NPR News Now – October 30, 2025, 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise episode delivers the latest updates on major news stories from world politics, U.S. domestic policy, natural disasters, global crime, and cultural trends. Highlights include President Trump's return from an important trip to Asia, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown's effect on food aid, Hurricane Melissa's devastating aftermath in the Caribbean, arrests after a spectacular Paris jewel heist, and the persistent popularity—and mythos—of the Ouija board ahead of Halloween.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. President Trump Returns From Asia – Trade & Diplomacy

[00:15] – [01:09]

• Summary:
  President Trump has arrived back in Washington, D.C. after a significant tour in Asia, concluding with a major economic summit in South Korea.
• Key Developments:
  • Trump met in person with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in six years, signaling a possible thaw in U.S.-China relations.
  • Agreements discussed include:
    • Lower tariffs
    • U.S. access to rare earth materials
    • Increased fentanyl controls
    • China’s commitment to major soybean purchases
• Notable Quote:
  • Anthony Kuhn (NPR reporter):

    "The US side says that China has agreed to purchase 25 million metric tons of US soybeans a year. That's more than a fifth than the US is projected to harvest this year. So it is a very big deal and they're going to start by purchasing 12 million metric tons just between now and January." (01:00)

2. SNAP Hunger Relief Crisis Amid Government Shutdown

[01:11] – [02:08]

• Summary:
  The federal Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces imminent funding exhaustion as the U.S. government shutdown continues.
• Key Points:
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency.
  • The Governor urges Congress to use contingency funds to prevent the cutoff for 42 million Americans.
  • Hochul has allocated $65 million in state funds to help food banks and pantries; schools and agencies will assist in meal distribution.
  • Political blame:
    • Republicans say Senate Democrats are responsible for delays, tied to disputes about healthcare subsidies.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul:

    "The clock's going to run out on 42 million Americans, including 3 million New Yorkers. Apparently our cries for help, their cries for help have fallen on deaf ears." (01:38)

  • Brian Mann (NPR reporter):

    "State agencies and schools will help distribute millions of meals." (01:47)

3. Hurricane Melissa's Devastation in the Caribbean

[02:08] – [03:04]

• Summary:
  Hurricane Melissa continues to threaten Bermuda as the Caribbean begins to assess damage—with as many as 30 deaths, tens of thousands displaced, and devastation reported from Hispaniola to the Bahamas.
• On the Ground in Jamaica:
  • Nick Davis describes severe damage in Falmouth—his father’s hometown and business location.
• Notable Quote:
  • Nick Davis:

    "As we're coming in, you can see trees everywhere. I mean, like, this is a very green country, and it currently looks like broken matchsticks and twigs along the road." (02:48)

4. Major Jewel Heist – Arrests in Paris

[03:15] – [03:25]

• Summary:
  French authorities have arrested five more suspects connected with the historic jewel heist at the Louvre.
  • Three of the four suspected primary thieves are now in custody.
  • The theft occurred soon after the museum's opening and lasted only a few minutes.

5. Halloween Feature: The Ouija Board’s Spooky Legacy

[03:48] – [04:38]

• Summary:
  A cultural story spotlights the history and myths surrounding Ouija boards as Halloween approaches.
  • NPR’s Dina Pritchett spoke with Emily Clark, a religion professor at Gonzaga University.
  • The Ouija’s origins: Developed via the post-Civil War spiritualist movement, not from occult or demonic practices.
  • Modern usage ranges from seeking closure about loved ones to innocent party games.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Emily Clark:

    "We often associate Ouija boards with inviting demons into your home and into your body, but they do not have that history at all." (03:59)
    "I think the questions that people ask of a Ouija board are questions that they feel like there's no other way to have the answer to..." (04:19)

6. Financial Markets Update

[03:04] & [04:38]

• The Dow Jones closed down more than 100 points; the NASDAQ dropped 377 points (~1.5%), and the S&P lost 68 points.

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with timestamps)

• "That's more than a fifth than the US is projected to harvest this year. So it is a very big deal…"
  — Anthony Kuhn (01:00)
• "The clock's going to run out on 42 million Americans, including 3 million New Yorkers."
  — Gov. Kathy Hochul (01:38)
• "…it currently looks like broken matchsticks and twigs along the road."
  — Nick Davis, Jamaica (02:48)
• "Ouija boards...do not have that history at all."
  — Emily Clark (03:59)

Conclusion

This edition of NPR News Now delivers fast-paced but comprehensive coverage of headline stories spanning global diplomacy, domestic policy crises, extreme weather, criminal intrigue, and seasonal cultural phenomena, all in NPR’s signature clear, fact-driven tone.