NPR News: 06-15-2025 3AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: June 15, 2025, 3AM EDT - Detailed Summary

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1. Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings

[00:17]
Host Dale Willman reported a distressing incident in Minnesota where police are seeking public assistance in locating 57-year-old Vance Bolter, the suspect responsible for the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers on Saturday.

• Details of the Incident:
  • Victims: Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in one shooting.
  • Additional Incident: State Senator John Hoffman and his wife sustained injuries in a separate shooting.
  • Evidence Found: Bolter's vehicle was discovered at the scene of the second shooting.

[00:29]
A Police Spokesperson emphasized public safety:

"At this time, we would ask the public, if you do locate him to see him to call 911. Do not approach him."
(Timestamp: 00:29)

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2. Shooting Amid Salt Lake City No Kings Protest

[00:35]
The episode highlighted a shooting incident in downtown Salt Lake City during a No Kings protest, which drew approximately 10,000 participants advocating against President Donald Trump's policies.

• Incident Details:
  • Casualties: One person was critically injured.
  • Current Status: Police have taken one individual into custody.
  • Uncertainty: Authorities are unsure if the shooting is related to the protest.

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3. No Kings Protests in North Texas

[01:19]
Reporter Priscilla Rice provided an on-the-ground perspective from Dallas, where a multi-generational crowd of about 10,000 people gathered at Dallas City Hall's plaza.

• Protest Highlights:

  • Demographics: Diverse attendees holding handmade signs in both English and Spanish.
  • Participant Voices:
    • Linda Evans, a Mexican American attendee, shared her motivation:

      "I'm here to be a voice to the people that can't be here that are suffering from all this."
      (Timestamp: 01:42)

• Event Nature:

  • Described as a peaceful demonstration with no arrests reported.

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4. Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade Amid Controversy

[01:54]
Host Dale Willman introduced a segment on the Army's 250th anniversary celebration in Dallas, concurrent with President Trump’s 79th birthday. Reporter Alana Weiss delved into the complexities of the event.

• Event Planning:

  • The parade had been in the works for over a year, originally intended to honor the Army’s milestone.

• Controversial Overlap:

  • The coincidence of dates led to accusations that Trump was politicizing the military, with thousands protesting nationwide.

• Event Proceedings:

  • Dallas Celebration: Proceeded without major disruptions.
  • Participation: Over 6,000 service members marched on the National Mall, showcasing the Army's evolution.
  • Presidential Gesture:
    • President Trump received a folded American flag, a tradition typically reserved for families of fallen soldiers.

• Conclusion of Event:

  • Fireworks illuminated Washington D.C., concluding the contentious celebration.

[02:10]
Alana Weiss summarized:

"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."
(Timestamp: 02:10)

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5. President Trump’s Call with Russian President Putin

[02:54]
Host Dale Willman reported on a significant diplomatic interaction where President Trump engaged in a 50-minute phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Discussion Topics:

  • Middle East Escalation: Addressed ongoing tensions and potential resolutions.
  • Ukraine Peace Talks: Explored possibilities for peace agreements.

• Additional Briefings:

  • Putin informed Trump about his decisions and discussions with leaders from Iran and Israel.

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6. Devastating Gun Attack in Nigeria

[02:54]
A tragic gun attack in a village in north-central Nigeria resulted in at least 100 fatalities.

• Impact Assessment:
  • Casualties: Over 100 killed, with dozens missing as reported by Amnesty International.
  • Injuries: Hundreds injured with limited access to medical care.

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7. Pope Leo’s Message to Americans

[02:54]
Host Dale Willman shared that Pope Leo delivered his first-ever message directed specifically at Americans.

• Message Content:

  • Encouraged young people to find hope and meaning through faith in God and serving others.

• Delivery Method:

  • The video message was showcased on the Jumbotron at a Chicago White Sox game, reflecting the pope's hometown connection and his support for the team.

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8. Legal Action Against Gateway Church Pastor

[04:06]
Reporter Penelope Rivera covered a significant development involving Gateway Church's founding pastor, Robert Morris.

• Lawsuit Details:

  • Plaintiffs: Cindy Clemeshire and her father.
  • Allegations:
    • Child Sexual Abuse: Accusations against Morris.
    • Defamation: Claims against Morris, his wife, Gateway Church, and its elders for benefiting financially by concealing the abuse.
    • Additional Claims: Civil conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • Damages Sought: Over $1 million in civil damages.

• Criminal Case:

  • Location: Osage, Oklahoma.
  • Charges: Five counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child.
  • Next Steps: Morris's subsequent court appearance is scheduled for September.

[04:06]
Penelope Rivera stated:

"The lawsuit filed by Cindy Clemeshire and her father claims Morris, his wife, Gateway and its elders all benefited financially from hiding the sexual abuse claims."
(Timestamp: 04:06)

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9. U.S. Open Golf Tournament Update

[04:43]
Host Dale Willman provided a sports update, highlighting Sam Burns as the frontrunner entering the final round of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament in Pennsylvania.

• Current Standings:
  • Sam Burns: Leads with a third round score of 69, maintaining a one-stroke advantage over J.J. Spahn.

[04:43]
Willman concluded:

"I'm Dale Willman, NPR News."
(Timestamp: 04:43)

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Notable Quotes Summary

• Police Spokesperson on Bolter:

  "At this time, we would ask the public, if you do locate him to see him to call 911. Do not approach him."
  (00:29)

• Linda Evans on Representation:

  "I'm here to be a voice to the people that can't be here that are suffering from all this."
  (01:42)

• Alana Weiss on Army Parade Controversy:

  "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."
  (02:10)

• Penelope Rivera on Gateway Church Lawsuit:

  "The lawsuit filed by Cindy Clemeshire and her father claims Morris, his wife, Gateway and its elders all benefited financially from hiding the sexual abuse claims."
  (04:06)

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key events and discussions from the NPR News Now episode released on June 15, 2025. From tragic shootings and significant political protests to high-profile legal cases and inspirational messages, the episode covered a broad spectrum of current affairs, providing listeners with in-depth insights into pressing national and international issues.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. Police in Minnesota are asking the public to help with their search for 57 year old Vance Boulter. He's a suspect in the shootings Saturday of two Minnesota lawmakers.

[Police Spokesperson]

@ this time, we would ask the public, if you do locate him to see him to call 911. Do not approach him.

[Dale Willman]

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in one shooting while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were injured in a separate incident. Police found Bolter's car at the scene of the second shooting. Police in Salt Lake City say they have one person in custody following a shooting in that city's downtown area. The shots were heard during a no Kings protest there. Police don't know if the shooting was connected with the demonstration. Some 10,000 people were marching to a federal office building when the shots were fired. One person was critically injured. No Kings protests in North Texas Saturday attracted thousands of people who oppose President Donald Trump's policies. Kera's Priscilla Rice reports.

[Priscilla Rice]

In Dallas, a multi generational crowd of what police estimate to be about 10,000 people packed into Dallas City Hall's plaza. They held handmade signs in English and Spanish. Enchanted Linda Evans, who is Mexican American, says she was there to represent her roots because her dad is a Mexican immigrant. She carried both a Mexican and American flag with her.

[Linda Evans]

I'm here to be a voice to the people that can't be here that are suffering from all this.

[Priscilla Rice]

No arrests were reported in what was described as a peaceful event. For NPR News, I'm Priscilla Rice.

[Dale Willman]

In Dallas this weekend, the army celebrated its 250th year of existence, and President Trump had his own cause for celebration. It was his 79th birthday. NPR's Alana Weiss reports on the controversial parade that marked the dates the army.

[Alana Weiss]

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. Thousands of protests across the country accused Trump of politicizing the military, but the Washington, D.C. event went off without any major interruptions. More than 6,000 and service members marched in the National Mall, highlighting the Army's growth over the years. Towards the end of the event, Trump was gifted a folded American flag, which is a tradition usually reserved for the family of fallen soldiers. Fireworks lit up DC's night sky, marking an end to the contentious celebration. Ilana Wise, NPR News, Washington.

[Dale Willman]

President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday. Russian officials say the two Talked for about 50 minutes about the escalating situation in the Middle east as well as possible Ukraine peace deals, peace talks rather. During the conversation, Putin also briefed Trumps on his decisions and discussions with leaders of Iran and Israel. This is NPR News. At least 100 people were killed early Saturday in a gun attack on a village in the north central part of Nigeria. Amnesty International says dozens of people remain missing after the attack. Hundreds of others are injured and have limited access to medical care there. Pope Leo offered his first words directed at Americans on Saturday, telling young people how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and service to others. The video message was delivered on the Jumbotron at the Chicago White Sox game. Chicago is the pope's hometown and he roots for the White Sox. A woman who has accused Gateway Church's founding pastor of child sexual abuse is now suing that megachurch. And as KERA's Penelope Rivera reports, the civil suit comes as Robert Morris criminal case plays out in Oklahoma.

[Penelope Rivera]

The lawsuit filed by Cindy Clemeshire and her father claims Morris, his wife, Gateway and its elders all benefited financially from hiding the sexual abuse claims. Clemeshire accuses them of defamation, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and other claims. The suit is seeking civil damages in excess of $1 million. Robert Morris also faces a criminal case in Osage, Oklahoma. The megachurch pastor is charged with five counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child. His next court date is scheduled for September. For NPR News, I'm Penelope Rivera in Fort Worth.

[Dale Willman]

Sam Burns is in the lead going into Sunday's final round of the U.S. open golf tournament in Pennsylvania. He shot a third round, 69, to take a one stroke lead over J.J. spahn. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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