NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 11-11-2025 12PM EST
Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: This episode covers the latest national and international news headlines, focusing on Veterans Day commemorations, the U.S. government shutdown, new international security developments, Middle East ceasefire updates, significant Supreme Court appeal, new global health research, and live financial market updates.

1. Veterans Day & National Observances

[00:22]

• The episode opens with Veterans Day coverage across the U.S., spotlighting the annual presidential wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
• President Trump addresses the audience, honoring military service members.

2. U.S. Government Shutdown & Congressional Action

[00:35] – [01:36]

• Senate Vote: The Senate passed a stopgap funding bill (60-40) to end the prolonged federal government shutdown.
• The bill:
  • Funds parts of the government through next September.
  • Reverses shutdown-related federal firings.
  • Ensures back pay for federal workers.
  • Notable Exclusion: Does not extend expiring health insurance premium subsidies.
  • House Approval Pending: The House still needs to pass the measure, and the President must sign it.

Quote:

"The Senate passed a stopgap funding bill lasting through January 30th after a more than month long impasse that resulted in missed paychecks for federal workers, delayed food assistance and air travel disruptions."
— Sam Greenglass [00:53]

3. International Security Updates

A. Romania Accuses Russia of Airspace Incursion

[01:36]

• Romania (NATO member) reports finding Russian drone fragments on its soil after an attack on Ukraine’s Danube port.
• The fragments landed in an uninhabited area.
• Poland previously experienced a similar Russian drone incursion; both countries are now deploying U.S.-made MAROP systems to counter drones.

B. Yemen’s Houthi Rebels & Gaza Ceasefire

[02:01] – [03:06]

• Houthis in Yemen send a letter to Hamas, stating a halt to their attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping—conditional on Gaza ceasefire compliance.
• If hostilities resume in Gaza, Houthi attacks will return.
• Attacks by Houthis had previously sunk ships, killed mariners, and disrupted global supply routes. The U.S. and Israel had bombed Houthi targets in response.
• The Houthis have not claimed any attacks in over a month, marking this letter as their clearest statement linking their pause to the ceasefire.

Quote:

"The rebels say they're closely monitoring developments and threaten to return to military operations if the, quote, enemy Israel resumes its, quote, aggression against Gaza."
— Lauren Frayer [02:28]

4. President Trump’s Supreme Court Appeal

[03:06] – [04:02]

• President Trump requests the U.S. Supreme Court overturn a $5 million civil verdict holding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll.
• The appeal asserts that evidentiary rulings supporting Carroll’s claims were indefensible.
• Carroll’s allegations stem from an incident in 1996 and public denial during Trump’s first presidential term.

5. Global Health: Cash Transfer Programs

[04:02] – [04:44]

• A new study in The Lancet finds government-funded cash transfer programs in 37 low- and middle-income countries significantly improve maternal and child health:
  • 10% more pregnant women received better care.
  • Child mortality rates improved.
  • Higher rates of child vaccination and nutrition.
  • 40% reduction in diarrheal diseases in young children.
• Larger-scale programs correlated with better health outcomes.

Quote:

"Cash transfers helped about 10% more pregnant women get better care, which in turn improved child mortality... and about 40% less likely to get diarrheal diseases."
— Jonathan Lambert [04:15]

6. Financial Market Updates

• Dow Jones: Up nearly 300 points (over 300 points noted later in the episode).
• Nasdaq: Down 153 points (~half a percent decline).
  [03:06]/[04:44]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The Senate passed a stopgap funding bill lasting through January 30th after a more than month long impasse that resulted in missed paychecks for federal workers, delayed food assistance and air travel disruptions.” – Sam Greenglass [00:53]
• “The rebels say they're closely monitoring developments and threaten to return to military operations if the, quote, enemy Israel resumes its, quote, aggression against Gaza.” – Lauren Frayer [02:28]
• "Cash transfers helped about 10% more pregnant women get better care, which in turn improved child mortality... and about 40% less likely to get diarrheal diseases." – Jonathan Lambert [04:15]

Flow and Tone

• The episode is brisk, factual, and urgent, characteristic of NPR’s objective news briefings.
• Reporting is concise, focusing on presenting the latest developments for an audience needing quick yet comprehensive updates.

Useful for:
Anyone looking for a fast but thorough update on major U.S. political developments, world security issues, global health initiatives, and market trends as of midday EST on November 11, 2025.