NPR News: 06-12-2025 2AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Episode Summary – June 12, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

NPR's "News Now" episode from June 12, 2025, presented by Shea Stevens, delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest national and international developments. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Texas Governor Deploys National Guard Amid ICE Protests

The episode opens with Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressing the rising tensions due to anticipated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests. In response, Abbott has moved to deploy the National Guard across multiple locations in Texas.

Greg Abbott [00:35]: "First of all, we want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas. Texas is a law and order state and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order across our state."

Abbott emphasized his support for freedom of speech while warning that any form of vandalism or criminal activity by protesters would result in arrests. This move aligns with similar actions taken in other cities, including Spokane, Washington, where the mayor has imposed a state of emergency and curfew following clashes during anti-ICE demonstrations.

2. Federal ICE Raids on California Farms Spark Outcry

Joshua Yeager from KVPR reports on federal ICE agents conducting raids on at least three California farms, targeting the state's extensive agricultural workforce. The United Farm Workers (UFW) union has voiced significant concerns over these actions.

Teresa Romero [01:48]: "It is just horrible what's happening to our people in our communities, to people who have been working in agriculture for decades, putting food on our tables, families being separated, children living in fear. It's just heartbreaking."

The raids have not only disrupted farm operations but also instilled fear among workers who have long contributed to the state's economy. Despite reaching out, ICE did not provide immediate comments on the situation.

3. US Withdraws Non-Essential Personnel from the Middle East

Shifting focus to international affairs, Shea Stevens reports that the United States is retracting non-essential staff from Iraq and other Middle Eastern regions due to potential regional unrest. This strategic withdrawal occurs as President Trump expresses skepticism regarding nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Michelle Kellerman from NPR elaborates on the developments:

Michelle Kellerman [02:25]: "The State Department says it's constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all embassies and based on the latest analysis, it decided to reduce the footprint at the mission in Iraq. Officials did not say how many US Personnel are being pulled out of Baghdad."

Additionally, similar withdrawals are being authorized from Bahrain and Kuwait, reflecting heightened tensions as diplomatic talks with Iran stall. President Trump's urging of Israel to refrain from military strikes against Iran has been met with diminishing confidence in achieving a diplomatic resolution.

4. US-China Negotiations and Fulbright Scholarship Board Resignation

The episode continues with developments in US-China relations. President Trump has announced that China will facilitate easier access for American businesses to rare earth minerals. In return, the US will cease efforts to revoke visas for Chinese students attending American institutions.

However, the negotiations remain inconclusive as neither Trump nor Chinese leader Xi Jinping has finalized an agreement, leaving the path open for ongoing trade discussions.

In a related matter, all members of the board overseeing the Fulbright Scholarship program have resigned, citing political interference that compromised the program's integrity.

Sequoyah Carrillo [03:48]: "A memo was made public by the exiting board members detailing that the Trump administration had revoked approval for scholarships for a substantial number of individuals who had already been chosen for the 2025, 2026 school year."

The Fulbright Scholarship Program, renowned for its nearly 80-year legacy of fostering international exchange, now faces uncertainty as former board members argue that political pressures undermined its apolitical foundation.

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

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens delivers the sad news of the passing of Brian Wilson, the influential singer, songwriter, and producer best known as a visionary co-founder of the Beach Boys. At 82 years old, Wilson leaves behind a legacy of iconic 1960s hits such as "California Girls," "Surfin' USA," and "Good Vibrations."

Shea Stevens [04:28]: "Wilson was the last survivor of three musical brothers who helped make up the Beach Boys. This is NPR News."

Wilson's contributions to music have left an indelible mark on American culture, and his passing marks the end of an era for the legendary band.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates significant national and international issues, from domestic responses to immigration protests and federal agency actions to pivotal international diplomatic efforts and cultural losses. Through timely reporting and poignant quotes, the summary provides listeners with a clear understanding of the current events shaping the landscape as of June 12, 2025.

Transcript

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[Shea Stevens]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. In anticipation of ICE protests, Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he's already deployed the National Guard to multiple locations around his state. The move comes amid a nighttime curfew to control anti I ICE protests in downtown Los Angeles and other cities across the nation.

[Greg Abbott]

First of all, we want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas. Texas is a law and order state and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order across our state.

[Shea Stevens]

Abbott says he supports freedom of speech, but warns that protesters who commit vandalism or some other crime will be arrested. In Spokane, Washington, the mayor has issued a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in that city's downtown area following clashes during anti ICE protests. As demonstrations against immigration sweeps in Los Angeles continue to dominate headlines, a quieter operation appears to be taking hold in California's heartland. Immigration authorities reportedly hit multiple farms this week, sparking concern among the state's large agricultural workforce. Joshua Yeager from member station KVPR has more.

[Joshua Yeager]

Federal agents targeted at least three California farms. The United Farm Workers union tells NPR some of their members witnessed the raids. Videos posted on social media also shows ICE agents chasing workers down in a field. Teresa Romero leads the United Farm Workers. She says Trump is going after the wrong people with his current immigration policies.

[Teresa Romero]

It is just horrible what's happening to our people in our communities, to people who have been working in agriculture for decades, putting food on our tables, families being separated, children living in fear. It's just heartbreaking.

[Joshua Yeager]

ICE did not immediately return NPR's comment request. For NPR News, I'm Joshua Yeager in Bakersfield, California.

[Shea Stevens]

The US Is pulling non essential staff from Iraq and other parts of the Middle east, citing the potential for regional unrest. The move comes as President Trump signals pessimism about nuclear negotiations with Iran. More from NPR's Michelle Kellerman.

[Michelle Kellerman]

The State Department says it's constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all embassies and based on the latest analysis, it decided to reduce the footprint at the mission in Iraq. Officials did not say how many US Personnel are being pulled out of Baghdad. The department is also authorizing the departure of non essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait. The military is doing the same all across the region. Tensions have been rising in recent days as talks between the US And Iran appear to falter. President Trump had been urging Israel not to strike Iran to allow for diplomacy, but he's sounding less confident about a diplomatic deal now. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

[Shea Stevens]

You're listening to npr. President Trump says China will make it easier for American businesses to gain access to rare earth minerals. In return, Trump says the US Will halt efforts to revoke visas for Chinese students attending US Colleges and universities. Neither Trump nor former China's leader Xi Jinping have signed off on a deal which clears the way for continuing trade talks between the two economic powers. The entire board overseeing the Fulbright Scholarship program resigned on Wednesday due to what they described as political interference with their operations. More from NPR's Sequoyah Carrillo.

[Sequoyah Carrillo]

A memo was made public by the exiting board members detailing that the Trump administration had revoked approval for scholarships for a substantial number of individuals who had already been chosen for the 2025, 2026 school year. The Fulbright Scholarship Program is a prestigious international exchange program dating back nearly 80 years. The former board members argue that upon inception of the program, Congress designated the board have final approval in order for it to be purposefully apolitical. However, board members are appointed by the sitting president, and the members who resigned were appointees of President Biden. Sequoia Carrillo, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

Singer, songwriter and producer Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. Wilson was the visionary co founder of the Beach Boys, best known for their 1960s hits including California Girls, Surfin USA and Good Vibrations. Wilson was the last survivor of three musical brothers who helped make up the Beach Boys. This is NPR News.

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