NPR News Now: November 11, 2025, 5AM EST – Episode Summary

Overview:
This five-minute NPR News Now update, hosted by Dave Mattingly, delivers the latest headlines, including a breakthrough in the federal government shutdown, legal skirmishes over SNAP benefits, U.S. foreign policy shifts in Syria, widespread airline disruptions, and Canada’s measles resurgence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown Nears Resolution

• [00:15] Senate passes measure to end the record-long shutdown:
  • The Senate achieved the minimum 60 votes needed, with support from seven Democrats and one Independent alongside most Republicans.
  • The resolution provides funding through the end of January for most federal operations and through next September for some agencies.
  • Federal worker furloughs would end, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded for the next 10+ months.
  • The measure awaits House approval.

Notable Quote:

"This has been a very long road, quite literally the longest shutdown in history. I am very, very happy to be able to say that we are coming to the end."
— Senate Majority Leader John Thune [00:38]

2. SNAP Benefits Legal Battle

• [01:25] Confusion and tension around SNAP payments:
  • A federal judge accused the Trump administration of "vindictive games" amid ongoing litigation over SNAP benefits.
  • States were ordered to issue full payments, but a subsequent Supreme Court pause led the Agriculture Department to demand reversal of those payments and threatened penalties.
  • New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plotkin and others criticize this approach, questioning its practicality.

Notable Quotes:

"This administration is still going to the Supreme Court to fight for the right to starve Americans."
— John Thune (quoted in segment) [01:51]

“States jumped the gun and should only send partial payments for now. Once the shutdown does end, we'll issue full benefits in 24 hours.”
— Trump Administration attorney (paraphrased by Jennifer Ludden) [01:54]

3. U.S. Relations with Syria’s New President

• [02:09] U.S. and UN lift sanctions on Syria:
  • President Trump expresses support for new Syrian President Ahmed al Sharra, describing him as "a tough guy with a rough past."
  • Al Sharra, previously associated with an al Qaeda affiliate and leader in Assad’s overthrow, now commits to counterterrorism and cooperation with the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
  • Sanctions have been suspended by the Treasury Department.
  • Trump indicates intentions to help improve Syria-Israel relations.

Notable Quotes:

“We want to see Syria become a country that's very successful. And I think this leader can do it. I really do. I think this leader can do it.”
— President Trump [02:51]

4. Airline Disruptions Worsen Due to Shutdown

• [03:07] Major flight cancellations escalate:
  • The FAA has ordered airlines to reduce flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airports because of staffing shortages, resulting in thousands of canceled flights.
  • Domestic flight reductions rise to 6% today, jumping to 10% if the shutdown persists beyond Friday.
  • Major hubs affected include Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles.

5. Canada Loses Measles Elimination Status

• [03:59] Canada reports over 5,000 cases in the past year:
  • The Pan American Health Organization confirms Canada as the only country in the Americas where measles is now endemic.
  • Authorities vow continued efforts to curb the outbreak and regain elimination status, drawing parallels to Brazil and Venezuela’s successful recovery through vaccination.

Notable Quote:

"Nevertheless, the country continues to make significant efforts to control its current outbreak and remains firmly committed to achieving elimination again."
— Dr. Jarbas Barboza, Pan American Health Organization [04:13]

6. Markets Update

• [04:41] Recap of Wall Street’s performance:
  • The Dow rose by 381 points.
  • S&P up over 1.5%.
  • NASDAQ up more than 2.25%.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This has been a very long road, quite literally the longest shutdown in history. I am very, very happy to be able to say that we are coming to the end.”
  – Senate Majority Leader John Thune [00:38]

• “This administration is still going to the Supreme Court to fight for the right to starve Americans.”
  – John Thune (as quoted in SNAP segment) [01:51]

• "We want to see Syria become a country that's very successful. And I think this leader can do it. I really do. I think this leader can do it."
  – President Trump [02:51]

• "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 [04:13]

Timeline of Important Segments (Timestamps)

• 00:15 — Shutdown vote in the Senate, John Thune remarks
• 01:25 — Federal judge critiques SNAP benefits handling
• 02:09 — Trump supports Syria’s new leader; sanctions lifted
• 03:07 — Airline flight reductions due to shutdown
• 03:59 — Canada measles outbreak and loss of elimination status
• 04:41 — Market highlights

This rapidly-paced news update delivers essential coverage on pressing domestic and international events, with insights into policy shifts, legal tensions, public health challenges, and economic performance—all in NPR’s signature measured and informative style.