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

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid-fire update on key global and national news stories as of November 9, 2025. Major headlines include the potential end to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Russia’s stance on nuclear testing, the economic impacts of the shutdown, leadership upheaval at the BBC, and the National Folk Festival in Mississippi.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown: Deal on the Horizon

• At least eight Senate Democrats support a deal with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House to end the 40-day shutdown.
• Key elements of the deal:
  • Interim funding through January 30
  • Appropriations package reverses shutdown-related firings
  • Ensures SNAP benefits funding through September
  • Schedules a Senate vote on the Affordable Care Act by December's second week
• Background:
  • Democrats kept the government shut down to pressure for extended healthcare tax credits.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats remain opposed.
• Presidential Statement:
  • President Trump expresses optimism about ending the shutdown.

Notable Quote:

• President Donald Trump at [01:07]:

  "Hopeful and it looks like we're getting close to the shutdown ending. You'll know very soon."

2. Russia Responds to U.S. Nuclear Testing Plans

• Russia currently has “no intention” to resume nuclear testing but acknowledges studying the possibility.
• President Putin directs military to prepare, contingent on U.S. action.
• President Trump has threatened nuclear tests in response to Russian missile system tests.
• Russia awaits a U.S. response on extending the New START arms treaty, proposing a 12-month extension for negotiations.

Notable Quote:

• Charles Maynes, NPR’s Moscow correspondent, at [01:32]:

  "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 U.S. resumes its own nuclear arms tests."

3. Economic Update: Impact of the Shutdown

• Investors face uncertainty as key economic data, including the latest inflation report, is delayed due to the shutdown.
• September’s inflation numbers were only published due to Social Security requirements.
• Regular corporate earnings reports continue as planned (including from Disney, Paramount, and Skydance).
• U.S. futures markets show minor gains:
  • Dow futures up 0.2%
  • Nasdaq futures up just over 1% ([03:03])

Notable Quote:

• Rafael Nam at [02:29]:

  "There will likely be no exception anymore until the shutdown ends. And that means investors will not be getting the latest inflation report this week."

4. BBC Leadership Resigns Amid Editing Controversy

• Two top BBC leaders—Director General Tim Davy and News CEO Deborah Turnis—step down.
• Sparked by backlash over edited footage of President Trump's January 6, 2021, speech for a documentary, which critics say omitted a call for peaceful protest.
• The incident raises concerns about broadcast integrity and journalistic standards.

5. National Folk Festival Comes to Mississippi

• Jackson, Mississippi, hosts the 82nd National Folk Festival—the first time the event is held in the Deep South.
• Highlights of the festival:
  • Performances include bluegrass, West African balafon, salsa, Irish music, and DC Go Go.
  • Features Delta blues musician James Johnson (aka Super Chicken), known for making guitars from unconventional materials.
  • Jackson will host the festival until 2027.

Notable Quote:

• James Johnson (Super Chicken) at [04:32]:

  "Diddly Bo is one of the Delta's first blues instruments derived from an African instrument called the choral."

Memorable Moments and Timestamps

| Segment Topic | Key Speaker / Source | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|------------| | Senate, White House nearing shutdown deal| Jeanine Herbst, Luke Garrett| 00:18–01:16| | Trump's optimism on ending the shutdown | President Donald Trump | 01:07 | | Russia & U.S. nuclear tension | Charles Maynes | 01:16–02:13| | Shutdown delays investor data; earnings | Rafael Nam | 02:13–03:03| | BBC leaders resign over Trump speech edit | Jeanine Herbst | 03:03–04:06| | National Folk Festival in Mississippi | Shamira Muhammad, Super Chicken | 04:06–04:53| | Super Chicken's blues history insight | James Johnson (Super Chicken)| 04:32 |

Tone & Style

• Objective, concise, and factual reporting style, typical of NPR’s news summaries.
• Occasional direct quotes add urgency and perspective from key players.
• Quick, clear transitions between separate news stories.