NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of June 25, 2025 Episode

Released: June 25, 2025

1. NATO Summit Concludes with Enhanced Defense Commitments

The NATO summit, which concluded on June 25, 2025, marked a significant shift in the alliance's defense spending strategy. NATO allies have agreed to increase their defense expenditures to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP), a substantial rise from the previous 2% over the next decade. This decision comes in response to growing global tensions and the need to strengthen collective security measures.

In his closing press conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the pivotal role of U.S. leadership in revitalizing the alliance. At 00:50, Rutte remarked:

"He was totally right that Europe and Canada were not providing to NATO what we should provide and that the US was spending so much more on defense than the Europeans and the Canadians."

Rutte credited President Trump for motivating NATO members to reassess and bolster their defense commitments, especially in light of Russia's "unprovoked attack on Ukraine." Eleanor Beardsley of NPR News highlighted the positive atmosphere among alliance members following the summit, suggesting a strengthened and more united NATO moving forward.

2. Senate Judiciary Committee Scrutinizes Emil Bovey’s Federal Judge Nomination

The nomination of Emil Bovey for a federal appeals court judge position in New Jersey has become a contentious issue within the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kerry Johnson reports that Democrats are questioning Bovey's loyalty to former President Trump and his decisions during his tenure at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Bovey, a former lawyer for Trump, oversaw daily operations at the DOJ. Critics are particularly concerned about his involvement in the handling of a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Bovey defended his actions by stating his priority was to prevent the mayor from being incapacitated by criminal charges:

"I worried the mayor could not govern while fighting criminal charges," - Emil Bovey (01:30)

However, Bovey declined to comment on whether he had discussions with Stephen Miller or other White House officials regarding the case's dismissal. Although a judge ultimately dismissed the charges, skepticism remains about the potential bargaining behind the decision. Carrie Johnson from NPR News indicated that if Senate Republicans maintain their cohesion, Bovey stands a good chance of securing confirmation by a simple majority.

3. Zoran Mamdani Emerges as a Strong Contender for NYC Mayor

Democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani is emerging as a prominent candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination for Mayor of New York City. Stephen Fowler details how Mamdani's candidacy could influence the national Democratic strategy, especially amidst declining popularity at the national level.

Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling attributes Mamdani's potential success to his ability to engage younger voters, particularly those under 45:

"What we really just found the key was, was he was engaging young people in a level that's extremely unusual for something like a primary election for mayor." - Tom Jensen (02:23)

Mamdani's appeal among younger demographics has injected optimism into the Democratic Party, which is seeking positive momentum following setbacks in the White House, Senate, and efforts to reclaim the House of Representatives.

4. FICO Scores to Incorporate Buy Now, Pay Later Loans

In consumer finance news, FICO has announced plans to integrate buy now, pay later (BNPL) installment loans into their credit scoring models. Traditionally, FICO scores have been a critical metric for determining creditworthiness and interest rates for mortgages and car loans. However, BNPL loans currently do not impact these scores.

The incorporation of BNPL data is expected to reflect consumers' ongoing credit behaviors more accurately. Jack Spear explains that in 2023, Americans spent over $116.2 billion on goods using installment loans. FICO suggests that responsible use of BNPL could potentially enhance consumers' credit scores. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's financial health, potentially benefiting those who effectively manage installment payments.

5. National Science Foundation to Relocate Headquarters Amid Budget Cuts

A significant organizational shift is underway for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as it prepares to vacate its current headquarters in Virginia. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will take over the building, a move that has stirred considerable concern among NSF employees.

According to Nell Greenfield Boyce of NPR News, the transition follows the resignation of the NSF head earlier in the year and previous budgetary pressures imposed by the Trump administration, which advocated for slashing NSF's budget by over half. Approximately 1,800 NSF workers face uncertainty as HUD's Michael Peters, Public Building Service commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration, defended the move:

"The HUD’s current home is dilapidated and requires too much money to maintain. This move will improve life for HUD staffers." - Michael Peters (03:59)

While Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling stated support for the NSF as a key agency, the specifics regarding the timing and new location for the NSF headquarters remain unresolved. The relocation represents the latest challenge for the agency amidst ongoing administrative and political changes.

6. Tesla’s European Sales Decline Amidst Elon Musk’s Political Associations

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is experiencing a significant downturn in European sales, which have plunged for the fifth consecutive month as of May 2025. Jack Spear reports that Tesla's sales dropped by 28% compared to the same period the previous year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

This decline is partly attributed to public backlash against Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, due to his involvement with the Trump administration and support for far-right politicians. Musk's political affiliations have alienated a substantial segment of European consumers, leading to decreased trust and reduced sales figures.

Despite some investors' hopes that the initial ire would subside, the sustained negativity has adversely impacted Tesla's market performance. Additionally, Wall Street showed mixed reactions on the day of the report, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 106 points to 42,982, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a modest increase of 61 points.

7. Market Movements

On the broader financial front, U.S. stock markets displayed mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a decrease of 106 points, settling at 42,982, reflecting investor concerns possibly tied to international relations and major corporate performances. Conversely, the Nasdaq Composite edged up by 61 points, indicating resilience in the technology sector despite the prevailing uncertainties.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments reported in the June 25, 2025 episode of NPR News Now. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode or visit NPR's official website.