NPR News Now — November 9, 2025, 10PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes
Date: November 10, 2025

Overview

This fast-paced episode covers the latest breaking news in U.S. politics, federal benefits, weather updates, international media headlines, and box office results. Listeners gain a snapshot of developments in government funding, SNAP benefit controversies, severe winter weather, shake-ups at the BBC, and the weekend’s movie rankings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Advances Government Spending Bill (00:11–01:27)

• Main Story: Senate is voting to move forward with legislation to fund the government through January, including appropriations and SNAP food assistance.

  • Bipartisan Agreement: Eight Democrats have joined Republicans, signaling likely passage.
  • Back Pay Provision: Federal workers would receive back pay even if furloughed.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune:

    “All of us Republicans and Democrats who support this bill know that the time to act is now.” (00:45)

  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer:

    “I must vote no. This health care crisis is so severe, so urgent, so devastating for families back home, that I cannot in good faith support this CR that fails to address the health care crisis. But let me be clear. However this vote turns out, this fight will and must continue.” (01:03)

• Next Steps: Bill must return to the House, which is currently adjourned.

2. SNAP Benefits Uncertainty & Legal Battle (01:27–02:27)

• Background: Following a Supreme Court order, the Trump administration is telling states not to fully fund SNAP benefits, affecting millions.

  • States Warned: States risk penalties if they don't reverse distributed payments.
  • On the Ground Impact: Food banks report surges in demand.

• Memorable Moment:

  • Cindy Karkhart, West Virginia Food Bank Director:

    “I've never experienced anything like this. There's no end in sight, and I don't know that we've seen the worst of it.” (02:03)

• Political Rhetoric:

  • Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blames "activist judges" and Democrats for the funding lapse (via external interview; no direct quote).

3. Early Winter Weather Hits Millions (02:27–03:09)

• Scope: Midwest, Great Lakes, and parts of the southern U.S. face below-average temperatures and first significant snowfall.
  • Severity: Temperatures 10–15 degrees below normal.
  • Record Lows: Possible in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida Panhandle.
  • Duration: Cold snap expected through Veterans Day, then warmer temps return.

4. BBC Leadership Resigns Amid Documentary Scandal (03:09–04:15)

• Controversy: Two BBC leaders, including the boss, stepped down after revelations a documentary may have misled viewers by editing a Trump speech to appear as if he encouraged the January 6th riots.

  • Bias Accusations: Adviser claims “serious and systemic bias” at BBC over coverage of Trump, Gaza, and trans rights.
  • Government Reaction: White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt calls the BBC a “propaganda machine.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Fatima Al Khasab, NPR London Correspondent:

    “A memo from an external adviser to the BBC accused the corporation of serious and systemic bias in its coverage of issues including President Trump, Gaza and trans rights.” (03:29)

5. Box Office Highlights (04:15–04:54)

• Top Films:
  • Badlands opens #1 with $40 million.
  • Beats previous franchise record set by Alien vs Predator in 2004.
  • Other top movies: Regretting You ($7M), Black Phone 2 ($5M), Sarah’s Oil ($4.5M).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune:

  “All of us Republicans and Democrats who support this bill know that the time to act is now.” (00:45)

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer:

  “I must vote no. This health care crisis is so severe, so urgent, so devastating for families back home, that I cannot in good faith support this CR that fails to address the health care crisis.” (01:03)

• Cindy Karkhart, Food Bank Director:

  “I've never experienced anything like this. There's no end in sight, and I don't know that we've seen the worst of it.” (02:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Senate Funding Bill & Quotes: 00:11–01:27
• SNAP Benefits Legal Controversy: 01:27–02:27
• Early Winter Weather: 02:27–03:09
• BBC Resignations Over Trump Doc: 03:09–04:15
• Box Office Results: 04:15–04:54

This concise news roundup keeps listeners informed about urgent political developments, social safety net uncertainty, dramatic weather, an international media storm, and new cultural milestones—all in under five minutes.