NPR News Now: June 13, 2025, 2 PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh

International Tensions Escalate: Israeli Strikes on Iran

At 00:17, Lakshmi Singh reports escalating tensions in the Middle East as Israeli military forces conducted strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. This action follows a revelation by UN nuclear inspectors that Iran was non-compliant with a non-proliferation agreement. The attacks resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian officials and scientists, heightening fears of a potential full-scale war. “The strikes and the deaths of top Iranian officials and scientists raised the prospect of an all-out war,” Singh explains, highlighting the gravity of the situation and its implications for regional stability.

Tragic Air India Dreamliner Crash: Survivor and Investigation Insights

Tragedy struck early in India as an Air India Boeing Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all but one passenger. At 01:12, NPR’s Hadid details the aftermath, mentioning that the lone survivor, British national Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, was seen emerging from the wreckage and is currently receiving medical treatment. “The passenger in seat 11A escaped from the emergency exit after the plane hit the medical college in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad,” Hadid reports, providing a poignant glimpse into the disaster.

Investigations are underway with assistance from U.S. and U.K. authorities. However, aviation experts express concerns over transparency within the industry. One expert told NPR, “there’s a culture of secrecy in the aviation industry, so problems aren’t always disclosed when they happen.” Another expert added that the crash might have been exacerbated by development around airports that violates safety regulations, although Indian regulators have yet to respond to these allegations.

U.S. Domestic Unrest: Immigration Enforcement and Legislative Actions

Military Deployment in Los Angeles: In response to a week of protests concerning federal immigration enforcement, approximately 200 Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles. At 01:59, Lakshmi Singh reports on Major General Scott Sherman’s statement:

“As of today, we have had no soldiers or Marine detain anyone. They have watched federal law enforcement arrest personnel as they were protecting. They have not had to detain anyone at this point.”
This deployment includes thousands of National Guard troops aimed at maintaining order amidst the ongoing demonstrations.

Federal Immigration Sweeps Criticized: Meanwhile, the United Farm Workers' president, Teresa Romero, voiced strong opposition to federal agents conducting sweeps across California farms in search of migrants. At 02:28, Romero stated:

“They see people of color, see brown people. They’re just taking them. We don’t know who they are. They don’t know why. They don’t have a search warrant.”
She emphasized the necessity for lawful procedures, asserting: “That’s not constitutional. That’s not who we are as a country.”

Judicial Pushback on Executive Orders: The Trump administration faces legal challenges as a second federal judge, Denise Casper, has issued a preliminary injunction blocking key components of President Trump's executive order on voting. Announced at 03:04, the injunction targets requirements for proof of citizenship during voter registration and seeks to end mail ballot grace periods. This judicial action underscores the ongoing debates over voting rights and electoral integrity in the United States.

Natural Disasters and Climate Impact: San Antonio Flash Floods

At 03:47, Rebecca Hersh reports on devastating flash floods in San Antonio that resulted in at least five fatalities. The floods were triggered by torrential rains, with up to six inches of precipitation falling within three hours. Hersh explains:

“That’s a massive amount of water in a very short period of time, too much water for the ground to soak it up.”
The intense rainfall led to swift and deadly floods, sweeping cars from interstate access ramps. Experts link the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events to climate change, noting that: “A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture air... heavy rainstorms are dumping about 20% more water than they were in the 1950s,”
According to the National Climate Assessment, these conditions make flash floods among the most lethal weather-related disasters in the U.S.

Economic Developments: Funding Rescissions and Stock Market Decline

Lakshmi Singh provides updates on impending U.S. legislative actions and economic indicators. At 04:26, she mentions that the U.S. Senate is expected to consider legislation aimed at rescinding $9.4 billion in congressionally approved funding next month. This follows the House Republicans' recent approval of a rescission package, which includes:

• Over $8 billion cut from international aid
• Approximately $1 billion removed from public media outlets

Additionally, U.S. stock markets are experiencing declines, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by more than 600 points, or 1.5%, signaling investor concerns amid the fiscal adjustments.

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of pressing international conflicts, domestic policy challenges, natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, and significant economic developments. Through insightful reporting and direct quotes from key figures, listeners gain a clear understanding of the complexities shaping today's world.