NPR News Now: Episode Summary – June 12, 2025

Release Date: June 12, 2025

1. Protests Against Federal Immigration Authorities

Spokane, Washington:
In the early hours of Wednesday, over 30 individuals were arrested during a protest in Spokane opposing federal immigration actions. The demonstration occurred outside a facility where immigration authorities were detaining two men slated for transfer to an ICE detention center in western Washington. According to Doug Nadvornick of Spokane Public Radio, the situation escalated when protesters conducted a sit-in near the vehicle intended for the detainees, leading to vandalism of the vehicle.

Key Developments:

• Police Reaction: Officers issued warnings for the protesters to disperse. When compliance was not forthcoming, authorities deployed smoke canisters to encourage dispersal, resulting in arrests for those who remained. (Timestamp: 00:35)
• Curfew Implementation: Mayor Lisa Brown responded by declaring a curfew in downtown Spokane, which helped dissipate the crowd within a few hours.
• Link to Larger Movement: This incident preceded a planned protest in a nearby park, indicating a broader movement against federal immigration policies.

2. Anti-ICE Protests and Curfew in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California:
Protests against federal immigration enforcement have surged across multiple U.S. cities for the second consecutive night. In Los Angeles, the downtown area witnessed hundreds of arrests over recent days, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to enforce a strict curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM starting Tuesday.

Notable Insights:

• Mayor Karen Bass: Affirmed the continuation of the curfew, noting significant police action on the first night, where "dozens were taken in by police." (Timestamp: 01:35)
• Police Statement: An unnamed official highlighted that over 100 arrests were made, primarily for "failure to disperse" and "curfew violations," rather than for looting or vandalism. The intent was to send a clear message of enforcement seriousness. (Timestamp: 01:45)
• Legal Proceedings: Of those arrested, four individuals face charges: two for assaulting a federal officer during confrontations and two for using Molotov cocktails. (Timestamp: 01:59)
• Reporter: Steve Futterman provided detailed coverage from Los Angeles.

3. Treasury Secretary Defends Trade Policies in Congressional Hearing

Trade and Economic Policies:
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee to defend the Trump administration's trade and economic strategies. He discussed the possibility of extending the 90-day pause on higher tariffs imposed on key U.S. trading partners.

Key Points:

• Bessant’s Statement: "There are 18 important trading partners. We are working toward deals on those, and it is highly likely that those countries that are negotiating or trading blocks, as in the case of the EU who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue the good faith negotiations." (Timestamp: 02:34)
• Current Agreements: The White House has a formal trade agreement with the United Kingdom and a framework in place for negotiations with China.
• Market Reaction: Following the hearing and related economic news, U.S. futures declined in after-hours trading, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipping slightly due to losses in Asian markets.

4. Environmental Policy Shifts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA's Regulatory Changes:
The Environmental Protection Agency is contemplating the repeal of stringent pollution controls established during the Biden administration. The proposed changes target coal and gas-fired power plants, aiming to ease requirements for reducing emissions of toxic pollutants linked to health issues such as heart problems.

Context and Impact:

• Community Concerns: Former President Biden had instituted tighter emissions standards to mitigate industrial pollution, particularly impacting low-income and minority communities.
• Current Proposal: The EPA’s move suggests a shift towards less restrictive environmental regulations, a response to changing administrative priorities.

5. Labor Department Reports on Inflation

Economic Indicators:
The Labor Department released data indicating a slight increase in consumer prices for May. Inflation rose by less than the anticipated 0.1%, marking a modest uptick.

Detailed Insights by Scott Horsley:

• Monthly Inflation: "Consumer prices rose just 1/10 of 1% between April and May, despite sweeping tariffs on nearly everything the U.S. imports. Imports. Falling gasoline prices helped offset the rising cost of rent and groceries last month." (Timestamp: 03:54)
• Annual Perspective: Over the past year, consumer prices have increased by 2.4%, a marginal rise compared to the previous month when excluding volatile food and energy prices, the core inflation rate stands at 2.8%.
• Federal Reserve Outlook: Despite these inflation figures, the Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates in the upcoming meeting, countering President Trump's calls for a rate reduction. An unnamed Fed official expressed concerns that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration might reignite inflationary pressures in the future. (Timestamp: 04:27)

6. UK Economy and Trade with the United States

Economic Downturn:
The United Kingdom experienced a contraction in its economy, shrinking by 0.3% in the last month following growth in the first quarter. The UK Office for National Statistics reported a significant decline in exports to the United States, dropping approximately $2.7 billion in April—the largest monthly decrease on record.

Implications:

• Trade Relations: This sharp reduction in exports underscores potential challenges in UK-US trade relations, possibly influenced by evolving economic policies and global market dynamics.
• Broader Economic Impact: The contraction reflects broader challenges within the UK economy, potentially signaling the need for strategic policy adjustments to stimulate growth and stabilize trade.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, including civil unrest related to immigration policies, economic strategies and their repercussions, shifts in environmental regulations, and critical economic indicators affecting both the U.S. and the UK. Through detailed reporting and authoritative quotes, the episode equips listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current socio-political and economic landscape.