NPR News: 07-13-2026 1PM EDT - NPR News Now

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This message comes from Schwab. Investing with Schwab is like a hike with endless trails. Go solo with self directed investing, take stops along the way with trading or choose a guide with full service wealth management. Whatever trails you take, you can invest your way with Schwab.
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Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. A dozen Democratic state attorneys general are suing to block Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery over anti competitive concerns. A merger would effectively give the Trump allied Ellison family control over some of the country's largest movie studios, television newsrooms and other entertainment properties. South Carolina will prepare to hold a special primary election for a new Republican Senate nominee following Senator Lindsey Graham's death over the weekend. Under state law, candidates have a one week filing period that begins a week from tomorrow. A preliminary medical examiner report said Graham suffered a tear in his aorta. Graham had just returned from another trip to Ukraine. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal says he and Graham were pushing for stronger sanctions against Russia over President Vladimir Putin's ongoing war against Ukraine.
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These sanctions would be pivotal in getting Putin to the peace table. That was his objective. And my hope is that his death, tragic as it is, will provide an impetus to President Trump and my Republican colleagues to pass the Russia sanctions bill.
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Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has broken weeks of silence about why he was in the hospital yesterday. The lawmaker from Kentucky disclosed he had fallen but did not break any bones. He was also being treated for mild pneumonia. The Maine Democratic Party has two weeks to select a new candidate to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner. NPR's Tamara Keith reports. A process is now set, but voters are still reeling.
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Independent voter Joseph Barrabee had been disengaged politics for decades, but Platner drew him back in. Now Platner is out after an allegation of rape he denies, and Baraby is mad.
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I am more upset than I've ever been around a political figure in my whole life. I mean, no, it's just, it's devastating.
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And he blames the Democratic establishment. State Senate President Maddie Daughtry says she wants to believe Platner's success was about his message and not the man.
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You can have grief for the moment and also anger, but, but also opportunity
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and hope that we can turn this around. Platner's replacement will be selected at a convention on July 25. Tamara Keith, NPR News, Brunswick, Maine.
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A court finds President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service sought to use the system to help legitimize a nearly $1.8 billion taxpayer backed compensation fund for Trump's allies. Today, U.S. district Judge Kathleen Williams recommended attorney sanctions and disciplinary action. In South Korea, former Yoon Sung Yeol has been sentenced to two years in prison over election related corruption. It is the latest in a string of criminal cases against the ousted leader who authorities say masterminded an illegal insurrection 2024. This is NPR News. European countries and Japan have agreed to contribute about a billion dollars to a new fund to help rebuild water and health systems in Gaza. More from NPR's Emily Fang.
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Much of Gaza's buildings are destroyed, and the United nations says about 70% of Gazans, about 1.7 million people, are internally displaced, many living in makeshift tents. Rebuilding has been slowed down by ongoing Israeli strikes. And because Israel restricts what can go into Gaza, including heavy machinery and construction materials, the UN has requested $2.8 billion to address critical needs only in Gaza.
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That's NPR's Emily Fang reporting from Tel Aviv. 31 states have reported cases of an intestinal illness that causes diarrhea. NPR's Alison Aub reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating to identify a likely source.
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Michigan has more than 1500 cases of cyclospora and 44 reported hospitalizations. The CDC is working to confirm cases and investigate the source. Food safety experts say heating food to 158 degrees is the most effective way to kill Cyclospora parasites. And Martin Bugnavage, a food safety expert formerly with Penn State, says rinsing produce under warm water can help remove pathogens. But cyclospora is challenging.
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The crops that we're looking at, whether it's basil or it's raspberries, are very gentle handling. And so, you know, it's not an easy thing to get rid of.
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Symptoms can appear anywhere between two days and two weeks or more after a person was infected. Alison Aubrey, NPR News.
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It's npr.
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A
This message comes from Integrative Therapeutics, makers of Cortisol Manager named best overall Ashwagandha supplement by Vogue. Use code STRESS2026 for 20% off of Cortisol Manager on Amazon dot com.

Summary4 min read

NPR News Now – July 13, 2026, 1PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Theme: Latest national and international news updates in under five minutes

Overview

This episode delivers rapid-fire updates on several major political and world events, including legal moves against a media merger, repercussions following Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, political shake-ups in Maine, President Trump’s legal troubles, humanitarian efforts for Gaza, and a wide-spread intestinal illness in the US. Delivered in NPR’s concise, factual style, the episode offers quotes from newsmakers and timely context for each item.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Lawsuit

[00:18–01:11]

A group of twelve Democratic state attorneys general are suing to block Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, citing anti-competitive concerns.
The merger would place the Trump-allied Ellison family in control of some of the largest US entertainment companies.
No direct quotes, but the implications are significant for media consolidation, journalism independence, and political influence over the entertainment sector.

2. Senator Lindsey Graham’s Death & Aftermath

[00:18–01:31]

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has died from an aortic tear shortly after returning from Ukraine.
South Carolina will hold a special primary to nominate his replacement; candidates have a one-week filing window starting next week.
Graham, with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, was pushing for stronger Russia sanctions.

Quote:
“These sanctions would be pivotal in getting Putin to the peace table. That was his objective. And my hope is that his death, tragic as it is, will provide an impetus to President Trump and my Republican colleagues to pass the Russia sanctions bill.”
— Sen. Richard Blumenthal [01:11]

3. Mitch McConnell Hospitalization Update

[01:31–01:54]

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) explained his recent hospital stay: a fall (no broken bones), and mild pneumonia.
Ends weeks of silence around his health.

4. Maine Senate Nominee Shake-up Following Allegation

[01:54–02:40]

Maine Democrats have two weeks to select a candidate to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner, who exited after rape allegations he denies.
Voters and party officials express shock and frustration at the upheaval.

Notable Quotes:
“I am more upset than I've ever been around a political figure in my whole life. I mean, no, it's just, it's devastating.”
— Joseph Barrabee, Independent voter [02:08]

“You can have grief for the moment and also anger, but, but also opportunity.”
— State Senate President Maddie Daughtry [02:25]

Replacement will be chosen at a July 25 convention.

5. Trump Lawsuit Against IRS Rejected

[02:40–03:27]

A U.S. District Court found that President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS aimed to legitimize a $1.8 billion, taxpayer-funded compensation fund for his allies.
Judge Kathleen Williams recommended sanctions and disciplinary action.

6. Former South Korean President Sentenced

[02:40–03:27]

Former President Yoon Sung Yeol sentenced to two years for election-related corruption.
Accused of orchestrating an illegal insurrection in 2024; latest in a series of cases against him.

7. Humanitarian Funding for Gaza

[03:27–03:53]

European nations and Japan pledge nearly $1 billion for Gaza’s water and health infrastructure.
The UN says 70% of Gazans (1.7 million) are displaced and living in makeshift tents.
Ongoing Israeli strikes and blockade slow rebuilding; the UN requests $2.8 billion for urgent needs.

Quote:
“Rebuilding has been slowed down by ongoing Israeli strikes. And because Israel restricts what can go into Gaza, including heavy machinery and construction materials, the UN has requested $2.8 billion to address critical needs only in Gaza.”
— Emily Fang, NPR [03:27]

8. Cyclospora Outbreak in the US

[03:53–04:55]

31 states report cases of Cyclospora, an intestinal parasite causing diarrhea; Michigan leads with 1,500+ cases.
CDC investigating the outbreak source.
Proper heating (158°F) and gentle rinsing may reduce risk in produce like basil and raspberries.

Quote:
“The crops that we're looking at, whether it's basil or it's raspberries, are very gentle handling. And so, you know, it's not an easy thing to get rid of.”
— Martin Bugnavage, food safety expert [04:39]

Cyclospora symptoms can appear 2 days to 2+ weeks after infection.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

Blumenthal on Graham’s Legacy: “My hope is that his death, tragic as it is, will provide an impetus... to pass the Russia sanctions bill.” [01:11]
Maine Voter on Political Disillusionment: “I am more upset than I've ever been around a political figure in my whole life.” [02:08]
Food Safety Reality: “It’s not an easy thing to get rid of.” — Bugnavage [04:39]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:18] Paramount-Warner Bros. legal challenge
[00:18–01:31] Update on Lindsey Graham’s death and its political repercussions
[01:31–01:54] Mitch McConnell’s health update
[01:54–02:40] Maine’s Senate nomination crisis and voter reactions
[02:40–03:27] Trump lawsuit and South Korea sentencing
[03:27–03:53] Gaza reconstruction funding
[03:53–04:55] Cyclospora outbreak coverage

This NPR News Now episode provides a brisk, information-dense summary of political, international, and public health news, emphasizing direct reporting and representative voices from those impacted.

Loading summary

Transcript17 lines

[00:00]
A
This message comes from Schwab. Investing with Schwab is like a hike with endless trails. Go solo with self directed investing, take stops along the way with trading or choose a guide with full service wealth management. Whatever trails you take, you can invest your way with Schwab.
[00:19]
B
Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. A dozen Democratic state attorneys general are suing to block Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery over anti competitive concerns. A merger would effectively give the Trump allied Ellison family control over some of the country's largest movie studios, television newsrooms and other entertainment properties. South Carolina will prepare to hold a special primary election for a new Republican Senate nominee following Senator Lindsey Graham's death over the weekend. Under state law, candidates have a one week filing period that begins a week from tomorrow. A preliminary medical examiner report said Graham suffered a tear in his aorta. Graham had just returned from another trip to Ukraine. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal says he and Graham were pushing for stronger sanctions against Russia over President Vladimir Putin's ongoing war against Ukraine.
[01:12]
C
These sanctions would be pivotal in getting Putin to the peace table. That was his objective. And my hope is that his death, tragic as it is, will provide an impetus to President Trump and my Republican colleagues to pass the Russia sanctions bill.
[01:32]
B
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has broken weeks of silence about why he was in the hospital yesterday. The lawmaker from Kentucky disclosed he had fallen but did not break any bones. He was also being treated for mild pneumonia. The Maine Democratic Party has two weeks to select a new candidate to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner. NPR's Tamara Keith reports. A process is now set, but voters are still reeling.
[01:55]
D
Independent voter Joseph Barrabee had been disengaged politics for decades, but Platner drew him back in. Now Platner is out after an allegation of rape he denies, and Baraby is mad.
[02:08]
C
I am more upset than I've ever been around a political figure in my whole life. I mean, no, it's just, it's devastating.
[02:15]
D
And he blames the Democratic establishment. State Senate President Maddie Daughtry says she wants to believe Platner's success was about his message and not the man.
[02:25]
E
You can have grief for the moment and also anger, but, but also opportunity
[02:31]
D
and hope that we can turn this around. Platner's replacement will be selected at a convention on July 25. Tamara Keith, NPR News, Brunswick, Maine.
[02:40]
B
A court finds President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service sought to use the system to help legitimize a nearly $1.8 billion taxpayer backed compensation fund for Trump's allies. Today, U.S. district Judge Kathleen Williams recommended attorney sanctions and disciplinary action. In South Korea, former Yoon Sung Yeol has been sentenced to two years in prison over election related corruption. It is the latest in a string of criminal cases against the ousted leader who authorities say masterminded an illegal insurrection 2024. This is NPR News. European countries and Japan have agreed to contribute about a billion dollars to a new fund to help rebuild water and health systems in Gaza. More from NPR's Emily Fang.
[03:28]
F
Much of Gaza's buildings are destroyed, and the United nations says about 70% of Gazans, about 1.7 million people, are internally displaced, many living in makeshift tents. Rebuilding has been slowed down by ongoing Israeli strikes. And because Israel restricts what can go into Gaza, including heavy machinery and construction materials, the UN has requested $2.8 billion to address critical needs only in Gaza.
[03:53]
B
That's NPR's Emily Fang reporting from Tel Aviv. 31 states have reported cases of an intestinal illness that causes diarrhea. NPR's Alison Aub reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating to identify a likely source.
[04:11]
E
Michigan has more than 1500 cases of cyclospora and 44 reported hospitalizations. The CDC is working to confirm cases and investigate the source. Food safety experts say heating food to 158 degrees is the most effective way to kill Cyclospora parasites. And Martin Bugnavage, a food safety expert formerly with Penn State, says rinsing produce under warm water can help remove pathogens. But cyclospora is challenging.
[04:39]
C
The crops that we're looking at, whether it's basil or it's raspberries, are very gentle handling. And so, you know, it's not an easy thing to get rid of.
[04:48]
E
Symptoms can appear anywhere between two days and two weeks or more after a person was infected. Alison Aubrey, NPR News.
[04:56]
B
It's npr.
[04:58]
A
This message comes from Integrative Therapeutics, makers of Cortisol Manager named best overall Ashwagandha supplement by Vogue. Use code STRESS2026 for 20% off of Cortisol Manager on Amazon dot com.