NPR News Now: November 11, 2025, 10PM EST

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This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid update on major national and international issues, covering breaking developments in federal policy, politics, international relations, technology, and notable events. The coverage includes the ongoing federal shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits, healthcare subsidy negotiations, a new hemp regulation, a call to suspend an AI video generator, escalating tensions in Southeast Asia, climate diplomacy, and a significant police settlement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Extends Hold on SNAP Payments

• [00:15] Ryland Barton reports the U.S. Supreme Court is maintaining a temporary stay allowing the Trump administration to limit SNAP (food stamp) payments, aiming to provide more time for shutdown negotiations.
• [00:33] Jennifer Ludden explains:
  • Lower court mandated full SNAP benefits; Trump administration appealed.
  • The millions relying on SNAP remain in limbo, but a Congressional vote could soon resolve the situation.
  • Restoring SNAP would help recipients, retailers, and food pantries struggling with demand.
• Memorable Quote:

  "Restoring that will be a relief not only to recipients, but also the retail stores where they spend their SNAP dollars and food pantries, which have struggled to meet a surge in demand."
  — Jennifer Ludden [01:03]

2. Democrats Criticize Shutdown Deal Over Health Subsidies

• [01:13] Ryland Barton introduces concerns among Democrats regarding the short-term spending bill.
• [01:28] Deirdre Walsh details an interview with Sen. Jeanine Shaheen (D-NH):
  • Democrats did not secure immediate renewal of expiring healthcare subsidies.
  • They received a promise for a Senate vote by mid-December; outcome remains uncertain, especially in the House.
  • Shaheen highlights bipartisan impact, noting more red-state residents benefit from these tax credits.
• Notable Quote:

  "[Shaheen] pointed out that people in red states rely on these tax credits more than people in blue states."
  — Deirdre Walsh [01:51]

3. Hemp-Derived Drugs Face Restriction

• [01:54] Ryland Barton: Bill includes language to ban most hemp-derived drugs.
• [02:07] Harshan Rattenpaul explains:
  • New cap: Hemp products can contain only up to 0.4mg THC.
  • Missouri farmer Brian Riegel says the restriction would devastate small producers.
  • Despite opposition from Sen. Rand Paul, most Republicans supported the ban.
• Notable Quotes:

  "It kills the market, it kills the farmer."
  — Brian Riegel [02:31]
  "It takes everything away from innovation. And I thought that's what the Republican Party stood for and I was misinformed."
  — Brian Riegel [02:34]

4. Public Citizen Calls for Withdrawal of OpenAI Sora 2

• [02:50] Ryland Barton: Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen urges OpenAI to withdraw its Sora 2 video generator, calling it a "threat to democracy and safety."
  • AI-generated videos are rapidly spreading across social media platforms (TikTok, X, Instagram, Facebook).

5. Rising Tensions Between Thailand and Cambodia

• [03:29] Ryland Barton: Thailand threatens to end a ceasefire after a landmine incident injures four Thai soldiers.
  • Cambodia claims the mine was a remnant of prior conflict.
  • The truce, signed after deadly clashes in July, is under strain.

6. U.S. Subnational Participation in COP30 Climate Talks

• [03:41] Alejandra Barunda: No official U.S. federal delegation at Brazil's COP30, but U.S. states and cities are active.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders attend.
  • Newsom asserts California's continued commitment to climate action, despite federal retrenchment.
• Notable Quotes:

  "I'm here because I don't want the United States of America to be a footnote at this conference,"
  — Gavin Newsom [03:56]
  "California is a stable and reliable partner in low carbon green growth and will remain a stable and reliable partner."
  — Gavin Newsom [04:05]

  • Other locations represented: New Mexico and Savannah, Georgia.

7. Marion County, KS, Police Raid Settlement

• [04:27] Ryland Barton: Marion County, Kansas, agrees to pay over $3 million and apologize after a controversial 2023 police raid on a local newspaper, following a lawsuit by the publisher.

8. Blue Diamond Sells for $26 Million

• [04:42] Ryland Barton: A 9.5-carat blue diamond, "Melon Blue," sells at auction for approximately $26 million in Switzerland.

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• SNAP Benefits Hold and Shutdown: 00:15–01:13
• Health Subsidies in Shutdown Deal: 01:13–01:54
• Hemp Product Restriction: 01:54–02:50
• OpenAI Sora 2 Controversy: 02:50–03:29
• Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire Tensions: 03:29–03:41
• US Participation at COP30: 03:41–04:27
• Marion County Newspaper Settlement: 04:27–04:42

Memorable Quotes Gallery

• "Restoring that will be a relief not only to recipients, but also the retail stores where they spend their SNAP dollars and food pantries, which have struggled to meet a surge in demand."
  — Jennifer Ludden [01:03]

• "It kills the market, it kills the farmer... It takes everything away from innovation."
  — Brian Riegel [02:31–02:34]

• "I'm here because I don't want the United States of America to be a footnote at this conference."
  — Governor Gavin Newsom [03:56]

This summary distills the significant, fast-moving news of the hour, with a focus on the voices of policymakers, advocates, and citizens directly affected by shifting public policies and global events.