NPR News Now: Episode Summary – June 15, 2025

Released: June 15, 2025 | Host: Dale Willman

This episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Dale Willman, encapsulates a range of significant events from nationwide protests to cultural milestones. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and proper attributions.

1. Search for Vance Bolter: Suspect in Minnesota Lawmakers' Shootings

Timestamp: [00:15] – [00:33]

Dale Willman opens the episode with breaking news from Minnesota, where authorities are actively searching for 57-year-old Vance Bolter, the suspect responsible for the recent shootings of two lawmakers.

• Police Statement: An unnamed spokesperson emphasizes public safety by stating, “[00:26] At this time, we would ask the public, if you do locate him to see him, to call 911. Do not approach him.”

• Incident Details: The tragic events resulted in the death of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in one shooting, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife suffered injuries in a separate attack. Bolter's vehicle was discovered at the scene of the second incident, intensifying the urgency of the manhunt.

2. Army Celebrates 250th Anniversary Amid Controversial Parade

Timestamp: [00:33] – [01:41]

Willman transitions to the Army's landmark celebration of its 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, a timing that stirred debate over the parade's intent.

• Alana Wise’s Report:

  • Planning and Timing: “[00:56] The army had been planning for at least a year to hold a public celebration in honor of its 250 year anniversary. The date of the army commemoration coincided with the president's birthday, leading critics to wonder if the parade was still purely about celebrating the armed forces.”

  • Public Reaction: “[00:56] Thousands of protests across the country accused Trump of politicizing the military, but the Washington, D.C. event went off without any major interruptions.”

  • Event Highlights: Over 6,000 service members participated in a march on the National Mall, showcasing the Army's evolution. A notable moment was the presentation of a folded American flag to President Trump, a gesture traditionally reserved for families of fallen soldiers.

  • Conclusion: The celebration concluded with fireworks illuminating Washington, D.C., amid ongoing controversies surrounding the event’s dual significance.

3. Nationwide Protests Against the Trump Administration

Timestamp: [01:41] – [02:47]

Dale Willman reports on the widespread protests against the Trump administration, highlighting both urban and rural demonstrations.

• Atlanta Demonstration: Approximately 5,000 individuals gathered in front of the state Capitol, with hundreds more being turned away due to venue capacity constraints.

• Brian Mann’s Coverage from Vermont:

  • Protest Atmosphere: “[02:00] These protests are happening in big cities across the United States, but they're also happening in tiny rural towns. I'm in Virginia, Vermont, and there is just a huge crowd packed along the main street here...”

  • Youth Involvement: “[02:26] One of the people I spoke with was Ellie Wilkinson Sachs. She's 17 years old.”

  • Ellie Wilkinson Sachs’ Statement:

    “[02:26] I think we need more love in this country and less hate. I don't agree with where money is going or the legal actions that are being taken. I think it's something that a king would do. And I don't think that we should have a king in America. That's why we founded it.”

  • Mann’s Summary: “[02:39] All of the people here say they're frightened by the direction President Trump is taking the country.”

4. Shooting at 'No Kings' Protest in Salt Lake City

Timestamp: [02:47] – [03:44]

Willman updates listeners on a shooting incident that occurred during a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Salt Lake City.

• Incident Details: Approximately 10,000 protesters were marching toward a federal office building when gunshots rang out.

• Law Enforcement Response: Police reported one suspect is in custody. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and it is uncertain if the violence was directly connected to the demonstration.

• Casualties: One individual suffered critical injuries as a result of the attack.

5. Pope Leo XIV’s Outreach During White Sox Game

Timestamp: [03:44] – [04:31]

In a unique blend of sports and spirituality, Pope Leo XIV utilized a baseball stadium's Jumbotron to deliver a heartfelt message to the American public.

• Message Content: The Pope encouraged young people to find hope and meaning through their faith in God and by serving others.

• Personal Touch: Acknowledging his roots, Willman notes, “[03:44] Chicago is Leo's hometown, and he's a big White Sox fan.”

6. Pulp’s "More" Tops UK Album Charts After 27 Years

Timestamp: [04:31] – [04:54]

Vicki Barker reports on the British band's resurgence as Pulp achieves a remarkable feat in the UK music scene.

• Album Achievement: Pulp's latest album, "More", ascended to number one on the UK album charts, marking their first chart-topping album in 27 years.

• Band History and Impact:

  • “[04:12] Entitled More, this is the first album from the group Pulp in 24 years and its first UK number one album since 1998.”

  • The album's single, "Spike Island", previously reached number 32 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart, indicating a successful international reception.

  • Artistic Evolution: A UK reviewer highlighted the band's growth, noting their lyrical shift from themes like "cuckoldry as an act of class war" to exploring "how divorce impacts your potential to find love again."

7. U.S. Open Golf Tournament Highlights

Timestamp: [04:31] – [04:54]

Dale Willman provides an update on the ongoing U.S. Open Golf Tournament in Pennsylvania.

• Current Leader: Sam Burns leads the tournament with a 69 in the third round, standing 4 under par. He maintains a one-stroke advantage over competitors J.J. Spahn and Adam Scott.

• Notable Contestants: Victor Houveland is the sole other player under par, situated at 1 under, following a solid third-round score of 70.

Closing Notes

The episode effectively navigates through pressing national issues, celebratory events, and cultural milestones, providing listeners with a well-rounded snapshot of the day's news. Notably, the integration of firsthand quotes and on-the-ground reporting enriches the narrative, offering depth and perspective to each story.

For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of NPR News Now.