NPR News Now: November 4, 2025, 6AM EST — Episode Summary

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major happenings in politics, policy, security, entertainment, and obituaries. It covers the opening of polls on Election Day, significant early voting data, the status of federal food assistance amid a government shutdown, terrorism charges in Michigan, a deep-strike drone attack in Russia, late-night television updates, and the passing of a Hollywood icon.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Election Day: Polls Opening on the East Coast

• [00:18] Korva Coleman reports polls are now open in Virginia, New York, and New Jersey.
  • Highlight: In New York City, President Trump has endorsed Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent) in the mayoral race against Democrat Zoran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
    • Cuomo responds by minimizing the endorsement, suggesting Trump’s intent is to defeat Mamdani.

Notable Early Voting Surge in New Jersey

• [00:52] Mike Hayes details:
  • Over 740,000 New Jerseyans voted early in person, triple the early turnout from 2021.
  • Combined mail-in and early votes exceed 1.2 million.
  • Democrats have a significant pre-Election Day vote lead (280,000), though Republican regions, especially South Jersey, show strong turnout—signaling high engagement on both sides.

2. Federal Food Assistance and Government Shutdown

• [01:29] Korva Coleman:
  • The Trump administration will partially restore food assistance (SNAP) payments after funding was cut off by the ongoing shutdown.
  • Recipients will only receive half their usual allotment.
• [01:53] Senate Debate Highlights:
  • Chuck Schumer (Senate Democratic Leader):
    • "Everyone can get full benefits. The only person standing in the way is Donald Trump." (01:53)
  • Sen. John Barrasso (Wyoming Republican, via reporter Ryan Lucas):
    • Accuses Democrats of a political stunt and insists, "Want to end the food assistance cliff? It's easy. Pass the clean bipartisan continuing resolution. Democrats should vote for it immediately." (02:05-02:07)
  • The White House warns that it will take longer for recipients to get even reduced benefits.

3. Terrorism Charges in Michigan

• [02:32] Ryan Lucas:
  • Two men (Muhammad Ali and Majid Mahmoud) have been charged federally, accused of plotting a Halloween ("pumpkin") attack inspired by ISIS.
  • Charges: Receiving and transferring firearms for terrorism.
  • Evidence:
    • ISIS-related material found on their social media.
    • They practiced at shooting ranges with co-conspirators.
    • Law enforcement seized weapons, tactical gear, and more.
  • A detention hearing is set for next week.

4. Ukraine Strikes Russian Infrastructure

• [03:15] Korva Coleman:
  • Ukrainian drones hit a petrochemical plant 1,000 miles inside Russia, affecting the plant's water treatment system. No injuries reported.

5. Late-Night TV News: Jon Stewart & Industry Shifts

• [03:46] Mandalit del Barco reports:
  • Jon Stewart announced on "The Daily Show" that Comedy Central has renewed the show for another year, with Stewart remaining as executive producer and Monday host through 2026.
    • Notable Quote:
      • "The Daily Show will be coming back for another year." — Jon Stewart [03:50]
      • "We don't take for granted in any way how much your support means." — Jon Stewart [04:03]
  • Ongoing industry turbulence:
    • President Trump criticizes late-night hosts for mocking him.
    • "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" (CBS) is ending in May.
    • ABC briefly suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to a controversial Kirk-related monologue.

6. Obituary: Diane Ladd (1932–2025)

• [04:33] Korva Coleman:
  • Renowned actor Diane Ladd dies at 89 in Ojai, CA, with daughter Laura Dern present.
  • Ladd’s celebrated roles earned three Oscar nominations: "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Wild at Heart," and "Rambling Rose."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Chuck Schumer on SNAP funding:

  "Everyone can get full benefits. The only person standing in the way is Donald Trump." (01:53)

• Sen. John Barrasso's rebuttal on Senate floor:

  "Want to end the food assistance cliff? It's easy. Pass the clean bipartisan continuing resolution. Democrats should vote for it immediately." (02:05-02:07)

• Jon Stewart’s announcement about The Daily Show:

  "The Daily Show will be coming back for another year." (03:50)
  "We don't take for granted in any way how much your support means." (04:03)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Election updates & early voting: 00:18–01:29
• SNAP aid & Senate debate: 01:29–02:13
• Michigan terrorism charges: 02:32–03:15
• Ukrainian drone strike on Russia: 03:15–03:46
• Jon Stewart & late-night TV shakeup: 03:46–04:33
• Diane Ladd obituary: 04:33–04:57

Summary

This brisk news update traverses key national and international issues with clear, factual reporting in NPR’s signature calm and measured style. From record-breaking early voting and partisan sniping in the Senate, to unsettling terrorism news and media shake-ups, the episode provides a compact yet rich picture of the day’s most impactful stories.