NPR News Now — Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 10-31-2025 8PM EDT
Date: November 1, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Overview

This rapid-fire news update from NPR covers the top news headlines as of October 31, 2025, at 8PM EDT. The episode spotlights federal court rulings affecting food assistance and voter registration, U.S. senators’ reactions to the Sudan civil war, a concerning spike in RSV infections, and a rare botanical spectacle at the New York Botanical Garden.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SNAP Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

[00:19]

• President Trump urges courts to clarify if contingency funds can be used to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) running as benefits risk expiring due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
• Two federal judges have ruled the administration must continue SNAP payments, but practical timing remains uncertain.
• Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voices logistical and humanitarian concerns:
  • “When you have a lapse in programs, oftentimes it may not be possible to just flip that switch immediately, that you will see a gap there. At a minimum, you would hope that at least partial payouts could be made so that you don’t have a situation where individuals have absolutely nothing.” — Lisa Murkowski, [00:46]

2. Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Voter Registration Changes

[01:14]

• President Trump’s March executive order sought to require proof of citizenship on national voter registration forms.
• A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled the President lacks the legal authority to implement such changes, emphasizing that:
  • “Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the states, not the president, with the power to regulate federal elections.” — Judge’s ruling, cited by Jude Joffe Block, [01:33]
• The White House and Justice Department had no immediate comment. Other elements of the executive order remain under litigation.

3. U.S. Senators Demand Terrorism Designation for Sudan’s Paramilitary RSF

[02:15]

• Bipartisan Senate leaders call for the Trump administration to consider listing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist organization, citing attacks on civilians amid Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict.
• Senators urge designation due to atrocities in Darfur; both RSF and the Sudanese military are implicated.
• The senators highlight foreign involvement:
  • The United Arab Emirates backs the RSF; Russia, Iran, China, and others are “fueling the conflict.” — Michelle Kellerman, [02:33]

4. Surge in RSV Cases Among Infants

[03:15]

• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is now the top cause of emergency room visits for infants, per Yale School for Public Health data.
• Key stats:
  • Approximately 1.2% of ER visits for under-1-year-olds are due to RSV—three times higher than a month earlier.
  • RSV causes up to 300 child deaths and 80,000 hospitalizations yearly in the U.S. (CDC, cited).
• Vulnerable groups: infants, older adults, immunocompromised.
• Vaccines recommended for at-risk groups, including those over 75 and people in later pregnancy.
  • “RSV is particularly dangerous for babies, older adults and people who are immunocompromised.” — Scott Maucione, [03:35]

5. Corpse Flower Blooms at NY Botanical Garden

[04:20]

• The rare “corpse flower” is blooming at the New York Botanical Garden, drawing crowds eager to experience its famously foul aroma—likened to rotting meat.
• The bloom is unpredictable and fleeting, lasting just 24–48 hours. The Garden is live-streaming the event for those who can’t visit in person.

Memorable Quotes

• Lisa Murkowski, on SNAP payment logistics:
  “You would hope that at least partial payouts could be made so that you don’t have a situation where individuals have absolutely nothing.” [00:46]
• Judge’s ruling on voter registration authority:
  “Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the states, not the president, with the power to regulate federal elections.” [01:33]

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• SNAP Benefits & Shutdown: [00:19]–[01:14]
• Voter Registration Court Ruling: [01:14]–[02:15]
• Sudan RSF Terrorism Blacklist Call: [02:15]–[03:15]
• RSV Surge Among Infants: [03:15]–[04:20]
• Corpse Flower Bloom: [04:20]–[04:58]

This concise bulletin delivers essential updates with clear explanations and direct quotes, providing listeners a snapshot of the latest national and international news as of the evening of October 31, 2025.