NPR News Now — November 14, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Date: November 14, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This brief NPR News Now update covers major national and international news from overnight and the early morning, including the aftermath of a U.S. government shutdown, legal wrangling over California’s congressional districts, a California wildfire, a new survey on weight-loss drug use, restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza, a fighter jet deal with Canada and Sweden, and recent Major League Baseball MVP announcements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath of U.S. Government Shutdown & Air Travel Delays

• [00:17] The shutdown has ended, but air travel remains disrupted.
• Reason: Many of the nation's 14,000 air traffic controllers worked unpaid during the shutdown and are still returning to normal schedules.
• Current Status: 6% reduction in domestic flights at 40 major airports; delays and cancellations ongoing.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "The government shutdown is over, but aviation experts say it'll likely take some time before air travel in the US is closer to normal."
    — Dave Mattingly (00:17)

2. DOJ Joins Lawsuit Over California Congressional Maps

• [00:44] The Justice Department allied with a lawsuit aiming to overturn newly redrawn California district maps that favor Democrats.
• Context: Voters approved Proposition 50 to counteract GOP-led redistricting in other states.
• Arguments:
  • Republicans, with the Trump administration, claim the lines were drawn to unfairly benefit Latino voters and violate equal protection.
  • Governor Newsom argues Prop 50 counters GOP moves in other states.
• Quote:
  • "Republicans, quote, lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court."
    — Spokesperson for Gov. Newsom, read by Guy Marziroti (01:36)

3. Fast-Moving California Wildfire

• [01:53] Wildfire near the Nevada border causes evacuations and damages over a dozen structures in Mono County.
• Details:
  • Located 125 miles SE of Lake Tahoe.
  • Fueled by 40 mph wind gusts.

4. Surge in Popularity of Weight Loss Drugs

• [02:28] A new KFF survey highlights a dramatic rise in adults using GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.).
• Findings:
  • Usage climbed from 6% to 12% in 18 months.
  • Drugs taken for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss.
• Notable Insight:
  • Usage increased across all demographic groups; affordability remains a challenge despite some insurance coverage.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • "What was really striking to us that there wasn't one demographic group that was kind of driving the increase. It looked like there was a pretty steady increase in use across demographic groups."
    — Ashley Kurtzinger, KFF Pollster (02:49)

5. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

• [03:13] Despite a declared ceasefire, aid groups claim Israel is blocking urgent supplies into Gaza, especially shelter materials amid oncoming winter.
• Claims & Counterclaims:
  • Norwegian Refugee Council reports severe restrictions.
  • Israeli military denies restricting aid.
• Context: Overnight rains have worsened conditions for displaced Gazans.

6. Saab Fighter Jet Deal with Canada

• [03:59] Swedish company Saab proposes joint venture to manufacture Gripen jets in Canada, potentially creating 10,000 jobs.
• Strategic Points:
  • Canadian review of current F-35 plans from Lockheed Martin ongoing amidst trade tensions.
  • Ukraine expresses interest in 100 Gripen jets.
• Memorable Quote:
  • "Saab's president calls his pitch a win win to partner with another country, especially Canada, which shares concerns about Arctic sovereignty."
    — Dan Karpenchuk (04:34)

7. MLB Most Valuable Players Announced

• [04:42] The MVPs for the past season are Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (New York Yankees).

Notable Quotes

• Dave Mattingly [00:17]:
  "The government shutdown is over, but aviation experts say it'll likely take some time before air travel in the US is closer to normal."
• Guy Marziroti [01:36]:
  "Republicans, quote, lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court."
• Ashley Kurtzinger, KFF Pollster [02:49]:
  "What was really striking to us that there wasn't one demographic group that was kind of driving the increase. It looked like there was a pretty steady increase in use across demographic groups."
• Dan Karpenchuk [04:34]:
  "Saab's president calls his pitch a win win to partner with another country, especially Canada, which shares concerns about Arctic sovereignty."

Timeline: Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:17 — Gov't shutdown aftermath; air travel delays
• 00:44 — DOJ lawsuit over California congressional maps
• 01:53 — California wildfire update
• 02:28 — Rise in weight-loss and diabetes drug use
• 03:13 — Humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza
• 03:59 — Saab-Canada fighter jet deal
• 04:42 — MLB MVP awards

This concise NPR News Now bulletin delivers the essential headlines and credible reporting characteristic of NPR, in a clear, neutral tone focused on the facts and key developments of the hour.