NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-03-2025 8AM EDT

Episode Date: October 3, 2025

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In the U.S., national security news can feel far away from daily life. Distant wars, murky conflicts, diplomacy behind closed doors on our new show, Sources and Methods. NPR reporters on the ground bring you stories of real people, helping you understand why distant events matter here at home. Listen to sources and methods on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. Senators will vote today on another short-term spending bill to end the government shutdown, which is now in its third day. But both sides blame the other, and there's no sign of movement.

The White House says it will take the opportunity to fire federal workers, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt. The Office of Management and Budget is taking a hard look at the balance sheet and having to understand what agencies do we have to cut, who do we have to lay off in order to keep this thing running, and in order to be good stewards of the American taxpayer dollar. Speaking there on NPR's Morning Edition, Democrats want a deal to extend health care subsidies that are set to expire soon while Republicans say they're too expensive.

The shutdown also means that the Labor Department's monthly jobs report typically released on the first Friday of the month has been postponed. Police in Northern England say one of the two men killed in a terror attack on a synagogue there yesterday was probably caught in the crossfire as police fired at the suspect. And Piers Lauren Freyer has more from London. The synagogue suspect used a car and a knife to attack people. But police say he did not have a gun. And that they're awaiting forensics to confirm if one of the victim's fatal gunshot wounds came from them.

The chief constable calls it tragic and unforeseen. Meanwhile, police have deployed to guard other synagogues, but the country's chief rabbi, Ephraim Mervis, told the BBC the government needs to do more. Right now, our hearts are shattered. The attack happened on a Jewish holiday and just days before the second anniversary of the October 7th attacks and the start of the Gaza war that's followed. Since then, both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia have flared. Lauren Freyer and PR News, London.

Sean Combs, the hip-hop singer turned music mogul, is due in federal court today for a sentencing hearing. Bruce Conveiser reports Combs was convicted this summer on charges related to prostitution. On the eve of his court appearance, Combs sent a letter to the judge saying he's a changed man and begged for mercy. Combs, also known as Diddy and Puff Daddy, was found guilty of hiring male sex workers to have prolonged sex sessions with two of his former girlfriends. He was acquitted of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The 55-year-old is expected to address the court. Combs's defense lawyers are asking that he'd be sentenced to 14 months in prison. With time served since his arrest, that means he would be free before the end of the year.

Prosecutors are expected to ask for a minimum of 11 years, noting, among other things, abusive behavior towards his ex-girlfriends. For NPR news, I'm Bruce Convizer in New York. U.S. futures contracts are trading higher this morning. Dow futures are up about two-tenths of a percent. NASDAQ futures are up about one-tenth of a percent. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The WNBA finals begin tonight.

The best of seven series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury caps off another year of record, attendance, and ratings for the league. And peers Becky Sullivan has more. The Las Vegas Aces are no stranger to this stage. They won the title in 2022 and 23. This year, though, the Aces were slow off the block and needed half the season to find their footing. Then they went on a 16-game winning streak to end the regular season. Star Center, in the league's leading score, Asia Wilson, was named MVP for a record fourth time. The Mercury have a new look this season, with the arrival of all stars, Alyssa Thomas, and Satu Sabaoli.

They're looking for their first title since 2014. This is the first year the finals will be a Best of Seven series. That's up from Best of Five. That's one of the ways the league is trying to cash in on the dramatic increase in attendance and ratings over the past two years. Becky Sullivan and PR News. Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift dropped her 12th studio album at Midnight, The Life of a Showgirl. That's her title track of the same name. There are 12 tracks on the album and fans will get a chance to attend release parties around the country this weekend.

After Swift announced AMC theaters will premiere her video for The Fate of Ophelia, along with behind-the-scenes video and explanations of the inspirations for her songs. U.S. Futures Contracts Trading Positive at Last Check. I'm Janine Herbst, NPR News, in Washington.