NPR News Now — November 7, 2025, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR
Date: November 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers breaking legal actions regarding federal use of the National Guard, updates on SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, flight reductions at major airports, national stress levels from political polarization, developments in same-sex marriage litigation, EU visa policy changes for Russians, and the passing of scientist James Watson. Each story provides concise, first-hand reporting and real-world reactions from those affected.

Key News Points & Insights

1. Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployments

• (00:18–00:57)
  • A federal judge permanently blocks President Trump from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.
  • A similar temporary block is in place in Chicago.
  • The administration had tried to deploy the Guard for protection at a federal building.

2. SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown

• (00:57–01:36)
  • SNAP (food stamp) recipients in several states, including Oregon, California, and Wisconsin, received their full November benefits.
  • The Supreme Court is being asked to review after a federal appeals court upheld the order for funds to be released despite the shutdown.
  • Personal Impact: Linda Simon from Eugene shares her relief at receiving benefits.
    • "I am one grateful woman today." (Linda Simon, 01:09)
    • "Now I feel a little more energized, you know, I feel like I got a dopamine hit in my brain." (Linda Simon, 01:20)
  • Details:
    • More than 700,000 Oregon residents affected.
    • Typical benefits example: $133/month.

3. Flight Reductions Due to Shutdown

• (01:36–02:16)
  • The Trump administration begins reducing flights in major airports (Chicago, Atlanta, Denver) to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers.
  • Goal: A 10% reduction in domestic flights by next Friday, phased in with a 4% cut this weekend.
  • Insight: Airlines can choose where to make cuts but will try to protect popular and profitable routes.
  • Only domestic flights are affected, not international.
  • Quote: “So I think it's likely that they're going to try to protect their most popular and most profitable routes.” — Joel Rose, NPR Reporter (01:59)

4. Political Polarization Raising Stress Levels

• (02:16–03:06)
  • A national survey (American Psychological Association) finds 62% of adults cite political divisions as a major source of stress.
  • Those stressed by divisions are more likely to experience social isolation.
  • Expert View: Dr. Vale Wright of the APA notes lasting physical and emotional symptoms for those affected.
  • Quote:
    • “Often those are manifested in both physical symptoms and emotional symptoms that can look like headaches, fatigue, stomach problems, as well as increased levels of depression and anxiety.” (Vale Wright, 02:56)
  • Reporter: Ritu Chatterjee, NPR

5. Supreme Court Faces Same-Sex Marriage Case

• (03:08–03:53)
  • The Supreme Court is considering an appeal from Kim Davis (KY county clerk) who refused to issue marriage licenses post-2015 ruling.
  • Davis is appealing a $360,000 damages order to a couple she refused to serve.
  • The Court held a closed-door meeting to discuss a possible challenge to the validity of same-sex marriage rights.

6. EU Tightens Visa Rules for Russians

• (03:53–04:38)
  • The EU ends multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens, citing heightened security threats after Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
  • Visa applicants must now undergo individual vetting for each visit.
  • Exceptions: Human rights activists, journalists, and others with verified motives.
  • Official Statement:
    • “This is in view of the increased security risk stemming from Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, including the weaponization of migration, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visas.” — Marcus Lammert, EU Spokesperson (04:07)
  • Policy Rationale: “Traveling to the EU is a privilege and not a given... starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is hard to justify.” — Foreign policy chief Kayakalis (Paraphrased by reporter Terry Schultz)

7. Passing of Noted Scientist James Watson

• (04:38–04:56)
  • James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix structure, dies at age 97.
  • Story notes the critical, but initially uncredited, X-ray data from Rosalind Franklin that enabled the discovery.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I am one grateful woman today.”
  — Linda Simon (SNAP recipient), 01:09

• “Now I feel a little more energized, you know, I feel like I got a dopamine hit in my brain.”
  — Linda Simon, 01:20

• “So I think it's likely that they're going to try to protect their most popular and most profitable routes.”
  — Joel Rose, NPR, 01:59

• “Often those are manifested in both physical symptoms and emotional symptoms that can look like headaches, fatigue, stomach problems, as well as increased levels of depression and anxiety.”
  — Vale Wright, American Psychological Association, 02:56

• “This is in view of the increased security risk stemming from Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, including the weaponization of migration, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visas.”
  — Marcus Lammert, European Commission Spokesperson, 04:07

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Federal judge blocks National Guard deployment — 00:18
• SNAP benefits arrive; recipient story — 00:57–01:36
• Flight reductions explained — 01:36–02:16
• Survey: Polarization and stress — 02:16–03:06
• Supreme Court, same-sex marriage case — 03:08–03:53
• EU’s new visa policy for Russians — 03:53–04:38
• James Watson’s death announced — 04:38–04:56

Concluding Notes

This episode distills the complexity of national events—court decisions, policy shifts, travel impacts, and social pressures—into a concise update, featuring both individual human stories and significant policy developments. Notably, the tone balances urgency with empathy, anchoring national issues in personal experiences while offering expert context throughout.