NPR News Now: Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 10-31-2025 3PM EDT
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major political, economic, and weather stories, including SNAP benefits issues, a Trump-Canada diplomatic clash, a massive AI data center announcement in Michigan, post-hurricane recovery in the Caribbean, autism treatment debates, and the return to standard time.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SNAP Benefits Uncertainty Amid Legal Disputes

(00:17–01:28)

• A federal judge gives the Trump administration until Monday to decide on providing at least partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 42 million low-income Americans.
• Judge Indira Talwani did not issue a temporary restraining order, but affirmed states' rights to sue on the matter.
• Kristen Wright (NPR correspondent):
  • Notes that 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP.
  • Congress allocated nearly $6 billion for emergencies, but the USDA claims it can't access the funds without new appropriations.
  • Affected states (about half) are suing the USDA, citing conflicting guidance over contingency funds.
  • USDA’s September 30 shutdown plan, which previously allowed for SNAP continuation using contingency funds, is now missing from their website.

Notable Quote:

"Eight people in the US get SNAP benefits to put food on the table. Congress set aside nearly $6 billion...but the agency says that money can't legally be tapped into right now." — Kristen Wright (00:46)

2. Trump and Canadian PM Carney Patch Up Dispute

(01:28–01:52)

• President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney move past their diplomatic spat over an Ontario ad alleged to misrepresent Ronald Reagan's trade policies.
• Trump claims Carney apologized for the "false commercial."
• Trump had previously halted trade talks with Canada during the row.

Notable Quote:

"He was very nice. He apologized for what they did with the commercial because it was a false commercial." — President Trump (01:39)

3. OpenAI and Oracle Announce $7 Billion Michigan AI Data Center

(01:52–02:54)

• OpenAI and Oracle reveal plans to build a 250-acre data center near Ann Arbor, Michigan, expected to open next year.
• The center will facilitate AI operations for tech like ChatGPT.
• The boom in data centers strains local power and water infrastructure, with skepticism from investors about a possible AI investment bubble.
• A newly-passed Michigan state law exempts AI data centers from sales and use taxes.

Notable Quote:

"The data center boom in the US is placing strain on local power grids and water systems as the always-on computer networks suck up energy..." — Bobby Allen (02:12)

4. Hurricane Melissa Aftermath in the Caribbean

(02:54–03:39)

• Significant destruction follows Hurricane Melissa:
  • Haiti: Avoided a direct strike but suffered the highest death toll due to flooding and landslides.
  • Jamaica: Recovering from the strongest storm to ever hit the island.
• Road to recovery will be long in the northern Caribbean.

5. Autism Treatment and Leucovorin Use Debate

(03:39–04:16)

• Following public comments by President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., about leucovorin and autism, parents continue to ask pediatricians about the drug.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
  • Does not recommend routine leucovorin use in autism due to limited evidence.
  • Leucovorin (a form of vitamin B) is usually prescribed for chemotherapy side effects and certain types of anemia.
  • Some benefits shown for children with cerebral folate deficiency—a minority among children with autism.
  • Larger, controlled studies are needed.

Notable Quote:

"The AAP says larger controlled clinical trials are still needed to determine if the drug is a safe and effective option for the broader autistic population." — Maria Godoy (03:39)

6. Return to Standard Time & Sleep Health

(04:16–04:56)

• Daylight saving time ends: clocks roll back at 2am Sunday.
• Some health experts and new Stanford research advocate for permanent standard time, highlighting benefits for the circadian rhythm, heart health, and cognitive function.

Notable Quote:

"Experts say it's key to protecting one's internal clock, our circadian rhythm, for better sleep and all the benefits tied to that, such as better heart and cognitive health." — Lakshmi Singh (04:16)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Kristen Wright (SNAP update):
  "Eight people in the US get SNAP benefits to put food on the table..." (00:46)

• President Trump (on Canada dispute):
  "He was very nice. He apologized..." (01:39)

• Bobby Allen (AI data center):
  "The data center boom in the US is placing strain on local power grids..." (02:12)

• Maria Godoy (leucovorin and autism):
  "The AAP says larger controlled clinical trials are still needed..." (03:39)

• Lakshmi Singh (circadian rhythm and standard time):
  "Experts say it's key to protecting one's internal clock, our circadian rhythm, for better sleep..." (04:16)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• SNAP Benefits Legal Dispute: 00:17–01:28
• Trump–Canada Diplomatic Resolution: 01:28–01:52
• OpenAI & Oracle Data Center Announcement: 01:52–02:54
• Hurricane Melissa Aftermath: 02:54–03:39
• Leucovorin & Autism Debate: 03:39–04:16
• Daylight Saving Ends & Health Insights: 04:16–04:56

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