NPR News Now: November 9, 2025, 7AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Format: Fast-paced, five-minute news update
Date: November 9, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of urgent global and national news: the Philippines faces another catastrophic typhoon, the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its 40th day with deepening consequences, federal regulators ground a widely-used cargo aircraft after a deadly crash, rumors swirl around Washington's premier opera company, and health officials tackle a concerning outbreak linked to baby formula.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Super Typhoon Phuong Threatens the Philippines

[00:18]

• Reporter: Michael Sullivan (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
• Details:
  • Nearly 1 million Filipinos evacuated as Super Typhoon Phuong Wong approaches.
  • The Philippines is still reeling from Typhoon Kalmage (killed at least 220 locally, 5 in Vietnam).
  • Phuong is stronger than Kalmage: sustained winds of 115 mph, gusts up to 140 mph.
  • Defense minister urging people in the storm's path to evacuate "before it's too late."
  • Hundreds of domestic and over 60 international flights canceled; high risk of deadly storm surges, including in Metro Manila.
• Notable quote:
  • "Authorities say Super Typhoon Phuong is stronger..." – Michael Sullivan [00:35]

2. Ongoing U.S. Federal Government Shutdown

[01:22]

• Host: Giles Snyder
• Details:
  • The shutdown is now in its 40th day, impacting air travel, federal workers, and food aid programs.
  • Nonprofits are seeing a surge in food demand as aid is interrupted.
• Field Report: Blake Farmer (WPLN, Hickman County, TN)
  • Nonprofit "One Gen Away" expands food distribution.
  • Demand for assistance outpaces available resources.
  • Peggy Martin, raising three grandkids, describes using free groceries to offset a $500 loss in federal food benefits.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "If I had not been raised country and knew how to survive, I would really be in a fix. I can bake, I can hunt. I can forage, too. I think we're okay. We'll make it." – Peggy Martin [02:06]
  • "Martin says she's worried for those who aren't as self sufficient." – Blake Farmer [02:17]
  • More than 40 million Americans rely on federal food assistance.

3. FAA Grounds All MD-11 Planes Post-Crash

[02:27]

• Reporter: Matt Bloom
• Details:
  • All McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes grounded after last week's deadly UPS crash in Louisville.
  • Applies to all MD-11s, not just UPS’s fleet (9% of UPS fleet, 4% FedEx).
  • Both companies had already agreed to voluntarily pause flying the jets.
  • FAA warns the condition could result in "loss of continued safe flight."
  • At least 14 people died in the incident.
• Notable quote:
  • "In its order, the FAA said, quote, that condition could result in loss of continued safe flight." – Matt Bloom [02:40]

4. Rumors of Washington National Opera Departure Denied

[03:14]

• Reporter: Chloe Veltman
• Details:
  • Kennedy Center denies that the Washington National Opera will leave, after a Guardian story cites leadership concerns.
  • Artistic Director Francesca Zambelo reportedly said the company might leave due to “President Donald Trump's takeover” of the institution.
    • Trump declared himself chair in February, replacing the board/leadership.
    • Falling ticket sales and audience protests are cited pressures.
  • Board President Andy Farrow affirms: company is proud to remain at the Kennedy Center.
  • Zambelo did not directly respond, instead sharing Farrow’s statement.
• Notable quote:
  • "The company, quote, 'has no plans to move out of the Kennedy and is proud to be part of America's cultural center.'" – Andy Farrow (via Chloe Veltman) [03:27]

5. Infant Botulism Cases and Recall of Baby Formula

[04:17]

• Host: Giles Snyder
• Details:
  • Health officials probe botulism outbreak across 10 states.
  • 13 infants hospitalized; no deaths reported.
  • Outbreak traced to contaminated baby formula; FDA has issued a recall.

6. The “Sharply Dressed” Louvre Robbery Suspect Identified

[04:30]

• Host: Giles Snyder
• Details:
  • Viral AP photo of a sharply dressed young man at the Louvre robbery scene sparks internet intrigue.
  • He's identified as a 15-year-old from outside Paris; he played along with public speculation before revealing himself.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Peggy Martin (on surviving the shutdown’s impact), [02:06]:

  “If I had not been raised country and knew how to survive, I would really be in a fix. I can bake, I can hunt. I can forage, too. I think we're okay. We'll make it.”

• FAA grounding rationale, [02:40]:

  “In its order, the FAA said, quote, that condition could result in loss of continued safe flight.” — Matt Bloom

• Kennedy Center Opera denial, [03:27]:

  “…has no plans to move out of the Kennedy and is proud to be part of America’s cultural center.” — Andy Farrow (via Chloe Veltman)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] Super Typhoon Phuong evacuation in the Philippines
• [01:22] U.S. government shutdown deepens food insecurity
• [02:27] FAA grounds all MD-11 aircraft
• [03:14] Kennedy Center responds to rumors of Washington National Opera’s departure
• [04:17] Infant botulism cases linked to baby formula recall
• [04:30] Viral Louvre robbery photo subject identified

This episode of “NPR News Now” rapidly covers critical developments across the globe and the U.S., reflecting urgent humanitarian, cultural, and safety concerns, along with lighter moments that capture the public imagination. The tone remains factual, brisk, and empathetic throughout.