NPR News Now: June 20, 2025
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1. Evacuation Efforts for Americans in Conflict Zones
Timestamp: [00:19]
Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a critical update on the situation for American citizens abroad. Thousands have contacted the U.S. State Department seeking information on evacuating from Israel, the West Bank, and Iran amid escalating tensions in the region.
Michelle Kellerman reports that the State Department has provided information to over 25,000 Americans and urges others to register online for potential evacuation flights and ships. "The US is encouraging Americans to sign up online to learn about potential evacuation flights and ships," Herbst relays.
However, the situation in Iran poses additional challenges. Kellerman explains that while the U.S. embassy in Israel is coordinating possible evacuation logistics, "We do not anticipate offering direct US Government assisted departure from Iran. Americans seeking departure should take advantage of existing means to leave," stated State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at [00:59].
The report also touches on the looming decision by President Trump, expected within the next two weeks, on whether to join Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear sites, highlighting the precariousness of the current geopolitical climate.
2. Legal Rulings Impacting National Security Practices
Timestamp: [01:21]
In a significant legal development, Jeanine Herbst reports on a federal judge's ruling concerning national security officials and their use of the messaging app Signal. The lawsuit, initiated after a journalist was inadvertently included in a confidential group chat discussing a potential U.S. attack on Yemen, has led to a court order mandating the preservation of these digital communications.
Elena Moore details that Judge James Boasberg determined the court "has no remedy for bringing back any already lost messages." Nevertheless, the judge mandated that officials "notify the acting archivist of the United States of any messages that could be at risk of being deleted" ([01:38]). This ruling underscores the challenges of digital communication in maintaining transparency and accountability within national security operations.
3. Constitutional Victory for Separation of Church and State
Timestamp: [02:09]
A federal appeals court has struck down a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and colleges, declaring it unconstitutional. Jeanine Herbst notes that Louisiana state officials plan to appeal this decision. "The court has ruled that requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions violates the Constitution," she explains.
This ruling comes amidst similar legislative efforts in other states, including Texas, where lawmakers are advancing proposals to require such displays. The decision reinforces the principle of separation of church and state, preventing religious symbols from being mandated in public education settings.
4. Rising Wildfire Risks Amid Heatwave
Timestamp: [02:21]
The ongoing heatwave has exacerbated wildfire risks across the Southwest. Sam Brash of Colorado Public Radio reports that a red flag warning has been issued for large portions of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California.
A small fire incident in western Colorado, briefly closing the main highway between Denver and the mountain towns, underscores the heightened alert levels. Firefighters swiftly contained the blaze, but authorities remain on high alert due to the combination of "heat, dry weather, and high winds heading into the weekend" ([02:38]).
The National Weather Service's warnings highlight the imminent threat of wildfires, prompting communities and fire management agencies to prepare for potential emergencies.
5. Anticipation Builds for NBA Finals Game 7
Timestamp: [03:02]
Sports enthusiasts are gearing up for a pivotal moment in the NBA Finals. Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday night, marking the first winner-take-all contest in the Finals since 2016. Jeanine Herbst provides the matchup details: "It'll be the Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma Thunder" ([03:02]).
This decisive game is expected to draw significant viewership as both teams vie for the championship title, adding excitement and anticipation to the sports calendar.
6. Legal Battle Continues for Columbia University Student
Timestamp: [03:02]
Jeanine Herbst also covers a notable legal case involving former Columbia University graduate student Mamu Khalil. A federal judge has ordered his release on bail after more than three months in detention by immigration agents in Louisiana. This decision allows Khalil to return to New York as he continues his legal fight against the Trump administration's deportation efforts.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Farbiar described the government's case against Khalil as "highly, highly, highly unusual" in relation to their racketeering case against Sean "Diddy" Combs. Khalil's release signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing clash between individual rights and immigration enforcement policies.
7. Testimony Unveils Alleged Misconduct by Sean "Diddy" Combs
Timestamp: [04:08]
In a high-profile legal proceeding, former assistant Brendan Paul took the stand today in the racketeering case against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. Paul, who was arrested in March 2024 for possession of drugs, testified that the cocaine found in his possession belonged to Combs, though he withheld this information from authorities out of loyalty.
Paul provided detailed accounts of handling "wild King nights," describing them as "drug-fueled sexual performances involving Combs, one of his girlfriends, and male sex workers that lasted multiple days" ([04:08]). He admitted to "cleaning up after these nights on several occasions to avoid damage fees from the hotel."
Prosecutors are expected to intensify their case against Combs in the upcoming week, seeking to use Paul's testimony to substantiate their claims of widespread misconduct and illegal activities within Combs' operations.
For more updates and detailed coverage, visit NPR.org.