NPR News Now – November 8, 2025, 12PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: 5 Minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise update about major news stories as of noon on November 8, 2025. Key focuses include the ongoing government shutdown, Supreme Court hearings on tariffs, expanded use of surveillance by immigration authorities, severe weather impacting the US, the aftermath of natural disasters in Southeast Asia, and the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Historic Government Shutdown

[00:14 – 01:36]

• The United States is experiencing its 39th day of government shutdown, the longest in US history, surpassing the prior record of 34 days.
• The president is at his Florida resort while the House has not convened since September 19; the Senate is working over the weekend for the first time since the shutdown began on October 1.
• Negotiation Deadlock:
  • Democrats refuse a short-term government reopening unless Republicans extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care subsidies.
  • Republicans, represented by Senator Lindsey Graham, staunchly oppose continuing the ACA as it stands.
    • Quote: "Our Democratic colleagues are asking me to do something I cannot and will not do. I will not continue Obamacare as it exists today." — Lindsey Graham [01:10]
• The shutdown is severely impacting air travel, causing more flight cancellations and delays, as the FAA reduces flights and air traffic controllers work without pay, resulting in increased absenteeism.

Supreme Court Considers Trump-Era Tariffs

[01:36 – 02:16]

• The Supreme Court is reviewing President Trump's authority to impose sweeping tariffs.
• Economic Impact:
  • Analyst Erica York warns that maintaining tariffs could burden households with more than $1,600 annually by 2026.
    • Quote: "If the tariffs stay in place, it's an average burden of more than $1,600 per year." — Erica York [01:52]
  • If tariffs are deemed illegal and removed, the average annual household burden might drop to $400.
• Even with a potential ruling against these tariffs, the Trump administration could still pursue other avenues to enforce them.

Immigration Surveillance Expands with Facial Recognition Apps

[02:16 – 03:09]

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with some local law enforcement, are utilizing new apps featuring facial recognition to identify and locate non-citizens for deportation.
• Civil Liberties Concerns:
  • Jeremy Scott of the Electronic Privacy Information Center argues increased surveillance threatens democracy.
    • Quote: "Increasing mass indiscriminate surveillance or increase surveillance in general is not compatible with democracy. It is compatible with authoritarianism." — Jeremy Scott [02:45]
• ICE defends technological innovation as necessary to fight crime but did not disclose details about specific surveillance tools in use.

Southeast Asia Hit by Typhoons; US Prepares for Early Winter

[03:09 – 04:22]

Southeast Asia Typhoons

• The Philippines remains under a state of emergency after a deadly typhoon (over 200 reported deaths) with heavy impacts in both the Philippines and Vietnam (5 deaths, thousands of homes destroyed).

Early Winter Weather for the US

• Meteorological Update:
  • A large Arctic air mass is poised to bring the first measurable snowfall to the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Great Lakes by Monday.
  • Regions from the Ohio Valley to the Southeast, including northern Texas and the Appalachians, will see highs in the 30s and 40s with potential record-low temperatures.
  • Even northern Florida could see temperatures as low as 40°F near Veterans Day.
    • Quote: "The cold weather is expected to last several days before warming back up to more average fall temperatures." — Matt Bloom [04:17]

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions

[04:22 – 04:54]

• This year’s ceremony in Los Angeles features inductees spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, highlighting the broad impact of rock and roll.
• Notable artists:
  • Chubby Checker (1950s, "The Twist")
  • Joe Cocker (1960s)
  • Warren Zevon (1970s, "Werewolves of London")
  • Others: Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa

Memorable Quotes

• Lindsey Graham on ACA Negotiations:
  • "Our Democratic colleagues are asking me to do something I cannot and will not do. I will not continue Obamacare as it exists today." [01:10]
• Erica York on Tariff Burden:
  • "If the tariffs stay in place, it's an average burden of more than $1,600 per year." [01:52]
• Jeremy Scott on Surveillance:
  • "Increasing mass indiscriminate surveillance or increase surveillance in general is not compatible with democracy. It is compatible with authoritarianism." [02:45]
• Matt Bloom on Cold Weather:
  • "The cold weather is expected to last several days before warming back up to more average fall temperatures." [04:17]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Government Shutdown & ACA Negotiations: [00:14 – 01:36]
• Supreme Court & Tariff Debate: [01:36 – 02:16]
• Immigration Surveillance Expansion: [02:16 – 03:09]
• International & US Weather Events: [03:09 – 04:22]
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions: [04:22 – 04:54]

This summary delivers the essential developments in politics, economics, civil liberties, weather, and culture, reflecting both the urgency and breadth of NPR’s midday news report in a format suitable for readers seeking a swift yet comprehensive briefing.