NPR News Now: 11-11-2025 4PM EST

Episode Overview

This episode delivers key news highlights for November 11th, 2025, focusing on Veterans Day commemorations, developments regarding a U.S. government shutdown, extreme weather across much of the eastern United States, Iraq’s parliamentary elections, the passing of actress Sally Kirkland, and the rise of protest folk music on social media platforms. The reporting is concise, with insights from NPR correspondents and direct quotes from notable figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery

• President Trump honored U.S. military veterans at Arlington, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and delivering remarks thanking veterans for their dedication and service.
• Trump also highlighted recent progress in Congress regarding the government shutdown.

Notable Quote
“We want to also say thank you for carrying America's fate on your strong, very broad, proud shoulders. Each of you has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire nation.”
— President Donald Trump (01:03)

• President Trump referenced a “win for Republican leaders in Congress” related to a deal to reopen the government, with the House poised to vote on a short-term funding measure soon.

2. Aid Initiatives Amid Government Shutdown

• Airports nationwide, including in rural states like Wyoming, have launched donation drives supporting unpaid federal workers due to the ongoing shutdown.
• Shelley Beissel of Gillette, Wyoming, emphasized the crucial role TSA agents play and the hardships faced, with some taking second jobs and anticipating additional missed paychecks even if the shutdown ends shortly.

3. Widespread Cold Snap Across the Eastern U.S.

• Extreme cold hit the eastern two-thirds of the country, with gusty winds, snowfall, and unusually low temperatures experienced in various regions, including the Southeast.
• In Florida, the temperature drop caused iguanas to freeze and fall from trees—a rare and newsworthy event. Jacksonville reached record lows of 28°F.

4. Iraq’s Parliamentary Elections

• Low election turnout, notably influenced by a boycott from the movement led by Shia leader Maqtada Sadr.
• Ongoing dominance of Iran-backed parties in Iraq’s political center and south.
• Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Sudani, who benefits from the support of those parties yet maintains positive relations with the U.S., is seeking a second term.
• Official election results are expected soon, but government formation may take weeks or months due to political fragmentation.

Notable Quote
“Because Iraq’s political scene is so fragmented, it will likely take weeks or even months of backroom negotiations to determine which coalition has the most support and the right to choose the president and prime minister.”
— Jane Araf (03:15)

5. Sally Kirkland’s Passing

• Sally Kirkland, Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Anna and The Sting, died at age 84 in Palm Springs, California.
• Kirkland’s career spanned six decades across film, television, and stage, with over 200 film appearances.

6. Folk Protest Music Finds a Home on TikTok

• Digital artist Jesse Wells has garnered millions of followers by channeling folk protest traditions through satirical, plainspoken short songs on social media.
• Wells’ music addresses contemporary political issues, has garnered major following, and recently led to four Grammy nominations in the folk and Americana categories.

Notable Moment
Example lyric:
“War isn't murder, Good men don't die, children don't starve, and all women survive.”
— Jesse Wells performance (04:36)

• Wells is highlighted as a leading figure in adapting protest music for fast-changing digital audiences.

7. Market Update

• The Dow closed up 559 points, signifying a robust day for the stock market.

Key Segment Timestamps

• Veterans Day Ceremony & President Trump’s Remarks: 00:34 – 01:16
• Government Shutdown and Federal Worker Aid: 01:33 – 02:09
• Cold Weather Impacts Across Eastern U.S.: 02:09 – 02:45
• Iraq Parliamentary Elections: 02:45 – 03:28
• Sally Kirkland Obituary: 03:28 – 04:25
• Rise of Protest Folk Music on TikTok: 04:25 – 05:07
• Market Update: 05:07

Notable Quotes

• President Trump:

  “We want to also say thank you for carrying America's fate on your strong, very broad, proud shoulders...” (01:03)

• Jane Araf, on Iraq elections:

  “...it will likely take weeks or even months of backroom negotiations...” (03:15)

• Jesse Wells (sung lyric):

  “War isn't murder, Good men don't die, children don't starve, and all women survive.” (04:36)

Episode presented in the neutral, informative style typical for NPR News Now, delivering a rapid yet thorough summary of top national and international stories on November 11, 2025.