NPR News: 06-28-2025 12AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: Episode Summary – June 28, 2025

Released on June 28, 2025 | Hosted by Dale Willman

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U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Escalate

Timestamp: [00:14]

President Donald Trump announced the termination of all trade discussions with Canada, citing Canada's new digital services tax as the primary reason. This tax, set to take effect on June 30, targets revenues generated by U.S.-based tech giants from Canadian users.

Quote:

“We are hereby terminating all discussions on trade with Canada effective immediately over Canada's digital services tax.” – President Donald Trump ([00:33])

Trump further indicated that the United States would soon inform Canada of the new tariff rates applicable to Canadian goods, signaling potential economic friction between the two nations. Additionally, Trump mentioned the possibility of moving the July 9 deadline for increasing tariffs on multiple countries, emphasizing the urgency of negotiating new tariff agreements.

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Defense Department Renames Naval Ship Amid Controversy

Timestamp: [01:14]

In a move that has sparked debate, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk to USNS Oscar V. Peterson. Harvey Milk was recognized as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California and was tragically assassinated in 1978.

Quote:

“We're not renaming the ship to anything political. This is not about political activists, unlike the previous administration. Instead, we're renaming the ship after a United States Navy Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, as it should be.” – Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary ([01:29])

Hegseth emphasized that the renaming honors a Navy chief and aims to foster pride among the ship's crew, distancing the decision from political motivations.

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Changes to Military Base Names and Tragic Political Assassination

Timestamp: [01:53]

The Defense Department is undertaking a broader initiative to rename military bases with names deemed more acceptable to conservative viewpoints. Concurrently, a somber event unfolded as hundreds gathered outside the Minnesota State Capitol to honor Melissa Hortman, a prominent Democratic leader who was assassinated two weeks prior.

Report by Kathryn Richard:

“Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert, were all placed in the Capitol Rotunda. Among the hundreds who came to honor the former Democratic leader was Brianna Hallinan and her three kids. They drove from a town more than an hour north of the Twin Cities.” ([02:13])

Brianna Hallinan expressed admiration for Hortman's dedication to programs supporting lower-income families, highlighting the community's grief and respect.

Quote:

“Trying to teach my kids to look for, look for the helpers and be the helpers and honor them as well.” – Brianna Hallinan ([02:30])

Vance Belter has been charged with the murder of Hortman and her family, with authorities labeling the act as a politically motivated assassination.

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U.S. Stock Markets Reach New Highs

Timestamp: [02:56]

U.S. stock markets closed at record highs on Friday. The S&P 500 increased by 0.5%, surpassing its previous peak set in February. Similarly, the Nasdaq grew by 0.5%, achieving its own all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 1%.

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Prospects for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict

President Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is backed by Iran. Despite neither side confirming any agreement, Trump suggested that a resolution could be reached within a week.

Quote:

“I think it's possible that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict… will be reached within a week.” – President Donald Trump ([02:56])

Hamas has indicated willingness to free remaining hostages in Gaza contingent upon a comprehensive deal to end the war, whereas Israel insists that such actions would only occur if Hamas is fully disarmed and dismantled.

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California Boosts Film and TV Production Incentives

Timestamp: [03:48]

California legislators have approved a significant increase in incentives for film and television productions. The new tax credit program, part of the state's budget deal, offers up to $750 million annually, more than doubling previous incentives. This move aims to retain Hollywood productions within the state, countering competition from states like Georgia and New York, as well as international locations such as Canada and the UK.

Report by Mandalit Del Barco:

“Hollywood studios, producers and workers lobbied for the updated tax credits to try to prevent movies and TV shows from leaving for states like Georgia and New York and countries such as Canada and the UK which offer generous credits, rebates and grants.” ([03:48])

Governor Gavin Newsom has prioritized this initiative, with additional expansions expected to include animation and sitcom productions in the upcoming legislative session.

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Exciting Developments at the PGA Classic in Detroit

Timestamp: [04:26]

The PGA Classic in Detroit saw a thrilling competition, resulting in a three-way tie for the lead between Chris Kirk, Phillip Knowles, and Andrew Putnam, all positioned at 14 under par after two rounds. Notably, Jake Knapp delivered a remarkable performance, shooting an 11 under par 61, thereby breaking the tournament record. Knapp also became the first golfer to break 60 and shoot a 61 or lower within the same season.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the key news topics discussed in the episode.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News in Washington, D.C. i'm Dale Willman. President Trump says the U.S. is cutting off tariff talks with Canada. His comments came as Canada proceeds with a digital services tax that will affect tech giants headquartered in the U.S. nPR's Danielle Kurtzleben reports on the latest trace trade news from the presidents.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Trump wrote on social media this afternoon that the US Is, quote hereby terminating all discussions on trade with Canada effective immediately over Canada's digital services tax that takes effect on June 30. That tax will be on revenues the companies generate from Canadian users. Trump added that the U.S. will inform Canada of the new tariff rate Americans will pay for Canadian goods within the next week. Trump also said today that he might move a July 9 deadline when tariffs on many countries are set to increase sharply. He had said he would negotiate tariff deals with other countries by then. Only one such deal has been struck with the UK Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News, the White House.

[Dale Willman]

In a controversial move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the ship, the USNS Harvey Milk, will be renamed the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Milk was assassinated in 1978.

[Pete Hegseth]

We're not renaming the ship to anything political. This is not about political activists, unlike the previous administration. Instead, we're renaming the ship after a United States Navy Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, as it should be. People want to be proud of the ship they're sailing in. And so we're renaming it after a chief, a Navy chief.

[Dale Willman]

The Defense Department is also changing names of some military bases to names more acceptable to conservatives. Hundreds of people lined up outside the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday to pay their respects to a top Democratic leader who was shot two weeks ago in what officials are calling a politically motivated assassination. From Minnesota Public Radio, Kathryn Richard has more.

[Kathryn Richard]

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert, were all placed in the Capitol Rotunda. Among the hundreds who came to honor the former Democratic leader was Brianna Hallinan and her three kids. They drove from a town more than an hour north of the Twin Cities.

[Brianna Hallinan]

Trying to teach my kids to look for, look for the helpers and be the helpers and honor them as well.

[Kathryn Richard]

Hallinan says she admired Hortman for championing programs for lower income families like hers. The Hortman's and their dog were shot by a gunman in the early hours of June 14th. Vance Belter is charged with murder in their deaths. For NPR News, I'm Katherine Richard in St. Paul.

[Dale Willman]

Stocks closed at an all time high on Friday. The S&P 500 rose half a percent and finished above its previous record record set in February. The Nasdaq, meanwhile, also gained half a percent and set its own all time high. The Dow rose by 1%. You're listening to NPR News. President Trump said Friday that he thinks it's possible that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Neither group has confirmed that a deal is possible. Hamas says it's willing to free the remaining hostages in Gaza in return for a deal to end the war, while Israel says that will only happen if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. California legislators have approved increased incentives for film and TV productions in the state. As NPR's Madelit del Barco reports, the bill is part of the budget deal Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign next week.

[Mandalit Del Barco]

The tax credit program more than doubles California's previous film and TV incentives, offering productions $750 million a year. Hollywood studios, producers and workers lobbied for the updated tax credits to try to prevent movies and TV shows from leaving for states like Georgia and New York and and countries such as Canada and the UK which offer generous credits, rebates and grants. California Governor Gavin Newsom made the film and TV production program one of his top priorities in the budget. A new bill expanding tax credits to production of animation and sitcoms is also expected to pass next week. Mandalit Del Barco, NPR News, Los Angeles.

[Dale Willman]

It's a three way tie between Chris Kirk, Phillip Knowles and Andrew Putnam at the PGA Classic event underway in Detroit this weekend. After two rounds, they all sit at 14 under, but despite not in the lead, Jake Knapp had a special day. He shot an 11 under 61 to break the tournament record, and he became the first person ever to both break 60 and shoot a 61 or lower in the same season. I'm Dale Wilman, NPR News, in Washington.

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