NPR News Now – November 12, 2025, 12AM EST
Overview
This NPR News Now episode offers a concise roundup of major national and international stories, including the ongoing government shutdown standoff in the U.S., a Supreme Court order affecting SNAP payments, nationwide weather updates, a major baby formula recall, a blackout in the Dominican Republic, Iraq's parliamentary elections, and a diplomatic dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
Major Stories & Key Insights
1. U.S. Government Shutdown & Political Fallout
[00:18–01:15]
- House Rules Committee is debating a Senate-passed measure to end the government shutdown.
- Democratic Backlash: Eight Democrats compromised with Republicans, causing internal party tensions.
- Democrats’ Strategy: Betting on voters’ short-term memories and focusing on issues like affordability and health care, which were key in their recent electoral victories.
- Health Care in Focus: As part of the funding deal, Senate moderates secured a promised vote on extending health care subsidies next month.
Notable Quote:
"They’re banking on voters having short term memories and that the issue landscape is going to continue to benefit them." — Domenico Montanaro [00:41]
- Potential GOP Risks: If Republicans block health care subsidies, "the GOP will own higher health care costs." — Domenico Montanaro [01:11]
2. Supreme Court Extends SNAP Order
[01:15–01:51]
- Supreme Court Action: Extends its block on full SNAP payments by two days, allowing Congress more time for a funding resolution.
- State Responses: Some states are providing full SNAP benefits despite federal delays to assist those relying on the program for food.
3. U.S. Weather: Cold Snap Subsiding
[01:51–02:14]
- Unseasonable Cold: The Southeast experienced significant cold and the first snow in parts of the U.S.
- Gradual Warming: Forecasters expect temperatures to return to normal later in the week.
- Impacts: Icy conditions led to interstate crashes in West Virginia.
Notable Quote:
"The unseasonably cold weather will gradually come to an end... Temperatures will moderate toward normal for the second part of the week in the Southeast." — Giles Snyder [01:52]
4. Baby Formula Recall due to Infant Botulism
[02:14–03:10]
- Bihart Baby Formula Recall: All products recalled after at least 15 infants in 12 states were hospitalized with botulism.
- Scope: Initially two batches were recalled; now a total recall amid ongoing investigation.
- Consumer Guidance: Bihart urges consumers to discard all its products for safety.
- Coordination: Company working closely with the FDA.
Notable Quote:
"[Bihart] said the safety of infants is its biggest priority, but says all of its products should be discarded." — Maria Godoy [02:46]
5. Dominican Republic: Nationwide Power Blackout
[03:10–03:52]
- Event: Rare, full-country blackout paralyzing business, transport, and daily life.
- Cause: Transmission system failures; two power plants shut down in a cascading event.
- Unclear Origins: The exact cause still under investigation.
- Emergency Measures: Hospitals, banks, etc., operating on generators.
6. Iraq’s Parliamentary Elections
[03:52–04:38]
- Low Voter Turnout: Attributed to boycott by supporters of Shia leader Maqdah Sadr.
- Political Landscape: Iran-backed parties dominate; fragmented scene means complex coalition negotiations ahead.
- Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia Sudani (supported by Iran-backed parties, maintains U.S. ties) seeks a second term.
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." — Jane Araf [04:19]
7. Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Paused
[04:38–04:56]
- Ceasefire Status: Thailand halts a U.S.-brokered border ceasefire with Cambodia, demanding an apology for recent landmine explosion.
- Allegations: Thai PM accuses Cambodia of laying new landmines in violation of last month’s truce.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Shutdown & Political Fallout: 00:18–01:15
- SNAP Benefits & Supreme Court: 01:15–01:51
- U.S. Weather Update: 01:51–02:14
- Bihart Baby Formula Recall: 02:14–03:10
- Dominican Republic Blackout: 03:10–03:52
- Iraq Elections: 03:52–04:38
- Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Pause: 04:38–04:56
Note: News items presented in a neutral, fact-based tone, with occasional expert commentary. All timestamps are MM:SS based on the news content section.