NPR News Now – April 13, 2026, 2PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Length: 5 minutes
Main Theme: A concise update on major domestic and international news, touching on U.S.-Iran tensions, President Trump’s actions and statements, a high-profile lawsuit, wellness trends, and key economic data.

1. U.S. Blockade and Human Cost in Iran Conflict

[00:01]

• US Military Blockade:
  • The U.S. military has established a blockade on Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing conflict.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance departed Pakistan without achieving an agreement to end the 45-day conflict.
• Death Toll and Civilian Impact:
  • “Iranian officials say more than 220 children were killed in the weeks before a tentative ceasefire was announced last Wednesday.” (Lakshmi Singh, 00:01)
  • Reporting from Istanbul:
    • [00:30] Jerry Bhaskaran:
      • The casualty numbers are corroborated by a U.S.-based human rights organization, relying on local activists.
      • Of the 220 children killed, 18 were under age five.
      • The deadliest incident: a primary school bombing in Minab on the war’s first day, resulting in the majority of child casualties.
      • Investigations, including NPR’s own, indicate U.S. responsibility for the strike.
      • Contentious Denials:
        • The U.S. military denies targeting civilians.
        • The Israeli army claims all strikes are strictly on military targets.

Notable Quote:

“The majority of children killed since February 28th died in the bombing of a primary school...The U.S. was responsible. The U.S. military has denied attacking civilians.”
— Jerry Bhaskaran (00:45–01:05)

2. President Trump’s Stance and Media Controversies

[01:12]

• Criticizing Pope Leo:
  • President Trump refuses to apologize for criticism of Pope Leo, who publicly opposed the war.
  • Trump: “You cannot have a nuclear Iran.” (01:17)
• AI-Generated Image Scandal:
  • Trump addressed an AI image widely interpreted as depicting him as Jesus Christ.
• Direct Remarks from Trump:
  • [01:33] President Trump:
    • “I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one. ...It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.” (01:33–01:57)

Memorable Moment:

“I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
— President Trump (01:55)

3. Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit

[01:57]

• Overview:
  • President Trump’s $10 billion suit against the Wall Street Journal and its owners (Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch) is dismissed by a federal judge in Florida.
• Background:
  • Lawsuit focused on a 2003 birthday greeting to Jeffrey Epstein, reported in a Journal article.
  • Judge found Trump’s suit lacked evidence of “actual malice.”
  • Judge acknowledged Journal’s efforts to verify facts and its inclusion of Trump’s denial.
  • Trump is permitted to refile the suit.
• Correspondent:
  • [02:18] David Folkenflik:
    • “Gale’s found the Journal had made numerous efforts to verify its reporting and included Trump’s denial. The judge left the door open to Trump refiling the suit, however, and a spokesperson for his legal team tells NPR it will do just that.” (02:35–02:56)

4. National and Social Trends:

[02:56]

• Rainbow Pride Flag:

  • Trump administration will rehoist the Rainbow Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in NYC, reversing a previous decision.

• Red Light Therapy Trend:

  • [03:30] Maria Godoy reports:
    • Red light therapy devices are gaining popularity for supposed wellness benefits: sold in panels, masks, wands, etc.
    • Expert Insight:
      • Dr. Zakiyah Rahman, Stanford:
        • “It can be challenging to distinguish science from hype...there is actual, real science. It's not science fiction.” (03:33–03:45)
        • Red light stimulates mitochondrial energy in cells.
        • Evidence: Regular use can improve fine lines/wrinkles and promote hair growth (in pattern hair loss cases).
        • Results are modest, not dramatic.

Notable Quote:

“After months of regular use, red light therapy can improve fine lines and wrinkles and promote hair growth in people with pattern hair loss. But the results won’t be dramatic.”
— Maria Godoy (03:50–04:08)

5. Key Economic Updates

[04:08]

• Energy:
  • Oil remains around $100/barrel after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks stall.
  • National gas average: $4.13 per gallon (AAA).
• Housing:
  • White House Council of Economic Advisers estimates a shortage of 10 million homes nationwide.
  • Report suggests more construction with lower prices is needed to boost homeownership and economic growth.

6. Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

• On the Minab primary school bombing:

  “The US was responsible. The US military has denied attacking civilians.”
  — Jerry Bhaskaran (00:45)

• Trump on the AI image:

  “I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
  — President Trump (01:55)

• On red light therapy:

  “There is actual, real science. It's not science fiction.”
  — Dr. Zakiyah Rahman (03:35)

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