NPR News Now: June 17, 2025

Host: Jack Spear
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Israel Achieves Air Supremacy Over Iran Amid Ongoing Missile Strikes

Timestamp: 00:14 – 01:12

NPR's Greg Myhre reports that on the fourth day of its military offensive, Israel has declared full air supremacy over Iran's capital, Tehran. Israeli warplanes have systematically dismantled Iran’s air defenses, enabling extensive bombing raids targeting military installations and nuclear sites across the country. Despite these advancements, Iran continues to launch nightly ballistic missile attacks against Israel. Some of these missiles are breaching Israel's defense systems, resulting in casualties and property damage.

Greg Myhre states, "Israel says it hasn't lost a single plane. However, Iran is still firing ballistic missiles at Israel nightly, and a small number are breaking through Israel's defensive shield, causing deaths and damage" (00:31). Israel is bolstered by support from U.S. naval and air assets dedicated to intercepting the incoming Iranian weaponry.

2. President Trump Exits G7 Summit Amid Middle East Tensions and Minnesota Violence Investigation

Timestamp: 01:12 – 02:07

President Donald Trump has abruptly departed the Group of Seven (G7) summit, citing escalating issues related to the Israel-Iran conflict. Concurrently, investigators are scrutinizing multiple notebooks from Vance Belter, recently arrested in connection with politically motivated violence in Minnesota. The writings reveal names of numerous Democratic officials and abortion rights advocates.

Fred Clarkson from Political Research Associates explains, "Videos of Vance Belter sermonizing in Africa and his reported connection to the Christ for the Nations Institute in Texas suggest that Belter may be involved with a new apostolic reformation" (01:35). This movement, known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), is described as a decentralized, neo-charismatic movement aiming to establish Old Testament-based governance globally.

Odette Youssef adds, "There's been a decided uptick in the rhetoric and vision of violence in the United States from apostolic leaders for some time" (01:58). Clarkson further notes the involvement of some NAR leaders in inciting Trump’s base leading up to the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighting the movement's growing influence in fostering divisive and violent rhetoric.

3. Dr. Salvador Plasencia to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case

Timestamp: 02:18 – 03:07

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the physicians accused of supplying actor Matthew Perry with the anesthetic drug ketamine, has agreed to plead guilty. NPR's Steve Futterman reports that Plasencia, along with four others, was implicated in a scheme to profit from Perry’s known substance abuse issues. The U.S. Attorney Martine Estrada remarked, "These defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being" (02:25). Plasencia faces four counts of ketamine distribution, carrying a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

4. Wall Street Gains and Maui Wildfire Evacuations

Timestamp: 03:07 – 04:32

Stock Market Update:
Wall Street closed higher with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up by 317 points, signaling positive investor sentiment.

Maui Wildfire:
A rapidly spreading wildfire on Maui has led to the evacuation of approximately 100 homes. The fire, ignited opposite the area devastated by a deadly Lahaina fire two years prior, has consumed over 330 acres. While containment efforts are underway, no major injuries or significant structural damages have been reported.

Catholic Church Affiliation in America:
A new Pew Research report reveals that nearly half of all Americans have some connection to the Catholic Church. NPR's Jason DeRose elaborates that only 20% identify as Catholic, while an additional 9% consider themselves culturally Catholic, and another 9% have familial ties to the church (03:54). The report highlights that 70% of respondents value a personal relationship with Jesus, 50% are devoted to Mary, and just under half prioritize helping the poor or receiving the Eucharist. However, fewer Catholics view opposing abortion, caring for immigrants, or active parish membership as essential to their faith.

Odette Youssef adds context to the findings, explaining that these affiliations do not always translate to adherence to church teachings, reflecting a diverse range of personal beliefs within the Catholic community.

5. Passing of Leonard Lowder, Esteemed Philanthropist and Cosmetics Mogul

Timestamp: 04:32 – 04:54

Leonard Lowder, a 92-year-old philanthropist and the eldest son of Este and Joseph H. Lowder—the founders of a global cosmetics empire established in 1946—has passed away. Leonard joined the family business in 1958 and was instrumental in expanding it into an international brand. His legacy includes significant philanthropic contributions and the growth of a beloved family-run enterprise.

Note: Advertisements from Capital One and Mint Mobile were omitted from this summary as per guidelines.

Key Quotes with Attributions:

• "Israel says it hasn't lost a single plane. However, Iran is still firing ballistic missiles at Israel nightly, and a small number are breaking through Israel's defensive shield, causing deaths and damage." — Greg Myhre (00:31)

• "Videos of Vance Belter sermonizing in Africa and his reported connection to the Christ for the Nations Institute in Texas suggest that Belter may be involved with a new apostolic reformation." — Fred Clarkson (01:35)

• "There's been a decided uptick in the rhetoric and vision of violence in the United States from apostolic leaders for some time." — Odette Youssef (01:58)

• "These defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being." — Martine Estrada, U.S. Attorney (02:25)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the NPR News Now episode aired on June 17, 2025, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the latest news developments.