NPR News Now – November 9, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Purpose:
A concise, five-minute update on major national and international news, with a focus on the record-breaking federal government shutdown, its broad impacts, and several other key events from around the world.

Federal Government Shutdown: 40 Days and Counting

Starts at 00:17

• Senate Inaction
  • The U.S. Senate adjourned Saturday without resolving the government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history at 40 days.
  • There is no bipartisan agreement in sight, raising concerns over both immediate and long-lasting impacts.
• Key Political Deadlock
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R) rejected a Democratic offer: “A Democratic proposal to agree to a one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits is a non-starter.” (00:36)
  • Thune insists: “There’s still only one path out. It’s a clean funding extension.” (00:46, John Thune via Dale Willman)
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) criticized Republican reluctance, arguing the Trump Administration could fund programs like SNAP benefits and pay air traffic controllers if it chose to. (00:50)
  • "This crisis is in the administration’s hands. It's all them, not anyone else." (01:04, Chuck Schumer via NPR Announcer)
• Executive Branch Moves
  • President Trump, on Truth Social, called again for ending the Senate filibuster to resolve the shutdown. (01:10)
• Notable Quotes
  • Governor Gavin Newsom (CA) directly attacked President Trump regarding SNAP benefits:
    • “Donald Trump is literally fighting in court to ensure Americans starve.”
    • “TRUMP DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU.” (all caps in original; 01:17)
• Supreme Court Action
  • Late Friday, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court order that had required the administration to fully fund SNAP (food stamp) benefits, intensifying the political struggle and public anxiety.

Shutdown Fallout: Air Travel & Human Impact

Begins at 01:40

• Flight Cancellations
  • Over 1,000 flights canceled across the U.S. Saturday due to FAA limitations at 40 airports, a direct result of the government shutdown affecting air traffic controllers.
  • Traveler Perspective:
    • Emmy Holquin, awaiting a flight to the Dominican Republic, shared the uncertainty travelers face:
      • “We make plans based on the flights that we buy. So it worries me that maybe we can miss our flight and lose our jobs. But I also do want to go see my family. So I mean, I’m going to take the risk, I guess.” (02:05, Emmy Holquin)

Weather Alert: Early, Widespread Winter Conditions

Begins at 02:20

• Arctic Blast
  • Matt Bloom reports a large mass of Arctic air is moving from the Northern Plains into the Southeast.
  • Expected impacts:
    • First measurable snowfall for the Dakotas, Minnesota, Great Lakes by Monday.
    • Highs only in the 30s and 40s from the Ohio Valley to the Southeast; daily record lows expected possibly as far south/east as northern Texas and Appalachians, and even north Florida (around 40°F).
    • The cold spell may persist several days before a return to typical fall temperatures.

International: Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Talks

Begins at 03:13

• Ceasefire Holding for Now
  • Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in Istanbul with no agreement, but the ceasefire remains in effect, stopping border clashes that began October 9 and resulted in dozens of deaths.

Culture: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Begins at 03:32

• 2025 Inductees Celebrated
  • Salt-N-Pepa delivered an energetic performance and used their platform to raise issues of artists’ rights:
    • “As we celebrate this moment, fans can't even stream our music because the industry still doesn't want to play fair.” (04:02, Salt during acceptance speech)
  • The night saw Stevie Wonder and an all-star group pay tribute to Sly Stone.
  • Bad Company were inducted; only drummer Simon Kirke attended, as bandmate Paul Rogers was ill.

Sports: PGA Tournament Update

Begins at 04:31

• Leaderboard Shake-Up
  • Garrick Higo shot an 11-under 61, tying a course record and seizing a one-stroke lead over Carson Young in Mexico.
  • Higo’s round included an eagle, five consecutive birdies on the front nine; Young finished with 11 birdies and two bogeys.
  • Note: Young is still seeking his first PGA Tour win.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “There’s still only one path out. It’s a clean funding extension.” – John Thune, 00:46
• “This crisis is in the administration’s hands. It's all them, not anyone else.” – Chuck Schumer, 01:04
• “Donald Trump is literally fighting in court to ensure Americans starve. ... TRUMP DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU.” – Gavin Newsom, 01:17
• “We make plans based on the flights that we buy... I’m going to take the risk, I guess.” – Emmy Holquin, 02:05
• “As we celebrate this moment, fans can't even stream our music because the industry still doesn't want to play fair.” – Salt (Salt-N-Pepa), 04:02

For Listeners:

This NPR News Now episode delivers up-to-the-minute coverage on a government crisis with far-reaching impacts, atmospheric shifts signaling early winter, tense international negotiations, a cultural celebration, and late-breaking sports highlights—all within five concise, information-rich minutes.