NPR News Now: June 9, 2025, 12 PM EDT – Comprehensive Summary

On the June 9th, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, host Lakshmi Singh delivers a succinct yet thorough overview of the day's most pressing national and international news stories. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and developments covered in the episode, providing a clear and engaging narrative for those who missed the live broadcast.

1. Protests and Federal Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

The episode opens with a report on escalating tensions in Los Angeles, where protests have persisted for three consecutive days in response to federal immigration raids. The unrest has led to significant confrontations between protesters and law enforcement agencies, including local police and federal agents.

Governor Gavin Newsom's Response

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard without California’s consent. This legal action follows three days of clashes that have strained relations between state and federal authorities.

Federal Deployment and Trump's Stance

NPR’s Adrienne Flava reports on the federal response, noting that President Trump "invoked a rare presidential authority to take over California's National Guard and deployed 2,000 troops for 60 days." When pressed about the necessity of such measures, Trump asserted, "we're going to have troops everywhere" ([00:53]).

Local Authorities’ Perspective

Both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have criticized the federal intervention, arguing that the isolated skirmishes did not justify the extensive deployment of troops. They have publicly called on President Trump to rescind his order, emphasizing that the state’s resources should suffice in managing the protests.

2. Immigration Policies and the Travel Ban

The administration's tightening of immigration policies is another focal point of the episode. The newly implemented travel ban, which includes heightened visa restrictions, targets more than a dozen countries primarily in the Middle East and Africa. President Trump has cited national security concerns as the primary justification for this directive.

3. Bethesda Declaration: Scientists Protest NIH Cutbacks

Transitioning to the scientific community, Rob Stein covers a significant development involving the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over 300 scientists gathered on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, to present the Bethesda Declaration to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. This document criticizes the administration's ongoing cuts to NIH staff and funding, mirroring the sentiments of the earlier Great Barrington Declaration, which Bhattacharya co-authored during the pandemic.

Impact of Administrative Cuts

The Trump administration has reduced NIH staff numbers and slashed billions in funding, actions that the signatories of the Bethesda Declaration argue jeopardize the agency's ability to conduct crucial research and support public health initiatives.

4. Weather Alert: Hurricane Barbara Strengthens

In meteorological news, tropical Storm Barbara has intensified into a hurricane, currently located approximately 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. With sustained winds reaching 75 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami warns that significant swells will impact coastal regions in the coming days. Residents and authorities are advised to prepare for potential severe weather conditions.

5. U.S.-China Trade Talks Amidst Declining Commerce

Economic relations between the United States and China are under the spotlight as officials from both nations engage in trade talks in London. Scott Horsley reports that these discussions are a direct follow-up to a phone call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping the previous week.

Recent Trade Developments

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s recent meeting with Chinese counterparts resulted in a temporary reduction of triple-digit tariffs, a measure aimed at revitalizing the strained commerce between the world's two largest economies. However, China’s exports to the U.S. experienced a significant decline, falling by 35% in June 2025 compared to May 2024. Despite this drop, China's overall exports have seen an uptick, as other countries continue to purchase Chinese goods.

Economic Implications

The trade talks are critical as both nations navigate the complexities of rebalancing their economic relationship amidst global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.

6. Stock Market Updates

The financial markets exhibited mixed performances at midday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 28 points, settling at 42,730. In contrast, the Nasdaq rose by 67 points, and the S&P increased by seven points, reflecting varied investor responses to the day's news and economic indicators.

7. Tony Awards Highlight: Celebrating Broadway's Finest

Shifting to the arts, the episode celebrates the 78th Tony Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Jeff Lennon provides a detailed account of the night’s standout moments.

Major Wins

• "Maybe Happy Ending": This original musical from South Korea won six awards, including Best Musical. The production, featuring a cast of four, tells the unique story of two retired robots who fall in love.

• "Sunset Boulevard": A reimagined revival earned the award for Best Revival of a Musical, among two other accolades, including recognition for star Nicole Scherzinger.

• "Play Purpose": Brandon Jacobs Jenkins' play, which explores the dynamics of a family of civil rights activists, was named Best Play.

• "Eureka Day": Jonathan Spector's work, delving into a measles outbreak in an elementary school, secured the award for Best Revival of a Play.

These achievements underscore the vibrant and diverse landscape of contemporary theater, highlighting both innovative new works and the enduring appeal of classic productions.

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a brief mention of stock market updates and an acknowledgment of NPR's ongoing coverage, ensuring listeners are informed about both national affairs and cultural milestones.

This comprehensive summary of the June 9, 2025, episode of NPR News Now captures the essential discussions and developments across a spectrum of topics, from political tensions and scientific community responses to weather alerts and cultural celebrations. By highlighting key quotes and providing structured insights, the summary offers a clear and engaging overview for those seeking to stay informed.