NPR News Now – 11-09-2025, 11PM EST

Host: Dale Willman, NPR
Date: November 10, 2025
Length: 5 minutes
Format: Hourly news update

Episode Overview

This tightly-packed five-minute update covers major national and international stories, including progress on reopening the U.S. federal government, ongoing air travel disruptions, the extended detention of a Palestinian-American teenager in Israel, the legacy of former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, a health warning about infant formula, the celebration of folk traditions at a national festival, and the latest changes in college football rankings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Advances Bill to Reopen Federal Government

• [00:18] Dale Willman reports that the Senate has just moved forward on a procedural vote to advance a bill that would temporarily fund the government through January 30th.
• The deal includes full-year funding for three appropriations bills, most notably ensuring SNAP (food stamp) benefits through the end of September next year.

Notable Quote:

“So here we are in a situation, and this was the reality. SNAP recipients suffering, nothing happening on aca. The vote tonight will be full, and not just last year's, but full and robust SNAP funding for SNAP recipients and a path on the ata. So from suffering and no path, we've now got robust benefits and a path.”
— Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) [00:41]

• Context: Kaine highlights the urgency and the improvements secured for SNAP recipients, noting progress from a deadlock to a more robust resolution.
• Next steps: If approved by the Senate this week, the bill returns to the House.

2. Nationwide Air Travel Disruptions

• [01:04] Thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled nationwide due to ongoing air traffic control staffing concerns. This occurs as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to limit traffic at busy airports.

Memorable Moment:

• [01:23] Juliet Montefusco recounts her family's ordeal:

“First time on a plane, first time on a big vacation, first time to Disney. And they had to wait in the terminal for like five hours the other day. Which sucks, right, for a bunch of kids that have never been on a plane.”

• NPR’s Joe Hernandez notes officials warn travel issues could intensify as Thanksgiving nears.

3. Detention of Palestinian-American Teen in Israel

• [01:54] The parents of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 15-year-old U.S. citizen, report his detention in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has been extended until mid-December. He has been held without trial for nearly nine months.

Key Insights:

• [02:14] Lauren Frayer (NPR, Tel Aviv):
  • This is Ibrahim’s 10th court hearing, still without a plea bargain or trial date.
  • Family has been denied prison visits and phone calls.
  • U.S. lawmakers and diplomats, including Ambassador Mike Huckabee, are advocating for his release.
  • Court documents reference possible signs of torture.

4. Obituary: Paul Tagliabue, Former NFL Commissioner

• [02:59] Paul Tagliabue has died at age 84.
• He led the NFL for 17 years and expanded the league from 28 to 32 teams.
• Introduced the “Rooney Rule” to foster more diversity in NFL coaching hires.

5. Health Warning: Infant Botulism Linked to Formula

• [03:46] 13 cases of infant botulism in 10 states have been linked to “Whole Nutrition” infant formula by Botanical. The product has been recalled and federal/state investigations are ongoing.

6. National Folk Festival Highlights Mississippi’s Heritage

• [03:46] The 82nd National Folk Festival is underway in Jackson, Mississippi—its first time in the Deep South.

Notable Quote & Cultural Insight:

• [03:46] James “Super Chicken” Johnson (Mississippi Delta blues musician):
  • Builds guitars from discarded items and plays the diddly bow, an instrument with roots in African musical tradition.
• [04:11] Dale Willman notes the diddly bow is “derived from an African instrument called the choral.”
• Festival features performances in bluegrass, West African balafon, salsa, Irish music, and DC Go-Go.

7. College Football Rankings Update

• [04:31] Quick rundown of the week’s top teams:
  • #1: Ohio State Buckeyes
  • Followed by Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss (#6), Oregon (#7), Texas Tech, Notre Dame, and Texas (#10).

Notable Quotes

• [00:41] Tim Kaine: "So from suffering and no path, we've now got robust benefits and a path."
• [01:35] Juliet Montefusco: "...for a bunch of kids that have never been on a plane."
• [04:11] Dale Willman: "Diddy Bow is one of the Delta's first blues instruments, derived from an African instrument called the choral."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – Senate procedural vote to fund government; SNAP funding details
• 00:41 – Tim Kaine’s remarks on the deal (quotation)
• 01:04 – Air travel delays and Thanksgiving forecast
• 01:23-01:46 – Traveler testimony and challenges
• 01:54 – Mohammed Ibrahim’s ongoing detention in Israel
• 02:14 – Lauren Frayer’s report from Tel Aviv, family context, US involvement
• 02:59 – Death of Paul Tagliabue; NFL highlights
• 03:46 – Infant botulism linked to formula; public health update
• 03:46 – National Folk Festival in Mississippi; “Super Chicken” profile
• 04:11 – Diddy Bow’s origins
• 04:31 – College football top 10 teams

Episode Tone

• Factual, concise, and empathetic as is customary for NPR news bulletins
• Mixes urgent updates (e.g., government funding, flight disruptions) with cultural touchstones (folk music festival, college football)

This episode offers a succinct, well-rounded update perfect for listeners who need to catch up quickly on major news and cultural moments.