NPR News Now – October 28, 2025, 6PM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update focuses on the major stories of the day, chiefly the ongoing government shutdown and its broad repercussions. Key topics include developments in federal food aid (SNAP), the effects of the shutdown on air traffic controllers, corporate layoffs at Amazon, the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, new U.S. military actions in the Pacific, and the launch of a significant new fund supporting the literary arts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Government Shutdown: SNAP Funding Crisis

[00:15–01:23]

• The federal food aid program SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is at risk as federal funding could run out this weekend if Congress does not act.
• Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit to force the Trump administration to use emergency funds to keep SNAP operational.
• Louisiana’s situation is especially dire:
  • State may furlough staff connected to SNAP if federal funding stops.
  • Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency; the Legislature may approve state funds to cover benefits for vulnerable populations into November.
  • Decision pending in the state Senate.

Memorable Moment:

“Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency over the lack of SNAP funding last week. He asked the Legislature to approve state money to cover benefits to children, the elderly and the disabled through November.”
— Mel Bridges (01:10)

2. Air Traffic Controllers: Unpaid and Overworked

[01:23–02:14]

• Today is the first payday with zero income for air traffic controllers due to the shutdown, compounding an already stressful job.
• Many are forced to work without pay or take on additional jobs; the union is sounding the alarm.
• Controllers are engaging in public outreach (leafleting at airports) to pressure Congress.

Notable Quote:

“The pressure is real. We have people trying to keep these airplanes safe. We have trainees trying to learn a new job that is very fast paced, very stressful, very complex, now having to worry about how they're going to pay bills.”
— Joe Segretto, Air Traffic Controller (01:48)

3. Amazon Announces Largest-Ever Corporate Layoffs

[02:14–03:14]

• Amazon will lay off 14,000 corporate employees (~4% of its white-collar workforce).
• The move aims to “reduce bureaucracy” and redirect resources amid slow AI business growth and pandemic overhiring.
• CEO Ndy Gyasi previously warned that generative AI would lead to workforce reductions.
• Financial pressures from investors are driving these decisions.

Notable Company Statement:

"...reducing bureaucracy, removing layers and shifting resources to ensure we’re investing in our biggest bets.”
— Internal Amazon Memo (02:36)

4. Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica

[03:14–03:38]

• Hundreds of thousands are without power as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds, hits Jamaica.
• Despite some weakening, the storm poses ongoing threats of flash flooding and landslides as it moves toward Cuba.

5. U.S. Military Strikes Drug Boats in the Pacific

[03:38–04:07]

• U.S. forces destroyed four suspected drug boats in the eastern Pacific; 14 fatalities reported, with one survivor rescued by Mexican teams.

6. $50 Million Fund for Literary Arts Announced

[04:07–04:55]

• Seven major philanthropic foundations—including the MacArthur and Mellon foundations—have launched the Literary Arts Fund.
• Designed to mitigate damage from federal arts funding cuts and support small presses, literary programs, and festivals.
• The fund is meant to provide stability beyond the political swings of government funding.

Notable Quote:

“The literary arts are tremendously, tremendously underfunded and can make a little bit go a very long way.”
— Elizabeth Alexander, President of Mellon Foundation (04:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• SNAP Food Aid at Risk: 00:15–01:23
• Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid: 01:23–02:14
• Amazon Layoffs: 02:14–03:14
• Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica: 03:14–03:38
• U.S. Strikes Drug Boats: 03:38–04:07
• $50M Literary Arts Fund: 04:07–04:55

Memorable Quotes

“The pressure is real. We have people trying to keep these airplanes safe... now having to worry about how they're going to pay bills.”
— Joe Segretto, Air Traffic Controller, [01:48]

“The literary arts are tremendously, tremendously underfunded and can make a little bit go a very long way.”
— Elizabeth Alexander, Mellon Foundation, [04:35]

This NPR News Now update delivers a brisk yet comprehensive roundup of the most urgent news affecting Americans on October 28, 2025, highlighting governmental, economic, environmental, and cultural challenges.