NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 17, 2025, Episode

Released: June 17, 2025 | Hosted by Korva Coleman

1. Federal Appeals Court Reviews Trump's Deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles

Korva Coleman introduced the segment:
A federal appeals court will hear arguments today on President Trump's decision to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. [00:17]

Marisa Lagos, reporting from Washington, detailed the legal battle:
Last week, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer sided with California, ruling that the president acted illegally when he activated 4,000 National Guard troops without consulting Governor Gavin Newsom. Breyer ordered Trump to return control of the Guard to the governor. [00:30]

However, Marisa Lagos continued:
Within hours of that decision, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Breyer's ruling and scheduled today's noon hearing. The appeals court panel includes two Trump appointees and one judge appointed by former President Joe Biden. They'll consider whether the temporary restraining order was warranted. [00:45]

2. NAACP Excludes President Trump from National Convention

Korva Coleman reported on the historic snub:
The NAACP is not inviting President Trump to its national convention next month. He's the first sitting US President not asked to attend in the civil rights organization's 116-year history. [01:07]

Kristen Wright provided further insights:
In a statement, a White House spokesman criticized the NAACP as "advancing hate and division" while President Trump is focused on, quoting, "uniting our country and improving our economy." The spokesman also mentioned that this vision is supported by many black Americans in Trump's reelection campaign. [01:22]

The NAACP’s perspective was clear:
The group's president stated that Trump isn't invited because he's "attacking our democracy and civil rights and signed unconstitutional executive orders to oppress voters and undo federal civil rights protections." [01:22]

Kristen Wright added historical context:
The NAACP has welcomed both Democratic and Republican presidents to speak at its annual convention, including President Ronald Reagan and President George W. Bush following Hurricane Katrina. Notably, after declining previous invitations, Trump also declined the NAACP's invitations to speak during his first term. [01:35]

3. Opioid Settlement with Purdue Pharma Faces Criticism

Korva Coleman introduced the topic:
Legal experts say a federal bankruptcy court is likely to approve a new $7.4 billion opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family. But NPR's Brian Mann reports some critics say the deal does not offer enough compensation to opioid victims. [02:09]

Brian Mann explained the settlement details:
All 50 states and US territories have now signed off on a deal that would direct most of the payout to governments for spending on addiction treatment and health programs. Only about $850 million will go to individuals addicted to Purdue Pharma's OxyContin or to families who lost loved ones to overdose. [02:25]

Personal impact was highlighted by Ryan Hampton:
"And for $3,500 to be a paycheck to absolve Purdue's role in destroying my life is a meaningless gesture. But at this point, I'm ready to put this behind me." [02:50]

Brian Mann concluded:
Parties negotiating final details of the settlement will be back in federal bankruptcy court this week. [03:01]

4. OSHA to Hear Public Comments on Heat Protection for Workers

Korva Coleman reported on workplace safety:
For the next two weeks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is hearing public comment about heat. OSHA proposed a rule to protect workers from heat last year. Ben NPR's Alejandra Barunda provides more. [03:08]

Alejandra Barunda outlined the background:
The first time someone suggested OSHA make a rule protecting workers from heat was about 50 years ago. But as climate change makes heat more dangerous, the agency took note. In 2021, it started working on a rule. [03:30]

Juanita Constable, a heat policy expert from the Natural Resources Defense Council, explained:
"The rule would provide basic protections for workers that they should be getting anyways: water, rest, shade, training, emergency response procedures." [03:47]

Alejandra Barunda discussed the controversy:
The rule has garnered opposition from industries like construction and support from workers' rights groups. Whether it will move forward after the public comment is uncertain. President Trump has said he aims to remove 10 regulations for every new one implemented. [03:58]

5. Historic No-Hitter Thrown at the College World Series

Korva Coleman announced the sports highlight:
The College World Series has its first no-hitter in 65 years. And as NPR's Giles Snyder reports, it's only the third in the tournament's history. [04:13]

Giles Snyder detailed the achievement:
Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood is now part of an exclusive group. He is only the third pitcher to throw a no-hitter in CWS history. The others are Oklahoma State's Jim Wixon in 1960 and Texas's Jim Ehler in 1950. Wood threw 119 pitches in the game against Murray State, 83 of them for strikes in a 3 to nothing elimination game victory. [04:23]

Korva Coleman concluded the sports segment:
On Wall Street, the Dow is down nearly 100 points. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, in Washington. [04:45]

This summary provides an overview of the key news topics covered in the June 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, ensuring clarity and comprehensive coverage for those who have not listened to the podcast.