NPR News Now – 5AM EDT, October 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on the ongoing federal government shutdown, a minor aircraft collision at LaGuardia Airport, diplomatic developments around the ceasefire proposal in Gaza, Michigan's gubernatorial future, new White House tariffs affecting the furniture industry, and recent labor data. Presented by Dave Mattingly with contributions from NPR correspondents, the five-minute briefing covers the major U.S. and world headlines relevant as of early October 2, 2025.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Federal Government Shutdown – Day Two

• [00:19–01:20]

  • Congress remains at a standstill as Republicans and Democrats fail to agree on funding measures.
  • Senate GOP’s short-term spending bill falls five votes short; the situation is largely divided along party lines.
  • Democrats insist any deal must renew expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies—a sticking point for Republicans.
  • No votes are expected due to Yom Kippur, though behind-the-scenes negotiations continue.
  • Next Congressional votes anticipated on Friday.

  “The divide is largely along party lines and with most Democrats vowing to oppose the bill unless it addresses soon-to-be expiring Affordable Care act subsidies. Republicans have rejected that.”
  — Elena Moore, NPR Capitol correspondent [00:55]

Continuing Government Services & Impact

• Essential government operations, such as the military, air traffic control, USPS, Social Security, and Medicare, remain active.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates roughly 750,000 federal workers are at risk of furlough [01:20].

Aviation Accident at LaGuardia Airport

• [01:21–02:33]

  • Two Endeavour Air jets clipped wings while taxiing; one jet was arriving from North Carolina, the other departing for Virginia.
  • One flight attendant incurred non-life-threatening injuries. More than 80 passengers unharmed.
  • Damage to the outbound plane resulted in flight cancellation and overnight accommodation for affected passengers.
  • No further delays reported; investigation ongoing.

  “The wing of the incoming plane clipped the fuselage of the outbound jet in what Delta described as a low speed collision.”
  — Bruce Konviser, NPR New York correspondent [02:08]

Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

• [02:34–03:11]

  • Uncertainty remains as Hamas has not yet responded officially to President Trump’s 20-point deal to end the conflict with Israel.
  • The plan, backed by Israeli PM Netanyahu, proposes a Gaza ceasefire and the release of all hostages within 72 hours of agreement.

  “President said he would give Hamas three or four days to accept the deal endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
  — Dave Mattingly [02:39]

Supreme Court & Federal Reserve Update

• [03:12–03:25]
  • Supreme Court allows Lisa Cook to remain on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors pending an upcoming hearing in January.

Michigan Politics: Whitmer’s Potential Presidential Run

• [03:25–03:47]
  • Governor Gretchen Whitmer downplays speculation about a 2028 White House bid.
  • In Toronto, Whitmer affirms her intent to “help,” but is noncommittal about her own candidacy.
  • Term limits prevent Whitmer from running again for Michigan governor.

Tariffs and U.S. Furniture Industry Reaction

• [03:48–04:44]

  • New White House tariffs (25%) on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered furniture prompt mixed industry reactions, especially in North Carolina.
  • Pete Theron, Home Furnishings Association CEO, warns of supply chain disruptions and rising consumer prices.

  “There also is likely going to be a level of disruption in supply chain as manufacturers try to make plans that reflect what changes in demand might be.”
  — Pete Theron, Home Furnishings Association [04:18]

  • The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance supports the tariffs, arguing they’ll counter unfair imports.

U.S. Labor Market Snapshot

• [04:44–04:57]
  • ADP reports U.S. private employers shed 32,000 jobs in September.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “This is day two of the federal government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have yet to reach an agreement to fund the government.”
  — Dave Mattingly [00:23]

• “Just two Democrats and one independent have backed the GOP measure, but the divide is largely along party lines…”
  — Elena Moore [00:52]

• “One flight attendant suffered non life-threatening injuries. More than 80 passengers were on board the two flights. Reportedly none of them were hurt.”
  — Bruce Konviser [02:13]

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:19–01:20: Shutdown update, ACA subsidy debate
• 01:21–02:33: LaGuardia plane collision details
• 02:34–03:11: Gaza ceasefire deal proposal
• 03:12–03:25: Supreme Court decision on Fed Board member
• 03:25–03:47: Governor Whitmer’s 2028 plans
• 03:48–04:44: Furniture tariffs and industry reaction
• 04:44–04:57: September job numbers

This summary captures the essential content, tone, and key moments from this NPR News Now episode for fast, informative reference.