NPR News: 06-06-2026 2PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. Israel has used white phosphorus over civilian areas in Lebanon, according to The New York Times. White phosphorus is a chemical that can cause burns and other injuries. NPR's Stephen Bisaha has more.

Stephen Bisaha0:16

White phosphorus is not banned under international law and can be used to create smoke screens or mark military targets. But Badour Hassan with Amnesty International says it is illegal to use over civilian areas due to its indiscriminate harm.

Badour Hassan· Soundbite0:31

The likelihood of it causing suffering, causing damage, causing long-term damage as well, both to the respiratory system and burns.

Stephen Bisaha0:40

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus over Lebanese homes in March, and The Times says the substance was used as recently as last week. NPR has not independently verified those claims, and Israel denies using the substance in a way that violates international law. Stephen Bisaha, NPR News.

Nora Raum· Host0:58

The prediction market companies are spending millions of dollars on influencers to promote the sites on social media. But as NPR's Bobby Allyn reports, some of the creators are spreading misinformation about elections.

Bobby Allyn1:11

Polymarket and Kalshi are paying influencers up to five hundred dollars per post to spread the word about prediction markets, where people can bet on everything from the color of President Trump's tie to war to election outcomes. In recent weeks, some of those paid influencers have been spreading fabrications about the Los Angeles mayor's race, claiming without evidence