NPR News Now – 11-07-2025 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: 5 minutes
Date: November 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This fast-paced news update covers the federal government shutdown and its ripple effects on food aid and air travel, new developments in U.S. military actions and foreign policy, political maneuvering ahead of the New York gubernatorial race, cybersecurity issues at the Congressional Budget Office, significant tax reforms in Brazil, and deadly storm impacts in Southeast Asia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown: Record Length, SNAP Interrupted

• [00:16] The shutdown has lasted 38 days—“the longest in U.S. history.”
• The nutrition program SNAP is disrupted; a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume funding, but the administration is appealing.
• Impact: Food assistance for millions is in limbo.

  "A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the SNAP program this month. The Trump administration has appealed this ruling." – Korva Coleman (00:25)

2. Shutdown Effects on Air Travel

• [00:16, 00:54] FAA is reducing air traffic by up to 10% due to staffing shortages, likely causing increased delays.
• United and Delta let travelers rebook without penalty.
• Travel experts say morning flights are less likely to be disrupted as delays build during the day.

  "Aviation experts warn that even minor staffing gaps can ripple across the national air system..." – Windsor Johnston (00:57)

  • Travelers advised to plan ahead and check flight status.

3. Missing Jobs Report & Worsening Job Market

• [01:30] Labor Department's jobs report delayed due to shutdown.
• An outplacement firm reports the worst October for job layoff notices in more than two decades.

4. U.S. Military Action in the Caribbean

• [01:39] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the military attacked a boat (three dead), alleging drug trafficking.
• No evidence provided.

  "Writing online last night, Hegseth alleged the boat was involved in drug trafficking, but he offered no evidence of his claim." – Korva Coleman (01:44)

5. Kazakhstan & the Abraham Accords

• [01:48, 02:18] President Trump announces Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, but NPR clarifies Kazakhstan already has diplomatic ties with Israel.

  "It's a largely symbolic move. The White House described it as a signal that the accords are alive and well in the second administration." – Franco Ordonez (02:39)

• Regional tensions over the Gaza war impede broader agreement participation, including for Saudi Arabia.

6. 2026 New York Governor’s Race Heats Up

• [02:58] Rep. Elise Stefanik announces candidacy, attacks incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.

  "Stefanik announced the news this morning by criticizing incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul as the worst governor in the country. Hochul returned the criticism and said, bring it on." – Korva Coleman (03:00)

7. Congressional Budget Office Hacked

• [03:13] CBO says it's been hacked; important government info may be compromised.
• Agency says incident was identified quickly and addressed.

8. Brazil Reform: Tax Relief for the Poor, Hike for the Rich

• [03:37] Brazil’s Congress passes law exempting poor/middle class workers from income tax (threshold raised to $900/month).
• Government will tax wealthy individuals and dividends to compensate.

  "Supporters say it's common sense those who have less pay less. Those who have more pay more." – Carrie Kahn (04:16)

• President Lula to sign the bill, a political boost ahead of his reelection campaign.
• Lawmakers are considering taxes for fintech and betting companies.

9. Deadly Typhoon Strikes Southeast Asia

• [04:36] Typhoon Kalmegi kills at least 5 in Vietnam after causing 188 deaths in the Philippines.
• Philippine president declares a state of emergency; another typhoon is approaching.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the length and consequences of the shutdown:

  "The federal government shutdown is now 38 days old, the longest in U.S. history. It's interrupted federal funding for the nutrition program known as SNAP."
  – Korva Coleman, 00:16

• On ripple effects in air travel:

  "Aviation experts warn that even minor staffing gaps can ripple across the national air system..."
  – Windsor Johnston, 00:57

• On new tax fairness in Brazil:

  "Supporters say it's common sense those who have less pay less. Those who have more pay more."
  – Carrie Kahn, 04:16

• On New York’s coming political showdown:

  "Stefanik announced the news this morning by criticizing... Hochul as the worst governor in the country. Hochul returned the criticism and said, bring it on."
  – Korva Coleman, 02:58

Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp (MM:SS) | |---------------------------------------|-------------------| | Government shutdown & SNAP | 00:16 | | Air travel delays & airline response | 00:54 | | Jobs report & layoffs | 01:30 | | U.S. military action in Caribbean | 01:39 | | Kazakhstan, Abraham Accords | 01:48 / 02:18 | | NY Governor race (Stefanik v Hochul) | 02:58 | | CBO cyberattack | 03:13 | | Brazil tax reform | 03:54 | | Typhoon deaths in Vietnam/Philippines | 04:36 |

This episode efficiently delivers crucial, up-to-date news on US domestic affairs, foreign policy, economic reform, and global disasters, infused with direct quotes and attribution that capture the urgent, factual tone characteristic of NPR News Now.