NPR News Now: June 12, 2025, 3PM EDT

Hosted by NPR

1. Tragic Plane Crash in Ahmedabad, India

Timestamp: [00:01]

NPR's Lakshmi Singh opens the episode with heartbreaking news of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, a northwest town in India. The emergency response efforts are ongoing into the night as local authorities confirm at least one survivor—possibly the sole survivor—from the tragic incident.

• Casualties: Over 240 people on board were lost, including nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
• Impact on Ground: The Boeing aircraft tragically hit a doctor's hostel shortly after takeoff, resulting in fatalities on the ground as well.
• Destination: The flight was en route to London's Gatwick Airport.
• Aftermath: Relatives and friends are grieving and gathering at the crash site.

2. Rising Tensions Between the US and Iran

Timestamp: [00:01] - [02:25]

Host: Michelle Keleman reports on the escalating geopolitical tensions involving President Donald Trump and Iran.

• Diplomatic Efforts: President Trump expresses a preference for a diplomatic agreement with Iran over an Israeli military strike targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

  Donald Trump [01:09]: "There's a chance of massive conflict. We have a lot of American people in this area and I said we got to tell them to get out because something could happen soon."

• Potential Agreement: The President believes he's nearing a "pretty good agreement" with Iran, with his envoy scheduled to visit Oman for further discussions.

• Military Precautions: Amid rising tensions, the State Department is reducing the US mission footprint in Iraq. Notably, while staffing remains steady in Bahrain and Kuwait, CENTCOM has approved the withdrawal of military dependents throughout the Middle East.

• Strategic Downsizing: This move includes pulling family members of American servicemen and women and scaling back diplomatic presence in the region.

3. Blockade of California's Emission Regulations

Timestamp: [01:51] - [02:53]

Host: Lakshmi Singh discusses President Trump's recent actions against California's progressive automotive emission standards.

• Government Action: President Trump signed measures to block California's rule that aimed to end the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle state-level regulations targeting car emissions.

  Donald Trump [02:25]: "We officially rescue the US Auto industry from destruction by terminating California electric vehicle mandate once and for all."

• Additional Measures: Alongside the California rule, Trump also signed measures halting state rules that restrict diesel vehicles and other emission standards adopted by 17 states.

• Political Tensions: These legislative changes come amidst Trump's public conflicts with California Governor Gavin Newsom. In response to protests against his immigration policies, Trump has deployed the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, a move opposed by Newsom.

4. EPA's Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits

Timestamp: [02:53] - [03:29]

Host: Lakshmi Singh reports on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest decision affecting climate policy.

• Policy Reversal: The EPA announced plans to repeal existing rules that cap greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas-powered plants.

• Implications: If finalized, there will be no regulatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions for both existing coal-fired power plants and new natural gas facilities.

  Jeff Brady [03:12]: "If this rule is finalized, there will be no limits on greenhouse gases for existing coal-fired power plants and new gas-fired ones."

• Administration's Stance: This repeal aligns with President Trump's strategy to pivot away from the climate policies of the previous Biden administration and focus on increasing the exploitation of domestic fossil fuel resources.

5. Impact of President Trump's Tariffs on Drug Supply and Quality

Timestamp: [03:29] - [04:31]

Host: Scott Macioni delves into the consequences of Trump's tariff policies on the pharmaceutical industry.

• Research Findings: Johns Hopkins University researchers warn that tariffs imposed on countries like China and India could force drug manufacturers to compromise on quality to maintain profitability.

  Mariana Socal [03:56]: "So one of the problems of tariffs on generic products is not necessarily high prices, which could also happen, but also manufacturing quality problems from the possibility that manufacturers may want to cut corners."

• Potential Outcomes: Reduced quality standards could lead to factory closures due to inferior products, disrupting the drug supply chain.

• Market Response: In anticipation of these tariffs, US drug distributors have been stockpiling brand-name medications from overseas. Notably, imports from Ireland—a hub for many pharmaceutical companies—increased fivefold since the tariffs were proposed in March.

6. Financial Markets Update

Timestamp: [04:31]

Lakshmi Singh provides a brief overview of the stock market's performance:

• Dow Jones: Increased by 93 points.
• Nasdaq: Rose by 46 points.
• S&P 500: Climbed 20 points.

NPR News Now provides timely updates on the latest national and international news, ensuring listeners stay informed in just five minutes.