NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-28-2025 3AM EDT

Episode Date: October 28, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shay-Stevens. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program called SNAP will run out of money on Saturday unless Congress ends the federal shutdown by then. There is no sign of any compromise between Democrats and Republicans some 28 days into the shutdown. As NPR Stephen Fowler reports, the Trump administration has shifted funds from other programs to extend WIC, another program, which aids mothers and children. According to federal budget documents, the Trump administration transferred the $300 million for WIC from a state child nutrition programs account that's funded in part by a portion of customs duties collected the previous calendar year. These so-called Section 32 funds are separate from the increased revenue generated from sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump in recent months. The Trump administration said transferring any money from this $23 billion pool of funds to support SNAP would jeopardize money for school, meals and infant formula. NPR Stephen Fowler. Jamaica is bracing for impact from Hurricane Melissa,

a Category 5 storm expecting to pass over the island today. Storm surge up to 12 feet, landslides and flooding are expected in low-lying areas. As Nick Davis reports, forecasters are predicting that Melissa will be the most powerful storm ever to hit Jamaica. The storm has slowly been moving along the south coast, between 3 and 7 miles an hour for about a day, only about 100 miles out, but it's due to turn inland tonight, bringing record levels of rainfall, up to 30 inches, so with that extensive flooding. This storm is huge. It'll cover the island with major hurricane conditions,

and so the government has put in place a mandatory evacuation order in some low-lying areas. Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in the early hours of tomorrow morning and be here for almost 12 hours before it leaves. For NPR news, I'm Nick Davis in Jamaica. President Trump has heat praise on Japan's new prime minister. Senai Takakichi, during their meeting in Tokyo, Trump told the Japanese prime minister that she would be one of the greatest premieres

and welcome her pledge to accelerate Japan's military build-up. The BBC's Shama Khalil has more. The two countries agreed to cooperate on the production and supply of critical rare earth's minerals as Washington tries to reduce its reliance on China. In recent days, the U.S. signed similar deals with Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. President Trump also met the families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 70s and 80s,

saying that the U.S. will do everything in its power to help return them. This is a critical day for Japan and its new Prime Minister, Sanai Takaiichi. During his meeting with her, Mr. Trump said Japan was a great ally, adding that he'd be there to help whenever needed. But he's also demanding concessions. He wants Japan to buy more American rice and soybeans and to open its market to U.S. vehicles. The BBC Shoma Khalil reporting. are. Indiana is the latest state to consider redistricting to help the Republican Party retain control of the U.S. House. Republican Governor Mike Braun has called the legislature into special

session next week to consider the move. Republicans in Indiana and in Kansas say they do not have the votes to pass more GOP-friendly congressional maps. Meanwhile, Democrats in Virginia's legislature plan to meet in special session on November 3rd to consider redistricting. South Africa has become the First, African nation, to approve a new HIV prevention drug that's being hailed as revolutionary. NPR's Gabriella Immanuel has details. The medication is called Lena Capavir. With twice a year injections, it offers almost complete protection against contracting HIV. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority called it a game changer, given the country, has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates.

Around 17% of people ages 15. to 49 have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. South Africa's health minister told local media he worries demand for Lena Kappavir will initially outstrip supply. The country hopes to start providing the injections early next year. Gabriella Emmanuel NPR News. More than 100 former Justice Department officials are urging a federal judge to dismiss the DOJ's case against former FBI director James Comey.

They've signed a court brief arguing that the charges against Comey are being fueled by political revenge and not legal standards. The filing also accuses DOJ of tossing aside long-standing practices that govern prosecutions. This is NPR News.