NPR News: 06-18-2025 11PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on June 19, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Producer: NPR

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1. Environmental Groups Challenge Trump Administration's Order on Michigan Coal Plant

Timestamp: 00:20 – 01:18

Environmental organizations are contesting an order issued by the Trump administration to keep the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant near Grand Rapids, Michigan, operational through late August. Originally scheduled to shut down in early July, the plant's extended operation aims to maintain energy reliability.

• Shea Stevens introduces the segment:
  "Environmental groups are challenging a Trump administration order to keep a Michigan coal fired power plant operating this summer." [00:20]

• Chris Wright, Energy Secretary:
  "Burning coal is more reliable than wind power." [00:49]

• Environmental Analyst:
  "When your child is born premature and you place that child in a life-saving incubator, it's not okay to say it's going to turn on when the wind starts blowing." [00:49]

Despite Wright's assertion, grid analysts report that electricity from the coal plant was unnecessary for maintaining power stability. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and Earthjustice, argue that Wright lacks the authority to override local grid decisions and are considering legal action. They urge the Energy Department to revoke the order.

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2. President Trump's Stance on Potential Strikes Against Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Timestamp: 01:18 – 02:12

President Donald Trump has yet to announce any decision regarding potential U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Earlier today, he convened his national security team in the Situation Room to deliberate on the matter.

• Franco Ordonez, NPR News:
  "President Trump says he has some ideas about what to do about Iran's nuclear sites that are hidden deep inside a mountain, but that he likes to make decisions just before they're due because things change, especially with war." [01:31]

• President Trump:
  "We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it." [01:46]

• Trump further states:
  "I'm not looking to fight, but if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do." [01:55]

Trump emphasizes that the core objective is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also mentioned that Iran has shown willingness to engage in talks, even offering to meet at the White House, though he remains skeptical about the timing.

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3. Housing Market Slump Amid Economic Uncertainty

Timestamp: 02:12 – 03:07

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a downturn, influenced by economic uncertainties and high mortgage rates. Recent data indicates a significant decline in housing starts and builder confidence.

• Shea Stevens:
  "The White House home building is in a slump amid economic uncertainty and high mortgage rates." [02:12]

• Laura Wamsley, NPR News:
  "Housing starts dropped nearly 10% in May. The drop off was concentrated in buildings with five or more units, which declined 30% compared to a month earlier." [02:25]

While single-family home permits and starts saw a slight increase, overall builder confidence is waning. A Wells Fargo and National Association of Homebuilders survey revealed a two-point drop in confidence among single-family homebuilders, reaching one of the lowest levels since 2012. Additionally, many markets are facing an imbalance with more homes available for sale than there are buyers.

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4. Wall Street Update

Timestamp: 03:07 – 04:11

The stock market exhibited mixed results in the latest trading session.

• Shea Stevens reports:
  "On Wall Street, stocks closed mixed today with the Dow Jones Industrials losing 44 points. The NASDAQ gained 25." [03:07]

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5. State Department Resumes Student Visa Applications with New Social Media Restrictions

Timestamp: 03:07 – 04:11

The U.S. State Department has reopened the application process for student visas. However, applicants are now required to either unlock their social media accounts or submit for reviews if their accounts contain content deemed hostile to the United States by the Trump administration.

• Shea Stevens:
  "The State Department has resumed the process of taking applications for student visas, but the department says that all applicants must unlock their social media accounts or review and consular offices must keep an eye out for posts and messages that the Trump administration deems hostile to the United States." [03:07]

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6. Supreme Court Allows Nuclear Waste Storage in Texas

Timestamp: 03:07 – 04:11

In a significant reversal, the Supreme Court has temporarily authorized nuclear waste storage in rural areas of Texas and New Mexico. This decision overturns a previous appeals court ruling that had invalidated a private company's license to operate a nuclear facility in southwest Texas.

• Shea Stevens:
  "The Supreme Court is temporarily allowing nuclear waste storage in rural Texas rather and New Mexico. The decision reverses an appeals court decision that invalidated a private company's license to operate a nuclear facility in southwest Texas. It tentatively allows the companies to operate for 40 years with the possibility for renewal." [03:07]

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7. FDA Approves Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

Timestamp: 04:11 – 04:55

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking treatment for the prevention of HIV. This biannual injection offers nearly complete protection against HIV infection, representing a significant advancement over daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills.

• Jonathan Lambert, NPR News:
  "Last year, HIV researchers were stunned by two clinical trials that showed lenacapavir was nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV. While existing treatments like pre-exposure prophylaxis or PREP are also highly effective, they require people to take pills every day, which can be a challenge for some." [04:11]

Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer, has priced the drug at approximately $28,000 annually but is collaborating with six generic manufacturers to offer more affordable options. Despite these efforts, potential reductions in foreign aid may hinder the drug's accessibility in low-income countries hardest hit by HIV.

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8. Additional Updates

Timestamp: 04:11 – 04:56

The episode concludes with a brief roundup of other news highlights:

• Nuclear Waste Storage: Supreme Court's temporary approval for Texas and New Mexico facilities.
• Wall Street Summary: Mixed closing for major indices.
• Student Visas: New social media requirements imposed by the State Department.

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Closing Remarks:

The episode provided a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, from energy policy and environmental challenges to critical advancements in HIV prevention. Listeners were offered insightful analyses and direct quotes from key figures, ensuring a thorough understanding of each topic discussed.

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This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode titled "NPR News: 06-18-2025 11PM EDT," released on June 19, 2025.

Transcript

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[Franco Ordonez]

Ordonez, NPR News, the White House.

[Shea Stevens]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. Environmental groups are challenging a Trump administration order to keep a Michigan coal fired power plant operating this summer. NPR's Jeff Brady reports. The plant near Grand Rapids was scheduled to shut down last month, just eight.

[Chris Wright]

Days before the J.H. campbell coal fired power plant was scheduled for retirement. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed an order to keep it running through late August. Wright argues burning coal is more reliable than wind power.

[Environmental Analyst]

When your child is born premature and you place that child in a life saving incubator, it's not okay to say it's going to turn on when the wind starts blowing.

[Chris Wright]

But grid analysts say electricity from the coal plant wasn't needed to keep the power on the Sierra Club. Earthjustice and others argue Wright doesn't have the authority to override local grid decisions. They're asking the Energy Department to reconsider the order or they'll take the matter to court. Jeff Brady, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

President Trump still has not announced whether he'll order U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. But as NPR's Franco Ordonez reports, Trump convened his national security team in the SITUATION Room earlier today.

[Franco Ordonez]

Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump says he has some ideas about what to do about Iran's nuclear sites that are hidden deep inside a mountain, but that he likes to make decisions just before they're due because things change, especially with war.

[President Trump]

We're the only ones that have the capability to do it, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do it.

[Franco Ordonez]

Trump says ultimately the decision boils down to not allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

[President Trump]

I'm not looking to fight, but if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.

[Franco Ordonez]

Trump says the Iranians want to meet and even offered to come to the White House, but he says it may be too late. Franco Ordonez, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

The White House home building is in a slump amid economic uncertainty and high mortgage rates. As NPR's Laura Wamsley reports, the latest findings on housing starts and building confidence.

[Laura Wamsley]

Housing starts dropped nearly 10% in May. The drop off was concentrated in buildings with five or more units, which declined 30% compared to a month earlier. Those figures are from the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Permits and starts for single family homes rose slightly last month, but builders are worried about the future. A survey by Wells Fargo and the national association of Homebuilders found that confidence among single family homebuilders dropped another two points this month to one of the lowest readings since 2012, with more homes for sale than buyers in many markets. Nationally, it's been a slow spring for existing home sales. Laurel Wamsley, NPR News, Washington.

[Shea Stevens]

On Wall street, stocks closed mix today with the Dow Jones Industrials losing 44 points. The NASDAQ gained 25. This is NPR. The State Department has resumed the process of taking applications for student visas, but the department says that all applicants must unlock their social media accounts or review and consular offices must keep an eye out for posts and messages that the Trump administration deems hostile to the United States. The Supreme Court is temporarily allowing nuclear waste storage in rural Texas rather and New Mexico. The decision reverses an appeals court decision that invalidated a private company's license to operate a nuclear facility in southwest Texas. It tentatively allows the companies to operate for 40 years with the possibility for renewal. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Lenacapavir for the prevention of HIV. As NPR's Jonathan Lambert reports, the twice yearly shot provides near total protection against getting an HIV infection.

[Jonathan Lambert]

Last year, HIV researchers were stunned by two clinical trials that showed lenacapavir was nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV. While existing treatments like pre exposure prophylaxis or PREP are also highly effective, they require people to take pills every day, which can be a challenge for some. Gilead Sciences, which manufactures the new drug, set a list price of about $28,000 a year to provide more affordable options. The company is partnering with six generic manufacturers to provide access to 120 lower income countries. But steep cuts to foreign aid could make it harder for this powerful new drug to reach those in countries with the highest HIV burd. Jonathan Lambert, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

This is npr.

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