NPR News Now: June 8, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Hosted by Jeanine Herbst

Immigration Tensions Escalate in Los Angeles

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a report on the increasing tensions in Los Angeles, where President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops amid clashes between protesters and immigration enforcement officers. The standoff marks the third day of unrest in the city.

Saul Gonzalez from KQED provides on-the-ground coverage, describing how approximately three dozen armed troops are stationed at the downtown LA Civic Center, a key area that includes a detention center processing recent immigration raids. Protesters, including Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters, have gathered to oppose the military presence.

Maxine Waters voices her concerns, stating at [01:07]:

"Trump hates us. He hates sanctuary cities. He's going to try and make an example out of us, and this is how he's going to get to have martial law because he wants to goad us into a fight."

In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom accuses the Trump administration of attempting to provoke a reaction and urges protesters to remain calm and nonviolent. The situation underscores the deep divisions and tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement in the state.

New Travel Ban Takes Effect

The episode transitions to discuss the new travel ban announced by the Trump administration, set to take effect on June 9, 2025. This ban prohibits citizens from 12 specific countries from entering the United States and imposes restrictions on travelers from an additional seven countries.

Jeanine Herbst highlights the human impact of this policy by featuring Social Worker Jim Ray, who assists immigrant families in South Carolina fleeing the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. At [01:48], Ray emphasizes:

"Where it hurts the most is that the most vulnerable in Afghanistan cannot have an opportunity to come any longer. And that is primarily because of the women's rights being stripped from them."

President Trump justifies the restrictions by citing concerns over terrorism, visa security, and high rates of visa overstays among citizens of the affected countries. He also mentions the possibility of adding more countries to the ban as global threats evolve.

Ongoing Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

Jeanine Herbst reports on the continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, despite recent peace talks in Istanbul failing to produce a lasting ceasefire. Charles Maynes provides detailed coverage from Moscow, noting that Russian authorities have reportedly downed over 60 Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, leading to the temporary closure of two major airports.

The conflict remains intense, with Russia's bombardment of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, resulting in numerous injuries. The breakdown of the peace agreement centers on Russia's accusation that Ukraine is delaying the prisoner exchange, while Ukrainian officials counter that the exchange details were never finalized and accuse Russia of manipulative tactics.

Wall Street Awaits Key Inflation Report

Turning to the economy, Jeanine Herbst informs listeners that investors on Wall Street are closely monitoring a crucial inflation report scheduled for release later in the week. The outcome of this report is expected to influence market movements and economic policies moving forward.

Broadway’s 78th Tony Awards Preview

Jeff London shifts the focus to the arts, previewing the upcoming 78th Annual Tony Awards, Broadway’s highest honors. With a record-breaking box office season, the awards highlight five leading contenders for Best Musical, each with ten nominations:

1. Buena Vista Social Club – Based on the best-selling album of Cuban music.
2. Death Becomes Her – Inspired by the popular movie.
3. Happy Ending – An original musical about robots falling in love.
4. Dead Outlaw – A show based on a true story featuring corpses in its plot.
5. Operation Mincemeat – Another true-story-based musical with a dark twist.

At [03:42], London speculates:

"All Eyes are on the Top award best musical, which can help a show become a hit."

The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, promising an evening of high drama and entertainment.

Weekend Box Office Highlights

Jeanine Herbst wraps up with a look at the weekend box office, where "Lilo and Stitch" has claimed the top spot for the third consecutive weekend, grossing an estimated $32 million. Close behind is the John Wick spinoff "Ballerina", which also garnered $32 million, shifting focus to Ana de Armas while sidelining Keanu Reeves' character, John Wick. The Mission Impossible franchise continues its success with "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning" earning $15 million on its debut.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in the June 8, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, including immigration tensions in Los Angeles, the new travel ban, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, economic indicators, Broadway's Tony Awards, and the latest box office results.