AI Summary
5 min readNPR News Now’s April 13 evening broadcast opens with a political bombshell: California Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is resigning after multiple sexual assault allegations. The episode then pivots to a volatile mix of international crises—a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, a new blockade of Iranian ports, and rising oil prices—before touching on a rainbow flag reversal at Stonewall, the science behind red light therapy, and Colombia’s plan to cull Pablo Escobar’s hippos.
Swalwell Resigns Amid Allegations
Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat who had been seen as a front-runner in the state’s gubernatorial race, announced he will resign from Congress following multiple sexual assault allegations. In a statement, Swalwell said he would fight what he called a “false allegation” against him but added, “I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” Swalwell was one of four House members—two Democrats and two Republicans—facing possible expulsion over alleged misconduct.
Iran Ceasefire Holds, But Blockade Tightens
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:04) **Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns Following Allegations** - California Democrat Eric Swalwell announces his resignation from Congress after multiple sexual assault allegations, despite calling them false.
- 2 (00:36) **U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Holding, But Tensions Escalate** - The temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran appears to hold, but President Trump announces a blockade of Iranian ports to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- 3 (01:30) **Oil Markets React to Strait of Hormuz Blockade** - Crude oil prices hover around $100 as the blockade sends prices back up after a ceasefire-driven dip.
- 4 (02:24) **Trump Defends Deleted Social Media Post Depicting Himself as Jesus** - President Trump explains away a now-deleted post showing him as Jesus, claiming he thought it portrayed him as a doctor, and refuses to apologize to Pope Leo XIV after criticizing the Pope.
- 5 (02:54) **U.S. Stocks Climb** - Markets end the day higher.
- 6 (03:00) **Trump Administration Reverses Course on Pride Flag at Stonewall Monument** - The administration agrees to resume flying a rainbow pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, settling a lawsuit after removing the banner in February.
- 7 (03:20) **Red Light Therapy: Science vs. Hype** - NPR reports on the science behind the red light therapy wellness trend, which is sold in panels, face masks, and hair caps.
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