NPR News Now: June 27, 2025, 2PM EDT

Hosted by Louise Schiavone

1. Supreme Court Restricts Universal Injunctions Favoring Trump Administration

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In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration by limiting the use of universal injunctions issued by federal courts. President Donald Trump expressed his approval of the decision, emphasizing its alignment with his administration's agenda.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the ruling as a "monumental victory for the Constitution, the separation of powers and the rule of law," highlighting its role in curbing what she described as the "excessive use of nationwide injunctions" that previously hindered the executive branch's functionality.

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Pam Bondi clarified that the Supreme Court's decision did not address the substantive issue of birthright citizenship. She projected confidence that the Court would rule in favor of the administration on the pending birthright citizenship case scheduled for October, stating, "we're confident the court will rule in the administration's favor on that case."

This decision marks a pivotal moment in the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive, potentially shaping future interactions between federal courts and presidential policies.

2. Supreme Court Allows Parental Opt-Out from LGBTQ Curriculum in Schools

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The Supreme Court delivered a controversial ruling, 6-3 along ideological lines, permitting parents to opt their children out of curriculum materials that include LGBTQ characters. This decision affects school systems nationwide, sparking debates over educational content and parental rights.

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Sequoia Carrillo from NPR details the case originating in Montgomery County, Maryland—the most religiously diverse county in the United States, serving approximately 160,000 students annually. The school district had integrated storybooks featuring gay and lesbian characters into elementary education. A coalition of parents, citing religious beliefs, initially succeeded in opting out their children from these materials. However, as the number of opt-outs surged, schools faced logistical challenges, differing from more straightforward opt-outs like those in health classes.

The legal battle ensued when parents sued the school board after lower courts favored the district's stance. Upon reaching the Supreme Court, the parents' arguments prevailed, leading to the current ruling. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between inclusive education initiatives and parental control over children's exposure to diverse identities in schools.

3. Legal Proceedings Surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Potential Deportation

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Attorney teams representing Kilmar Abrego Garcia are seeking to delay his release from a Tennessee jail amid fears of imminent deportation upon his release.

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Mariana Bacallau reports that prosecutors contended the Department of Justice (DOJ) lacks authority to prevent Abrego Garcia's deportation once he is under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Garcia, a 29-year-old father of three, was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in March and is currently facing charges related to human smuggling.

The primary concern is that Abrego Garcia may not remain in the United States long enough to stand trial if deported to a third country during his pretrial release period. However, a DOJ spokesperson has since assured that he will not be deported. In response, Garcia's attorneys are advocating for his continued detention over the next two weeks to allow the court to determine the appropriate next steps.

This case highlights the complexities and challenges within the U.S. immigration and legal systems, particularly concerning wrongful deportations and the protections afforded to individuals facing serious charges.

4. Defense Secretary Renames US Navy Ship, Sparking Controversy

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In a move that has stirred both support and backlash, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of a U.S. Navy ship originally named in honor of Harvey Milk, a pioneering gay rights activist and one of San Francisco's first openly gay elected officials. Milk, who served four years in the Navy before being discharged due to his sexual orientation, was tragically assassinated in 1978.

Hegseth explained that the decision was motivated by a desire to "take the politics out of ship naming," redirecting the honor to recognize a World War II Pacific battle veteran instead. This action has ignited discussions about the representation and recognition of LGBTQ figures in military honors, with varying opinions on the appropriateness and implications of such a renaming.

5. Bruce Springsteen Releases Extensive Box Set Featuring Unreleased Music

Timestamp: [03:57]

Music icon Bruce Springsteen has delighted fans with the release of a comprehensive box set titled Tracks 2: The Lost Albums. This collection comprises seven previously unreleased albums, featuring over 80 songs recorded between 1983 and 2018.

Stephen Thompson from NPR explains that during this 35-year period, Springsteen released twelve studio albums, but this box set reveals a previously untapped reservoir of his creative output. The release not only enriches Springsteen's illustrious discography but also offers fans unprecedented insight into his artistic evolution over more than three decades.

Rock enthusiasts and historians will find this collection particularly valuable, as it showcases the depth and breadth of Springsteen's work outside the boundaries of his officially released albums.

6. Weather Update: Heat Dome and Severe Storms on the Horizon

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As the day progresses, the intense heat dome sweeping through parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley is expected to dissipate by tomorrow. However, the National Weather Service has issued forecasts indicating the potential for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the upper Midwestern regions. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented in the June 27, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. From pivotal Supreme Court decisions impacting federal policies and educational curricula to high-profile legal cases and cultural releases, the episode offers a diverse array of newsworthy topics that shape the national conversation.