NPR News Now: June 24, 2025, 1 AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder

In this edition of NPR News Now, host Giles Snyder and correspondents cover a range of critical global and domestic issues, from international diplomacy and immigration policies to health industry developments and notable event updates. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed in the June 24, 2025, episode.

UN Nuclear Watchdog Evaluates U.S. Airstrikes on Iranian Sites

Overview: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has released its assessment following recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA chief, provided insights into the extent of the damage and the imperative for renewed negotiations.

Key Points:

• Damage Assessment: The IAEA observed significant destruction at three Iranian nuclear sites, including a fortified uranium enrichment center concealed beneath a mountain. Grossi stated uncertainty regarding the complete destruction of the facility but confirmed substantial damage.

• Iran's Response: Iran informed the UN watchdog of relocating equipment and highly enriched uranium to undisclosed locations in response to the strikes.

• Call for Diplomacy: Grossi emphasized the necessity of returning to negotiations, asserting that "diplomacy is the only way to ensure that Iran's program remains peaceful" (00:55).

Notable Quote:

“We must return to negotiations. Diplomacy is the only way to ensure that Iran's program remains peaceful.”
— Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Chief (00:55)

Ceasefire Status Between Israel and Iran Remains Unclear

Overview: Amid ongoing tensions, the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is uncertain. President Trump has announced an agreement to a truce, though official responses from Israel and Iran present conflicting perspectives.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Statement: President Trump claims that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, though Israel has yet to provide an official comment.

• Iran’s Stance: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee declared that hostilities would only cease if Israel halts its attacks, indicating skepticism about the truce’s durability.

• Current Situation: Israel reports that Iran continues to launch fresh missiles into the country, suggesting that the conflict remains active for the time being.

Notable Quote:

“There would be no cessation of hostilities unless Israel stops its attacks.”
— Abbas Arakchee, Iranian Foreign Minister (01:18)

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Deportation to Third Countries

Overview: In a significant ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has permitted the deportation of immigrants to third countries other than their own. This decision marks a victory for the Trump administration but faced dissent from the court’s liberal justices, including Sonia Sotomayor.

Key Points:

• Decision Details: The majority opinion supports the government's stance, enabling deportations to countries that may not be immigrants' native nations.

• Dissenting Opinion: Justice Sonia Sotomayor highlighted concerns about the potential risks migrants face in third countries, such as torture or unsafe conditions. She stated, “In matters of life and death, it is best to proceed with caution.”

• Government Perspective: The ruling aligns with the administration's immigration policies, emphasizing national security and immigration control.

Notable Quote:

“In its rush to deport people to countries like South Sudan, the government was putting these migrants at risk of torture or other dangerous conditions.”
— Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Dissenting (01:52)

Lawsuit Challenging Tennessee’s Immigration Shelter Law

Overview: A coalition of religious leaders and immigrant advocates has filed a lawsuit against a new Tennessee law targeting groups that provide shelter to certain immigrants. The plaintiffs argue that the legislation oversteps state authority and infringes upon constitutional rights.

Key Points:

• Plaintiffs: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leads the lawsuit, joined by a local landlord and a father with a son-in-law facing asylum proceedings.

• Legal Arguments: The plaintiffs contend that the law unconstitutionally allows the state to regulate immigration, a power typically reserved for the federal government. Additionally, the church asserts that the law violates its right to religious expression.

• State’s Position: Tennessee Republicans assert that the bill aims to deter immigration within the state.

• Expected Outcome: The plaintiffs seek a federal injunction to prevent the law from taking effect next week.

Notable Quote:

“The legislation unconstitutionally allows a state to regulate immigration according to power that is usually reserved for the federal government.”
— Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (02:09)

Wegovy Drug Removed from HIMS Platform Impacting Availability

Overview: Novo Nordisk has terminated its collaboration with telehealth platform HIMS regarding the sale of the obesity drug Wegovy. This decision follows a period of shortage and has significant implications for both companies and consumers.

Key Points:

• Termination Details: Novo Nordisk ceased the partnership after a month, causing HIMS stock to drop over 30%.

• Impact on Availability: Previously, HIMS addressed the Wegovy shortage by offering cheaper compounded alternatives. With the collaboration ending, such alternatives will continue only for select patients.

• Company Statements: David Moore of Novo Nordisk expressed that the company had envisioned a reduction in compounding practices over time, aiming to focus on their primary business platform.

• HIMS Response: The platform claims it will not be “strong-armed” by what it describes as anti-competitive demands from Novo Nordisk.

Notable Quote:

“We certainly on our side had the expectation and the vision that compounding in a more mass way would diminish and curtail over time and not be a center part of the business platform.”
— David Moore, Novo Nordisk (03:53)

Tragic Boat Capsizing on Lake Tahoe Claims Eight Lives

Overview: A devastating boat accident on Lake Tahoe has resulted in eight fatalities. Rescue teams have recently recovered the body of the final missing individual, concluding the tragic search operation.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The boat capsized on Saturday afternoon during an unexpected and severe storm.

• Recovery Efforts: Six bodies were retrieved on the day of the accident, a seventh on Sunday evening, and the last individual has now been found.

• Total Death Toll: The incident has tragically resulted in the loss of eight lives.

Notable Information: While no specific quotes were provided in the transcript, the severity of the event underscores the unpredictability of natural elements and the importance of safety measures on water.

Passing of Mick Ralphs, Classic Rock Icon

Overview: Mick Ralphs, a founding member of the renowned British rock band Bad Company, has passed away at the age of 81. His legacy in the music industry is celebrated as he prepares to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Key Points:

• Legacy: Ralphs contributed significantly to Bad Company’s sound and success, earning a place in rock history.

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: He is set to be honored as a member of Bad Company during the upcoming ceremony in November.

• Tributes: Fans and fellow musicians alike mourn the loss of Ralphs, celebrating his contributions to music.

Notable Information: A formal statement confirming Ralphs' passing was posted on Bad Company's official website, highlighting his enduring impact on the band and the broader music scene.

Conclusion: This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with in-depth coverage of pivotal international and domestic issues, including diplomatic developments between the U.S. and Iran, significant legal rulings on immigration, legislative challenges in Tennessee, pharmaceutical industry shifts, and poignant community tragedies and losses. Through detailed reporting and expert insights, the program offers a comprehensive overview of the current events shaping our world.

Timestamps:

• Seller Sections:
  • IAEA Assessment: 00:20 – 01:18
  • Ceasefire Status: 01:18 – 01:52
  • Supreme Court Decision: 01:52 – 02:09
  • Tennessee Law Lawsuit: 02:09 – 03:18
  • Wegovy and HIMS: 03:18 – 04:21
  • Boat Capsizing and Bad Company: 04:21 – 05:00

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript sections for reference.