NPR News Now - November 11, 2025, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This special Veterans Day news update delivers breaking U.S. and world events in a concise five-minute format. Major topics include President Trump’s Veterans Day remarks at Arlington, a looming Supreme Court decision on SNAP benefits and the government shutdown, fallout in the air travel sector, an important redistricting ruling in Utah, the passing of actor Sally Kirkland, deadly Texas floods litigation, and the loss of measles elimination status in Canada.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Veterans Day Observances at Arlington National Cemetery

[00:17 - 00:48]

• President Trump took part in Veterans Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• The President laid a wreath and delivered remarks expressing gratitude for veterans.

Notable Quote:

"We love our veterans. We say the words too often left unsaid. Thank you for your service. Thank you very much."
— President Trump, Veterans Day remarks [00:37]

2. Supreme Court & SNAP Benefits amid Government Shutdown

[00:48 - 01:27]

• The U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider if the Trump administration can keep limiting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• The government shutdown has now lasted 42 days; uncertainty persists over the immediate resumption of SNAP if the government reopens.
• Possible continued disruption to federal services, including air travel.

3. Air Travel and Supply Chain Disruptions

[01:27 - 02:12]

NPR Correspondent: Windsor Johnston

• FAA workers face a backlog of inspections and safety checks due to the prolonged shutdown.
• Recovery of air travel may be slow, affecting both passenger flights and cargo shipping.
• Major logistics companies (FedEx, UPS, Amazon) warn of shipping delays during peak shopping season.
• Supply chains could take weeks to normalize, impacting retailers and consumers.

Notable Quote:

"[T]he longer the shutdown drags on, the more the work piles up, forcing airlines to cancel or delay flights even after funding is restored."
— Windsor Johnston [01:38]

4. Utah Congressional Map and Court Ruling

[02:12 - 03:10]

NPR Correspondent: Martha Harris (KUER)

• Utah’s congressional redistricting was mandated by the court to comply with anti-gerrymandering laws.
• A Republican-proposed map was rejected for favoring the GOP; a map from plaintiffs was adopted.
• The new map makes it possible for Democrats to win a seat in upcoming 2026 midterms (previously, all seats were Republican-held).

Notable Quote:

"The chosen map creates one district that favors Democrats. That means Democrats could flip a seat in Utah in the 2026 midterms."
— Martha Harris [02:43]

5. Financial Markets Update

[03:10 & 04:46]

• The Dow Jones is up significantly, rising roughly 500 points, or more than 1%, to 47,867.

6. Death of Actress Sally Kirkland

[03:10 - 03:30]

• Sally Kirkland, aged 84, has died in hospice care.
• Kirkland was celebrated for her work on stage, television, and film, notably for her Oscar-nominated role in Anna (1987) and an appearance in The Sting.

7. Camp Mystic Flood Lawsuits (Texas)

[03:30 - 04:05]

• Relatives of those killed in the Camp Mystic floods have filed lawsuits.
• They allege the camp's operators failed to protect campers during life-threatening flood conditions.
• The tragedy claimed 25 girls, two teenage counselors, and the camp director on July 4th.

8. Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status

[04:05 - 04:46]

NPR Correspondent: Gabriela Emanuel

• Canada reported over 5,000 measles cases in the past year; it is now the only country in the Americas with endemic measles.
• Efforts to regain elimination status are ongoing, following examples set by Brazil and Venezuela in the past.
• The U.S. has also experienced significant outbreaks since January.

Notable Quote:

"It is now the only country in the Americas in which measles is endemic."
— Gabriela Emanuel [04:15]

"Nevertheless, the country continues to make significant efforts to control its current outbreak and remains firmly committed to achieving elimination again."
— Dr. Jarbas Barboza (PAHO Director), via Gabriela Emanuel [04:18]

Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s public expression of gratitude for U.S. veterans at Arlington [00:37].
• An emotional update on supply chain disruptions affecting holiday shopping [01:38].
• Utah’s new map potentially changing the state’s political landscape [02:43].
• Reflections on the legacy of the late Sally Kirkland [03:15].
• A somber milestone as Canada loses measles elimination status [04:15].

Important Timestamps

• [00:17] President Trump at Arlington for Veterans Day
• [01:27] FAA and travel delays analysis (Windsor Johnston)
• [02:26] Utah redistricting court ruling (Martha Harris)
• [03:10] Dow Jones financial update
• [03:10] Sally Kirkland death announced
• [03:45] Camp Mystic flood lawsuits filed
• [04:05] Canada’s measles outbreak and context (Gabriela Emanuel)
• [04:46] Financial markets update

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive roundup of significant national developments on November 11, 2025, capturing both headlines and impactful human stories.