NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of Episode Released on June 27, 2025

Hosted by NPR, this episode of "NPR News Now" provides a comprehensive update on the latest national and international news, delivered succinctly to keep listeners informed. The following summary encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. White House to Restrict Intelligence Sharing Following Iran Attack Leak

[00:20] Dale Willman, NPR News, opens the episode with a significant development from Washington, D.C. The White House is reportedly planning to limit the sharing of intelligence with Congress. This decision comes in the aftermath of leaked intelligence concerning a U.S. attack on Iran, which inadvertently surfaced to the press.

[00:37] Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR Reporter, elaborates that the leaked intelligence contradicts President Trump's statements about the success of the attack. "The leaked intelligence suggested that the US Bombings only set back Iran's nuclear program by months," she reports, contrasting sharply with Trump's claim of causing "total obliteration of Iran's nuclear sites."

[00:54] White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt addressed the leak, stating, "It could have been someone in the intelligence community or it could have been someone on Capitol Hill who had access to this document. We are FBI is so searching for that person."

[01:02] Levine further reveals that President Trump has attributed the leak to Democrats. An anonymous White House official confirmed the administration's intention to curtail intelligence sharing with Congress, a move first reported by Axios.

2. CDC Advisory Committee Votes to Restrict Certain Flu Vaccines

[01:18] Transitioning to public health, Dale Willman introduces the story of the CDC advisory committee's recent decision to limit the availability of specific flu vaccines.

[01:27] Peng Huang, NPR Correspondent, reports that the committee, composed of new members appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has endorsed annual flu vaccinations. However, they have specified a preference for single-dose flu vaccines that exclude the mercury-based preservative thimerosal.

[01:49] One dissenting voice, Dr. Cody Meissner from Dartmouth, counters the decision: "There is no scientific evidence that thimerosal has caused a problem."

[01:56] Huang provides context, explaining that thimerosal has been utilized to prevent microbial growth in multi-dose vaccine vials. "Theories that it causes autism have been examined and found to be groundless," she concludes.

3. U.S. Funds Controversial Gaza Aid Program Amid Security Concerns

[02:07] Dale Willman shifts focus to international affairs, highlighting the Trump administration's decision to allocate funding to a contentious aid program in Gaza.

[02:21] Tommy Pigott, State Department spokesperson, announces the approval of $30 million for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He describes it as "a creative solution to the hunger crisis in Gaza."

[02:33] Michelle Kellerman, NPR Reporter, emphasizes the administration's goal: "We want to see aid raising reach the people of Gaza." She notes that the foundation has already delivered 46 million meals, aiming to continue this effort.

[02:43] Pigott addresses safety concerns, mentioning the United Nations' description of new distribution sites as "death traps," with Palestinians facing threats while accessing aid. He adds, "The U.S. wants other countries to fund this new operation," in response to Israel's pause on most other aid into Gaza.

4. Market Surge and Farewell to Composer Lalo Schifrin

[03:06] The episode briefly covers a positive financial update, noting that Wall Street had an "up day" with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing up 404 points, the NASDAQ up 194, and the S&P 500 up 48 points.

[03:34] Cultural news takes a poignant turn with the passing of Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin at the age of 93. Bob Mondello, NPR, pays tribute to Schifrin's illustrious career, highlighting his iconic work on the "Mission: Impossible" theme and scores for films like "Dirty Harry" and "Enter the Dragon." Mondello remarks, "Few thriller themes have been more instantly recognizable," underscoring Schifrin's lasting impact on music and film.

5. Tragic Bus Accident in Southern England and Barry Bonds' Upcoming Statue

[04:15] Dale Willman reports a tragic event in southern England where a double-decker bus carrying high school students plunged into a river. The accident resulted in serious injuries to the driver and at least one student, with more than a dozen students harmed.

[04:34] In sports news, Willman informs listeners that a statue commemorating baseball legend Barry Bonds is set to be erected outside the San Francisco Giants' home stadium. Giants President Larry Baer affirmed Bonds' deserving legacy but withheld details on the statue's unveiling timeline. Bonds, who spent the last 15 years of his career with the Giants, retired amid steroid use allegations.

This episode of "NPR News Now" delivered a spectrum of news, from high-stakes political maneuvers and public health decisions to international aid efforts, financial markets, cultural losses, and local tragedies. Each segment provided listeners with timely and relevant information, maintaining NPR's commitment to delivering swift and accurate news updates.