NPR News Now – Episode Summary: June 17, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens Release Date: June 17, 2025
G7 Leaders Affirm Israel’s Right to Self-Defense and Target Iran’s Regional Instability
At the G7 summit in Calgary, leaders united in a joint statement reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself while identifying Iran as the principal source of regional instability. The declaration emphasized the G7's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Notable Quote:
Ted Cruz [01:00]: "Listen, this is not World War three. And by the way, Iran has been trying to wage World War three for the entire existence ever since the Islamic Revolution."
In an interview with ABC News, Texas Senator Ted Cruz asserted that Iran should anticipate an overwhelming force response should it attack the Israeli military. Cruz further stated that "Israel is doing the United States a favor by attacking Iran," underscoring the tense stance many U.S. lawmakers hold towards Iran's ambitions.
Controversy at Paris Air Show Over Israeli Defense Exhibits
The French government recently shut down four Israeli defense stands at the Paris Air Show, sparking immediate backlash from Israel. Organizers claimed that Israel violated prior agreements by showcasing offensive weapons, including those deployed in Gaza.
Reporting by Eleanor Beardsley:
"Black partition walls have been put up around the display. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the move outrageous."
The Israeli Ministry of Defense condemned the decision as an act of segregation, with defense contractors likening the partition walls to the discriminatory separation Jews faced in historical Europe. Although Israelis demanded the reversal of the shutdowns, a French court dismissed bids by several NGOs to ban Israel from the event entirely. Nine Israeli companies continued to exhibit amidst the heightened tensions.
Capitol Hill Tightens Security Following Minnesota Lawmaker Attack
In the wake of a tragic incident where a gunman targeted Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, resulting in one fatality and another injured, Capitol Hill is ramping up security measures.
Report by Deirdre Walsh: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for moral clarity in condemning political violence:
Chuck Schumer [02:23]: "Every single one of us must condemn political violence, no matter where it comes from, and to work together to eradicate its root causes."
Top Democrats in the House are advocating for increased discretionary funds to enhance security for lawmakers. While Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the sentiment that "political violence has no place in the nation," specific policy changes remain undecided.
Federal Court Orders Restoration of Health Grants and MyPillow CEO Faces Defamation Verdict
Federal Health Grants Restoration: A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration's cuts to federal health grants, deeming the termination of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research on diversity and LGBTQ issues as illegal. This decision mandates the reinstatement of hundreds of targeted grants, ensuring continued support for critical research areas.
Defamation Case Against MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell: In a significant legal development, a federal jury in Denver found MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell personally liable for defaming a former Dominion Voting Systems employee. Lindell was ordered to pay $2.3 million in damages after falsely claiming that the employee rigged the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden.
Reporting by Ben Taub:
Mike Lindell [04:11]: "This was a huge victory for our country. My pillow was sued for no reason and they won 100%."
Despite Lindell's declaration of victory, the jury did assign personal liability to him for the defamatory statements. The former employee, Eric Kumar, who sought over $60 million in damages, reported enduring death threats and ongoing anxiety and panic attacks as a result of the false claims.
Legal Proceedings Against California Doctor for Supplying Ketamine to Matthew Perry
A California physician, Dr. Salvador Placencia, has agreed to plead guilty to providing the late actor Matthew Perry with access to ketamine. This admission follows investigations that revealed unauthorized distribution of the controlled substance, which contributed to Perry's fatal drug overdose in October 2023 at the age of 54. Dr. Placencia now faces up to 40 years in prison for his role in the tragic incident.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments covered in the June 17, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. From international political dynamics and security concerns in Washington to significant legal judgments and ongoing public health issues, the episode provided listeners with crucial updates across a spectrum of pressing topics.