Up First from NPR – June 24, 2025

NPR's Up First provides the essential news to kickstart your day. In this episode, hosted by Leila Fadel and Michelle Martin, key discussions revolve around President Trump's recent ceasefire declaration between Israel and Iran, a significant Supreme Court ruling on immigration deportations, and the heated New York City Democratic mayoral primary.

1. President Trump's Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran

Escalation Amid Ceasefire Announcement

President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran amidst escalating tensions in the region. However, the ceasefire quickly soured as conflicts intensified. Michelle Martin reports:

"[00:02] Michelle Martin: President Trump declared a ceasefire had begun... [02:14] Leila Faldel: Began striking Iran, damaging its nuclear facilities and killing scientists and military officials, some in their homes."

Despite the President’s declaration, Israel claims Iran launched missiles, which Iran denies. The situation remains volatile, with Israel’s Defense Minister vowing a robust response:

"[02:21] Michelle Martin: ...Vice President Vance was on Fox News trying to turn the page on the conflict."

Analysis with Senior White House Correspondent Tamara Keith

Senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith provides deeper insights:

"[02:56] Leila Faldel: So what can you tell us about the ceasefire?

[02:59] Tamara Keith: Overnight, we got word that both Israel and Iran had agreed to the ceasefire... Israel's defense minister says he has ordered a full forceful response involving, quote, intense strikes against targets in the heart of Tehran."

President Trump’s attempt to stabilize the region included urging adherence to the ceasefire on social media:

"[03:54] Tamara Keith: ...President Trump posted on his social media site imploring in all caps, please do not violate it."

Implications of U.S. Involvement and Future Prospects

The U.S. has actively engaged by deploying bunker buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. Vice President J.D. Vance commented on the administration’s efforts:

"[05:20] J.D. Vance: That’s actually not the question before us. The question before us is can Iran enrich the uranium to a weapons-grade level and can they convert that fuel to a nuclear weapon?"

Despite claims from the administration that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been crippled, experts remain skeptical about the total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts playing pivotal roles in the region's stability.

2. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Immigration Deportations

Supreme Court Reverses Deportation Pause

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court overturned a federal judge’s order that had paused the deportation of immigrants to countries they are not from. Michelle Martin outlines the ruling:

"[06:09] Leila Faldel: A U.S. supreme Court ruling handed down last night makes it easier for the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries that are not their own."

Concerns from Immigrant Rights Activists

Immigrant advocates express deep concerns over the ruling's implications. Tovia Smith emphasizes the gravity of the situation:

"[08:05] Tovia Smith: The risks of harm that people face are extreme. I mean, they include torture, they include death. That harm cannot be undone. And, I mean, it's terrifying, frankly."

The Supreme Court did not provide detailed reasoning for its decision, but the dissenting liberal justices highlighted significant due process issues:

"[07:27] ...the court's three liberal justices dissented, and they wrote 19 pages about their reasoning... They say the Trump administration... has made clear that it feels unconstrained by law, free to deport anyone anywhere without notice or an opportunity to be heard."

Administration’s Stance and Future Legal Battles

The Trump administration defends the ruling, labeling opposing judges as "activist judges" overstepping their authority. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hailed the decision as a victory against "the worst of the worst undocumented immigrants":

"[08:19] DHS said the people being deported are, quote, convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers... quote, fire up the deportation planes."

Despite the Supreme Court's decision, the legal battle continues as the definition of adequate due process for deportees awaits further judicial scrutiny. For now, individual cases, such as those involving deportations to South Sudan, are seeing delayed processes to ensure some level of due process.

3. New York City’s Tight Democratic Mayoral Primary

A Crowded Field with High Stakes

New Yorkers are heading to the polls for a pivotal Democratic mayoral primary that could determine the city's next leader. Michelle Martin introduces the race:

"[10:03] Leila Faldel: New Yorkers are heading to the polls today to vote in the Democratic mayoral primary."

Key Candidates: Zoran Mamdani vs. Andrew Cuomo

NPR’s Sarah Ventri breaks down the primary dynamics:

"[10:20] Sarah Ventri: ...current member of the New York State Assembly, Zoran Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are the two most talked-about candidates."

Cuomo, facing a challenging legacy due to past scandals, contrasts with Mamdani’s progressive platform:

"[11:29] Sarah Ventri: ...affordability is a big one, especially housing and the cost of living in New York. Also public safety and education have come up a lot..."

Ranked-Choice Voting and Its Impact

The introduction of ranked-choice voting in this primary adds strategic layers to the campaign:

"[11:47] Sarah Ventri: ...you get to choose your top five candidates in order... If one candidate has more than 50% of the vote, that person wins. If not, the candidate in last place is removed and the votes are counted again."

Endorsements among candidates aim to influence rankings and outcomes:

"[12:31] Sarah Ventri: ...it can actually be strategic for candidates to endorse one another as a way to try to knock someone else out of the ranking."

Challenges on Election Day: Extreme Heat Advisory

Voter turnout faces potential hurdles due to extreme weather conditions:

"[13:20] Sarah Ventri: ...the high is 99 today. There's an extreme heat advisory. And there is some concern that this is going to make it really difficult for people like older voters, those with disabilities or those who are ill."

The Board of Elections has implemented measures to ensure voter safety despite the sweltering heat.

Conclusion

Today's Up First episode delves into high-stakes geopolitical tensions, transformative legal decisions affecting immigrants, and a critical local election that could reshape New York City's leadership. With insights from seasoned reporters and key stakeholders, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of these pressing issues shaping the national and local landscapes.

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