NPR News: 06-18-2025 3AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 18, 2025, Episode at 3AM EDT

Release Date: June 18, 2025

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International News: President Trump Calls for Iran's Unconditional Surrender

Host: Shea Stevens introduces the segment at [00:16].

Reporter: Franco Ordonez reports from the White House.

President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric against Iran amidst escalating conflicts with Israel, which has now entered its fifth day of exchange strikes. Taking to social media, Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender," asserting, "We have now total and complete control of the skies over Iran" ([00:31]). He further stated, "The US knows exactly where the supreme leader is. We're not going to take him out, at least for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin." These statements highlight the administration's firm stance while signaling a cautious approach towards direct action against Iran's leadership.

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Domestic Politics: Senator Alex Padilla Advocates for Peaceful Resistance

Host: Shea Stevens reports at [01:06].

Speaker: US Senator Alex Padilla addresses the Senate floor.

California Senator Alex Padilla is urging Americans to engage in peaceful protests against the current administration's policies. Reflecting on his own experience of detention last week while questioning the head of Homeland Security, Padilla emphasized, "We know that the cameras are not on in every corner of the country, but if this administration is this afraid of just one senator with a question, colleagues, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans peacefully protesting can do" ([01:21]).

Padilla's call to action underscores a growing sentiment among some lawmakers and constituents who feel marginalized and constrained by executive policies. The incident of his detention has become a catalyst for advocating broader civil engagement and resistance.

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Legal Developments: Arrest of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander

Host: Shea Stevens continues the report.

Incident Details: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a mayoral candidate, was arrested at an immigration court on Tuesday. Lander claims he was present to observe immigration hearings and to escort defendants from the courtroom. However, he was accused of obstruction after locking arms with an immigrant and demanding to see a judicial warrant. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's office clarified that the Secret Service initially mistook Padilla for an attacker, although the senator asserts he identified himself during the incident.

This arrest highlights tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies, raising questions about the conduct and protocols followed during such interactions.

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Weather Alert: First-Ever Heat Advisory Issued for Alaska

Host: Shelby Herbert of KUAC reports at [02:29].

The National Weather Service has issued its first-ever heat advisory for Alaska, with temperatures in the interior regions projected to reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit over the next several days. Shelby Herbert outlines the challenges faced by Alaskans, particularly in Fairbanks, where residents are struggling to keep themselves and their pets cool. Local animal shelters are responding by providing kiddie pools and peanut butter popsicles for pets.

Meteorologist Jason Laney explains, "The state is warming two to three times faster than the global average. And the summer heat beats down on the many buildings in the region that don't have air conditioning. It's a one, two punch," ([02:57]). Additionally, the heat coincides with wildfire season, exacerbating conditions as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into Fairbanks, preventing residents from opening windows for relief ([03:01]).

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Severe Weather Forecast: Thunderstorms and Flooding in the Midwest

Host: Shea Stevens at [03:12].

Parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia are on high alert for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. The National Weather Service warns that these storms could produce large hail and isolated tornadoes. Additionally, a line of severe storms is impacting areas of Kansas and Oklahoma, indicating a widespread weather event that could lead to significant damage and safety concerns.

Residents in these regions are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard life and property.

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Legal Proceedings: Conspiracy Theorist Alex Jones Faces New Lawsuit

Host: Tovia Smith reports at [03:52].

Alex Jones, known for his conspiracy theories, is embroiled in another legal battle. Following previous defamation lawsuits from Sandy Hook families, who were awarded over a billion dollars in damages, Jones is now accused of hiding assets to avoid repayment. Tovia Smith details that a federal trustee overseeing Jones's bankruptcy case alleges that his financial dealings constitute "textbook fraud."

Jones has historically claimed inability to pay the families, but the trustee seeks to reverse $5 million in last-minute sales and transfers of assets, including cars, condos, cash, and a ranch, which were allegedly moved to his father, ex-wife, and children's trusts. Chris Mattey, attorney for the families, stated, "It's no surprise Jones would lie to hide his assets, but he won't get away with it." Jones's legal team has not responded to comments as the case progresses.

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Sports and Markets: Florida Panthers Win Stanley Cup; Market Updates

Host: Shea Stevens at [04:33].

In sports, the Florida Panthers have clinched the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game Six of the finals. This triumph marks a significant achievement for the team and its supporters.

On the financial front, US futures are trading flat in after-hours on Wall Street, indicating a stable market sentiment. In contrast, Asia-Pacific markets are experiencing mixed performances, with slight gains in Tokyo and Shanghai. These movements reflect ongoing global economic dynamics amidst current events.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the podcast have been excluded to focus on the substantive news coverage.

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Transcript

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[Shea Stevens]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. President Trump is calling for the surrender of Iran. As NPR's Franco Ordonez reports, Trump calls Iran's supreme leader an easy target who's safe for now.

[Franco Ordonez]

President Trump took to social media where he's calling for the unconditional surrender from Iran in its conflict with Israel, which is entering its fifth day of exchanging strikes. Trump said, quote, we have now total and complete control of the skies over Iran. In another post, he said the US Knows exactly where the supreme leader is. We're not going to take him out, at least for now. But but we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Franco Ordonez, NPR News, the White House.

[Shea Stevens]

California US Senator Alex Padilla is urging Americans to stage peaceful resistance to the Trump administration's policies. Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday, Padilla recalled his detention last week while trying to question the head of Homeland Security.

[Alex Padilla]

We know that the cameras are not on in every corner of the country, but if this administration is this afraid of just one senator with a question, colleagues, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans peacefully protesting can do.

[Shea Stevens]

The office of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says the Secret Service thought Padilla was an attacker. Well, the senator says he did identify himself. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested at an immigration court on Tuesday. Lander, who's running for mayor, says he was there to observe immigration hearings and to escort some of the defendants from the building. He was accused of obstruction and taken into custody after locking arms with an immigrant and demanding to see a judicial warrant. The National Weather Service has issued its first ever heat advisory for Alaska, where temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid-80s, where the the next several days. Shelby Herbert of member station KUAC has the story.

[Shelby Herbert]

Unlike extreme cold, it's not easy for people in Alaska's interior to manage unusually hot weather. People in Fairbanks are scrambling to keep themselves and their pets cool. Staff at the local animal shelter are pro offering kiddie pools and peanut butter popsicles for the pups. The state is warming two to three times faster than the global average. And the summer heat beats down on the many buildings in the region that don't have air conditioning. It's a one, two punch, according to meteorologist Jason Laney.

[Franco Ordonez]

It also tends to kind of build in with the same time as wildfire season.

[Shelby Herbert]

The heat is coupled with smoke pouring in from wildfires in Canada, so many Fairbanks ins can't even crack open a window for relief. For NPR News, I'm Shelby Herbert in Fairbanks.

[Shea Stevens]

This is npr. Parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia are bracing for severe thunderstorms and flesh flooding. National Weather Service forecasters say the storm could also produce large hail and isolated tornado. A line of severe storms is also hitting parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is facing another lawsuit, this time for allegedly hiding assets from the Sandy Hook families who won more than a billion dollars in damages for defamation. NPR's Tovia Smith reports that a federal trustee overseeing the settlement calls Jones financial dealings textbook fraud.

[Tovia Smith]

Jones has long claimed he didn't have the money to pay the families who sued him after he accused them of faking their deaths in 2012. Now the trustee in Jones bankruptcy case is trying to prove that Jones at least used to have it, but tried to hide it by giving it to his father, his ex wife and his kids trust. The trustee wants the federal bankruptcy court to undo $5 million worth of last minute sales and transfers of cars, condos, cash and a ranch. Lawyers for Jones did not respond to requests for comment. Chris Mattey, attorney for the families, says it's no surprise Jones would lie to hide his assets, but added he won't get away with it. Tovia Smith, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

For the second year in a row, the Florida Panthers are Stanley cup champions. The Panthers clinched the title by beating the Edmonton Oilers 51 last night in game six of the final. US futures are flat in after hours trading on Wall Street. On Asia Pacific markets, stocks are mixed up a fraction in Tokyo and Shanghai. This is NPR News.

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