NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-13-2025 1PM EDT

Episode Date: October 13, 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. 20 Israelis held hostage for more than two years are free today. Hamas released them as part of a ceasefire plan brokered by the U.S. President Trump was in Israel today, where he addressed the Israeli parliament.

He's now in Sharmal Sheikh Egypt to meet with other world leaders on the future of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited to that meeting but declined. His office said it's too close to a Jewish holiday. Netanyahu did speak to the Israeli parliament alongside President Trump. that opens the door to an historic expansion of peace in our region and beyond our region. Mr. President, you are committed to this peace. I am committed to this peace. And together, Mr. President, we will achieve this peace. Under the deal, Israel released more than 1900 Palestinian detainees and promised to allow a surge

of aid and other supplies into Gaza. About 20 percent of, of the U.S. Department of Education's remaining staff received RIF notices on Friday. As NPR's Corey Turner reports, that includes nearly everyone inside the Department's Office of Special Education. This office collects and analyzes data and annual reports from states, making sure they're following federal law and serving the nearly 8 million kids with disabilities in the U.S. If staff worry a state has fallen out of compliance, they step in. They even have customer service reps who answer calls directly from parents and families. I spoke with six staffers who received Rift notices. They told me nearly the entire staff had been laid off Friday, except for a few

top executives and support staff. One said, quote, this is decimating the office responsible for safeguarding the rights of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. The Education Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Corey Turner, NPR News. After a flare-up intentions over trade between the U.S. and China, Beijing says that threats and high tariffs are not the right way to engage with it. NPR's John Ruich has more. Relations between China and the United States have worsened sharply over the past week, with China adding restrictions to exports of rare earth minerals and President Trump pledging fresh 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods in retaliation. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was asked about Trump's new tariffs at a

briefing in Beijing. He says China stands firmly against a string of steps by the U.S. that he says have seriously harmed China's interests. Lein says the two sides should resolve their concerns through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity. But he also issued a warning. If the U.S. persists on doing things its own way despite opposition, he says China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. John Rewich, NPR News, Beijing. At last check on Wall Street, the Dow is up 668 points. This is NPR News in Washington. Two trains collided in eastern Slovakia this morning. Emergency medical services say that dozens of people were injured.

Broadway's musicians who've been working with out of contract since August 31st voted overwhelmingly yesterday to authorize a strike if negotiations with producers break down. This comes after a strike authorization from actors' equity. Jeff London reports. Talks between both unions in the Broadway League, the organization which represents producers in theater, owners are ongoing. But coming on the heels of Broadway's most successful season ever, with a box office tally of close to $1.9 billion, the musicians union says it's not interested in making concessions. President Bob Stillman claims the League is threatening to cut wages, health care, and jobs, stating, quote, local 802 Broadway musicians and other artists are ready to leverage every ounce of their collective power up to and including a strike. The Broadway League has said,

quote, we always prefer to negotiate with our union partners at the bargaining table rather than in the press. For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York. When voters go to the polls in Nassau County, New York next month, they'll be filling a seat in the county legislature. But the Democratic candidate has been missing since April. Pedro's Cremitas hasn't been seen since he went swimming in Long Beach, local Democrats trying to replace him on the ballot, but the Republicans sued. Now some Democrats are urging people vote for him anyway. I'm Nora Rahm. NPR News in Washington.