NPR News Now – November 3, 2025, 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman (NPR)
Episode: Latest national and international news in five minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news update covers the ongoing federal government shutdown and its mounting impacts, potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, Indiana’s controversial redistricting process, improvements in student attendance post-pandemic, and notable developments in Brazil’s Amazon deforestation rates ahead of a major climate summit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Government Shutdown: Day 34

• Status:
  The shutdown enters its 34th day, threatening to tie the longest in U.S. history (00:13).
• Key Deadline Missed:
  • November 1st marked the exhaustion of funding for SNAP (food assistance).
  • Barbara Sprunt (00:33): “It's the day that SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, ran out of money. People who want to go to the grocery store to use their food assistance to buy groceries for their families just don't have that money.”
• Judicial Actions:
  Deadline for the Trump administration to follow judges’ orders to use contingency USDA funds for food assistance (00:49).
• Wider Impacts:
  • Air traffic controllers working without pay, contributing to over 500 nationwide flight delays (00:49).

2. Potential U.S. Military Action in Nigeria

• Presidential Response:
  • President Trump ordered the Pentagon to plan for military action in response to attacks on Christians in Nigeria (00:49).
  • Nigeria welcomes U.S. assistance but objects to the framing, noting Muslims are also victims.
• On-the-Ground Context:
  • Emmanuel Akinwutu (01:45):
    "President Trump warned that if Nigeria continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US Military would intervene to, quote, completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities."
  • U.S. has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for failing to protect Christians.
  • Nigerian government emphasizes its sovereignty in welcoming assistance.

3. Indiana Redistricting Debate

• Legislative Action:
  • Indiana legislature convenes to redraw the state’s congressional map favoring Republicans (02:24).
• Public Opposition:
  • Kevin Crist at Terre Haute town hall (02:51):
    “Just because other children play in the street doesn’t mean you should do that.”
  • No public support voiced for increasing GOP seats.
  • Senator Greg Good: Keeping an open mind, listens to constituents’ objections (03:00).

4. White House Public Tours to Resume

• Announcement:
  • Tours resume after hiatus during and after President Trump’s controversial east wing demolition for a ballroom and COVID-19 disruptions (03:12).

5. Student Attendance Rising Post-Pandemic

• Chronic Absenteeism:
  • Definition: Missing 10% or more of the school year.
  • States like California, Maryland, and Connecticut are seeing improvements.
  • Causes Addressed:
    Investments in mental health support and home visits credited for recovery.
  • Carl Felton III, ED Trust (04:04):
    “We need to prioritize investments and policies that focus on engaging students and families and making sure that they get the support that they need to show up daily.”

6. Amazon Deforestation Declines in Brazil

• Latest Data:
  • Brazil reports deforestation dropped 11% in the Amazon year-over-year (04:21).
• Context:
  • Announcement precedes UN’s COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
  • Nuanced Reality:
    • Government attributes drop to enforcement and monitoring.
    • Skepticism: Climate experts note continued drilling approvals and wildfire impacts cloud the outlook.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SNAP funding running out:
  “People who want to go to the grocery store to use their food assistance to buy groceries for their families just don't have that money.”
  — Barbara Sprunt (00:40)

• On redistricting resistance:
  “Just because other children play in the street doesn’t mean you should do that.”
  — Kevin Crist, public comment at Indiana town hall (02:51)

• On improving attendance:
  “We need to prioritize investments and policies that focus on engaging students and families and making sure that they get the support that they need to show up daily.”
  — Carl Felton III, ED Trust (04:04)

• On U.S. stance in Nigeria:
  "President Trump warned that if Nigeria continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US Military would intervene to, quote, completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
  — Emmanuel Akinwutu (01:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Government Shutdown & SNAP Funding: 00:13 – 01:00
• Flight Delays & Air Traffic Controllers: 00:49 – 01:00
• Military Action in Nigeria: 01:00 – 02:24
• Indiana Redistricting: 02:24 – 03:12
• White House Tour Resumption: 03:12 – 03:39
• School Attendance Report: 03:39 – 04:21
• Amazon Deforestation Figures: 04:21 – 04:57

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