NPR News Now - 5am ET, October 13 | The latest headlines from NPR

Episode Date: October 13, 2026

The latest headlines from NPR at the top of this hour. The stories you hear are written, reported and fact-checked by NPR journalists.  Learn more about the standards of our journalism at npr.org/ethics. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

This is NPR News Now. The latest headlines every hour. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dave Mattockley. Federal agents have searched the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota in an ongoing investigation into allegations related to immigration fraud. NPR's Barbara Sprunt says Omar has been a sharp critic and frequent target of President Trump. The Department of Justice as agents with Homeland Security investigations were executing a judicially authorized search warrant and that it's part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. A spokesperson for the Congresswoman calls the search a, quote, outrageous abuse of power and an unprecedented escalation in the weaponization of federal law enforcement to target political enemies.

The search took place ahead of next month's midterm elections in which Omar is seeking re-election. Vice President Vance has previously alleged Omar committed immigration fraud, something she denies. Barbara Sprint, NPR News, Washington. Russia continues to attack energy facilities in Ukraine, despite President Trump's assertion that the two countries had agreed to an energy ceasefire. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, says he supports such a truce, but only if Moscow halts its attacks. NPR's Charles Mains is in Moscow. Ukraine is for a deal if it includes an end to Russian attacks on energy, heating, and electrical facilities. But without that, you know, Trump is essentially asking Ukraine to give up one of the few real leverage points it has against a more powerful adversary.

Meanwhile, Russia's long-held position is that anything less than a comprehensive peace deal, such as, for example, a ceasefire, is an opportunity for Ukraine to regroup and rearm. Russia is interested in pressing its current leverage in missiles and drones to the maximum, particularly as we enter the winter months with Ukraine. Air Defense is depleted. That's NPR's Charles Mains. Australia's government says it opposes the Pentagon's plan to live stream the December execution of a former U.S. Army major convicted of killing 13 people at Ford Hood, Texas. The 2009 attack also left more than 30 others injured. As Christina Cuccollo reports from Melbourne, Australia's Prime Minister is urging social media companies not to share the footage. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government has sought advice

on what it can do to block the live stream of the Fort Hood Shooters' execution by firing squad. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation of an easy issue to warning to social media platforms. I'm making it very clear to them right now that as far as I'm concerned, this has no place in our countries. Australia's online safety regulator says it doesn't have the power to stop the live stream,

but would monitor of sites are complying with regulations requiring them to protect users from harmful material. This comes as parliamentarians across the Australian, political divide call for the live stream to be banned, occurring the bipartisan backlash in the U.S. For NPR News, I'm Christina Kukala in Melbourne. This is NPR News from Washington. Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in the federal trial of the man charged with killing 10 people at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York. That shooting occurred four years ago at the Top's friendly market. Peyton Gendron is facing more than two dozen federal counts, mostly federal

hate crimes charges. Prosecutors have described the 23-year-old as a white supremacist who targeted black people in the shooting. He's currently serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to state murder charges. Defense attorneys say they're hoping to prevent Jen Dron from facing the death penalty if he's convicted. Amusement Park Operator Six Flags says it's temporarily closing nine of its roller coasters at a half-dozen parks across the U.S. This follows the death of a person who fell from a coaster yesterday at Six Flags over Georgia near Atlanta. Melissa Fato with Member Station W.A.B.E. has more. Footage from multiple local media outlets shows Park staff evacuating riders from the lift hill of Goliath. The 200-foot hyper coaster opened in 2006.

Cobb County Police confirmed several others are injured and the Department is investigating the incident. The Six Flags chain has seen financial challenges and leadership changes. Since it merged, with its once competitor Cedar Fair in 2024. This incident comes on the heels of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California, announcing its retiring its famous fourth-dimension coaster, X2. Amid allegations, it has caused several riders' serious brain injuries. For NPR News, I'm Melissa Fato in Atlanta. I'm Dave Mattingly, NPR News, in Washington.