NPR News Now: Comprehensive Summary of June 11, 2025, 8PM EDT Episode
Released on June 12, 2025
Southern California Mayors Demand Halt to Increased Immigration Raids
Host: Jack Spear [00:20]
Dozens of Southern California mayors, alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, vocally urged the Trump administration to cease the escalation of immigration raids. They also called for the withdrawal of military troops that have been deployed in support of immigration enforcement agents. The mayors argue that the presence of thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines has only intensified tensions within the region.
Chloe Veltman [00:45]:
"When you raid Home Depots and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you run armored caravans through our streets, you're not trying to keep anyone safe. You're trying to cause fear and panic."
The episode highlights that an 8 PM to 6 AM curfew has been imposed in downtown Los Angeles for the second consecutive night. While numerous demonstrators were arrested last night, the majority of these arrests were due to curfew violations rather than participation in protests.
President Trump's Stance on National Guard Deployment and Environmental Policies
Jack Spear [00:57]:
At an event held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, President Trump asserted that without the deployment of the National Guard, "Louisiana would be burning to the ground." This remark underscores his administration's justification for increased military involvement in immigration enforcement.
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration announced plans to repeal existing limits on greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's fossil fuel power plants. NPR's Jeff Brady reports that this move is part of Trump's broader strategy to bolster domestic coal, oil, and gas industries.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin [01:28]:
"Electricity generating power plants are the second largest source of greenhouse gases in the US behind transportation. Still, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says it's possible to protect both the environment and the economy. Rest assured, President Trump is the biggest supporter of clean, beautiful coal."
Despite these assertions, environmental advocate Meredith Hankins counters:
Meredith Hankins [01:58]:
"If U.S. power plants were a country, their carbon emissions would be sixth globally. If that's not significant, I'm not sure what it is."
Hankins anticipates that the EPA's proposed repeal of emission limits will face legal challenges. Lee Zeldin maintains that the EPA's conclusion deems greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-fired power plants as not significantly contributing to dangerous air pollution.
Reconstitution of the CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee
Jack Spear [02:13]:
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed eight new members to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vaccine Advisory Committee, replacing the previous panel in a move seen as controversial.
Ping Wang [02:26]:
The newly formed committee features individuals known for their critiques of government COVID-19 policies. Members include Martin Koldorff, an opponent of lockdown measures, and Dr. Robert Malone, who propagated unfounded claims regarding the dangers of COVID vaccines. Vicki Pebsworth represents the National Vaccine Information Center, a group that cautions against vaccine risks. Notably, Dr. Cody Meissner is the sole returning member, although he has a history of declaring conflicts of interest—12 instances between 2008 and 2012—during his previous tenure. The CDC's advisory committee plays a crucial role in shaping vaccine deployment strategies to prevent disease and promote public health.
Economic Updates: Stock Market and Corporate Moves
Jack Spear [03:10]:
Wall Street witnessed a downturn as stocks closed lower on the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by one point, while the NASDAQ fell by 99 points, reflecting investor concerns amid ongoing political and environmental uncertainties.
In corporate news, Walt Disney has agreed to acquire Comcast NBCUniversal's nearly $439 million stake in Hulu, thereby gaining full control over the streaming platform. This acquisition follows Disney's initial investment of a 33% stake in Hulu back in 2023, positioning the company to bolster its streaming dominance.
Tribute to Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Founder
Jack Spear [03:10] & Chloe Veltman [03:48]:
The music world mourns the loss of Brian Wilson, the iconic founder, songwriter, and producer of the Beach Boys, who passed away at the age of 82. Chloe Veltman reflects on Wilson's profound impact on American music, particularly highlighting his groundbreaking work on the 1966 album Pet Sounds. Created during a tumultuous period marked by Wilson's personal struggles with hallucinations and depression, Pet Sounds is celebrated as a masterpiece that elevated pop music to new artistic heights.
Chloe Veltman [03:48]:
"Brian Wilson was a California boy who became famous singing about California girls. I wish they all could be California. But it was the 1966 album Pet Sounds, produced when Wilson was suffering from hallucinations and depression, that sealed his reputation as a musical mastermind."
Renowned singer Linda Ronstadt remarked in 2020, "Brian Wilson is a genius," underscoring his lasting legacy in the music industry.
Special Features and Announcements
Jack Spear [04:32]:
For enthusiasts and collectors, Heritage Auctions is hosting a sale on July 15th featuring some of Hollywood's most iconic props. Items include the rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, Macaulay Culkin's snow hat from Home Alone, and the whip used by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Additionally, fans can bid on a filming miniature of Luke Skywalker's X-Wing starfighter and lightsabers used by Obi-Wan Kenobi.
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of pressing political developments, environmental policy changes, significant corporate acquisitions, and heartfelt tributes to influential figures in the music industry. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, the program provided listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events shaping the nation and beyond.