NPR News Now: June 17, 2025, 2AM EDT
Host: Shea Stevens
Source: NPR
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Release Date: June 17, 2025
1. Middle East Crisis Escalation
Timestamp: [00:18] - [01:15]
Shea Stevens opens the episode with breaking news on the escalating crisis in the Middle East:
- President Trump is returning to the United States from the G7 summit in Calgary to address the situation.
- Israel claims to have "largely eliminated Iran's air defenses," asserting its capability to bomb Iran without restrictions.
Greg Maibre, reporting for NPR, provides a detailed analysis:
- Israel's missile defense: Currently intercepting approximately 90% of Iran's incoming ballistic missiles, aligning with expectations.
- Recent attacks: Multiple missiles struck Israel on Monday morning, resulting in civilian casualties in apartment buildings and significant damage at an oil refinery.
- Defense Systems: Israel utilizes two primary systems against ballistic missiles:
- Arrow
- David's Sling
- Iron Dome: While widely recognized, it is primarily designed for short-range rockets, differentiating it from the Arrow and David's Sling systems used against high-altitude, fast-moving ballistic missiles.
"Israel is shooting down about 90% of Iran's incoming ballistic missiles, and that's roughly what was expected."
— Greg Maibre [00:43]
2. Legal Battle Over NIH Research Grants
Timestamp: [01:15] - [02:18]
Shea Stevens transitions to a significant legal development in Boston:
- A federal judge has ruled that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) illegally canceled approximately 800 research grants.
- These grants predominantly focused on areas disfavored by the Trump administration, including diversity and transgender issues.
Craig Lemolt from NPR's member station GBH reports:
- Judge's Ruling: The cancellations were deemed arbitrary and capricious.
- Order: NIH must resume funding the previously terminated research.
- Legal Representation: Rachel Meeropol of the ACLU represented the plaintiffs.
Rachel Meeropol underscores the judge's findings:
"The judge looked at the agency's explanation for why it would not fly these categories of research and said that they were wholly without reason and without reasoning."
— Rachel Meeropol [01:48]
Craig Lemolt further elaborates:
"The judge went on to say the government's actions in the case amounted to racial discrimination and discrimination against the LGBTQ population, saying he's never seen anything like this in his 40 years on the bench."
— Craig Lemolt [01:58]
3. Investigation into Minnesota Political Attacks
Timestamp: [02:18] - [03:15]
Shea Stevens reports on the ongoing investigation into recent attacks targeting political figures in Minnesota:
- Suspect: Vance Belter is under scrutiny for the weekend's violent acts.
- Evidence: Investigators discovered multiple notebooks listing dozens of Democratic officials and abortion rights supporters as targets.
Fred Clarkson from Political Research Associates provides context on Belter's background:
- Affiliations: Videos indicate Belter was involved with the Christ for the Nations Institute in Texas.
- Ideological Ties: Suggests a link to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a decentralized neo-charismatic movement aiming to establish Old Testament biblical governance globally.
Odette Youssef, reporting for NPR, adds:
- Rhetoric Escalation: There has been a noticeable increase in violent rhetoric from apostolic leaders in the U.S.
Fred Clarkson connects historical patterns:
"Some NAR leaders were involved in organizing and fomenting anger among Trump's base in the period leading to the January 6th attack on the Capitol."
— Fred Clarkson [03:05]
4. Natural Disasters and Corporate Settlements
Timestamp: [03:15] - [04:02]
Shea Stevens covers two major stories:
-
Flooding in West Virginia:
- Death Toll: At least six confirmed fatalities, with two persons missing.
- Damage: Over 60 homes, numerous businesses, and infrastructure, including roads, have been affected in the state's northern panhandle.
- Statement: Governor Patrick Morrissey addresses the ongoing emergency.
-
Purdue Pharma Settlement:
- Company Status: Bankrupt oxycodone manufacturer Purdue Pharma reaches a multi-billion dollar settlement with all 50 states.
- Terms: The Sackler family, owners of Purdue, will contribute financially and relinquish control of the company as part of the agreement.
5. Catholic Church Affiliation and Beliefs
Timestamp: [04:02] - [04:41]
Jason DeRose discusses findings from a Pew Research Center report on Americans' connection to the Catholic Church:
-
Statistics:
- 20% identify as Catholic.
- 9% describe themselves as culturally Catholic.
- Another 9% are former Catholics.
- An additional 9% have indirect connections, such as having a Catholic parent or spouse.
-
Beliefs and Practices:
- 70% prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus.
- 50% are devoted to Mary.
- Just under 50% focus on helping the poor or receiving the Eucharist.
- Less than a third consider opposing abortion, caring for immigrants, or belonging to a parish as essential.
Jason DeRose concludes:
"Nearly half of all Americans have some connection to the Catholic Church. But it doesn't mean that they always align with church teachings."
— Jason DeRose [04:02]
6. Financial Markets Update
Timestamp: [04:41] - [04:56]
Shea Stevens provides a brief overview of the financial markets:
- U.S. Futures: Lower in after-hours trading following gains in Asian markets on Monday.
- Global Shares: Mostly down, with a slight increase in Tokyo, signaling cautious investor sentiment.
"U.S. futures are lower in after hours trading on Wall street following Monday's gains on Asia Pacific markets."
— Shea Stevens [04:41]
Closing Note
The episode concludes without additional content following the final market update, adhering to NPR's format of omitting advertisements, intros, and outros in detailed summaries.
Notable Quotes
-
Greg Maibre:
"Israel is shooting down about 90% of Iran's incoming ballistic missiles, and that's roughly what was expected."
— [00:43] -
Rachel Meeropol:
"The judge looked at the agency's explanation for why it would not fly these categories of research and said that they were wholly without reason and without reasoning."
— [01:48] -
Craig Lemolt:
"The judge went on to say the government's actions in the case amounted to racial discrimination and discrimination against the LGBTQ population, saying he's never seen anything like this in his 40 years on the bench."
— [01:58] -
Fred Clarkson:
"Some NAR leaders were involved in organizing and fomenting anger among Trump's base in the period leading to the January 6th attack on the Capitol."
— [03:05] -
Jason DeRose:
"Nearly half of all Americans have some connection to the Catholic Church. But it doesn't mean that they always align with church teachings."
— [04:02]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on June 17, 2025. It is structured to provide clarity and depth for listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the covered topics.