NPR News Now: 11-09-2025 9AM EST

Date: November 9, 2025
Host: Jael Snyder (NPR Newsroom)

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode updates listeners on top national and international headlines as of the morning of November 9, 2025. The episode covers the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its impact on food benefits, intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Phuong Wong in the Philippines, a major earthquake in northern Japan, and developments around Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown and Food Benefits Uncertainty

[00:16–01:19]

• The Senate is actively working through the weekend to resolve the government shutdown.
• Impact: Millions face uncertainty regarding federal food benefits. The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to withhold some funding, at least temporarily.
• On the ground in Tennessee:
  • Blake Farmer reports from a rural drive-thru food distribution site.
  • The nonprofit One Gen Away has seen demand spike by over 300%.
  • Supply shortages mean people are being turned away as more than 41 million Americans depend on these benefits.

Notable Quote:

"You have to cut back on everything. I mean, I think it’s the way it’s going to be for a while."
— Crystal Tipton, food pantry recipient [00:57]

2. Ukraine: Russian Strikes Wipe Out Energy Grid

[01:19–02:23]

• Severe Russian missile and drone attacks have left Ukrainian cities with only 8–16 hours of power daily.
• Key infrastructure has been ruined; Ukraine’s thermal plants’ output is reportedly at zero.
• Russian drones also targeted two nuclear power substations in western Ukraine.
• Each autumn, Russia increases its targeting of Ukrainian energy to make winter more unbearable.
• Ukrainians have adapted by relying on backup energy sources.
• Ukraine has retaliated by attacking Russian oil infrastructure.

Notable Quote:

"This year, Ukraine has attacked Russian oil depots and refineries to weaken what it calls Russia’s war machine."
— Joanna Kakissis, reporting from Kyiv [02:17]

3. Super Typhoon Phuong Wong Devastates the Philippines

[02:23–03:01]

• Nearly 1 million people have evacuated as Super Typhoon Phuong Wong batters the Philippines.
• The storm, with winds up to 140 mph, follows another deadly typhoon just a week before.
• Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urgently calls for more evacuations, including from Metro Manila and Cebu.

Notable Quote:

"Phuonghuang is already knocking out power with sustained winds of 115 mph and gusts up to 140."
— Michael Sullivan, reporting from the Philippines [02:51]

4. Earthquake in Northern Japan

[03:01–03:21]

• A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of northern Japan.
• Authorities confirm no abnormalities at the region’s nuclear plants.

5. Funeral for Last Israeli American Hostage Returned from Gaza

[03:21–04:25]

• Thousands in Israel attend the funeral of Itai Chen, an Israeli American soldier killed and abducted to Gaza in 2023.
• His remains were returned as part of a US-brokered ceasefire.
• President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered a eulogy by video.
• Chen's father expressed gratitude to both Presidents Biden and Trump, but also criticized Israel’s government for failing to bring back more hostages alive. 42 soldiers and civilians have died in captivity.

Notable Quotes:

"I've learned that life's truest measure is not in its length, but in the love that it ignites."
— Steve Witkoff, presidential envoy [03:56]

"[He] vowed to hold Israeli government accountable for not doing enough to bring more hostages home alive."
— Ita Stern, reporting from Tel Aviv [04:10]

6. Return of Another Hostage's Remains to Israel

[04:25–04:57]

• Israel receives another set of remains, presumed to be that of a soldier killed in Gaza over a decade ago, via the Red Cross.
• Formal identification is pending with Israel’s National Forensic Institute.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Crystal Tipton on food insecurity:
  "You have to cut back on everything. I mean, I think it’s the way it’s going to be for a while." [00:57]

• Joanna Kakissis on Ukraine’s retaliation:
  "This year, Ukraine has attacked Russian oil depots and refineries to weaken what it calls Russia’s war machine." [02:17]

• Steve Witkoff’s eulogy:
  "I've learned that life's truest measure is not in its length, but in the love that it ignites." [03:56]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Food Insecurity Amid Shutdown: [00:16–01:19]
• Ukraine Power Grid Crisis: [01:19–02:23]
• Super Typhoon in the Philippines: [02:23–03:01]
• Japan Earthquake Update: [03:01–03:21]
• Israeli Hostages and Funerals: [03:21–04:57]

This episode effectively condenses global and domestic news into a five-minute briefing, offering a real-time snapshot of challenges and emergencies faced around the world, as well as stirring personal stories behind the headlines.