NPR News: 10-31-2025 6PM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Herbst.
What emergency funds are being used for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown?
Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to keep paying food assistant benefits known as SNAP. It's unclear if the administration will comply with the orders. Just before that ruling, Trump blamed Democrats for the funds running out this weekend amid the federal government shutdown. NPR's Sam Greenglass has more.
The Trump administration has said it cannot use contingency funds for SNAP, even as it's repurposed other funds to pay U.S. troops and others. Aboard Air Force One, Trump said SNAP would be funded if Democrats reopen the government. I'm president. I want to help everybody.
How is the Trump administration managing military pay amidst the shutdown?
I want to help Democrats and Republicans. But When you're talking about SNAP, if you look, it's largely Democrats. They're hurting their own people. Just before the rulings, Trump told reporters he's always willing to meet with Democrats. All they have to do is open the country. Trump is not in town this weekend anyway.
What impact are air traffic controller shortages having on travelers?
He'll be attending a Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago tonight. Sam Greenglass, NPR News, West Palm Beach, Florida.
And amid the government shutdown, the White House confirms that military personnel are being paid today. While members of Congress remain deadlocked over reopening the government, the Trump administration is moving money around to selectively fund military pay, but not other programs. And Pierce Daniel Kurtzleben has more.
An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson confirms reporting originally done by Axios, saying that the agency is using around $5 billion from a military housing fund, a military research and development fund, and a Defense Department account used for building ships. NPR asked if part of the money is also coming from a $130 million donation made by a billionaire Trump ally, but the OMB did not respond. 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. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News.
It's been a hard day for air traffic travelers across much of the country. NPR's Joel Rose reports staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who are working without pay contributed to extensive delays.
Much of the nation's airspace was a mess, with a combination of staffing shortages and high winds leading to major delays. The Federal Aviation Administration said staffing shortages contributed to ground delays at a number of airports, including Boston, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Newark, New Jersey, while high winds limited operations around New York City and Washington, D.C. That combination made for one of the worst days to fly since the government shutdown began a month ago. Air traffic controllers are required to work without pay until the shutdown ends.
What does the American Academy of Pediatrics say about Leucovorin for autism treatment?
They missed their first full paycheck earlier this week. Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.
Wall Street higher by the closing bell. The Dow up 40, the Nasdaq up 143, S&P 500 up 17. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.
What is the current situation following Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says it doesn't recommend the routine use of Leucovorin to treat autism in children, citing limited evidence. The guidance comes as pediatricians continue to face questions from parents about a drug touted by President Trump to help treat autism. NPR's Maria Godoy has more.
Leucovorin is a prescription form of vitamin B. It's typically used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and to treat a specific kind of anemia. The AAP says the drug has shown some potential benefits in early, small-scale studies for children with cerebral folate deficiency. A minority of people with autism also have this condition. However, 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. Maria Godoy, NPR News.
How are recovery efforts being organized in the wake of Hurricane Melissa?
The death toll from what was Hurricane Melissa that barreled through the Caribbean has climbed to at least 46, although officials say they expect that number to rise.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:05
2
What emergency funds are being used for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown?
0:05–0:39
3
How is the Trump administration managing military pay amidst the shutdown?
0:39–0:56
4
What impact are air traffic controller shortages having on travelers?
0:56–2:44
5
What does the American Academy of Pediatrics say about Leucovorin for autism treatment?
2:44–3:01
6
What is the current situation following Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?
3:01–3:59
7
How are recovery efforts being organized in the wake of Hurricane Melissa?
3:59–4:38