Government Funding Rescission Threatens Public Media

At the outset of the episode, an unidentified speaker announces a significant development in public media funding. [00:00] The House of Representatives has approved a White House request to reclaim two years of previously sanctioned funding for public media. This rescission package is now advancing to the Senate, signaling a potential severe threat to local stations and the broader public media landscape as it currently exists. The speaker urges listeners to advocate for public media by visiting goacpr.org, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for public support to preserve these crucial media outlets.

Middle East Tensions Escalate: Qatar Intercepts Iranian Missiles

Jeanine Herbst introduces a pressing international issue. [00:25] Qatar has announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted Iranian missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as CENTCOM's headquarters in the Middle East and hosts thousands of U.S. troops. This incident follows a recent U.S. bombardment of three Iranian nuclear sites less than 48 hours prior, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Abel Starawi provides further context. [00:49] The missile attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase appears to have been premeditated. Despite the warm ties between Iran and Qatar, Iran's state media declared the missile operation as a response to the U.S. strikes on its "peaceful nuclear facilities." Furthermore, Iran accused Israel of initiating bombings against its nuclear sites, with the U.S. joining in the retaliation to thwart Iran's alleged nuclear weapon development—a claim Iran firmly denies. In response, Qatar's foreign ministry condemned Iran's attack while cautioning against what it termed as "Israeli escalation in the region."

U.S. Strategy and NATO Summit Ahead

Transitioning to U.S. domestic and international policy, Jeanine Herbst reports that President Trump stated on social media that the U.S. had received advance notice of Iran's retaliatory strike on the Qatari airbase. [01:32] Additionally, Herbst informs listeners that President Trump is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in the Netherlands the following day to engage with European allies.

Deepa Shivaram delves deeper into the summit's agenda. [01:49] The NATO summit in The Hague is set to focus primarily on urging member nations to increase their defense spending to 5% of their total GDP, a substantial increase from the existing 2% mandate. This push is largely influenced by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as Russia's persistent threats, which have compelled European nations to reassess and enhance their defense strategies, reducing their reliance on the United States. President Trump, who has been openly critical of NATO's financial demands, reiterated his stance by emphasizing that while NATO countries should meet the 5% target, he does not believe the United States should bear the increased burden. [01:49]

Heated Contest in New York City Mayoral Primary

Shifting to domestic politics, Jeanine Herbst covers the upcoming primary elections in New York City. [02:31] The Democratic contest for mayor is intensifying, with 11 candidates vying for the nomination to succeed Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent.

Bridget Bergen from WNYC provides insights into the electoral dynamics. [02:49] Voter turnout has surged, with participation rates more than double those observed at a comparable point during early voting four years prior. Bergen highlights that not only are more voters participating, but there is also a notable increase in younger voters joining the electorate. This shift suggests a dynamic and highly competitive primary race, reflective of the city's vibrant and diverse political landscape. [02:49]

Wall Street Sees Significant Gains

In financial news, Jeanine Herbst reports a positive trend in the stock market. [03:12] By the closing bell, the Dow Industrial Average rose by 374 points, while the Nasdaq surged by 183 points. These gains indicate a bullish sentiment among investors, possibly influenced by the day's political and economic developments. Herbst’s concise report underscores the ongoing fluctuations and the resilience of the market amid global and domestic events.

SS United States to Become Largest Artificial Reef

Cory Young of Alabama Public Radio updates listeners on an environmental and recreational project. [03:43] The retired luxury liner, the SS United States, is slated to be transformed into the world's largest artificial reef off the Florida Panhandle later in the year. The ship, which last sailed across the Atlantic in 1969, is now being prepared for its underwater journey by workers in Mobile, Alabama.

Savannah Christie, owner of Scuba Tech in Destin, Florida, expresses the excitement surrounding the project. [04:01] "They wanted to know when was it going to sink? Can they watch? Can they be the first to dive it? How do they sign up? How deep is it going to be? Just all the things," she says, highlighting the global interest and anticipation among scuba divers eager to explore the iconic vessel as a new underwater habitat.

However, the project faces legal challenges. [04:10] A preservation group based in New York is suing to halt the sinking, arguing that the historic liner is "on the brink of being lost forever." The outcome of this lawsuit could determine the future of the SS United States as an artificial reef.

Extreme Heat Wave Grips Eastern United States

Wrapping up the news, Jeanine Herbst addresses a critical weather event. [04:26] A rare and intensely hazardous June heat wave is sweeping across a vast region of the eastern United States. The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories affecting tens of millions of people from the Midwest to the East Coast. This severe heatwave is projected to persist for a few days before abating.

In response to the extreme temperatures, cities in multiple states are taking precautions by opening cooling centers to provide relief for residents without access to air conditioning. Officials are urging the public to "stay out of the sun, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen," and to take additional measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as checking on elderly individuals and ensuring pets remain indoors. Herbst’s report emphasizes the importance of community support and personal safety measures during this extraordinary weather event. [04:26]

This episode of NPR News Now on June 23, 2025, delivered a comprehensive overview of critical national and international issues, from funding challenges in public media and escalating Middle East tensions to significant political races, financial market movements, environmental initiatives, and pressing weather emergencies. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, the podcast provided listeners with a nuanced understanding of the day's most pressing events.