NPR News Now: October 31, 2025, 10AM EDT — Episode Summary

Episode Theme:
This concise NPR News Now episode, anchored by Korva Coleman, delivers key news updates from Washington and around the world. The broadcast covers looming SNAP benefit cuts due to the prolonged government shutdown, strong stock market openings, significant royal family developments in the UK, immigration detention concerns in Illinois, UNICEF's "Trick or Treat" milestone, and a major museum theft in Oakland.

1. SNAP Benefits at Risk Amid Government Shutdown

[00:10 – 01:19]

• Main Point: Over 40 million Americans are set to lose federal food assistance (SNAP) as government funding dries up tomorrow due to the shutdown.
• Key Context:
  • Congress previously set aside $6 billion in contingency funding for SNAP.
  • The USDA claims it cannot legally access these funds without new appropriations; about half of U.S. states are suing.
  • The USDA's prior plan stated SNAP should operate during shutdowns, but that guidance is now missing from their website.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “One in eight people in the US get SNAP benefits to put food on the table.” — Kristen Wright, [00:38]

2. White House and Senate Clash Over Filibuster

[01:19 – 01:43]

• Main Point:
  • President Trump demands an end to the government shutdown, pressing Senate Republicans to bypass the filibuster rule and pass a spending bill despite Democratic objections.
  • Senate Republicans resist changing filibuster precedent.

3. Market Update: Tech Stocks Lead Gains

[01:19 – 02:23]

• Main Point:
  • U.S. stocks opened higher thanks to strong tech company earnings.
  • Amazon: Growth fueled by cloud computing.
  • Apple: Strong demand for its latest iPhone.
  • Nvidia: CEO met with South Korea's president about AI chip sales.
  • China-U.S. Trade: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen cites China’s return to U.S. soybean purchases—25 million tons annually for three years.
• Memorable Quote:
  • "Amazon's results were boosted by the strong performance of its cloud computing service." — Scott Horsley, [01:43]

4. UK: Prince Andrew Stripped of Titles

[02:23 – 03:07]

• Main Point:
  • King Charles has removed Prince Andrew’s royal titles and residence due to ties with Jeffrey Epstein following ongoing revelations.
  • Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and Andrew, died by suicide earlier this year.
• Memorable Quote:
  • "He's just Andrew now, which is great. And my sister would be smiling and she is from the heavens, I guarantee you." — Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, [02:51]
  • "We need to take the next step here, and he needs to be fully investigated and brought to some sort of account." — Sky Roberts, [02:59]

5. ACLU Sues Over ICE Facility Conditions in Illinois

[03:07 – 03:23]

• Main Point:
  • The ACLU of Illinois is suing federal immigration authorities, alleging detainees—mostly Latinos—are being held in "inhumane conditions" and denied access to attorneys at a Chicago-area ICE facility.

6. 75th Anniversary of "Trick or Treat for UNICEF"

[03:23 – 04:29]

• Main Point:
  • The campaign, which encourages American children to collect donations for global child welfare, marks 75 years as U.S. foreign aid diminishes.
  • Raised over $200 million for food, vaccines, and school supplies.
  • Outlasted the U.S. foreign aid agency, USAID, now dismantled by the Trump administration.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • "This program has been running for 75 years for a reason, right? It's that a lot of Americans really do care, despite what's going on." — Sky Roberts, [04:05]

7. Oakland Museum Theft

[04:29 – 04:54]

• Main Point:
  • Over 1,000 objects stolen from the Oakland Museum of California, including jewelry, Native American woven items, and electronics. Value undetermined and no arrests yet.

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• “One in eight people in the US get SNAP benefits to put food on the table.” — Kristen Wright, [00:38]
• "Amazon's results were boosted by the strong performance of its cloud computing service." — Scott Horsley, [01:43]
• “He's just Andrew now, which is great. And my sister would be smiling and she is from the heavens, I guarantee you.” — Sky Roberts, [02:51]
• “This program has been running for 75 years for a reason, right? It's that a lot of Americans really do care, despite what's going on.” — Sky Roberts, [04:05]

Timestamps Overview

• [00:10] SNAP benefits at risk
• [01:19] Trump pressures Senate Republicans
• [01:43] Tech stock surge and China soybean pledge
• [02:23] Prince Andrew loses titles
• [03:07] ACLU suit on ICE facility
• [03:23] 75 years of Trick or Treat for UNICEF
• [04:29] Oakland Museum theft

This episode offers succinct, critical updates on U.S. federal benefit uncertainty, global and national political news, significant social justice actions, and cultural milestones—all delivered in NPR’s straightforward, factual style.