NPR News Now – November 9, 2025, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman, NPR
Episode Theme:
A brisk, information-packed roundup of top global and national news, this episode covers the ongoing historic U.S. government shutdown, the fallout from Supreme Court rulings on food aid, social media bans for minors in Europe, leadership change in Bolivia, humanitarian concerns in Sudan, pioneering gene-editing for cholesterol, and college football headlines.

1. US Government Shutdown: Day 40

[00:17–00:54]

• The government shutdown has reached its 40th day, now the longest in U.S. history.
• Over 1,000 flight cancellations across the U.S. on Saturday, stemming from air traffic control issues due to unpaid staff and furloughs.
• TSA workers also not being paid—leading to mounting criticism of Congress.

Notable Quote:

• Johnny Jones, TSA Union President:
  “We took an oath to uphold the Constitution. You took an oath to uphold the Constitution. Fund the government. Fix what you need to do because the people, the 1 million employees that are not being paid right now across the country are on furlough. The government shutdown. This is insane.”
  — [00:41]

2. SNAP Food Benefits and Rising Food Insecurity

[00:54–01:54]

• Millions brace for uncertainty after the Supreme Court rules that the Trump administration can continue to withhold some SNAP food benefits (for now).
• Blake Farmer (WPLN) reports from a food drive in rural Tennessee.
• Food pantries see a spike in demand—over 300% increase; some people relying on food aid for the first time.

Ground-level Insight:

• Crystal Tipton, SNAP Recipient:
  “You have to cut back on everything. I mean, I think it’s the way it’s going to be for a while.”
  — [01:31]

• Nonprofits are running out of food and forced to turn people away due to surging demand.
  — [01:54] (Blake Farmer reporting)

3. Denmark Considers Ban on Social Media for Under-15s

[01:54–02:48]

• The Danish government is proposing a ban on social media for users under 15, aiming to shield children from violence and self-harm content online.
• Legislation’s specifics and enforcement mechanisms are not yet detailed.
• Parents may request exceptions for children starting at age 13 after an assessment.
• This legislation follows Australia’s December ban on social media for under-16s, which places responsibility on platforms and sets steep fines for non-compliance.

4. Bolivia’s New Conservative President

[02:48–03:22]

• Rodrigo Paz is sworn in as Bolivia’s president, marking a significant political shift after almost 20 years under the leftist MAS (Movement Towards Socialism) party.
• His inauguration brings renewed hope amid fuel shortages and high food prices.
• Paz promises gradual reforms and a closer relationship with the U.S.

5. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

[03:22–03:34]

• More than 16,000 people flee El Fashr, Darfur, after its capture by the RSF paramilitary group in late October.
• Ongoing conflict between RSF and the Sudanese army since April 2023.
• Reports of atrocities prompt a new wave of refugees.

6. Breakthrough Gene Editing Drug for Cholesterol

[03:34–04:29]

• A single infusion of an experimental gene-editing treatment safely and permanently reduces cholesterol and triglycerides—potentially for life.
• 15 patients received the treatment in a clinical trial; cholesterol levels dropped by up to 50%.
• These results, presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting, are early but promising; further research is required.

Medical Reporting:

• Rob Stein, NPR Health Correspondent:
  “The infusion could safely cut cholesterol as well as triglycerides by as much as half. The findings … mirror those produced by a similar experimental approach also being tested. But much more research is needed to confirm that a one time infusion can safely and effectively cut cholesterol for life.”
  — [03:49]

7. College Football Highlights

[04:29–04:56]

• Ohio State defeats Purdue 34–10.
• Indiana narrowly wins over Penn State 27–24.
• Texas A&M prevails over Missouri; Alabama beats LSU; Georgia triumphs over Mississippi State; Black Hill State routs Adam State 59–0.

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Tone: Urgent, factual, and compassionate news reporting, focused on high-impact stories affecting millions.
• Quote of the Episode:
  “The government shutdown. This is insane.” — Johnny Jones, TSA Union [00:41]
• On the ground reality:
  “You have to cut back on everything … I think it’s the way it’s going to be for a while.” — Crystal Tipton, SNAP recipient [01:31]

This crisp, five-minute bulletin from NPR reflects upheaval, uncertainty, government gridlock, and both local and global efforts to adapt and respond. It quickly orients listeners to ongoing events and societal shifts, with evocative sound bites capturing the human stakes behind the headlines.