News Developments Reported July 13, 2026

The New York Times reported that Israel attempted to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset during efforts related to regime change in Iran. According to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Times, Israel covered Ahmadinejad’s travel and housing expenses for several years and dispatched operatives to meet with him at international locations. In February, during the early phase of the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, Israeli forces sought to locate Ahmadinejad in Tehran with the objective of positioning him as a future leader. An Israeli airstrike struck his compound, after which a vehicle transported him to a secure site. Ahmadinejad reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the operation and departed the location. He is now in the custody of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian officials cited by the Times.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) announced his endorsement of Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat he is leaving. In comments to The Detroit News, Peters stated that Stevens had shown herself to be a fighter and that the Senate requires individuals prepared to perform the role immediately. Stevens currently trails progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in recent polling. The Aug. 4 primary winner is expected to face Mike Rogers, the likely Republican nominee, in the November general election.

FIFA is offering pieces of the grass used for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for sale at $450 each. The organization has faced criticism over pricing for the tournament hosted in the United States.

Allies of Paramount CEO David Ellison have advised him to consider relocating the company’s headquarters from California and redirecting planned expenditures if California Attorney General Rob Bonta files a lawsuit to prevent the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a Semafor report. Bonta is described as leading a potential suit involving California and additional states including New York, Washington, and Connecticut. A draft of the complaint contends that the transaction would reduce competition in the market for major films, the New York Times reported.

A fire at the Na Ladprao beer hall in northern Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured dozens. First responders shared video showing flames and thick smoke emerging from the building as individuals attempted to exit. Firefighters later contained the blaze.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) indicated openness to seeking the Senate seat held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). During an appearance on “Fox News Live,” Mace said she is currently focused on her duties representing South Carolina but did not rule out a future candidacy.

The United States and Iran each stated on Monday that they maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz following attacks over the preceding weekend. Iran struck a container ship in the strait off Oman on Sunday. The waterway, through which a significant share of global crude oil and natural gas has historically passed, has experienced shipping disruptions since the onset of the conflict, with Iranian forces targeting commercial vessels in the area.

Sen. Lindsey Graham died on Saturday night. He had served as one of President Donald Trump’s primary supporters in the Senate in recent years, though their relationship had not always been aligned.

Actor Sam Neill died at age 78 in Sydney. Neill appeared in films including “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano.” He had disclosed a diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2023. A statement on his social media accounts confirmed the death.

Additional updates from earlier cycles remain available through prior postings.