NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 06-13-2025 1AM EDT
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Shae Stevens
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Israeli Airstrikes Target Iran

[00:18] Shae Stevens:
Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes across Iran early Friday, reportedly killing Iranian Revolutionary Armed Guard commander Effie Defron. An unnamed spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “The IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe” [00:39].

[00:51] Shae Stevens:
In response to the airstrikes, Israel's Defense Minister declared a special state of emergency and advised residents to brace for potential retaliation from Iran. Concurrently, the Palestinian Telecommunications Authority reported that Gaza’s last main fiber route was targeted in Israeli airstrikes, further isolating the region.

2. Communications Blackout in Gaza

[00:51] Shae Stevens:
Aya Petrari from NPR details the severe communications blackout in Gaza, affecting its 2 million residents.

[01:07] Aya Petrari:
“This isn't the first time in the war that Gaza's 2 million people have been cut off from the outside world and from one another. The last time was nine months ago.” The current blackout, which began Tuesday in northern Gaza and has since spread across the enclave, is disrupting humanitarian operations and emergency responses. Aid groups highlight that residents cannot call for help during airstrikes, and rescue teams face challenges in coordinating efforts. Additionally, online evacuation orders and food distribution updates are inaccessible to those in affected areas.

3. Homeland Security Press Event Incident

[01:50] Shae Stevens:
A tense scene unfolded at a press event hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles when Democratic Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed after questioning Noem about the deployment of US Marines and National Guard members in LA.

[02:09] Joshua Yeager (KVPR):
“More Homeland Security officers tackled Padilla to the ground before handcuffing and removing him from the press event.”

[02:26] Unnamed Commentator:
“If they'll do that to Alex Padilla, then what will they do to a farm worker in the field or someone else in a garment factory who is trying to assert their rights or express themselves?”

[02:39] Joshua Yeager:
In defense of her actions, Noem accused Padilla of “disrespectful political theater.” California Senator Adam Schiff criticized the incident, emphasizing Padilla’s role in performing essential oversight duties.

4. Legal Battle Over California National Guard

[02:49] Shae Stevens:
An appeals court has ruled that former President Trump may retain control over thousands of California National Guard members pending a hearing next week. This temporary decision suspends a lower court order that required Trump to relinquish control by noon Friday. The activation of these Guard members was in response to anti-immigration protests, against the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom.

5. House Votes to Repeal D.C. Sanctuary City Law

[02:49] Shae Stevens:
In a significant legislative move, eleven Democrats in the U.S. House joined Republicans to vote for the repeal of Washington, D.C.’s sanctuary city law. The repealed bill mandated that D.C. officials cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

6. Natural Disasters: Flooding in Texas and Wildfires in the Northwest

[02:49] Shae Stevens:
Severe weather has wreaked havoc in multiple regions. In San Antonio, Texas, massive flooding has resulted in at least five deaths and left two people missing. Emergency crews conducted numerous water rescues as heavy rains caused roads to wash out and vehicles to be swept away or trapped.

[03:58] Anna King (Northwest Public Broadcasting):
Wildfires are simultaneously burning thousands of acres in the Columbia River Gorge. In Oregon, the Rowena Fire continues to expand, while multiple smaller fires are impeding travel and safety on the Washington side.

[04:16] Phyllis Baxter:
Faced with the wildfires, Phyllis Baxter and her daughter were forced to turn back twice while attempting to reach eastern Washington. “No, we cannot get to where we want to go,” Baxter stated, describing the frustration of being unable to navigate safely due to the fires. The ordeal took them 10 hours to return home.

7. Air India Plane Crash in Western India

[04:35] Shae Stevens:
Tragedy struck as a London-bound Air India flight crashed in Western India, resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 242 people on board. Additionally, an undetermined number of individuals were killed on the ground when the aircraft impacted a medical college shortly after takeoff.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed IDF Spokesperson [00:39]: “The IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe.”

• Phyllis Baxter [04:16]: “No, we cannot get to where we want to go.”

• Unnamed Commentator [02:26]: “If they'll do that to Alex Padilla, then what will they do to a farm worker in the field or someone else in a garment factory who is trying to assert their rights or express themselves?”

Conclusion:

This episode of NPR News Now covered a wide range of critical issues, from international conflicts and domestic political tensions to natural disasters and tragic accidents. The detailed reporting provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of the events shaping the world on June 13, 2025.