NPR News: 06-12-2025 12AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on June 12, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: June 12, 2025

---

1. Ongoing Immigration Protests and Mass Deportations

Downtown Los Angeles Curfew and Protests

In downtown Los Angeles, a curfew has been enforced for the second consecutive night due to persistent immigration protests. These demonstrations are part of the wider unrest surrounding the Trump administration's ongoing mass deportation efforts.

Trump Administration’s Stance

President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to executing "the largest mass deportation campaign in American history." Speaking on this issue, Trump stated:

"Black [left-wing] riots will not deter me in that effort. Sanctuary cities and states will no longer be allowed to shield illegal criminals from deportation."
[00:41]

Deployment of National Guard and Military Personnel

Press Secretary Caroline Levitt addressed the situation by announcing the deployment of National Guard and military personnel to Los Angeles, emphasizing that this move serves as a "message to people who are trying to stop the effort." Additionally, Levitt mentioned that boxes containing masks and writing equipment have been delivered to the protests, hinting—without evidence—that protesters may be receiving external funding.

Protests in Spokane, Washington

Similar tensions are evident in Spokane, where police deployed tear gas to disperse a crowd gathered for an ICE protest. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has defended the city's actions, asserting:

"The city upholds the First Amendment right to free speech and public assembly."
[00:56]

To maintain order, Mayor Brown has also imposed a curfew from 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM.

---

2. Federal Court Ruling on Legal Services for Separated Families

Background of the Settlement

A significant development has emerged from a federal court ruling mandating the Justice Department (DOJ) to reinstate legal services for families that were separated at the U.S. southern border. This follows a 2023 settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Biden administration, which required the federal government to provide these essential legal services.

DOJ’s Breach of Settlement

Mark Bettencourt of the California Newsroom reported that approximately three months after President Trump took office, the DOJ terminated its contract with Acacia Center for Justice, the organization responsible for delivering these legal services. This termination constitutes a breach of the 2023 settlement agreement.

Impact and Response

A federal judge has now ruled that the DOJ's actions were in violation of the settlement. Sarah Van Hofwegen from Acacia expressed relief but noted the challenges ahead:

"It's going to take time for the legal service providers to rehire staff that they had to lay off and to regain contact with class members who had their services stopped suddenly."
[01:57]

The DOJ has declined to comment on the court's decision. For continued coverage, Mark Bettencourt provided updates from NPR.

---

3. Potential Release of Mahmoud Khalil from Federal Custody

Background on Mahmoud Khalil’s Detention

Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, has been detained by ICE agents in rural Louisiana for the past three months. His detention is part of broader efforts under President Trump's administration targeting student protesters.

Legal Proceedings and Free Speech Concerns

Khalil's legal team has argued that Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to deport him due to his pro-Palestinian activism infringes upon his constitutional right to free speech. Judge Michael Tharbiars has ruled that Khalil is likely to succeed in this legal challenge, leading to a significant court decision that the government cannot maintain Khalil’s detention under the current circumstances.

Adrian Florido of NPR reported:

"Because of that, the judge has now ruled that the government cannot keep Khalil detained. But he gave the government until Friday to appeal, so it's not clear when Khalil might be released. Nonetheless, a huge victory for Khalil."
[02:30]

The outcome represents a substantial triumph for Khalil, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies and individual rights.

---

4. Health and Environmental Policy Shifts

Changes in Vaccine Policy Advisers

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the CDC panel that was dismissed last week. The new appointments include critics of COVID-19 vaccines and officials linked to vaccine misinformation, signaling a potential shift in federal health strategies.

EPA’s Consideration to Repeal Pollution Restrictions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently evaluating the repeal of Biden-era restrictions aiming to reduce pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants. The proposed changes would relax requirements for lowering emissions of toxic pollutants, which have been associated with heart problems.

Former President Biden had initially introduced tighter emissions regulations to combat industrial pollution, particularly affecting low-income and minority communities. The EPA's move has sparked concern among environmentalists and public health advocates about the potential impact on vulnerable populations.

---

5. Passing of Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Co-Founder

Tribute to a Musical Icon

Brian Wilson, the co-founder, songwriter, and producer of the Beach Boys, passed away at the age of 82. His contributions left an indelible mark on American pop music, with his innovative work on the 1966 album Pet Sounds securing his reputation as a musical mastermind.

Reflections from Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt, a fellow rock star, shared her admiration for Wilson's genius and the uplifting nature of his music:

"I wish they all could be California girls."
[04:14]

She further commented:

"Wouldn't it be nice if we were older than that?"
[04:35]

Legacy and Later Years

In his later years, Wilson continued to influence the music scene through projects like a reunion album and tour with the Beach Boys, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in shaping the sound of American pop music.

Chloe Veltman of NPR provided these insights, highlighting the profound impact Brian Wilson had on both his contemporaries and future generations of musicians.

---

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments featured in the June 12, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's significant news events.

Transcript

[KeyBank Representative]

This message comes from KeyBank. They Stay ahead of industry trends so you can overcome obstacles before you know you have them. Bring on your business challenges. KeyBank opens doors. Learn [e-mail] B2B.

[Shea Stevens]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. For a second straight night, a curfew is in effect in downtown Los Angeles as protests over immigration sweeps continue. White House officials say the Trump administration's mass deportations will continue. And Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the deployment of National Guard and military personnel to Los Angeles is a message to people who are trying to stop the effort.

[Donald Trump]

President Trump promised to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in American history, and left wing riots will not deter him in that effort. Sanctuary cities and states will no longer be allowed to shield illegal criminals from deportation.

[Shea Stevens]

Levitt says boxes of masks and writing equipment have been dropped off at the demonstrations, suggesting without proof that the protesters are being paid. In Spokane, Washington, police have fired tear gas to disperse a crowd at an ICE protest there. Mayor Lisa Brown says the city upholds the First Amendment right to free speech and public assembly. She's also issued a 9:30pm to 5am curfew. Immigrant advocates are hailing a federal court ruling requiring the Justice Department to reinstate legal services to families separated at the southern US Border. Mark Bettencourt with the California Newsroom has the story.

[Mark Bettencourt]

A the 2023 settlement between the ACLU and the Biden administration required the federal government to provide legal services to families separated at the border during Trump's first term. But about three months after Trump took office this year, the DOJ ended its contract with Acacia center for justice to provide those services. Now a federal judge has ruled that breach the settlement. Acacia's Sarah Van Hofwegen says she's relieved, but it's just one step.

[Sarah Van Hofwegen]

It's going to take time for the legal service providers to to rehire staff that they had to lay off and to regain contact with class members who had their services stopped suddenly.

[Mark Bettencourt]

The DOJ declined to comment on the decision. For NPR News, I'm Mark Bettencourt.

[Shea Stevens]

A federal judge says he could order Mahmoud Khalil released from federal custody as soon as this week. The State Department is trying to deport the former Columbia University grad student over his Pro Palestinian activism. NPR's Adrian Florido reports.

[Adrian Florido]

Khalil's lawyers have been arguing that Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to deport Khalil because of his activism was an unconstitutional violation of his right to free speech. Last month, Judge Michael Tharbiars ruled that Khalil is likely to prevail in court on that argument. And because of that, the judge has now ruled that the government cannot keep Khalil detained. But he gave the government until Friday to appeal, so it's not clear when Khalil might be released. Nonetheless, a huge victory for Khalil. He's been at a detention center in rural Louisiana since ICE agents arrested him in New York three months ago as part of President Trump's crackdown on student protesters. Adrienne florido, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

U.S. futures are lower in after hours trading. This is NPR. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Has named eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the CDC panel that he fired last week. The new advisers include COVID vaccine critics and a nursing association official who's linked to vaccine misinformation. The Environmental Protection Agency is considering a repeal of Biden era restrictions on pollution from coal and gas fired power plants. The agency also has proposed an easing of a requirement that power plants lower emissions of toxic pollutants linked to heart problems. Former President Biden proposed the tighter emissions rules to address industrial pollution in mostly low income and minority communities. Beach Boys co founder, songwriter and producer Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. NPR's Chloe Beltman reports that Wilson left an indelible mark on American pop music.

[Chloe Veltman]

Brian Wilson was a California boy who became famous singing about California girls.

[Linda Ronstadt]

I wish they all could be California girls.

[Chloe Veltman]

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. As fellow rock star Linda Ronstadt told NPR in 2020, it was a revelation.

Brian Wilson is a genius. I love his music. It cheered me up.

[Linda Ronstadt]

Wouldn't it be nice if we were older than that?

[Chloe Veltman]

In his later years, Wilson's musical projects included a reunion album and tour with the Beach Boys. Chloe Veltman, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

This is npr.

[KeyBank Representative]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less and all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch.