NPR News Now - NPR News: 11-02-2025 10AM EST

Episode Date: November 2, 2025

NPR News: 11-02-2025 10AM ESTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Amy Held. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says SNAP food aid could flow by Wednesday. The benefits lapsed this weekend in the government shutdown, leaving millions of Americans on the edge of a hunger crisis. Food pantries are stepping in from member station K-A-ZU and Gazi Coal reports on one in Monterey County, California. At the Thomas Carman Food Pantry in Marina, John Perry is dropping off some reusable bags to pack the food. I would hope they get the situation resolved so people don't go without food. California State University Monterey-based student Allison Inc. got the notification on her phone

that her EBT card wouldn't load. Now, she's helping families load bags of fresh produce at the pantry. It's really nice just kind of seeing like people coming together right now. The Food Bank for Monterey County supplies Thomas Carman Food Pantry and 150 other partners in the region. There have been rows of empty shelves at the food bank's warehouse. House in Salinas, causing alarm bills for the non-profit CEO, Melissa Kendrick. This is particularly concerning because what it shows me is how much more food we're distributing. For NPR News, I'm in Garzy Cole. In just two days, voters will elect a new mayor in New York City and governors in Virginia and New Jersey.

Former President Barack Obama hit the campaign trail for the Democratic candidates in Norfolk, Virginia, and in Newark, New Jersey last night, where he urged voters to send a message to the White House. I mean, I'll admit it's worse than even I expected, but I did warn you all. I did. And you know what? Donald Trump warned you, too? Early voting ends today in New Jersey. And Bruce Convizer reports from New Jersey, the results from the race will likely be seen as something of a referendum on President Trump's first 10 months in office.

A recent Fox News poll has. Democratic Congresswoman Mikey Cheryl up seven points over her Republican rival, state legislator Jack Chittarelli. Other polls have suggested a tighter race. After seven days of in-person early voting, turnout is little more than two-thirds of what it was last year. But that's not a surprise because 2024 featured a presidential election, and that always drives voters to the polls. If Cheryl wins, the results will be seen as a rebuke of President Trump's aggressive policy agenda. If Chittarelli wins, it will show that Trump has support even in a moderately blue state like New Jersey.

For NPR News, I'm Bruce Conveiser in Greenbrook, New Jersey. The U.S. military has conducted another lethal strike on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea, the 15th such strikes since September. Defense Secretary Pete Higgseth says three people were killed on board the vessel operated by a group the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. Dozens have been killed in similar strikes. This is NPR News. Syria's new president will for the first time meet President Trump at the White House later this month.

It's a new stage for the one-time jihadi fighter. Ahmed al-Shara helped establish an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. He says he has now broken ties with the group, and his president is seeking to reverse Syria's global isolation. It's been nearly one year since Syria's dictatorship fell. In Kenya, a landslide has killed at least 21 people. and injured others, Michael Koloki has more from Nairobi. Authorities say the landslide occurred in Kenya's Elgeo-Maraquette County in the west of the country, following heavy rainfall in the area. Rescue efforts are focused on finding those who may be trapped in buildings that were crushed by debris.

It is unclear how many people have been displaced after their homes were damaged following the tragedy. In a written statement posted on social media, the government has urged to those living on landslide-prone slopes and low-lying areas to relocate and also warned members of the public to avoid flooded roads and rivers. October to December is a rainy season in Kenya, and this year, several parts of the country have experienced intense downpours. For NPR news, I'm Michael Koloki in Nairobi. New details are emerging about last month's audacious jewel heist at the Louvre Museum. Four suspects are in custody. The Paris prosecutor today said two had been convicted together in another theft from 10 years ago.

Investigators say they relied on DNA evidence for this case. Charges include theft by an organized gang. Some $100 million worth of jewels remain missing. This is NPR News.