NPR News Now – November 11, 2025, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now offers a concise roundup of the day's most pressing national and international news stories. Covering Veterans Day events at Arlington, government shutdown updates, redistricting battles in Utah, a blackout in the Dominican Republic, NASA’s Escapade Mars mission, and extreme weather in the southeastern U.S., the episode delivers a snapshot of key developments across politics, science, and society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Veterans Day Commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery

• [00:11–00:59]
  • President Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and addressed military veterans, highlighting the nation’s gratitude.
    • 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 Trump [00:45]

  • Quick Detour: Trump briefly celebrated a Republican-led deal to reopen the government.
  • Upcoming Vote: The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a short-term funding measure to end the government shutdown.

2. Human Impact of the Government Shutdown

• [01:15–02:03]
  • Personal Story: Joyce Robinson, a furloughed National Guard civilian employee and military veteran in Mississippi, spends her time volunteering during the shutdown.
    • Notable Quote:

      “We have not been working for the last 40 days and I just felt like giving my time back. Doing something that's rewarding to me made me feel like I was at work.”
      — Joyce Robinson [01:36]

    • On financial uncertainty:

      “It's not like I don't have any food in the House. It's just, you know, the unknown not knowing that I haven't received a check in 40 days.”
      — Joyce Robinson [01:55]

  • Joyce stays optimistic about returning to work soon, despite hardships.

3. Redistricting and Gerrymandering in Utah

• [02:08–03:06]
  • Utah Court Ruling: A district now favors Democrats after a lawsuit-driven map redraw; sparking bipartisan reactions.
  • Civic Engagement: Emma Petty Adams, with Mormon Women for Ethical Government, emphasizes cross-partisan momentum.
    • Notable Quote:

      “All over the country, a cross partisan group of Utah citizens are finally seeing the fruits of their persistence and years long commitment to do the opposite [of gerrymandering].”
      — Emma Petty Adams [02:37]

  • Republican Pushback: GOP leaders call the map partisan and contest the court's ruling.

4. International – Blackout in the Dominican Republic

• [03:06–03:45]
  • A massive power failure affects traffic and businesses in the Dominican Republic, with unclear cause and restoration timeline.

5. Mars Science – NASA’s Escapade Mission

• [03:45–04:25]
  • Mission Update: NASA poised to try again to launch its twin Escapade probes to Mars after delays with Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket.
  • Scientific Goal: The mission aims to study how solar particles interact with Mars’ thin atmosphere, advancing understanding of Martian weather and magnetic fields.
    • Notable Details:
      • "The twin probes will let scientists create 3D images of how those particles are deflected around Mars by the planet's magnetic field." — Joe Palka [04:15]

6. Extreme Weather Sweeps the Southeast and Northeast US

• [04:25–04:53]
  • Record Lows: Freeze warning issued for 18 million people in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; Jacksonville, FL, logs a 28°F record.
  • Snowfall: Great Lakes and Northeast hit by significant snow, creating hazardous travel.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• President Trump’s Veterans Day tribute:

  “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.” [00:45]

• Joyce Robinson on volunteerism during the shutdown:

  “Doing something that's rewarding to me made me feel like I was at work.” [01:36]

• Emma Petty Adams on civic engagement fighting gerrymandering:

  “...a cross partisan group of Utah citizens are finally seeing the fruits of their persistence and years long commitment to do the opposite [of gerrymandering].” [02:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:11–00:59 – Veterans Day coverage and government shutdown update
• 01:15–02:03 – Impact of the shutdown on federal workers
• 02:08–03:06 – Utah redistricting court decision and responses
• 03:06–03:45 – Dominican Republic blackout
• 03:45–04:25 – NASA Escapade Mars mission update
• 04:25–04:53 – Record freeze in the Southeast U.S. and Northeast snowfall

This episode delivers quick, essential updates on national and international happenings, blending political, societal, and scientific developments, complete with personal stories and fresh reporting from around the country.