NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 11, 2025, Episode
Live from Washington, D.C., NPR's latest news coverage for June 11, 2025, provides comprehensive updates on significant national and international events. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed in this episode.
Overnight Curfew and National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, one of the nation’s largest cities, is currently under an overnight curfew affecting a one-square-mile area in the downtown region. This measure comes in response to ongoing protests against federal immigration raids, which have persisted for several days. While Louisiana remained mostly calm overnight, Los Angeles has seen tens of thousands demonstrate, with some protests descending into violence.
President Trump has taken decisive action by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to ensure public safety. NPR's Martin Costi reports:
"They're there to protect federal facilities and employees" ([00:41]). Costi elaborates that the National Guard has formed a human barrier with shields in front of federal buildings. Additionally, there are reports of Guard members assisting ICE agents in the field, potentially placing soldiers in more active enforcement roles ([00:41]).
Protests opposing federal immigration raids have erupted in multiple cities across the United States, including Austin, Texas; Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; New York; Philadelphia; and San Francisco. To date, hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested, and authorities anticipate further protests over the upcoming weekend ([01:03]). The situation remains fluid, with law enforcement adapting to both peaceful and volatile demonstrations.
President Trump's Appeal of Criminal Conviction in Manhattan
In a significant legal development, President Trump faces an appeal hearing for his recent criminal conviction scheduled to take place in Manhattan this morning. This marks the third attempt by Trump's legal team to transfer the historic case to federal court.
NPR's Kat Lonsdorf provides insight into the proceedings:
"Trump was tried, convicted, and sentenced in the New York state court system" ([01:38]). Lonsdorf explains that the previous two attempts to move the case to federal court were unsuccessful. The current appeal hinges on the argument that the prosecution relied on evidence related to Trump's official duties. However, the crux of the case involves a hush money payment made before the 2016 election, during Trump's candidacy, which complicates the applicability of the specific law cited by his lawyers.
Legal experts interviewed by NPR express skepticism about the likelihood of the appeal's success:
"There's a good chance it won't work" ([01:38]). The decision now rests with a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Additionally, Trump has appealed the conviction through New York state courts, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this legal battle ([01:38]).
US-China Trade Framework Agreement Reaches Tentative Agreement
Amid ongoing economic tensions, negotiators from the United States and China have announced a preliminary trade framework agreement aimed at stabilizing the strained relationship between the two economic giants. This agreement seeks to revive a pact initially forged in Geneva last month.
Cherise Pham reports from Hong Kong:
"Our discussions were very professional, rational, in-depth, and candid" ([02:31]). Pham highlights that China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Li Qiangang, acknowledged that one of the main sticking points remained China's restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals—a critical component for American technology and defense industries.
While this agreement signifies a positive step towards reducing bilateral tensions, detailed provisions remain unclear, potentially leading to continued uncertainty for investors, business owners, and policymakers alike ([02:31]). The lack of specificity in the agreement's details suggests that while foundational progress has been made, the path forward requires further negotiation and clarity.
New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary Results
In New Jersey, the recent primary election concluded with the Republican Party nominating former state representative Jack Cittarelli as their candidate for governor. Cittarelli enjoys the backing of President Trump, positioning him as a significant contender in the upcoming November general election.
On the Democratic side, Congresswoman Mikki Sherrill emerged as the party’s nominee ([03:08]). These selections set the stage for a competitive race, with both candidates bringing distinct platforms and support bases to the forefront as they prepare to vie for the governorship in the general election.
UN Oceans Conference Approaches High Seas Treaty Finalization
The UN Oceans Conference, currently underway in southern France, is nearing the ratification of the High Seas Treaty—a pivotal agreement aimed at safeguarding international waters. These high seas face increasing threats from climate change-induced warming, overfishing, and the emerging dangers of deep-sea mining.
Eleanor Beardsley reports from Paris:
"Despite their remoteness, the high seas are under growing pressure from warming due to climate change, overfishing, and the threat of deep sea mining" ([03:45]). The High Seas Treaty will empower nations to establish marine protected areas, providing essential environmental protections.
This week, eighteen new countries ratified the treaty, bringing the total to 49. The agreement requires 60 ratifications to enter into force, meaning only 11 more countries need to join for the treaty to become active. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed optimism, stating:
"The treaty would soon collect its final signatories and would likely come into effect by January 2026" ([03:45]). The successful enactment of this treaty represents a significant milestone in global efforts to preserve oceanic ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin Populations Declining Rapidly in Antarctica
Recent research published in the journal Nature raises alarms about the rapid decline of emperor penguin populations in Antarctica. Utilizing satellite tracking data spanning from 2009 to 2024, scientists have observed a startling decrease of over 20% in these iconic birds' numbers.
Korva Coleman reports:
"Researchers say that the number of emperor penguins in Antarctica may be declining faster than feared" ([04:27]). The findings suggest that factors such as habitat loss due to climate change and reduced sea ice are significantly impacting penguin survival rates. This decline not only threatens the species but also serves as an indicator of broader changes occurring within Antarctic ecosystems.
The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to address the environmental challenges facing these and other vulnerable species in polar regions ([04:27]).
This summary encapsulates the primary news topics covered in the June 11, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events shaping the national and global landscape.