NPR News Now NPR News Now

7pm ET, October 31 | The latest headlines from NPR

Oct 31, 2026 · 4m

Summary

This episode covers the intense U.S. Senate race in Texas, where over half a billion dollars have been spent amid a tight poll between James Tallarico and Ken Paxton. It also reports on a federal judge barring the Trump administration from threatening California election workers and the closure of Russia's Novaya Gazeta due to state pressure. Additional stories include a deadly shooting at a California Halloween store, Iran's threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing cost-of-living protests in France.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Angie.com Midterm election turnout and Texas Senate race costs Report on the close Texas Senate race and voter sentiment Federal judge bars threats against California election workers Russia's Novai Gazeta closes due to state pressure Shooting at Halloween store in Fairfield, California Iran warns of forceful response amid Strait of Hormuz attacks Protests over cost of living and education in France Sponsor: Rosetta Stone
Listen ad-free on Castria