NPR News Now: June 26, 2025, 7 AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Published: June 26, 2025
U.S. Military Strikes in Iran and Iran’s Response
Korva Coleman opens the episode by highlighting the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The Pentagon is scheduled to hold a news conference to discuss recent U.S. military strikes in Iran, which a new CIA report has labeled as successful. In response, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, issued a statement congratulating Iran on what he describes as a victory over Israel, asserting that "the US gained no achievement from the war" (00:14).
Trump Administration Sues Maryland Federal Judges Over Immigration Policy
The Trump administration has initiated legal action against 15 federal judges in the District of Maryland. Ryan Lucas reports that the administration is challenging a ruling by the district's chief judge that temporarily blocks the deportation of migrants who contest their detention. The administration claims this rule "impedes the power of the White House to enforce immigration laws and is an unlawful attempt to restrain the executive branch" (00:48). Interestingly, the lawsuit was filed in the same court, prompting the Justice Department to request that the case be heard by a judge from another district. The Maryland court has yet to comment on the matter.
U.S. Withdraws Funding from GAVI Unless Reforms Are Made
Korva Coleman brings attention to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announcement that the Trump administration will cease financial support to the International Vaccine Agency, GAVI, unless the organization modifies certain practices. Fatma Tanis elaborates that Kennedy, known for his skepticism towards vaccines, criticized GAVI for "ignoring the science when it comes to vaccine safety," and urged the agency to "re-earn the public trust" (01:43). GAVI, responsible for vaccinating over a billion children globally, has previously received over a billion dollars in funding cuts from the U.S. this year alone. In response, GAVI firmly rejected Kennedy's allegations, emphasizing that their "utmost concern is the safety and health of children."
Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani Emerges as NYC Democratic Nominee
Stephen Fowler discusses the surprising rise of Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani as the Democratic Party's nominee for Mayor of New York City. Despite the Democratic Party grappling with declining popularity—having lost the White House, the Senate, and failing to retake the House—Mamdani's success is attributed to his ability to engage younger voters. Tom Jensen from Public Policy Polling notes, "What we really just found the key was, he was engaging young people in a level that's extremely unusual for something like a primary election for mayor" (02:53). This development offers a glimmer of hope for Democrats seeking positive momentum.
Deadly Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Kenya
The episode covers recent anti-government protests in Kenya, where at least 16 individuals have lost their lives, primarily at the hands of Kenyan police, according to Amnesty International. Hundreds more have been injured as demonstrators rally against ongoing police brutality (03:12). The unrest underscores the growing discontent with governmental institutions and law enforcement practices in the region.
Decade-Long Impact of the Obergefell Decision on Same-Sex Marriage
Marking ten years since the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Jason DeRose explores shifting attitudes among religious communities in the U.S. Pew Research indicates that support among religiously affiliated adults has risen from 46% to 58% over the past decade. However, evangelical Christians continue to oppose same-sex marriage strongly. The Southern Baptist Convention recently passed a resolution advocating for the overturn of Obergefell, with Brent Leatherwood stating, "You saw with the overturn of Roe that took 50 years. So we would have to be patient" (04:06). Despite potential challenges, the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act mandates that states must recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, even if Obergefell is overturned.
Sinking of a Loaded Cargo Ship Off Alaska's Pacific Coast
A dramatic incident unfolded off the Pacific coast of Alaska as a cargo ship laden with thousands of electric vehicles caught fire and eventually sank after burning for three weeks. Korva Coleman reports that the crew escaped safely. The vessel was also transporting approximately 1,800 metric tons of fuel oil. Emergency responders have yet to detect any signs of pollution. The Coast Guard is investigating whether the lithium batteries from the electric vehicles played a role in igniting the fire (04:24).
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and other non-content sections to focus solely on the news topics discussed in the episode.
Timestamps
- 00:00 - Capital One Ad
- 00:14 - Introduction by Korva Coleman
- 00:48 - Ryan Lucas on Trump's lawsuit against Maryland judges
- 01:28 - Korva Coleman on HHS Secretary's announcement
- 01:43 - Fatma Tanis explains the GAVI funding cut
- 02:26 - Korva Coleman introduces Zoran Mamdani’s nomination
- 02:40 - Stephen Fowler on Democratic Party dynamics
- 02:53 - Tom Jensen on engaging young voters
- 03:03 - Stephen Fowler on Democrats searching for positive signs
- 03:12 - Korva Coleman on protests in Kenya and Obergefell anniversary
- 03:43 - Jason DeRose on Pew Research findings
- 04:06 - Brent Leatherwood on Southern Baptist Convention's stance
- 04:12 - Jason DeRose on the Respect for Marriage Act
- 04:24 - Korva Coleman on the sinking cargo ship
- 04:54 - Mint Mobile Ad