NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-12-2025 2PM EDT

Episode Date: October 12, 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 Nora Rahm. President Trump is considering using the rarely used 1807 Insurrection Act after courts blocked his deployments of National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon. NPR's Luke Garrett reports.

Two courts blocked Trump's deployment of National Guard troops last week, one in Oregon and the other in Illinois. When asked on NBC News if the Insurrection Act is on the table, Vice President J. J.D. Vance said... The president's looking at all of his options. Right now, he hasn't felt he needed to. But we have to remember, why are we talking about this, Kristen? because crime has gotten out of control in our cities. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker tells ABC News, Trump can't use the Insurrection Act because there's no rebellion. If the Constitution means anything, the Insurrection Act cannot be invoked to send them in because they want to fight crime.

Violent crime has fallen in Chicago, but the city still averages more than one homicide a day. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington. The U.S. brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and Gaza is now in its third day. The Israeli hostages are excited. expected to be released by midday tomorrow. Aaron David Miller is with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He's been a peace negotiator for several American administrations. He says this is not a permanent peace agreement, but it could lead to peace.

I've participated in these negotiations for the better part of 20-plus years. Mostly, we failed. Look, this is not a peace agreement. It is not even an inexorable end to the Israeli Hamas-Warned Govze. Assuming the presidential leadership that Trump has demonstrated, continues. It offers the first break in two years of a parade of horrors that Israelis and Palestinians are a visitor upon one another. And it could, it actually could lead to an end of the war in Gaza. President Trump leaves for the Middle East this afternoon. He's to speak to the

Israeli parliament tomorrow. He'll then travel to Egypt to attend a summit of leaders to discuss the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East. According to federal census data, more U.S. homes using electricity for heating, and a smaller share are using natural gas. NPR's Jeff Brady reports that's significant because climate scientists say the trend will have to accelerate to meet climate goals. Natural gas has been the most popular fuel for heating homes. It's also the cheapest. But census bureau data show electricity, often in the form of efficient heat pumps, is becoming more popular. Fifteen years ago, just over a third of homes heated with electric power,

that's climbed to 42%. The share of homes heating with natural gas has slipped two points to 47%. Gas is mostly methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Scientists say to avoid the most damaging consequences of a hotter climate, nearly half the known gas reserves will have to stay in the ground. Around the country, a few state and local governments have passed bans on installing gas in new homes. Jeff Brady, NPR News. This is NPR News in Washington. In South Carolina, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating a mass shooting early this morning at a bar on St. Helena Island. Officials say hundreds of people were there at the time. Some ran to nearby businesses for help. At least four people were killed. At least 20 people were wounded. The Office of Madagascar's president says an attempted coup is underway on the Indian Ocean Island. Michael Koloki reports it comes amid escalating countrywide protests that began last month. In a written statement posted on social media,

President Andre Rajalina's office said an attempted, illegal and forcible seizure of power was underway in the country. He did not offer further evidence. The remarks come. Amid reports that soldiers from an elite military unit in the country have joined protests on the streets of the nation's capital and Tananda Rivo. For more than two weeks now, Madagascar has witnessed widespread and rest.

Protesters have been calling for an end to frequent water and power cuts. They have also denounced the government and called for the president to step down. But Mr. Rajalina has given no indication he will resign. According to the United Nations, several people have been killed and many others injured amid the demonstrations. For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi. The Central African Nation of Cameroon held a presidential election today. Results are expected by October 26th.

The economy has been a major issue during the campaign. The UN estimates at least 43% of the population live in poverty. The incumbent president, Paul Baia, is seeking, another term. He's 92 and has been in power since 1982. If he wins, he would be 99 by the end of his term. I'm Nora Rahm. NPR News.