NPR News Now: October 28, 2025 | 12AM EDT

Main Theme

A fast-paced, five-minute news update summarizing the latest global headlines, touching on U.S.–Japan relations, the federal shutdown's impact on nutrition assistance, legal battles, severe weather, court cases, historical monuments, and a quirky Halloween trend.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Japan Relations: Historic Leadership Meeting

• President Trump meets with Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
  • “She spoke of building a golden era for Japan's alliance with the United States. Trump told Takaichi she would be one of the great prime ministers.” (NPR News Anchor, 00:20)
  • Shama Kamil (BBC) notes the delicate balancing act facing Takaichi, with pressure from the U.S.:
    • “President Trump said Japan was a great ally, adding that he'll be there whenever needed. But he's also pushing hard on trade and security, leaving Tokyo very little room to maneuver.” (Shama Kamil, 00:42)
    • Takaichi must safeguard Japanese industry: “Tokyo is heavily reliant on exports and can't afford a tariff fight. For now, the tone is friendly, but there is real pressure on Tokyo to deliver on agreements.” (Shama Kamil, 01:05)

2. Federal Shutdown: SNAP and WIC at Risk

• SNAP program faces imminent funding exhaustion due to an ongoing government shutdown.
  • “SNAP will run out of money on Saturday unless Congress ends the federal shutdown by then. There's no sign of any compromise between Democrats and Republicans. 27 days in to the shutdown...” (NPR News Anchor, 01:14)
• WIC extended by shifting funds, SNAP not covered.
  • “The Trump administration transferred the $300 million for WIC from a state child nutrition programs account ... These so called section 32 funds are separate from the increased revenue generated from sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump…” (Stephen Fowler, 01:40)
  • Administration argues that using these funds for SNAP would jeopardize “money for school meals and infant formula.” (Stephen Fowler, 02:05)

3. Justice Department Brief: James Comey Case

• Over 100 former Justice officials urge judge to dismiss the DOJ’s case against former FBI Director James Comey, citing:
  • “...the charges are being fueled by political revenge and not by legal standards. The filing also accuses DOJ of tossing aside long standing practices that govern prosecutions.” (NPR News Anchor, 02:19)

4. Hurricane Melissa: A Record-Setting Storm

• Hurricane Melissa declared Category 5, threatens Jamaica with catastrophic impact.
  • “Hurricane Melissa's top winds have reached 175 miles per hour. Melissa is a Category 5 storm. It could be the strongest to ever hit Jamaica.” (NPR News Anchor, 02:41)
  • Ada Peralta (on scene): “Is forecast to move right through the middle of the island early Tuesday morning. Jamaica's meteorological service says the outer bands ... have already reached the island and they are expecting a life threatening storm surge of 9 to 13ft.” (Ada Peralta, 02:48)
  • Jamaican Prime Minister calls for preparation and calm: “While we must prepare for the worst, let us also pray for the best.” (Andrew Holness, via Ada Peralta, 03:07)
  • Residents urged to “heed evacuation orders.” (Ada Peralta, 03:11)

5. Legal and Social Issues

• Murder Case: Charlie Kirk
  • The Utah judge will “allow the man charged with murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk to appear in street clothes during court appearances, but ... must remain shackled in court. Citing safety concerns, Judge Tony Graff agreed to make some allowances in order to protect the defendant's presumption of innocence.” (NPR News Anchor, 03:15)
• Confederate Monument Reinstalled in D.C.
  • “A Confederate statue ... has been renovated and reinstalled in a Northwest Washington, D.C. neighborhood. ... The statue of General Albert Pike ... was toppled and burned during the June 2020 protests against police killings of unarmed black people.” (NPR News Anchor, 03:38)

6. Halloween Trend: Haunted Car Washes

• Nationwide boom in haunted car washes for Halloween.
  • “Fast Splash Car Wash has about a dozen locations. This one in Detroit is only haunted on the weekends leading up to Halloween. Employees costumed as ghouls and horror movie monsters tap on your windows and brandish chainsaws as you wait in line for a wash.” (Neta Ulaby, 04:05)
  • National chains like Tommy’s Express report “half of its car washes are haunted over Halloween.” (Neta Ulaby, 04:36)
  • “No one's keeping track of the exact number of haunted car washes, but at least one national chain says it's adding more of them every year.” (Neta Ulaby, 04:28)

7. Financial Update

• Stock market and futures remain steady.
  • “U.S. futures are flat in after hours trading following Monday's gains on Wall Street. On Asia Pacific, market shares are mixed.” (NPR News Anchor, 04:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's a defining early test of leadership.” (Shama Kamil, 00:45)
• “While we must prepare for the worst, let us also pray for the best.” (Andrew Holness, via Ada Peralta, 03:07)
• “The tunnel is lit, blood red. Evil clowns pop out to scare you — or okay, hey, to scare me.” (Neta Ulaby, 04:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S.–Japan Meeting: 00:20 – 01:14
• Federal Shutdown & Food Aid: 01:14 – 02:11
• James Comey Case: 02:11 – 02:41
• Hurricane Melissa: 02:41 – 03:15
• Charlie Kirk Murder Case: 03:15 – 03:33
• Confederate Monument: 03:33 – 04:05
• Haunted Car Washes: 04:05 – 04:49
• Financial Markets: 04:49 – 04:59

This rapid, informative edition of NPR News Now offers a brisk overview of urgent national and international headlines, blending hard news with flashes of culture and seasonal quirks.