NPR News: June 28, 2025, 2 PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm

1. Senate to Vote on Republican Spending and Tax Cut Bill

Time Stamp: [00:17] – [00:39]

The U.S. Senate is set to convene amidst significant developments in fiscal policy. Republicans have unveiled an updated version of a comprehensive spending and tax cut legislation that encompasses much of President Trump's domestic agenda. This move brings the party closer to its self-imposed deadline of July 4th for passing the bill.

Key Points:

• The bill is a substantial effort by Republicans to implement major fiscal changes.
• The timeline is tight, with votes anticipated within a week.

2. Potential Roadblocks in Legislation

Time Stamp: [00:39] – [01:20]

Despite the progress, several concerns linger among Republican lawmakers that could impede the bill's passage. The party can only afford to lose three votes, making each dissenting voice critical.

Highlights:

• Medicaid Reforms: A significant point of contention is the proposed gradual reduction and cap on taxes that states can impose on healthcare providers. Lawmakers representing rural areas are particularly worried that this could jeopardize funding for hospitals serving populations with limited access to alternative care.

• Support for Rural Hospitals: To address these concerns, the bill allocates a $25 billion fund spread over multiple years aimed at supporting rural hospitals. However, uncertainty remains whether this measure will sufficiently alleviate the fears of the concerned senators.

Quote:
"One issue has been changes to Medicaid, especially a proposal to slowly reduce and cap the tax that states can place on health care providers." — Elena Moore, [00:39]

3. CDC Funding Delays Impact Public Health Departments

Time Stamp: [01:20] – [02:19]

Public health departments nationwide are facing financial uncertainty as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet received the $9 billion authorized by Congress for the current fiscal year. This delay threatens the timely distribution of grants essential for state and local health initiatives.

Key Points:

• Grant Disbursement Issues: The lack of funds may lead to critical delays in grant allocations, hampering public health operations.
• Local Impact: Reynard, the health commissioner in Charlotte, North Carolina, has already been forced to lay off several staff members due to the funding delays.

Quote:
"Throughout this experience, we've just been told we don't have any answers. So you know, that's the hard part when you're trying to plan." — Reynard, Health Commissioner, Charlotte, NC [02:02]

Response:

• The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to NPR's inquiries regarding the funding delays.

4. Tensions Escalate in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Time Stamp: [02:19] – [03:11]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned a report alleging that Israeli soldiers were instructed to deliberately shoot at Palestinians seeking food from distribution sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The report, cited by the Israeli news outlet Haaretz, includes testimonies from unidentified Israeli soldiers that align with accounts from Palestinians about the dangers at these sites.

Key Points:

• GHF Operations: The GHF operates four distribution sites in Gaza, which have become hotspots of tension and violence.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Organizations like the International Red Cross have reported casualties at these sites, including wounded and killed individuals from GHF operations.

Quote:
"We also know from organizations like the International Red Cross that its field hospitals have received wounded killed from these sites." — Hadil El Salshi, NPR [02:43]

5. International Reactions to Hungary's Ban on Budapest Pride

Time Stamp: [03:11] – [04:16]

In a move that has sparked international debate, the Hungarian government has banned Budapest Pride, a march celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ community. The ban comes with threats of imprisonment for organizers and significant fines for attendees. Despite this, dozens of European Union lawmakers, officials, and politicians have rallied in support of the event in Budapest.

Key Points:

• EU's Stance: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, strongly opposed Hungary's decision, emphasizing that "marching for your rights is a fundamental EU freedom."

• Government's Response: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismissed the EU's involvement, asserting that the European Commission should refrain from interfering in national law enforcement matters.

Quotes:
"You have the right to love who you want to love. Our union is one of equality and non-discrimination. These are core values enshrined in our treaties. They must be respected at all times in all member states." — Ursula von der Leyen [04:03]

"But Orban said the European Commission should stay out of what he called law enforcement affairs in his country." — Terry Schultz, NPR [04:16]

6. Japan's Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Satellite Launch

Time Stamp: [04:34] – [04:56]

Japan successfully launched its H2A rocket after overcoming several delays caused by electrical issues. The satellite is designed to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon and methane, contributing to global efforts to track and combat climate change.

Key Points:

• Mission Objective: The satellite will provide critical data on greenhouse gas concentrations, aiding in the assessment and formulation of climate policies.
• Technological Achievement: The successful launch marks a significant milestone in Japan's environmental monitoring capabilities.

Note: The episode also included promotional segments from the Nature Conservancy and DSW, which have been excluded from this summary as per the request to omit advertisements and non-content sections.

This summary is based on the transcript provided for the NPR News Now episode dated June 28, 2025, at 2 PM EDT. For the latest updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now.