NPR News Now: June 9, 2025 | 3AM EDT
Host: Dale Willman
1. Escalating Immigration Protests in Los Angeles
Timestamp 00:17 – 01:16
Los Angeles has been the epicenter of intense demonstrations for the third consecutive day, triggered by the federal government's recent immigration policies. The actions have resulted in the detention of over 100 individuals, prompting the deployment of approximately 300 National Guard troops to assist local police in managing the protests.
Liz Baker, reporting live from outside City Hall, describes the situation:
“There are protests outside. They've been going on all day, growing and growing throughout the day. This morning they started pretty small... and so that is one of the federal properties that the National Guard have been deployed to protect” (00:38).
The protests, initially concentrated near the Metropolitan Detention Center where National Guard forces are stationed, have intensified as authorities employed flashbangs, tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. The escalating tensions underscore the community's resistance to the federal immigration crackdown initiated over the weekend by President Trump.
2. President Trump's Expanded Travel Ban
Timestamp 01:16 – 02:16
In a significant policy move, President Donald Trump has expanded his travel ban, now prohibiting citizens from twelve specific countries from entering the United States. Citing national security concerns, Trump asserts that the ban is essential to protect the country from foreign terrorism.
Luke Garrett provides an in-depth analysis:
“President Trump's ban centers mainly on citizens from African and Middle Eastern countries... Visa applications from these citizens will now be rejected unless they meet a narrow set of exceptions” (01:31).
The affected nations include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, Sudan, and Yemen, among others. While the administration claims this measure strengthens U.S. security, it has sparked controversy and legal challenges. Notably, the order does not retroactively invalidate visas already issued to citizens of the banned countries, a point highlighted by the Associated Press. This expansion marks Trump's first travel ban during his second term, following three previous bans targeting predominantly Muslim nations, which had mixed outcomes in the judiciary.
3. Controversy Surrounding President Trump's Budget Bill
Timestamp 02:16 – 03:34
As President Trump's budget proposal advances to the Senate, it has ignited fierce debate over its potential impacts. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warns that the bill could result in over 10 million Americans losing their health insurance and increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade.
Texas Democratic Congresswoman Julie Johnson critiques the bill's provisions:
“They're only making permanent the taxes, the tax cuts for the very wealthy. And the other problem is they're cutting all these benefits. They're cutting Medicaid, they're cutting the ACA tax credits, they're cutting they're cutting health care” (02:35).
Johnson emphasizes that while certain temporary tax cuts, such as those on tips, are included, they do not address the broader implications of the bill. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson defends the legislation, asserting that it supports “all hardworking Americans.” The fiscal tussle highlights the deep divisions in Congress regarding fiscal policy and social welfare programs.
Additionally, the episode briefly touches on the recent Tony Awards, celebrating achievements in the performing arts, with winners like Cole Escola and Sarah Snook. While a noteworthy cultural highlight, this segment serves as a lighter counterpoint to the more contentious political discussions.
4. Legal Battle Over Public Broadcasting Independence
Timestamp 03:34 – 04:20
In a pivotal legal decision, a U.S. district court judge has ruled that board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), whom President Trump attempted to remove, will remain in their positions. This ruling represents a significant win for public broadcasting entities seeking to maintain their autonomy.
David Folkenflick reports:
“The president is seeking to curtail its independence... the CPB is privately incorporated as a not for profit in D.C. and asked the court to rule Trump did not have the authority to fire them” (03:34).
Judge Randolph Moss expressed skepticism about the necessity of the administration's intervention, noting that changes to the CPB's bylaws restrict the President's ability to dismiss board members unilaterally. This legal maneuver is part of a broader confrontation between the Trump administration and public broadcasting, including lawsuits against NPR and PBS over funding and directives. Furthermore, Trump has sought congressional approval to reclaim $1.1 billion over the next two years from public broadcasting funding, with the House poised to vote on the matter shortly.
5. North American Box Office Highlights
Timestamp 04:20 – 04:56
The weekend box office continues to favor family-friendly fare and action-packed thrillers. Disney's live-action rendition of “Lilo and Stitch” claims the top spot for the third consecutive week, grossing an impressive $32.5 million. Following closely is the John Wick spinoff, “Ballerina”, which earned $25 million in ticket sales. “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” holds the third position with $15 million, while “Karate Kid’s Legends” and “Final Destination’s Bloodline” secure the fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Dale Willman summarizes:
“The live action flick brought in an additional $32.5 million for the corporation. The John Wick spinoff Ballerina claimed number two with $25 million in ticket sales” (04:20).
These performances highlight the continued popularity of blockbuster franchises and the audience's appetite for both nostalgic adaptations and high-octane action sequences.
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