NPR News Now – November 8, 2025 – 3PM EST

Episode Overview

This concise five-minute NPR News Now episode provides listeners with top headlines and developments from Washington, the nation, and the world on November 8, 2025. Reporting covers the ongoing government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—alongside Supreme Court decisions, airport disruptions due to staffing shortages, a widespread cold snap, typhoon impacts in Southeast Asia, new “bat tourism” in Montana, and a preview of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Politics & Government Shutdown

• Gravity of Political Laws
  • “[W]hen you have an unpopular president and people are dissatisfied with the economy, that president's party loses.”
    — Nora Raum [00:05]
• Shutdown Status
  • Now Day 39 of the federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
  • President is away at his Florida resort.
  • The House has been out of session since September 19. Senators are working for the first weekend since start of the shutdown (October 1).
  • Democrats won’t agree to a short-term funding bill unless Republicans agree to extend health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  • Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) refuses to continue “Obamacare as it exists today.”
    • 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 [01:00]
  • Notable context: Previous record for the longest shutdown was 34 days during Trump’s first administration.
    — Nora Raum [01:10]

2. Supreme Court SNAP Benefits Decision [01:10–02:12]

• Supreme Court has issued an administrative stay, letting Trump administration block full SNAP (food stamp) benefits for now.
• Some states (e.g., California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania) had begun distributing full SNAP benefits based on a lower court order but must revert to partial payments.
• Personal impact:
  • Sylvia Lindsay (North Carolina) is only receiving half her benefits, insufficient to support herself and her autistic grandson.
    • Quote: “You already down and they want you to be even further down. It's just really sad and disappoint.”
      — Sylvia Lindsay [01:56]
• Broader impact: 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP; mainly low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

3. Air Travel Disruptions Due to Government Shutdown [02:12–03:06]

• At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, flights grounded for about an hour due to air traffic controller shortages.
• The FAA plans to cut airport traffic by up to 10% at major hubs in coming days.
• Personal account:
  • Jessica Lamuccio, with her 1-year-old daughter, faces uncertainty after her flight is canceled.
    • Quote: “It just makes it more complicated, right? Especially with her just to figure out, like, what's our plan? How long do we stay here? How long do you wait it out. If you book again, is it going to get canceled again?”
      — Jessica Lamuccio [02:43]

4. U.S. Weather: Arctic Air Mass and Cold Snap [03:06–03:29]

• Arctic air moving across much of the country from Northern Plains to the Southeast.
• Temperatures will drop, with potential for first snowfalls in some places.
• Expected to last several days.

5. Southeast Asia: Typhoon Aftermath [03:29–03:56]

• The Philippines faces another approaching typhoon, with a national emergency still in effect after the earlier storm left at least 204 dead.
• Recent typhoon also affected Vietnam: 5 fatalities, thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.

6. Montana's "Bat Tourism" [03:56–04:37]

• In central Montana, biologists lead sunset boat tours to watch thousands of bats emerge from river canyon cliffs.
• The tours quickly sell out, indicating strong interest.
• Handheld devices allow visitors to hear amplified ultrasonic bat chirps.
• Conservation message: bats are crucial for pest control, saving agriculture millions each year; raising awareness of threats like disease.
• Montana experts plan more statewide education and bat appreciation programs.

7. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony [04:37–05:04]

• Ceremony held tonight in Los Angeles, honoring artists from the 1950s through the 2000s.
  • Inductees: Chubby Checker (“The Twist”), Joe Cocker, Warren Zevon (“Werewolves of London”), Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On party politics and the shutdown:
  “When you have an unpopular president and people are dissatisfied with the economy, that president's party loses.” — Nora Raum [00:05]

• On the ACA and partisan standoff:
  “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 [01:00]

• On SNAP benefit cuts:
  “You already down and they want you to be even further down. It's just really sad and disappoint.” — Sylvia Lindsay [01:56]

• On airport chaos:
  “It just makes it more complicated, right? Especially with her just to figure out, like, what's our plan? How long do we stay here? How long do you wait it out. If you book again, is it going to get canceled again?” — Jessica Lamuccio [02:43]

Timestamps of Major Segments

• [00:00] — Political context, shutdown overview
• [01:00] — Lindsey Graham on ACA extension
• [01:28–02:12] — SNAP benefits/SCOTUS ruling, personal impact
• [02:12–03:06] — Charlotte airport delays, passenger perspective
• [03:06] — National cold snap warning
• [03:29] — Typhoon devastation in SE Asia
• [03:56] — Montana bat tours; conservation notes
• [04:37] — Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class preview

Summary in One Sentence:
This NPR News Now episode delivers quick, impactful updates: the government shutdown grinds on amidst partisan gridlock, the Supreme Court stalls expanded food benefits, travel and weather woes intensify, Southeast Asia reels from storm damage, while Montana bats and legendary musicians catch the nation’s attention.