructure (02:35).

4. Political & Legal Updates

• NY Governor's Race: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announces run for Governor (03:12). Known as a strong Trump ally, her possible departure from Congress was previously a concern for the slim Republican majority.
• VA School Shooting Verdict:
  • A Virginia jury awards $10 million to teacher Abby Zwerner, shot by a six-year-old in 2023 (03:53).
  • Notable Quote:
    "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."
    — Diane Toscano, Zwerner’s counsel (04:05)
  • Zwerner suffered significant injuries and lengthy hospitalization; the student's mother serves time for related charges (04:17).

5. Other Headlines

• Louisville Cargo Plane Crash: Death toll rises to 13; black boxes from UPS jet recovered (04:30).
• Peloton Recall: Nearly 900,000 bikes recalled for risk of seat post breaking and falls (04:30).

Memorable Quotes

• "We have service disruptions frequently in the airline business, so we've got a good playbook."
  • David Kinselman, United Airlines SVP (00:55)
• "The executive branch does not have the authority to kill at will anyone, anywhere, at any time for any reason."
  • Sen. Rand Paul, during Senate Venezuela debate (01:54)
• "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."
  • Diane Toscano, attorney for Abby Zwerner (04:05)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:19: Federal shutdown disrupts airline schedules
• 01:15: Flight cancellation and FAA staffing update
• 01:15: U.S. strikes boat in Caribbean
• 01:40: Senate Venezuela war powers resolution debate
• 02:25: Hurricane Melissa damage estimates for the Caribbean
• 03:12: Political developments: Elise Stefanik’s gubernatorial campaign
• 03:53: Abby Zwerner $10M school shooting verdict
• 04:30: Louisville plane crash update; Peloton bike recall

Tone and Style

Concise, factual, urgent—NPR’s signature news delivery keeps the listener informed with authoritative updates and brief, vivid quotes from key players. The tone stays serious given the gravity of events covered: transportation disruptions, military action, disaster aftermath, political shifts, and court verdicts.

This summary captures the essential news highlights and context for listeners, providing a quick yet comprehensive briefing on the morning’s top stories.