NPR News Now: November 9, 2025, 4AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: A concise roundup of top national and international news stories, with a focus on ongoing political tensions, international conflict, government data security, and major global events.

1. Federal Government Shutdown Stalemate

[00:11 – 01:00]

• Senate's Unresolved Session:
  The Senate convened in an unusual Saturday session in a continuing effort to end the 40-day federal government shutdown. Despite the urgency, no agreement was reached, and senators plan to reconvene Sunday afternoon.
• Key Sticking Point:
  The main issue is a Democratic proposal to extend health care tax credits for one year, which Republicans reject as a “non-starter.”
• Public’s Trust Eroding:
  Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) commented on the growing public disillusionment:

  "I always tell my local mayors they are on the front line of trust right now because people have lost trust in a lot of what's going on on the national level... I think the way you do this is you find that common ground on an individual basis."
  —Sen. Amy Klobuchar [00:41]

2. Travel Disruptions Looming due to Shutdown

[01:00 – 01:55]

• Thanksgiving Flight Cancellations Possible:
  Officials warn that if the shutdown continues, up to 20% of flights may be canceled by Thanksgiving, potentially causing disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods.
• FAA Impact:
  The Federal Aviation Administration has already reduced flights at 40 major airports.
• Travelers Hesitant:
  Aixa Diaz, spokesperson for AAA, described traveler uncertainty:

  "This year has been tricky to predict given the uncertainty around the government shutdown, because anything could happen and things change daily."
  —Aixa Diaz, AAA [01:24]

• Secretary of Transportation’s Warning:
  Secretary Sean Duffy indicated increased cancellations if no resolution is found.

3. Ukraine Power Crisis Amid Russian Attacks

[01:55 – 02:45]

• Drone Strikes Cause Blackouts:
  Russian drone attacks have damaged Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing blackouts and civilian casualties, with at least six deaths reported.
• Strategy to Undermine Ukraine:
  James Landale of the BBC reported from Kyiv:

  "There's a clear attempt by Russia now to make living in Ukraine very, very hard... That's not just a question of trying to damage Ukrainian morale, but it's also trying to damage Ukraine's economy."
  —James Landale, BBC [02:12]

4. Political Shift in Bolivia

[02:45 – 03:31]

• New President Sworn In:
  Rodrigo Paz, a conservative, was inaugurated as Bolivia’s president, promising gradual reforms and closer ties with the U.S.
• Significance:
  This marks the end of nearly 20 years of leftist leadership from the Movement Toward Socialism party.
• Immediate Challenges:
  Bolivia faces severe fuel shortages and high food prices.

5. U.S. Government Data Security Concerns

[03:31 – 04:11]

• Data Protection Shortcomings:
  Mark Calabria, Chief Statistician at the White House’s OMB, raised alarms about weak data protections compared to private-sector standards:

  "I'm not convinced that we, the government, live up to those same standards on a daily basis that we expect of the private sector... how do we get ourselves there where we can say the federal government is first in class in protecting your data?"
  —Mark Calabria [03:43]

• Ongoing Lawsuits:
  The Trump administration faces lawsuits alleging violations of the Privacy Act by giving DOGE team members access to IRS and other sensitive records.

6. Gaza Conflict Aftermath and Ceasefire

[04:11 – 04:37]

• Rising Death Toll:
  After over two years of conflict, Gaza’s official death toll surpassed 69,000.
• Ceasefire and Body Exchanges:
  A ceasefire since October 10 holds, with Israel and Hamas exchanging the bodies of the deceased.

7. Bombing at Indonesian School Mosque

[04:37 – 04:54]

• Police Investigating Revenge Motive:
  Authorities are probing whether bullying led a 17-year-old suspect to bomb a Jakarta high school mosque.
• Casualties:
  54 people were injured in the twin explosions; the suspect is being treated in hospital.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “People have lost trust in a lot of what's going on on the national level...”
  —Sen. Amy Klobuchar [00:41]
• “This year has been tricky to predict given the uncertainty around the government shutdown, because anything could happen and things change daily.”
  —Aixa Diaz, AAA [01:24]
• “There's a clear attempt by Russia now to make living in Ukraine very, very hard...”
  —James Landale, BBC [02:12]
• "I'm not convinced that we, the government, live up to those same standards on a daily basis that we expect of the private sector."
  —Mark Calabria [03:43]

Key Takeaways

• No progress was made in ending the US government shutdown, with potential impacts on public trust and upcoming Thanksgiving travel.
• Travelers face uncertainty, with up to 20% of flights at risk of cancellation.
• Ukraine suffers blackouts and casualties from ongoing Russian attacks targeting energy infrastructure.
• Bolivia turns to conservative leadership and grapples with economic challenges.
• Federal data security in the US comes under scrutiny as lawsuits mount.
• Gaza’s humanitarian crisis persists despite a ceasefire.
• Jakarta mourns after a mosque bombing, with authorities exploring revenge as a motive.