NPR News Now – October 31, 2025, 11AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest national and international news, focusing on the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its impacts, the Israeli-Palestinian hostage body exchange, Hurricane Melissa, an FBI terror plot intervention, rising car insurance rates, and World Series developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown & Military Pay

• Selective Funding Amid Stalemate
  • The White House confirms military personnel are being paid during the ongoing government shutdown, even as Congress remains at an impasse. Funding comes from repurposed Defense Department funds—military housing, R&D, and shipbuilding budgets.
  • Danielle Kurtzleben (00:37):

    "An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson confirms reporting... the agency is using around $5 billion from a military housing fund, a military research and development fund, and a Defense Department account used for building ships."

  • There’s uncertainty over whether wealthy Trump allies' donations are also funding this, as OMB declined to comment.
  • The Trump administration has openly aimed to prioritize military pay while allowing non-defense programs to lapse.
  • Impending loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is highlighted as a major concern:

    "Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which feeds low income families, is set to lapse." (Danielle Kurtzleben, 01:07)

2. SNAP Benefits and Partisan Tensions

• SNAP (Food Assistance) Funding Crisis
  • More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, with benefits projected to end tomorrow due to the shutdown.
  • Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (01:26):

    "We are here today because SNAP benefits run dry tomorrow. So the truth has finally revealed itself, hasn't it? Democrats' support for programs like SNAP is now reduced to cynical control over people's lives."

  • Democrats counter that massive cuts to federal healthcare must be restored, arguing Republican moves endanger millions' insurance and access to care.

3. Israel-Gaza Hostage Body Exchange

• Fragile Ceasefire & Sensitive Returns
  • Israel has received the remains of two male hostages killed in Gaza in exchange for the release of 30 Palestinian bodies.
  • Eha Batrawy (02:22):

    "Israel says it's confirmed the identities of the two hostage bodies. One was an elder founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz... Israel says he was murdered in captivity." "Many of the bodies returned by Israel to Gaza in these exchanges have borne signs of torture and execution, according to the health ministry's forensics and photos."

  • Eleven Israeli hostages' bodies still remain in Gaza, with Hamas citing the need for more time to recover them.

4. Other Noteworthy Headlines

• Hurricane Melissa
  • The National Hurricane Center says the storm is now moving away from Bermuda. Winds top out at 90 mph. Dozens of deaths reported in the Caribbean.
  • (03:36)
• FBI Foils Michigan Terror Plot
  • FBI Director Kash Patel announces foiling of a potential Halloween weekend terrorist attack in Michigan. Details to be released later.
  • (03:42)
• Car Insurance Rate Surge
  • Rates have increased twice as fast as inflation since the pandemic. More Americans are driving uninsured.
  • Shannon Martin, Bankrate (04:15):

    "With car insurance in particular, there's a feeling that you're paying more and you're getting less, and that's because you honestly are."

  • Consumers advised to compare options, raise policy limits, and ensure uninsured driver coverage.
  • (03:56–04:35)
• World Series Update
  • Toronto Blue Jays can clinch the title in Game 6 tonight against the LA Dodgers. Dodgers must win two straight for a repeat championship.
  • (04:35–04:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On 'Selective' Shutdown Funding:

  "Trump has said he thinks he can cut, quote, Democrat programs during the shutdown, but fund others tomorrow."
  (Danielle Kurtzleben, 00:57)

• On the Stakes of SNAP Lapsing:

  "More than 40 million Americans depend on federal food assistance, or SNAP benefits, to buy groceries every month."
  (Korva Coleman, 01:12)

• On Car Insurance Costs:

  "With car insurance in particular, there's a feeling that you're paying more and you're getting less, and that's because you honestly are."
  (Shannon Martin, 04:15)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:18–01:12] – Government shutdown: Military pay, SNAP funding, and political tensions
• [01:12–01:50] – SNAP benefits end; partisan blame between agriculture secretary and Democrats
• [01:50–03:06] – Israel-Gaza hostage and body exchange updates
• [03:06–03:36] – Markets update, Hurricane Melissa status
• [03:36–03:42] – FBI thwarts Michigan terror plot
• [03:56–04:35] – Car insurance rate trends and expert advice
• [04:35–04:56] – World Series Game 6 preview

Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature concise, fact-based journalism and measured tone, interspersed with direct, at times sharp, commentary from government officials and subject matter experts.

Useful For:
Anyone seeking a quick, reliable update on national politics, international developments, major weather stories, security concerns, economic trends, and sports—all neatly captured in just five minutes.