NPR News Now – October 4, 2025, 2PM EDT

Host: Nora Rammer
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme: The latest updates on major news developments from the Middle East, US government shutdown, political endorsements, world politics, local tragedies, and sports.

1. Middle East: Israel-Gaza Conflict and Trump’s Peace Plan

Key Points:

• Israel Reducing Military Activity:
  The Israeli military is cutting back activity in Gaza, signaling movement towards implementing President Trump’s plan to end the war.
  • “Forces in Gaza were ordered to reduce activity to, quote, a minimum and only for defensive actions.” (Carrie Khan, 00:37)
• Hamas Response:
  Hamas agreed to points in Trump’s plan—hostage release and power transfer to a Palestinian entity—but specific terms, disarmament, and withdrawal timeline remain unresolved.
• Israeli Government Statement:
  Prime Minister Netanyahu stated cooperation would be, “in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel,” but did not provide further details.
• Ongoing Violence:
  Several explosions and injuries were reported overnight, and residents were warned to avoid combat zones in Gaza City.

Notable Quotes:

• “Friday, Hamas agreed to points in Trump’s plan, including releasing all hostages and turning power over to a Palestinian entity, but added other elements need negotiation.” (Carrie Khan, 00:37)
• “Gaza’s civil defense reported multiple explosions and injuries overnight.” (Carrie Khan, 01:18)

Timestamps:

• [00:37] Israel curtails military activity
• [00:48] Details on Hamas agreement
• [01:18] Violence and Israeli advisories

2. US Federal Government Shutdown: NASA Furloughs

Key Points:

• NASA Impacted:
  Over 15,000 NASA employees, including 2,000 at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, have been furloughed as the shutdown enters day four.
• Back Pay and Operations:
  Furloughed workers are promised back pay, but no return date is specified. Essential operations, including the International Space Station and Artemis program, will pause temporarily.
• Tourist Sites Remain Open:
  Space Center Houston, the tourist visitor center, is still open since it’s run by a nonprofit.

Notable Quotes:

• "NASA employees who are furloughed will receive back pay at the end of the shutdown, but there’s no indication when that might be." (Sarah Grunow, 01:40)
• "The memo includes a short-term plan to temporarily seize most operations of the space agency, the International Space Station and Artemis program." (Sarah Grunow, 01:56)

Timestamps:

• [01:35] NASA furloughs begin
• [01:59] Essential operations paused

3. Tennessee Special Congressional Race: Trump Endorsement

Key Points:

• Trump’s Endorsement:
  After months without comment, President Trump endorses Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner and veteran, in Tennessee’s special congressional race.
• Outside Influence:
  Significant outside funding is involved, both supporting Van Epps and opposing Jody Barrett, an anti-school voucher Republican.
• Upcoming Election:
  Republican primary features nearly a dozen candidates; general election is December 2nd.

Notable Quotes:

• “Outside money groups, including a PAC almost entirely funded by the parents of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, have spent half a million dollars supporting his run.” (Mariana Bacallau, 02:45)
• “Barrett and Van Epps will appear on a ballot of nearly a dozen Republican candidates in Tuesday’s primary.” (Mariana Bacallau, 03:03)

Timestamps:

• [02:31] Trump endorsement announced
• [02:44] Funding details
• [03:03] Primary preview

4. International News: Japan’s Historic Leadership Shift

Key Points:

• Japan’s New Leader:
  The ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi, who’s poised to become the nation’s first female prime minister.
• Policy Focus:
  Takaichi is known for advocating increased defense spending and stricter immigration controls.

Timestamps:

• [03:19] Announcement of Japan’s new leader

5. Local Tragedy: Shooting Near Houston

Key Points:

• Incident Details:
  An early-morning shooting near Houston leaves two children dead (ages 13 and 4) and two critically injured (ages 8 and 9).
• Investigation Update:
  Authorities report all involved parties are detained and assure there is no ongoing community threat.

Timestamps:

• [03:36] Houston-area shooting summary

6. Sports Updates

a) Major League Baseball Playoffs

Key Points:

• High-Stakes Matchup:
  Milwaukee Brewers, with the league’s best record, face the Chicago Cubs, recent wild card winners and close rivals.
• Rivalry Commentary:
  • “Each city’s residents have thoughts about each other’s residents. Harmless. Harmless, obviously.” (Craig Counsell, Cubs manager, 04:32)
• Ticket Wars:
  Milwaukee officials urge fans not to sell tickets to rival Cubs fans.

Timestamps:

• [04:16] MLB Divisional Series preview
• [04:32] Craig Counsell’s remarks

b) Women’s Basketball Finals

Key Points:

• Finals Begin:
  Las Vegas Aces defeat Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in the first game of a best-of-seven series.
• Upcoming Game:
  Game two scheduled for the following day.

Timestamps:

• [04:49] Women’s basketball finals result

7. Memorable Quotes

• “Forces in Gaza were ordered to reduce activity to, quote, a minimum and only for defensive actions.”
  — Carrie Khan, [00:37]

• “Outside money groups, including a PAC almost entirely funded by the parents of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, have spent half a million dollars supporting his run.”
  — Mariana Bacallau, [02:45]

• “Each city’s residents have thoughts about each other’s residents. Harmless. Harmless, obviously.”
  — Craig Counsell, [04:32]

This concise, fact-packed bulletin provides listeners with top-line updates on international crises, domestic politics, government impacts, tragedies, and sports—all in NPR’s signature neutral, factual tone.