NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of the June 14, 2025 Episode

Release Date: June 14, 2025 | Host: Louise Schiavone | Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Threat to Public Media Funding

[00:00] Unknown Speaker:
The episode opens with an urgent announcement regarding the House of Representatives' approval of a White House request to reclaim two years of previously allocated funding for public media. This rescission package is now headed to the Senate, sparking significant concern among public media advocates.

"This move poses a serious threat to local stations and public media as we know it."
— Unknown Speaker, [00:00]

Listeners are urged to take action to support public media by visiting goacpr.org.

2. Fatal Shooting in Minnesota: A Political Assassination?

[00:25] Louise Schiavone:
NPR's Louise Schiavone reports from Washington, highlighting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's characterization of the recent fatal shooting of State Representative Melissa Hortman as a political assassination.

[00:41] Clay Masters (Minnesota Public Radio):
Clay Masters elaborates on Hortman's significance, emphasizing her role as a stabilizing force in the House of Representatives.

"Representative Hortman had served as speaker, was serving in kind of this co-speakership. She was one of the most steady hands in making sure a deal could get done."
— Clay Masters, [00:41]

3. President Trump's Response to the Shootings

[00:51] Louise Schiavone:
The report continues with President Trump's reaction to the Minnesota shootings.

[01:00] Franco Ordonez (NPR):
Franco Ordonez details Trump's statements and the ongoing manhunt for the gunman.

"Such horrific violence will not be tolerated."
— President Trump, [01:00]

The shooter, posing as a police officer, murdered Melissa Hortman and her spouse and wounded another state senator and his wife. President Trump assured that the FBI is assisting in the investigation and vowed that those responsible would be prosecuted fully.

4. The 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army and Associated Protests

[01:43] Louise Schiavone:
Celebrations are underway in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Trump's birthday. The festivities include a grand parade featuring tanks, soldiers, parachute jumps, and flyovers scheduled for 6:30 PM on the National Mall.

[02:13] Forrest Brandt (via Bill Reinhart, WVXU):
Army veteran Forrest Brandt expresses skepticism about the true intentions behind the parade.

"People don't see it as a celebration of the Army's 250th. They see it as Donald Trump's birthday party."
— Forrest Brandt, [02:21]

Brandt criticizes the federalization of the National Guard in California without the governor's request, labeling it a dangerous break from precedent.

[02:49] Louise Schiavone:
Expanding the narrative, Schiavone reports on overseas protests against the military parade. Demonstrations occurred in Lisbon's Restorer Square and across various European cities, with slogans like "Fascism not in America."

"Fascism not in America."
— Unknown Protester, [03:01]

5. Pulp's Triumphant Return to the UK Charts

[03:09] Louise Schiavone:
Shifting to lighter news, NPR's Vicki Barker reports from London on the Britpop band Pulp achieving their first UK number one album in 27 years.

[03:35] Vicki Barker (London):
Highlighting the band's comeback, Barker notes the album "Moore" and its hit single "Spike Island."

"One UK Reviewer's given the album four stars, also noting that the passage of time has seen a band that once mused about cuckoldry as an act of class war now addresses how divorce impacts your potential to find love again."
— Vicki Barker, [04:02]

6. Legal Developments: Trump's Civil Judgment Upheld

[04:20] Louise Schiavone:
In legal news, Schiavone reports from London on a significant court decision. A federal appeals court unanimously upheld a $5 million civil judgment against President Trump in the case brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll.

"The panel said that that would not be appropriate in hockey."
— Unknown Speaker, [04:20]

The judgment stems from a 2023 trial where Trump was found to have sexually abused Carroll in 1996. Trump's legal team had sought to have the appellate court reconsider the ruling, which was denied.

7. Sports Update: Stanley Cup Final Tied

[05:04] Louise Schiavone:
The episode briefly touches on the sports scene, mentioning that the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers are tied 2-2 in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Final.

Conclusion

The June 14, 2025 episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive roundup of pressing national issues, from political violence and funding threats to cultural comebacks and legal battles surrounding prominent figures. The episode concludes with a nod to ongoing sports events, maintaining NPR's commitment to covering diverse facets of current affairs.

For more detailed updates, listeners are encouraged to access the full episode or visit NPR's website.