NPR News Now — November 3, 2025, 2AM EST

Host: Dan Ronan
Episode Summary:
This five-minute NPR News Now update covers the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown, specifically the halting of SNAP (food stamp) benefits, updates from Israel on the 30th anniversary of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, the aftermath of a railway stabbing in Britain, last-minute election reminders regarding mail-in ballots, and a brief update on the U.S. stock market.

1. Federal SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown

[00:19–02:08]

Key Points:

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessett indicated that SNAP benefits (food assistance) may be resumed by Wednesday, pending federal court guidance on payments during the government shutdown.
• Barbara Schrunt attended a Maryland town hall with Senator Angela Also Brooks, where citizens highlighted severe hardships due to the lapse of SNAP funding.
• November 1st marked the date SNAP funds were depleted, causing significant concern for families and food security advocates.
• Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to resume SNAP payments in North Carolina, but actual benefit distribution may be delayed for days.
• Maggie Guest, a single mother from Cedar Grove, NC, shared her plight, relying on SNAP due to a disability and having no backup plan if benefits are not reinstated.
• Some states are attempting to use their funds to maintain assistance, but require legislative cooperation.

Notable Quotes:

• Barbara Schrunt:
  "November 1st is a really important date here. In a lot of ways, it represents both sides of this shutdown. It's the day that SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, ran out of money." [00:47]

• Maggie Guest:
  "It's my only way to feed my children, to be honest with you. I'm not sure what we're going to do. I don't have a backup plan." [01:45]

2. 30th Anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin’s Assassination

[02:08–03:12]

Key Points:

• Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to mark 30 years since Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated for seeking peace with Palestinians.
• The event featured the "Song of Peace" sung in the same square as in 1995, signifying both loss and hope.
• Israeli politicians and peace advocates, particularly from centrist and left-wing parties, called for renewed commitment to peace following the recent end of war in Gaza.
• Gadi Moses, a former hostage held by Hamas for 482 days, delivered a powerful plea for peace.

Notable Quotes:

• Itay Stern:
  "The song of peace was sung in this Tel Aviv square just minutes before Rabin was shot here in 1995. The song echoed once again Saturday night, performed by the same singer." [02:25]

• Gadi Moses (as relayed by Itay Stern):
  "If I, after the pain, the loss and the grief, can stand here and say these words out loud, then we all can." [02:51]

3. Aftermath of British Railway Stabbing

[03:12–04:02]

Key Points:

• Of two men detained after an early morning stabbing on a UK passenger train, one was released without charge; another remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
• A train staff member is being hailed for saving several lives during the incident.
• Five individuals are still hospitalized.
• Increased police patrols are now visible across British trains and stations.

4. Election Mail-In Voting Reminders

[04:02–04:47]

Key Points:

• States including Colorado, Georgia, Maine, and Pennsylvania require that mail-in ballots be received by Tuesday, November 4, due to USPS reorganization.
• Voters may risk having their ballots arrive too late if mailed now; alternative drop-off options are recommended.
• In states accepting postmarked (but late-arriving) ballots, voters are cautioned about USPS postmarking practices.
• Voters can request postmarks at post offices to ensure ballot validity.

Notable Quotes:

• Hansi Lo Wang:
  "Election officials say absentee voters can consider other ways of casting their ballots, including stopping by an early voting site, election office, or any available ballot drop boxes." [04:22]
  "USPS says to make sure your ballot gets a postmark on the same day you mail it, you can ask for one at a post office." [04:38]

5. Stock Market Update

[04:47–04:57]

Key Points:

• U.S. stock futures are steady as the month begins; the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq all rose in October.

Memorable Moments

• The personal impact of the SNAP halt, as voiced by North Carolina mother Maggie Guest:
  "It's my only way to feed my children...I'm not sure what we're going to do. I don't have a backup plan." [01:45]
• Gadi Moses’ moving speech at the Rabin memorial, highlighting resilience and hope for peace:
  "If I, after the pain, the loss and the grief, can stand here and say these words out loud, then we all can." [02:51]

This five-minute NPR update is an empathetic, clear, and comprehensive round-up of immediate U.S. and international news, with a particular focus on stories of social impact and moments of civic significance.