NPR News Now: November 9, 2025 – 3 PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm (NPR News, Washington)
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A swift update on critical U.S. and international developments, including SNAP benefits, the ongoing government shutdown, aviation disruptions, nuclear testing tensions, a media scandal at the BBC, a major typhoon in the Philippines, and an unlikely viral mystery from Paris.

1. SNAP Benefits Blocked by Supreme Court

[00:14–01:06]

• Key Points:
  • The Trump administration ordered all U.S. states to halt any efforts to issue full SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for November due to a Supreme Court ruling.
  • The USDA warned states of penalties, including potential liability for overpayment if the directive wasn't followed.
  • The Supreme Court's administrative stay paused a lower court's order requiring full payment of SNAP benefits while waiting for a First Circuit Court response.
• Notable Quote:
  • “States that failed to comply with the directive could face penalties, including liability for overpayment.”
    — Chandelyse Duster ([00:34])

2. Government Shutdown Enters 40th Day

[01:06–01:31]

• Key Points:
  • The federal government shutdown has reached its fortieth day, marking the longest in U.S. history.
  • The Senate remains in session, with Majority Leader John Thune promising a vote. The House has been adjourned since September 19th.
  • The shutdown's broad ripple effects are felt nationwide, especially in air travel.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The shutdown, which began on October 1, is the longest in US history.”
    — Joe Hernandez ([01:44])

3. Air Traffic Controller Shortages Impact Travel

[01:31–02:18]

• Key Points:
  • The FAA, grappling with a pre-existing shortage of air traffic controllers, announced it would reduce flight traffic by up to 10% at 40 major high-traffic airports.
  • By mid-morning Sunday: over 1,200 flight cancellations and 10,000 delays nationwide (per FlightAware).
  • Controllers are working without pay due to the shutdown, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned disruptions will get worse the longer the shutdown lasts.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Flight disruptions across the country will only worsen the longer the shutdown goes on.”
    — Joe Hernandez ([02:10])

4. Russia and Nuclear Testing Tension

[02:18–03:09]

• Key Points:
  • Russia declares no current intent to resume nuclear testing but is studying the possibility under Putin’s orders, contingent on U.S. actions.
  • President Trump threatened renewed nuclear testing following Russia’s tests of delivery systems (which did not include warheads).
  • Russia is awaiting an American response on extending the new START Treaty, proposing a 12-month extension past its February 2026 expiration for further negotiations.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The Kremlin says that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to explore the possibility of nuclear testing, but would do so only if the US resumes its own nuclear arms tests.”
    — Charles Mains ([02:30])

5. Super Typhoon Hits the Philippines

[03:09–03:34]

• Key Points:
  • Super Typhoon Feng Wang struck eastern Philippines with rain and winds up to 115 mph.
  • At least two fatalities had been reported.

6. BBC Resignations Over Trump Audio Scandal

[03:34–04:21]

• Key Points:
  • The head of the BBC, Tim Davy, and head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned after controversy over an edited audio clip of President Trump in a documentary about January 6th.
  • The edit omitted Trump’s call for supporters to act peacefully, leaving only his fiery “fight like hell” statement.
  • Ongoing accusations of BBC bias regarding coverage on Gaza and trans issues increased pressure on management.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The alleged doctoring … had put management under growing pressure in recent weeks. Now the controversy has claimed the job of the BBC’s director general, Tim Davy, as well as that of head of news, Deborah Turness.”
    — Vicki Barker ([04:01])

7. “Fedora Man” at the Louvre Revealed

[04:21–04:54]

• Key Points:
  • After a viral photo of a sharply dressed, mysterious “Fedora Man” at the scene of the Louvre jewelry heist, it’s revealed he’s a 15-year-old Parisian.
  • He stayed anonymous to “keep up the mystery,” but now hopes for movie opportunities.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “He told the AP he didn't come forward until now to keep up the mystery. Now he says he's waiting for people to contact him for films.”
    — Nora Ramm ([04:44])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “States that failed to comply with the directive could face penalties, including liability for overpayment.”
  — Chandelyse Duster ([00:34])

• “The shutdown, which began on October 1, is the longest in US history.”
  — Joe Hernandez ([01:44])

• “Flight disruptions across the country will only worsen the longer the shutdown goes on.”
  — Joe Hernandez ([02:10])

• “The Kremlin says that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to explore the possibility of nuclear testing, but would do so only if the US resumes its own nuclear arms tests.”
  — Charles Mains ([02:30])

• “The alleged doctoring … had put management under growing pressure in recent weeks. Now the controversy has claimed the job of the BBC’s director general, Tim Davy, as well as that of head of news, Deborah Turness.”
  — Vicki Barker ([04:01])

Summary:
This NPR News Now edition cuts briskly through consequential headlines: a Supreme Court stay affecting SNAP benefits, a record-breaking government shutdown and its toll on air travel, U.S.-Russia nuclear maneuvering, devastation in the Philippines from a record typhoon, mass resignations at the BBC after a media scandal, and a touch of viral internet intrigue from Paris—all in just five minutes, with clear and direct reporting.