NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 13, 2025, 5 PM EDT Episode
NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events in its June 13, 2025, 5 PM EDT episode. The episode covered a range of topics, including public media funding challenges, escalating tensions in the Middle East, military deployments in the United States, a tragic aviation disaster in India, significant corporate investments in artificial intelligence, devastating flash floods in Texas, and a notable induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions and insights presented during the broadcast.
1. Threat to Public Media Funding
The episode opened with a concerning development for public media. An unnamed public media advocate highlighted that the House of Representatives approved a White House request to reclaim two years of previously allocated funding for public media. This "rescissions package" is now advancing to the Senate stage.
"This move poses a serious threat to local stations and public media as we know it. Please take a stand for public media today@goacpr.org thank you."
[00:00] Unnamed Public Media Advocate
The advocate urged listeners to support public media amidst these funding cuts, emphasizing the potential impact on local stations and the broader public media landscape.
2. Escalating Conflict Between Iran and Israel
A significant portion of the episode focused on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Host Jack Spear reported that the Israeli military confirmed at least 1,719 people injured in Iranian strikes, with five additional casualties in the occupied West Bank. These strikes are in retaliation to Israel's recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets, which resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including the army's chief of staff.
"Sirens blared throughout Tel Aviv and smoke billowed in the sky as people ran for shelter and ambulances screamed on the streets."
[00:49] Hadil Al Shalchi, NPR News, Tel Aviv
Reporter Hadil Al Shalchi provided a vivid account of the chaos in Tel Aviv, describing scenes of devastation and the medical response to the influx of injured individuals. She also reported that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened severe repercussions for Israel, coinciding with Iran's launch of over 100 missiles.
3. Increased Military Presence in Los Angeles
Turning to domestic news, Jack Spear announced that approximately 200 Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles to safeguard federal property and personnel. This deployment includes around 2,000 National Guard troops who have been stationed there since the previous week. Major General Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force 51 overseeing the 4,700 troops, provided further details.
"As of today, we have had no soldier or Marine detain anyone. They have watched federal law enforcement arrest personnel as they were protecting. They have not had to detain anyone at this point."
[01:47] Unnamed Military Official
This statement from an unnamed military official emphasized that the troops are primarily in a protective role, overseeing federal law enforcement activities without direct engagement or detainment responsibilities.
4. Military Parade and Nationwide Protests
The episode also covered preparations for a massive military parade in downtown Washington, D.C., scheduled for the following day. This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincides with President Trump's 79th birthday. The parade is expected to feature tanks, thousands of troops, and a flyover.
Jack Spear reported that the military’s presence in Los Angeles is a direct response to ongoing protests and that similar significant security measures are in place for the parade event.
Additionally, NPR's Kat Lahnsdorf highlighted the planned "No Kings" protests across approximately 1,500 cities nationwide, excluding Washington, D.C., which will host several smaller protests. President Trump warned that any demonstrations at the parade would be met with a “very big force.”
"President Trump has warned that any protests at the parade will be met with, quote, very big force."
[02:25] Unnamed Public Media Advocate
The city of Washington, D.C., has been actively preparing for the parade with armored vehicles, tanks, and significant road closures already in effect.
5. Tragic Air India Boeing Dreamliner Crash
A somber note was struck with the report of a devastating aviation disaster in India. Investigators have retrieved one of the black boxes—the flight data and cockpit voice recorder—from the crashed Air India Boeing Dreamliner. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board and additional casualties on the ground after it collided with a residential area and a medical college. This incident marks one of India's most severe air disasters.
6. Meta’s Massive Investment in Artificial Intelligence
In the corporate sector, Facebook's parent company, Meta, announced a substantial investment of $14.3 billion in the artificial intelligence company Scale. This move includes recruiting CEO Alexander Wang to join Meta's team, signaling a commitment to advancing superintelligence technology.
Jack Spear noted that this investment aligns with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's efforts to rejuvenate the company's AI initiatives amid stiff competition from industry giants like Google and OpenAI.
7. Deadly Flash Floods in San Antonio, Texas
The episode also covered the tragic flash floods in San Antonio, Texas, which claimed at least 10 lives overnight. NPR's Rebecca Hersher reported that torrential rains—amounting to over six inches in just three hours—overwhelmed the ground's capacity to absorb water, leading to rapid and deadly flooding.
"Upwards of 6 inches of rain fell in just three hours. That's a massive amount of water in a very short period of time, too much water for the ground to soak it up."
[03:58] Rebecca Hersher, NPR News
Hersher explained that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, with Texas experiencing about 20% more rainfall from heavy storms compared to the 1950s, according to the National Climate Assessment. She emphasized that flash floods are among the most lethal weather-related disasters in the United States.
8. Mike Love Inducted into the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame
In lighter news, the episode concluded with a celebration in the music industry. Mike Love of the Beach Boys was inducted into the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame, shortly after the passing of his bandmate, Brian Wilson.
"The gala in New York last night included other inductees as well, including George Clinton, the Doobie Brothers and Ashley Gordon."
[04:34] Jack Spear, NPR News
Love reflected fondly on his collaboration with Wilson, his cousin and fellow Beach Boys member, remarking on their musical partnership. Brian Wilson's death was confirmed to have occurred on Wednesday at the age of 82.
NPR News Now continues to provide timely and comprehensive news coverage, ensuring listeners stay informed on both national and global events.