Protests Over Immigration Raids Spread, and Austria Reels From Rare School Shooting

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Headlines Host: Michael Simon Johnson | The New York Times | Release Date: June 11, 2025

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1. Protests Over Immigration Raids Spread Across the U.S.

Timestamp: 00:48 – 03:26

Overview: The episode opens with widespread protests against the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies, specifically targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Demonstrations erupted in over two dozen cities, including major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, and San Francisco.

Key Developments:

• Nature of Protests: While predominantly peaceful and confined to specific city areas, the protests saw a significant uptick in tensions since Friday, resulting in over 350 arrests across five cities. Charges range from failing to disperse to accusations of looting, harassment, and throwing Molotov cocktails.

  Protester (00:55): "Unite and fight for immigrants."

  Protester (01:02): "ICE. Get out the way."

• Government Response: President Trump has responded forcefully by deploying nearly 5,000 federal troops to Los Angeles. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, argue that this move has exacerbated tensions rather than alleviating them.

  Law Enforcement Official (01:28): "Downtown LA has a curfew. Those who violate it will be arrested and prosecuted."

  Community Leader (02:17): "Donald Trump's government isn't protecting our communities. They're traumatizing our communities."

• Potential Escalation: The administration is contemplating extending federal troop deployments to other cities, potentially leading to more confrontations with Democratic state governors. However, some state leaders like Texas Governor Greg Abbott are taking initiative by deploying National Guard troops independently, resulting in only a dozen arrests in Texas thus far.

• ICE Operations: ICE continues its raids with the assistance of National Guard troops and is expanding operations with an additional 700 Marines expected to join in Los Angeles. California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the troop deployments are illegal and unconstitutional.

  Reporter (02:53): "ICE posted images on social media of its officers detaining people as armed National Guard troops stood by."

  Michael Simon Johnson (03:24): "A federal judge has set a hearing for Thursday over the state's request that troops not participate in law enforcement activities."

Insights: The escalating protests and government responses highlight the deep national divide over immigration policies. The deployment of federal troops and the subsequent legal challenges underscore the contentious balance between law enforcement and civil liberties.

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2. Aging Lawmakers Pose Challenges in Congress

Timestamp: 03:26 – 06:11

Overview: The podcast delves into the increasing number of elderly members in Congress, raising concerns about physical and cognitive declines affecting legislative efficiency and decision-making.

Key Points:

• Demographic Trends: The current Congress boasts the highest number of members over 70 in recent history, with nearly 120 members aged 70 or older at the start of the session in January. Notably, three House Democrats have passed away this year, and the oldest member, Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton, is nearing her 88th birthday.

  Michael Simon Johnson (03:51): "When this session of Congress was convened in January, there were nearly 120 members who were 70 or older."

• Case Study – Eleanor Holmes Norton: Norton, a non-voting delegate representing Washington, D.C., is experiencing significant frailty, leading to questions about her ability to effectively serve. Despite her illustrious career as a civil rights leader, observations suggest a decline in her functional capabilities.

  Political Analyst (04:06): "She sometimes doesn't recognize people she's known for years. She needs staff to remind her where she is sometimes."

• Comparative Examples: The struggles with aging legislators aren’t isolated. The episode references Senator Dianne Feinstein, who remained in office despite visible health issues until her death in 2023, and President Joe Biden, whose age has been a topic of discussion regarding his capacity to govern.

  Political Analyst (04:43): "We saw it with Jim Joe Biden as president, who got his backup about questions about his age and him being too old to govern or to run for reelection until it was too late."

Insights: The persistence of older lawmakers in Congress poses significant implications for governance and representation. As physical and cognitive declines potentially impair legislative functions, there is a growing call for a generational shift to ensure effective and dynamic leadership.

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3. Southern Baptist Convention Moves to Challenge Same-Sex Marriage

Timestamp: 06:11 – 07:06

Overview: The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), a major evangelical organization in the U.S., has taken a historic step by officially voting to pursue efforts to legally end same-sex marriage nationwide.

Key Developments:

• Historic Vote: For the first time, SBC members have moved beyond long-standing opposition to gay marriage, aiming to influence legislation directly.

  Michael Simon Johnson (06:22): "The denomination has long opposed gay marriage, but Tuesday's vote was the first time its members moved to try to legally end it as an official body."

• Strategic Influences: The decision was influenced by the SBC's successful decades-long campaign against abortion, which involved extensive lobbying and advocacy for anti-abortion judges. Observing the effectiveness of these strategies post the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, SBC strategists believe a similar blueprint can be applied to challenge same-sex marriage.

  Michael Simon Johnson (06:31): "They’re trying to keep the conversation alive."

• Acknowledging Cultural Shifts: Despite recognizing that same-sex marriage enjoys widespread support and is seen as settled by many Americans, the SBC remains committed to its long-term objectives.

  Denny Burke (06:58): "We know that we're in a minority in the culture right now, but we want to be a prophetic minority."

Insights: The SBC's move signals a strategic pivot to apply proven advocacy tactics against same-sex marriage, demonstrating the organization’s resilience and commitment to its values despite shifting societal norms. This development may reignite national debates on marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

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4. Austria Reels from Rare School Shooting

Timestamp: 07:25 – 08:08

Overview: Austria was struck by one of its deadliest school shootings in recent history when a 21-year-old former student fatally opened fire at a high school in Graz, resulting in ten deaths before committing suicide.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The shooter, who never graduated from the school, used two legally obtained firearms. Authorities have limited information on the motives or backgrounds of both the victims and the shooter.

  Michael Simon Johnson (07:36): "It's one of Europe's worst school shootings in years."

• Gun Control Context: Despite Austria's high rate of civilian firearms ownership compared to most European nations, the event remains alarming given the typically low incidence of such violence in the region.

  Michael Simon Johnson (08:01): "School shootings and mass shootings of any kind are rare in Europe, likely due to the low prevalence of guns."

Insights: This tragic event underscores the global challenges of gun violence, even in countries with relatively strict gun control compared to the United States. It raises questions about the factors contributing to such rare but devastating incidents in Europe.

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5. BTS Members Complete Military Service, Signaling Return from Hiatus

Timestamp: 08:36 – 09:15

Overview: K-pop sensation BTS celebrates a significant milestone as two of its major members, RM and V, are discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service, bringing the group's three-year hiatus closer to an end.

Key Developments:

• Military Discharges: RM and V emerged from their military duties to enthusiastic fan receptions, despite record label Hybe's advisories for fans to avoid disruptive gatherings.

  Reporter (08:38): "Both members of the wildly popular boy band BTS have been discharged."

  Michael Simon Johnson (08:43): "They emerged from a military base to cheering fans despite their record label pleading with fans to stay home."

• Group Progress: With RM and V returning, four of the seven BTS members have completed their service. The remaining members, Jimin and Jungkook, are set to be discharged later, followed by Suga next week. Hybe has publicly signaled the group's comeback with prominent signage in Seoul.

  Michael Simon Johnson (09:15): "Representatory Norton follows the playbook to a T, even having been a true icon in her prime and someone who really does have a legacy and is a historic figure."

Insights: BTS's gradual return from military service marks a significant moment for K-pop fans worldwide, signaling the end of a prolonged hiatus and the potential for new musical releases. The group's popularity and disciplined approach to mandatory service highlight the intersection of global pop culture and national obligations.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Headlines provides a comprehensive overview of significant global and domestic issues, from the escalating immigration protests in the United States and the challenges posed by aging legislators, to the Southern Baptist Convention's strategic shift on same-sex marriage, a tragic school shooting in Austria, and the eagerly anticipated return of BTS members from military service. Through detailed reporting and insightful analysis, the podcast encapsulates pivotal moments shaping the socio-political landscape as of June 2025.

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For a deeper dive into these stories and more, listen to the full episode on the New York Times Audio app or wherever you access podcasts.

Transcript

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[Michael Simon Johnson]

From the New York Times, it's the Headlines. I'm Michael Simon Johnson. Today's Wednesday, June 11th. Here's what we're covering.

[Protester]

Unite and fight for immigrant Unite and fight for immigrants.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The protests over President Trump's immigration crackdown have expanded.

[Protester]

Move ice. Get out the way. Get out the way.

Ice. Get out the way.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

From New York to Chicago, we say fight back to Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco.

[Protester]

Abolish ICE. Abolish ICE. AbOLish.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

On Tuesday, protesters gathered in at least two dozen cities around the country to push back against raids from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ice. And in Los Angeles, after days of.

[Reporter]

Protests, local officials declared a curfew for.

[Law Enforcement Official]

Downtown if you do not live or work in downtown la, avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew and you will be prosecuted.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The protests around the country have been.

[Reporter]

Largely peaceful and contained to small sections of cities.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

But since Friday, at least 350 demonstrators.

[Reporter]

Have been arrested across five cities. Many were charged with failing to disperse, though some have been accused of looting.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Harassment and throwing Molotov cocktails.

[Protester]

These are insurrectionists. They're agitators or troublemakers. At a minimum, they're troublemakers.

[Reporter]

Trump has promised a harsh response to the demonstrations.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

He's already deployed almost 5,000 federal troops to Los Angeles, a move that California.

[Reporter]

Officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, say has only inflamed tensions.

[Community Leader]

Donald Trump's government isn't protecting our communities. They're traumatizing our communities. And that seems to be the entire point.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

And as protests escalate around the country, one US Official told the Times the.

[Reporter]

Administration is considering deploying troops to other.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Cities that could force more clashes with Democratic governors.

[Reporter]

But at least one state leader is on board.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

In Texas, Republican Governor Greg Abbott announced.

[Reporter]

He would deploy National Guard troops to quell protests himself. Just over a dozen demonstrators in Texas have been arrested.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The protests.

[Reporter]

Meanwhile, the ICE raids at the heart.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Of the protests have continued this week and last night, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that in Los Angeles, members.

[Reporter]

Of the National Guard are assisting ICE in those efforts.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

ICE posted images on social media of its officers detaining people as armed National.

[Reporter]

Guard troops stood by. Today, 700 Marines are expected to join.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The National Guard in protecting ICE agents and federal buildings in Los Angeles. California has sued the Trump administration over the deployments, calling them illegal and unconstitutional.

[Reporter]

A federal judge has set a hearing.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

For Thursday over the state's request that troops not participate in law enforcement activities. The Times has been looking into a growing number of Washington lawmakers who've held onto their seats despite showing signs of.

[Reporter]

Physical and cognitive decline. This current Congress has the most members above the age of 70 in modern history.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

When this session of Congress was convened in January, There were nearly 120 members who were 70 or older. Three of them, all House Democrats, have died this year. And the House's oldest member, Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton, who turns 88 this week.

[Reporter]

Said on Tuesday that she would run.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

For re election, only to slightly walk.

[Reporter]

Back the comment hours later. Norton represents Washington, D.C. and is a non voting member, meaning her role is largely lobbying and advocating for the city.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

She's a civil rights leader once dubbed.

[Reporter]

DC's warrior on the Hill.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

But her comments about reelection came as sources told the Times that in recent years Norton has become frail and ineffective.

[Political Analyst]

I even have some lawmakers on the record being willing to say with all respect to her legacy and her achievements, it's time for a new generation at this critical moment to take over.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

My colleague Annie Carney covers Congress.

[Political Analyst]

What I heard was just across the board concerned about her ability to do the job at this point. She sometimes doesn't recognize people she's known for years. She needs staff to remind her where she is sometimes. And someone I spoke to who recently met with her described themselves as shell shocked at how much her staff had to fill in the blanks for her. And it was really hard to carry on just a simple conversation with her. This is not an original story at all on Capitol Hill. I mean, we've seen just in the past few years the exact playbook play out with Senator Dianne Feinstein, a lion in her prime, like a really forceful lawmaker who refused to let go of her seat even when it was clear she could not function in that job. And she eventually died in office in 2023 at the age of 90. We saw it with Jim Joe Biden as president, who got his backup about questions about his age and him being too old to govern or to run for reelection until it was too late, arguably. So it is a problem with aging lawmakers who cannot see their own condition, who do not want to leave. And Representative Norton follows the playbook to a T, even having been a true icon in her prime and someone who really does have a legacy and is a historic figure.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The Southern Baptist Convention, one of the country's most powerful evangelical organizations, has officially voted to work toward ending same sex marriage in the U.S. the denomination has.

[Reporter]

Long opposed gay marriage, but Tuesday's vote.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Was the first time its members moved to try to legally end it as an official body. One member told the Times, they're trying.

[Reporter]

To, quote, keep the conversation alive. The decision was heavily influenced by the decades long campaign against abortion. Conservative Christians spent years on lobbying, messaging and advocating for anti abortion judges.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

And after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago, Southern Baptist.

[Reporter]

Strategists saw a potential blueprint for gay marriage.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Many Southern Baptists acknowledged that gay marriage has widespread support across the country and.

[Reporter]

That for many Americans the issue is effectively settled.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

But the vote shows that evangelicals have.

[Reporter]

Long term ambitions and are willing to put in the time.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

As Denny Burke, the president of the.

[Reporter]

Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, put.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

It, we know that we're in a minority in the culture right now, but we want to be a prophetic minority.

[Reporter]

Austria suffered one of its deadliest attacks.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

In modern history on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire in a high school in the city of Graz, killing 10 people.

[Reporter]

The gunman was then found dead in.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

A school bathroom in what authorities are calling an apparent suicide.

[Reporter]

It's one of Europe's worst school shootings in years.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

So far, Austrian police aren't releasing much information about either the victims or the shooter. They have said that the gunman was.

[Reporter]

A 21 year old former student at.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

The school who they say never graduated.

[Reporter]

He had two guns with him during the shooting, both of which were obtained legally.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

School shootings and mass shootings of any kind are rare in Europe, likely due.

[Reporter]

To the low prevalence of guns.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Though Austria is one of the most heavily armed countries in the world, its civilian firearm rate is just a quarter of that of the United States, where shootings like these are far more common. And finally, K pop fans rejoice because two of its biggest stars, singers RM&V.

[Reporter]

Both members of the wildly popular boy.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Band bts, have been discharged from South.

[Reporter]

Korea's mandatory military service.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

This means the band's three year long hiatus is one step closer to ending. The two singers emerged from a military military base to cheering fans despite their record label pleading with fans to stay home and not make a spectacle out of it.

[Reporter]

V Emerged carrying a bouquet of flowers.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

And RM Came out with a saxophone.

[Reporter]

That he used to give an impromptu performance. Four of BTS's seven members have now.

[Michael Simon Johnson]

Concluded their military service. Two more, Jimin and Jungkook, will be discharged later today. The final member, Suga, is scheduled to end his service at the end of next week. Hybe, the entertainment company that releases the band's records, put up a giant sign on its building in Seoul this week. It had three we are back. Those are the headlines today on the Daily A look inside an ICE operation as the Trump administration tries to boost its deportation numbers. That's next in the New York Times audio app or listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Michael Simon Johnson. We'll be back tomorrow.