NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 13, 2025, 6AM EDT Episode

Israel Strikes Iran, Killing Top Military Commanders

Timestamp: [00:18]

In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israel launched a military strike overnight targeting Iran. The attack resulted in the deaths of two high-ranking Iranian military commanders, marking a substantial blow to Iran's military hierarchy.

Details of the Attack

NPR's Hadil El Shalchi reported, "The killing of Brigadier General Mohammad Baghri delivered a major blow to Iran's military chain of command" ([00:32]). Brigadier General Baghri, the commander-in-chief of Iran's military, was identified as a key casualty. Additionally, General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard, was also killed in the strikes, as confirmed by both Iranian state media and the Israeli military.

Reactions and International Response

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded sternly, stating, "Israel should anticipate a harsh punishment" ([00:32]). The U.S. State Department characterized the strikes as "a unilateral action," noting that Israel had advised the United States prior to executing the attacks.

President Trump’s Deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles Faces Legal Hurdles

Timestamp: [01:14]

President Donald Trump exercised his authority to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles to support immigration enforcement actions. This move prompted legal challenges from California officials.

Court Rulings and Appeals

Steve Futterman reported from Los Angeles, explaining, "District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that control of National Guard troops in Los Angeles must revert back to California Governor Gavin Newsom" ([01:38]). Judge Breyer deemed Trump's deployment illegal, asserting it exceeded his authority. Although the initial ruling blocked Trump's action, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay, effectively restoring the President's power to deploy the troops pending further review.

Political Commentary

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the administration's actions, stating, "We push back against overreach. We push back against these authoritarian tendencies" ([02:03]). Trump defended his decision by claiming he was attempting to suppress a rebellion. However, Judge Breyer dismissed this justification, noting, "the protests in LA fall far short of a rebellion" ([02:09]).

Tensions Between Homeland Security and Senator Alex Padilla

Timestamp: [02:23]

During a heated news conference, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Senator Alex Padilla of disrupting her remarks on immigration raids. Noem asserted, "If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers" ([02:46]).

Incident Details

However, multiple recordings of the incident reveal that Senator Padilla identified himself before being removed by federal agents, contradicting Noem's claim that he never identified himself.

Tragic Air India Jet Crash in Western India

Timestamp: [03:02]

A catastrophic crash involving an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals, with only one passenger surviving. The aircraft sank moments after takeoff, striking nearby buildings, including a medical college, which led to additional casualties on the ground.

Survivor Status

Authorities have confirmed that the sole survivor does not have life-threatening injuries, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

Harvey Weinstein’s Sexual Assault Trial Ends with Mixed Verdict

Timestamp: [03:57]

The long-awaited trial of former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein concluded with a nuanced outcome. Weinstein faced multiple charges of sexual assault and rape.

Trial Outcomes

Ilya Maritz reported, "The mistrial was on the count of rape in the third degree. In his first trial in 2020, Weinstein was convicted of the same charge, but this time the fractious jury could not reach a verdict" ([03:57]). The jury foreman cited feeling "physically unsafe" during deliberations, leading to the mistrial.

Future Proceedings

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg stated he is prepared to retry Weinstein on the rape charge. Weinstein's defense expressed confidence, asserting, "We are left with single conviction, one we firmly believe will not stand due to gross juror misconduct" ([03:57]). It's noteworthy that Weinstein’s initial New York conviction was overturned last year on procedural grounds, and he also holds a sex crimes conviction in California.

Severe Weather Leads to Fatal Flooding in Central U.S.

Timestamp: [04:34]

Severe storm systems are causing significant flooding across the central United States, particularly impacting the lower Mississippi Valley. Heavy rains and storms have exacerbated existing flood conditions, especially in San Antonio, Texas.

Impact and Casualties

The extreme weather resulted in the deaths of five individuals as multiple vehicles were swept into a creek in San Antonio yesterday morning. Authorities continue to monitor and respond to the unfolding situation, emphasizing the need for preparedness in affected areas.

This summary encapsulates the key moments and developments from the NPR News Now episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not listen to the broadcast. Notable quotes are attributed with precise timestamps to highlight critical statements made by key figures.