NPR News Now: June 20, 2025, 11 PM EDT

Hosted by Shea Stevens

U.S. Considers Strike on Iran Amidst Internal Divisions

Shea Stevens opens the episode by reporting that President Trump is contemplating a U.S. strike on Iran and plans to make a decision within the next two weeks (00:18). This move has sparked a debate among Trump’s supporters. Notably, former White House aide Steve Bannon and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson have expressed concerns that such an action would contradict Trump’s pledge to avoid entangling the U.S. in prolonged foreign conflicts.

Franco Ordonez adds nuance to the discussion, highlighting that the White House attributes the delay to Trump’s personal instincts, stating that Carlson and Bannon’s opposition did not influence the decision (00:44). He further points out that not all figures within the MAGA faction oppose U.S. involvement abroad. For instance, Fox News’ Mark Levin has advocated for Trump to support Israel in its ongoing conflict, aligning with Senator Lindsey Graham’s traditionally hawkish foreign policy stance (00:44).

Notable Quote:

"Trump is following his own instincts and that Carlson and Bannon's position did not play a role." — Franco Ordonez [00:44]

European Leaders Push for Diplomatic Resolution Between Israel and Iran

Transitioning to international affairs, Shea Stevens reports on European leaders urging a diplomatic approach to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (01:11). Rob Schmitz provides detailed coverage from Berlin, explaining that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee is set to meet with foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom in Geneva (01:25). These nations, in collaboration with the European Union, have issued a joint statement calling for all parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could exacerbate regional tensions, and return to diplomatic negotiations.

Rob emphasizes the pivotal role these European countries played in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and their ongoing efforts to ensure Iran's compliance with UN nuclear inspections. They have threatened to reinstate past sanctions if Iran fails to enhance its cooperation (01:25).

Notable Quote:

"All sides must show restraint, refrain from taking steps that lead to further escalation in the region and return to diplomacy." — European Union Joint Statement [01:25]

TikTok Faces Continued Uncertainty Under Trump Administration

Back in domestic news, Shea Stevens highlights President Trump’s request to the Justice Department to halt the enforcement of a law that mandates TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or cease its operations (02:02). John Ruich delves deeper, explaining that Trump has signed an executive order granting TikTok a 90-day extension before the law is enforced, marking the third such postponement during his term (02:13). This extension allows TikTok to remain available to U.S. consumers and on app stores until September 17th.

Critics argue that these extensions overlook the national security threats TikTok may pose. Meanwhile, the White House is actively seeking to negotiate a deal for ByteDance to sell a majority stake in TikTok to a consortium of U.S. companies. Responding to the executive order, TikTok expressed gratitude for Trump’s support in keeping the app accessible to Americans and U.S. businesses (02:13).

Notable Quote:

"TikTok will remain accessible to consumers in the United States and available on App store stores until September 17th." — John Ruich [02:13]

Immigration Enforcement Tension at Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium

Shea Stevens reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers successfully barred Immigration Enforcement agents from entering their stadium earlier today (02:54). The baseball team stated that ICE agents were instructed to leave after attempting to access a parking lot near one of the entry gates. However, Homeland Security officials clarified that the agents were present in the parking lot only briefly and were not engaged in any enforcement activities (02:54).

Notable Quote:

"ICE agents were asked to leave after arriving at a parking lot near one of the stadium's entry gates." — Shea Stevens [02:54]

Ukraine Urges Allies to Press Russia for Ceasefire

In ongoing coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, Shea Stevens informs listeners that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on international allies to intensify pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire (02:54). Zelensky’s plea comes two days after a devastating Russian missile attack on a Kyiv apartment building, resulting in 23 deaths and 142 injuries. This attack is part of a broader Russian offensive involving 32 missiles and 440 drones targeting Ukraine, aimed at weakening Ukrainian defenses and infrastructure.

Notable Quote:

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging allies to step up pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire." — Shea Stevens [02:54]

Commemorating Juneteenth at Medgar Evers’ Home in Mississippi

Shifting focus to cultural and historical events, Shamira Muhammad reports from Jackson on the commemoration of Juneteenth, highlighting a tour of civil rights activist Medgar Evers’ home by Joseph Camphor (03:59). Camphor draws parallels between Evers’ legacy and the significance of Juneteenth, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the right to vote.

Shamira Muhammad cites Camphor’s reflections:

"He made a big sacrifice by what he did with the NAACP. He lost his life for something that he believed in. And I think this ties back to June 19th." (04:09)

Camphor advocates for Mississippi to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, despite current lack of recognition. His advocacy underscores the enduring impact of Evers’ fight for freedom and equality.

Notable Quote:

"He lost his life for something that he believed in. And I think this ties back to June 19th." — Joseph Camphor [04:09]

Hurricane Eric Hits Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Shea Stevens concludes the news segment with updates on natural disasters, reporting that residents along Mexico’s Pacific coast are recovering from Hurricane Eric, a Category 3 storm that made landfall in western Oaxaca state (04:36). The hurricane, which struck approximately 60 miles north of Punta Maldonado, caused downed power lines and flooding but, fortunately, no fatalities have been reported to date.

Notable Quote:

"Eric caused downed power lines and some flooding, but no reported fatalities." — Shea Stevens [04:36]

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive update on significant national and international events, from geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Ukraine to cultural commemorations and natural disasters. Through insightful reporting and expert commentary, listeners are kept informed on the critical issues shaping our world.