NPR News Now – April 13, 2026, 6PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Theme: Breaking national and international news updates in five minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a snapshot of major news stories as of 6PM EDT on April 13, 2026. The bulletin covers political scandal in California, escalating conflict in the Middle East, global energy market reactions, a controversial viral image involving President Trump, developments in LGBTQ rights at a historic U.S. monument, trending science in wellness, and environmental controversy in Colombia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressman Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Allegations

• Summary:
  California Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat and former frontrunner for governor, will resign after multiple sexual assault allegations surfaced. He claims the allegations are false but acknowledges responsibility for past mistakes. He is one of four House members facing potential expulsion over misconduct.
• Quote:
  • “I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” – Eric Swalwell (reported by Ryland Barton, [00:21])

2. U.S.–Iran Ceasefire and Blockade

• Ceasefire Status:
  The U.S. and Iran are observing a fragile ceasefire; no long-term deal has emerged from recent talks.
• New U.S. Blockade:
  President Trump has blockaded Iranian ports to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
• Expert Analysis:
  Ambassador Wendy Sherman, lead negotiator on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, doubts that fast progress is possible.
• Quotes:
  • “You have to understand the culture. This is a culture of resistance. They don't give in easily… The Trump administration just wants full capitulation and that's not likely to happen.” – Wendy Sherman ([01:01])

3. Israel-Hezbollah Conflict & Human Impact

• Military Actions:
  Israel continues its military campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
• Casualties:
  Lebanon’s health ministry reports 2,089 killed by Israeli airstrikes.
• Oil Market Reaction:
  Tensions and the blockade have pushed crude prices back up to around $100 per barrel.

4. Strait of Hormuz Shutdown and Oil Supply Crisis

• Shipping Data:
  • Only 14 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz per day this weekend, compared to the pre-war average of 100.
  • The final jet fuel shipment to Europe from the Gulf has just arrived; no further shipments expected for now.
• Market Outlook:
  Despite supply disruptions, OPEC maintains a positive forecast for global demand and economic growth.
• Quote:
  • “That’s before any U.S. blockade was imposed…The last ship carrying jet fuel from the Persian Gulf to Europe arrived last week. There are no more on the way right now.” – Camila Domonosky, [01:44]

5. President Trump’s Controversial Post & Vatican Tension

• Deleted Image Incident:
  President Trump deleted a social media post showing himself depicted as Jesus, later claiming he thought it depicted him as “a do.”
• Conflict with the Pope:
  Trump refuses to apologize to Pope Leo XIV after disparaging the pontiff's anti-war stance, labeling him weak. Pope Leo counters by citing the gospel and stating he's not intimidated by the administration.
• Quotes:
  • “The Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the gospel and that he doesn’t fear the Trump administration.” – Pope Leo XIV (reported by Ryland Barton, [02:45])

6. LGBTQ Rights & Stonewall National Monument

• Pride Flag Dispute:
  The Trump administration will allow the Rainbow Pride flag to fly again at the Stonewall National Monument, pending judicial approval, as part of settling a lawsuit by LGBTQ and preservation groups.

7. Trends & Science: Red Light Therapy

• Consumer Interest:
  Red light therapy, a wellness trend on social media, is available in various consumer devices.
• Scientific Insight:
  • Dr. Zakiyah Rahman (Stanford) confirms real science supports its use for minor skin and hair improvements, though results are modest.
• Quotes:
  • “It’s not science fiction.” – Dr. Zakiyah Rahman ([03:44])
  • “There’s solid research to show. 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.” – Dr. Zakiyah Rahman (reported by Maria Godoy, [03:46])

8. Colombia’s Plan to Cull “Escobar’s Hippos”

• Background:
  Authorities will cull wild hippos descended from animals imported by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, citing threats to local people and biodiversity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eric Swalwell on accountability:
  “I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” ([00:21])
• Wendy Sherman’s cultural caution:
  “This is a culture of resistance. They don’t give in easily.” ([01:05])
• Camila Domonosky on the oil buffer ending:
  “The last ship carrying jet fuel from the Persian Gulf to Europe arrived last week. There are no more on the way right now.” ([01:53])
• Dr. Zakiyah Rahman on red light therapy:
  “It’s not science fiction.” ([03:44])
• Pope Leo XIV on facing the Trump administration:
  “…the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the gospel and that he doesn’t fear the Trump administration.” ([02:53])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Congressman Eric Swalwell’s resignation & context
• [01:01] – Iran ceasefire, U.S. blockade, expert comment
• [01:20] – Israel-Hezbollah conflict update, oil market reaction
• [01:44] – Oil supply/logistics breakdown (Camila Domonosky)
• [02:24] – Trump’s social media controversy & Vatican spat
• [03:10] – Stonewall Monument Pride flag settlement
• [03:32] – Red light therapy trend & science (Maria Godoy, Dr. Rahman)
• [04:10] – Colombia hippo culling decision

For more detailed coverage, listen to the full episode or explore NPR’s updates online.