NPR News Now – October 31, 2025, 6PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A succinct roundup of the day’s most pressing U.S. news headlines, focusing on the continued federal government shutdown and its wide-reaching impacts, as well as updates on severe weather and pediatric health guidance.

Government Shutdown & SNAP Benefits

[00:16] – [02:13]

• Federal Judges Order Emergency SNAP Funding

  • Two judges order the Trump administration to continue paying food assistance (SNAP), despite ongoing government shutdown.
  • Uncertainty Over Compliance: It remains unclear if the administration will comply.
  • Political Blame: President Trump blames Democrats for funds running out, emphasizing partisan division:
    • Notable Quote (Donald Trump, 00:53):

      "I'm president. I want to help everybody. I want to help Democrats and the Republicans. But when you're talking about snap, if you look, it's largely Democrats. They're hurting their own people."

  • Presidential Availability: Trump reiterates willingness to meet Democrats, but notes he’ll be in Mar-a-Lago tonight for Halloween.

• Selective Funding & Military Pay

  • The administration reallocates funds to selectively pay military personnel, leaving other programs like SNAP at risk.
  • Funding reportedly comes from:
    • Military housing fund
    • Military research and development
    • Navy shipbuilding accounts
  • Potential Donation: Question remains if a $130 million donation from a Trump ally factored in—No OMB response yet.
  • Notable Quote (Danielle Kurtzleben, 01:37):

    “Trump has said he thinks he can cut, quote, Democrat programs during the shutdown but fund others tomorrow…Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which feeds low income families, is set to lapse.”

Air Travel Chaos Amid Shutdown

[02:13] – [03:06]

• Widespread Flight Delays
  • Major U.S. airports face serious delays due to air traffic controller staffing shortages (controllers working without pay) and high winds.
  • Airports affected include: Boston, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, New York, Newark.
  • Quote (Joel Rose, 02:27):

    “That combination made for one of the worst days to fly since the government shutdown began a month ago. And air traffic controllers are required to work without pay until the shutdown ends.”

  • Air traffic controllers missed their first full paycheck this week.

Financial Markets Update

[03:06] – [03:37]

• Wall Street closes higher:
  • Dow: +40
  • Nasdaq: +143
  • S&P 500: +17

Pediatric Health: Leucovorin Not Routinely Recommended for Autism

[03:37] – [04:14]

• AAP Guidance on Leucovorin
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend the routine use of leucovorin (prescription vitamin B) to treat autism.
  • Current Use: Drug helps with chemotherapy side effects, certain anemia, and cerebral folate deficiency.
  • Limited Evidence for Autism: Some autistic children may benefit if they have cerebral folate deficiency, but more large-scale clinical trials are necessary.
  • Notable Quote (Maria Godoy, 03:37):

    “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.”

Hurricane Melissa: Devastating Impact in the Caribbean

[04:14] – [04:55]

• Rising Death Toll and Destruction
  • Former Hurricane Melissa leaves at least 46 dead; number likely to rise.
  • Hardest-hit locations: Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica
  • Major destruction from mudslides, flooding, and downed trees—satellite imagery in Jamaica shows entire villages wiped out.
  • Communication Gaps: Telecommunications breakdown hinders response.
  • U.S. State Department’s disaster team arrives to assist with recovery.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump on SNAP & Partisan Responsibility (00:53):

  "But when you're talking about snap, if you look, it's largely Democrats. They're hurting their own people."

• Government’s Selective Funding (Danielle Kurtzleben, 01:37):

  “Trump has said he thinks he can cut, quote, Democrat programs during the shutdown but fund others tomorrow.”

• Travel Delays Explanation (Joel Rose, 02:27):

  “That combination made for one of the worst days to fly since the government shutdown began a month ago…”

• Pediatric Care Caution (Maria Godoy, 03:37):

  “Larger controlled clinical trials are still needed to determine if the drug is a safe and effective option for the broader autistic population.”

Useful Timestamps

• 00:16 – SNAP and government shutdown developments
• 01:18 – Military pay & selective funding
• 02:13 – Nationwide air traffic delays
• 03:06 – Stock market update
• 03:37 – Pediatric drug guidance
• 04:14 – Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath

Tone: Straightforward, factual, with a focus on urgent national developments. The reporting conveys the dramatic consequences of the government shutdown in daily life and policy, the humanitarian aftermath of natural disasters, and measured responses to ongoing health debates.