NPR News Now - NPR News: 06-18-2025 3PM EDT

Episode Date: June 18, 2025

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Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Six days now into the war with Iran, Israel is lifting some restrictions on public gatherings in some parts of the country, possible sign that the Israeli military believes that Iran is now less of a threat. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi has the latest. More people in Israel can now go back to their offices and return to limited gatherings, according to the Israeli military. This is a downgrade from previous instructions that said only essential workers could work in person and that banned all gatherings. Schools will still be closed, but gatherings of up to 30 people are now allowed. The move may signal the

Israeli military's confidence in its airstrike campaign against Iran. The Israeli military's confidence in its air strike campaign against Iran. The Israeli military struck Iran, including Tehran, for a sixth day, hitting two centrifuge production facilities, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog. Iran responded with its own missiles and drones, the majority of which were intercepted. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Tel Aviv. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee today. NPR's Quill Lawrence reports the hearing was held at a time when President Trump has publicly speculated about US strikes against Iran.

The hearing was unusually partisan, with senators openly disparaging each other. Republicans supported the secretary, while Democrats brought up scandals like Hegseth posting military plans on Signal. Hegseth didn't directly answer questions about possible U.S. strikes on Iran. He also hedged on whether he would defy court orders on domestic use of the military. Democrat Alyssa Slotkin asked if troops are authorized to fire on protesters. What is that based on? What evidence would you have that an order like that has ever been given? It is based on Donald Trump giving that order to your predecessor.

Slotkin was referring to the first Trump administration where the president reportedly suggested shooting demonstrators in the legs. Hexeth said the orders for troops deployed to Los Angeles are public. Quill Lawrence, NPR News. The agriculture and hospitality sectors in the U.S. are still experiencing the fallout of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. This after President Trump seemed to ease his stance when it came to migrants employed by farms, restaurants, and hotels.

We have more on this from NPR's Jimena Bustillo. Until recently, the agriculture sector had generally been left alone. But then last week, we saw several instances of immigration officers arresting and targeting the ag sector. And that really sent employers and workers into high alert. The next day, President Trump once again promised to find a solution for farmers specifically posting on Truth Social that these workers needed to be protected. But then again, this week, we're seeing the Department of Homeland Security double down

again, kind of a bit of a whiplash for this industry. NPR's Ximena Bustillo reporting. At last check on Wall Street, the Dow was down 15 points at 42,199. S&P's off slightly. NASDAQ is up seven. It's NPR News. In a major legal setback for transgender rights in the U.S., the Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.

The High Court ruled 6-3 in favor of a state law that bars minors in Tennessee from receiving gender transition surgery, hormone therapy, or puberty blockers. Trans rights advocates argue the ban is a form of discrimination and is unconstitutional. KFF Health News reports 27 states have laws or policies that limit youth access to gender-affirming care. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the United States had no role in pausing its fight with Pakistan last month. President Trump has repeatedly claimed he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by using a trade deal as leverage. More from Omkar Kandekar.

President Trump and Modi spoke on the phone for the first time since the fighting between India and Pakistan killed dozens on both sides last month. As per India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, the Indian Prime Minister told Trump that they paused the fight because Pakistan requested it, a trade deal he said was never discussed. The two countries conducted airstrikes against each other after India accused Pakistani militants of killing 26 civilians in India-administered Kashmir in April. Pakistan denies this. The White House hasn't commented on the phone call so far.

Omkar Khandekar, NPR News, New Delhi. The Fed has decided to keep interest rates where they are. The Dow is up 22 points. This is NPR News.