NPR News Now – November 9, 2025, 6AM EST

Host: Jael Snyder
Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on major news stories, including day 40 of the U.S. government shutdown and its intensifying impacts, major developments in Ukraine’s energy crisis, a pivotal First Amendment ruling, severe weather in the Philippines, and a notable appearance by former President Trump at a Washington Commanders game.

1. U.S. Government Shutdown: Stalemate Deepens

Timestamps: 00:15 – 01:37

• Ongoing Stalemate:
  • The government shutdown has reached its 40th day with “few signs of progress.”
  • The Senate failed to resolve the situation during a rare Saturday session and is scheduled to meet again.
  • Core issue: Extension of health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
• Senate Leaders’ Positions:
  • Senator John Thune (Majority Leader):
    • Advocated for a “clean, continuing resolution” to move forward, stating:

      “There’s only one way to bring the shutdown to an end, and I urge my colleagues to support a clean, continuing resolution so we can start a real discussion to address their health care mess...” (00:32)

    • Rejected the Democratic proposal for a one-year extension as a “non starter.”
  • Senator Chuck Schumer (Democratic Leader):
    • Emphasized Democrats’ condition for negotiation:

      “We’re willing to negotiate once the credits are extended, plain and simple. And we made that in our proposal yesterday.” (01:10)

• Wider Impact:
  • The shutdown has caused:
    • Disrupted flights
    • Cuts to food assistance relied on by millions
    • Unpaid federal workers

2. Air Travel Chaos Due to Shutdown

Timestamps: 01:14 – 02:08

• Mass Flight Disruptions:
  • The FAA ordered reduced air traffic, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations—especially at major airports like Atlanta, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, DC’s Reagan National.
• On-the-ground Perspective:
  • Stephen Fowler (NPR):
    • Described chaotic scenes:

      “A sea of yellow delayed and red canceled notices washes over the departures board as thousands of flights across the country are disrupted for another day.” (01:40)

    • Staffing shortages have made delays worse; further cutbacks may occur if the shutdown continues.

3. Ukraine: Energy Crisis from Ongoing Russian Attacks

Timestamps: 02:08 – 03:11

• Massive Power Outages:
  • Ukrainian cities face power cuts of 8–16 hours after heavy Russian strikes decimate energy infrastructure.
  • State company Centroneg reports capacity at thermal power plants has dropped to “zero.”
• New Tactics:
  • Russian drones targeted nuclear substations deep in western Ukraine.
  • In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian oil depots and refineries.
• On-the-ground Reporting:
  • Joanna Kakissis (NPR, Kyiv):

    • “Every fall, Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine’s power and heating grid to force a harsh winter on Ukrainian cities. Many Ukrainians have adapted by using backup energy storage devices and generators…” (02:34)

4. U.S. Court Ruling: First Amendment Upheld for Federal Employees

Timestamps: 03:11 – 04:09

• Background:
  • The Trump administration replaced Education Department employees’ automatic out-of-office email notices with partisan language blaming Democrats for the shutdown.
  • The employee union sued, claiming violation of free speech rights.
• Ruling:
  • Judge Christopher Cooper:

    • “When government employees enter public service, they do not sign away their First Amendment rights and they certainly do not sign up to be a billboard for any given administration’s partisan views.” (03:44)

  • Judge Cooper ordered restoration of employees’ original out-of-office messages.
  • The Education Department did not respond to NPR’s request for comment.

5. Philippines: Super Typhoon Phung Wong Strikes

Timestamps: 04:09 – 04:34

• Storm Impact:
  • Super Typhoon Phung Wong is the year’s most severe storm in the Philippines.
  • Effects:
    • Torrential rain
    • Power outages
    • Over a million people displaced
    • Comes on the heels of last week’s typhoon, which killed more than 200 people

6. Notable: Trump’s Sports Stadium Request

Timestamps: 04:34 – 04:54

• President Trump’s Public Appearance:
  • Expected at the Washington Commanders–Detroit Lions game in Maryland.
  • ESPN reports Trump wants the upcoming Commanders stadium named after him.
  • White House statement:

    • “That would be beautiful because Trump made the new stadium possible.” (04:48)

Memorable Quotes

• John Thune (Senate Majority Leader):

  “There’s only one way to bring the shutdown to an end…” (00:32)

• Chuck Schumer (Senate Democratic Leader):

  “We’re willing to negotiate once the credits are extended, plain and simple…” (01:10)

• Stephen Fowler (NPR):

  “A sea of yellow delayed and red canceled notices washes over the departures board…” (01:40)

• Joanna Kakissis (NPR):

  “Every fall, Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine’s power and heating grid to force a harsh winter on Ukrainian cities…” (02:34)

• Judge Christopher Cooper:

  “When government employees enter public service, they do not sign away their First Amendment rights…” (03:44)

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. government shutdown is at a critical impasse, inflicting growing hardship nationwide.
• Major flight disruptions are cascading across the country due to the shutdown’s impact on federal workers.
• Ukraine is enduring a severe energy crisis from Russian attacks, with power cuts lasting half a day or more.
• A federal judge upheld First Amendment protections for government employees against compelled partisan messaging.
• The Philippines faces widespread devastation from its most powerful storm of the year.
• Trump’s high-profile request for stadium naming underscores the continued intertwining of politics and sports narratives.