NPR News Now: October 23, 2025 – 5AM EDT

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, anchored by Windsor Johnston, delivers concise updates on breaking news, U.S. government developments, international rulings, scientific discoveries, and notable cultural moments. Key highlights include the demolition of the White House East Wing, concerns over halted SNAP food aid during a government shutdown, a UN court ruling on Israeli responsibilities in Gaza, severe tropical weather impacting the Caribbean, research on ant-derived yogurt, and Misty Copeland’s retirement from the American Ballet Theater.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Demolition of the White House East Wing

[00:16–01:16]

• The East Wing, built during WWII and long housing the First Lady’s staff, is being demolished to construct a large ballroom as per President Trump's plan.
• President Trump downplayed the structure’s historic value:
  • Quote: "It was never thought of as being much. It was a very small building." – Rob Schmitz quoting Trump [00:45]
• Preservationists are concerned, but the White House maintains that proper preservation steps were followed, dismissing criticism as "pearl clutching."

2. SNAP Food Aid at Risk Amid Government Shutdown

[01:16–02:13]

• If the federal shutdown continues, millions may lose SNAP (food stamp) benefits—a disruption with no historical precedent.
• Joel Berg (Hunger Free America CEO) warns:
  • Quote: "It would be catastrophic for those low and moderate income families if that aid suddenly stopped." – Jennifer Ludden [01:28, paraphrased]
• Key groups at risk include children, workers, older Americans, veterans, and people with disabilities.
  • Quote: "The vast majority are children, working people, older Americans, veterans and people with disabilities." – Windsor Johnston & Rob Schmitz [01:41–01:49]
• Food banks cannot fill the gap left by an $8 billion shortfall.
• SNAP payments are on hold for November; the Agriculture Department blames Senate Democrats for the ongoing shutdown.

3. UN’s Top Court Orders Israel to Facilitate Gaza Aid

[02:13–03:11]

• The International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must coordinate with the UN to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
• The court stated Israel is an "occupying power" under the Geneva Conventions and must provide for the population.
  • Quote: "An occupying power must provide humanitarian aid to the civilians under its occupation." – Rob Schmitz [02:23]
• Israel cannot cite security to halt humanitarian aid.
• The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was cleared of any legal wrongdoing.
  • Quote: "UNRWA has not violated any laws as Israel has claimed." – Rob Schmitz [03:09]

4. Tropical Storm Melissa Strikes the Caribbean

[03:11–03:42]

• Tropical Storm Melissa has caused wide-scale evacuations, flood alerts, and closures across Jamaica, southern Hispaniola, and nine Dominican provinces.
• Thousands have been forced into shelters; all schools, businesses, and government offices in affected regions are shut.

5. Ants Used to Make Yogurt: New Scientific Study

[03:42–04:23]

• Bulgarian traditions involve fermenting milk into yogurt using live redwood ants, yielding unique flavors and textures.
• The study, led by microbial ecologist Veronica Senat, explores the role of ant-associated bacteria in fermentation.
  • Quote: "We added four whole ants, dropped them into the top, covered it with a cheesecloth, hiked up the mountain and buried it inside of the ant colony." – Windsor Johnston quoting research method [03:49]
• The findings suggest that traditional fermentation practices may inspire innovative new foods.

6. Misty Copeland’s Farewell to Ballet

[04:23–04:55]

• Misty Copeland, the American Ballet Theater’s first Black female principal dancer, has retired at age 43.
• Copeland is transitioning to work promoting diversity in dance and writing children’s books.
• Her trailblazing career was celebrated at a gala in her honor.
  • Quote: "[Copeland] said it was time to move to a different stage, focusing on diversity in dance through her foundation and writing books for young readers." – Windsor Johnston [04:47]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "It was never thought of as being much. It was a very small building."
  — Rob Schmitz quoting President Trump on the East Wing [00:45]

• "The vast majority are children, working people, older Americans, veterans and people with disabilities."
  — Windsor Johnston & Rob Schmitz on SNAP recipients [01:41–01:49]

• "An occupying power must provide humanitarian aid to the civilians under its occupation."
  — Rob Schmitz on the ICJ ruling regarding Israel [02:23]

• "We added four whole ants, dropped them into the top, covered it with a cheesecloth, hiked up the mountain and buried it inside of the ant colony."
  — Windsor Johnston quoting microbial ecologist Veronica Senat [03:49]

• "[Copeland] said it was time to move to a different stage, focusing on diversity in dance through her foundation and writing books for young readers."
  — Windsor Johnston on Misty Copeland's post-retirement plans [04:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• East Wing Demolition: 00:16–01:16
• Government Shutdown & SNAP Aid: 01:16–02:13
• ICJ Ruling on Gaza Aid: 02:13–03:11
• Tropical Storm Melissa: 03:11–03:42
• Ant Yogurt Study: 03:42–04:23
• Misty Copeland Retirement: 04:23–04:55

Tone & Language

This news round-up maintains NPR’s clear, measured, and direct tone, blending factual reporting with occasional, concise speaker commentary and sourced quotations.