NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 14, 2025, 1PM EDT Episode
Released on June 14, 2025
Tragic Shooting in Minnesota: State Representatives Targeted
At 00:26, Louise Schiavone opens the episode with breaking news from Minnesota, where a violent incident has shaken the state’s political landscape. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot, and State Senator John Hoffman alongside his wife were attacked, leaving them hospitalized.
Mark Brulee, Brooklyn Park Police Chief, provides critical details at 00:50:
“When they arrived at Melissa's house, they noticed that there was a police vehicle in the driveway with the lights, emergency lights on, and what appeared to be a police officer at the door coming out of the house. When our officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers, who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home.”
The suspect remains at large. Further complicating the investigation, US Senator Tina Smith revealed at 01:10 that her name was found on a list in the suspect’s car. Smith stated she was attending a Democratic dinner with Hortman and Hoffman mere hours before the attack. Additionally, police discovered flyers related to "no Kings" demonstrations in the suspect's vehicle. Authorities are currently unclear about the reasons behind discouraging attendance at today's protests.
Historic Military Parade in Washington D.C.: Celebration and Controversy
Shifting focus to the nation's capital, Schiavone reports at 01:10 on a monumental military parade set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, coinciding with President Trump’s 79th birthday.
Kat Lonsdorf elaborates at 01:53:
“President Trump has been pushing for such a parade since his first term in office after watching a Bastille Day celebration in France. Preparations for today's parade began only a few months ago, but Trump has promised it will be, quote, big, with dozens of tanks, thousands of troops and at least one flyover.”
The parade is estimated to cost between $25 and $45 million and anticipates around 200,000 spectators. However, it has faced criticism for its display of military might, drawing comparisons to autocratic regimes like Russia and North Korea. Concurrently, hundreds of protests are organized nationwide to oppose the parade.
The march commences from the Lincoln Memorial at 02:29, featuring tanks, bands, and thousands of troops. Elected officials are urging protesters to maintain peace during these demonstrations.
'No Kings' Protests Erupt Across the Country
In Atlanta, Georgia, Julian Virgin reports at 02:51 on the “no Kings” protest:
“Over 5,000 protesters are in front of the Georgia State Capitol inside the Liberty Plaza for the no Kings protest. People are shoulder to shoulder, signs in hand. We have heavy police presence around the area to make sure everybody remains safe during this protest.”
The protest includes a significant presence of the Proud Boys, a controversial group known for their far-right views. Meanwhile, Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson has left the stage, as other Georgia representatives are attending the military parade in Washington D.C.
Presidential Dialogue: Trump and Putin Discuss Geopolitical Tensions
At 03:22, Schiavone updates listeners on international relations:
“President Trump and Russian President Putin spoke today for close to an hour. The two leaders discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and Ukraine peace talks.”
A Putin aide disclosed that Putin briefed Trump on discussions with Iranian and Israeli leaders and reiterated Russia’s intent to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Iran nuclear issue. This dialogue marks a significant moment in ongoing geopolitical tensions.
FIFA Club World Cup Launches in the United States
The episode also covers the sports arena, highlighting the commencement of the FIFA Club World Cup across the U.S. at 03:59.
Rafael Nam provides insights:
“It's not new. The Club World Cup has been around for a while, but it was low key and pretty small. This year, though, it's been turbocharged. 32 teams will now be playing in games from Charlotte to LA, including top teams like Real Madrid and also less known teams like Olson from South Korea.”
Despite the expanded format featuring both renowned and emerging teams, ticket sales remain sluggish. Nam questions:
“Yet somehow fans don't seem that excited. Ticket sales have been really slow. Fans have tons of options when it comes to soccer already. Will they tune in to watch the Club World Cup? That's the key question as the opening game kicks off tonight in Miami with the final next month in New Jersey.”
Chicago Honors Robert Francis Prevost and Pope Leo
Concluding the episode at 04:40, Schiavone reports on a local Chicago event:
“Chicago's baseball team salutes a favorite son today, born Robert Francis Prevost on the south side in 1955. Pope Leo will be honored at an event at Wright Field, home to the Chicago White Sox. The Chicago Archdiocese says the pope will appear via video message aimed at the young people of the world.”
The event celebrates Prevost’s contributions and highlights the Pope’s outreach to inspire youth globally.
This NPR News Now episode delivers a comprehensive snapshot of significant events spanning local tragedies, national celebrations, international diplomacy, and cultural happenings. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current landscape both within Minnesota and on a broader scale.