NPR News Now: June 28, 2025 Episode Summary

Release Date: June 28, 2025

Supreme Court Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions and Its Impact on Presidential Policies

Host: Dale Willman introduces the episode by highlighting a significant Supreme Court decision. The Court ruled that individual judges do not have the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, a move that creates uncertainty regarding the future of President Trump's restrictions on birthright citizenship.

Tamara Keith delves deeper into the implications of this ruling:

• Trump's Position: President Trump views the decision as a victory, asserting that it clears the path for his administration to proceed with its policies without the hindrance of lower court injunctions.

  “Trump and others in his administration argue that lower court judges have been wrongly blocking the president and therefore the will of the American people.”
  — Tamara Keith, [00:32]

• Background: Trump has encountered over two dozen nationwide injunctions aimed at halting various executive actions, including ending birthright citizenship, freezing federal funds, and restricting refugee resettlement.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the balance of judicial power and executive authority, leaving observers and stakeholders keenly watching for further developments.

Texas Supreme Court Upholds Age Verification for Online Content

Host: Dale Willman transitions to a national legal issue, reporting on the Supreme Court's decision to uphold a Texas law requiring adults to verify their age before accessing websites with sexually explicit content.

Justin Dowd from Houston Public Media provides the report:

• Legal Implications: The ruling rejects challenges to the Texas statute, affirming the state's right to mandate age verification for online pornography.

  “This question of Internet pornography is so important in our society, but it doesn't really seem like all of the precedents from the early days of the Internet can totally cover the area.”
  — John Griel, University of Texas Law School, [01:25]

• Diverging Views: Advocacy groups like the Center for Democracy and Technology argue that the decision overturns decades of free speech precedent, raising concerns about censorship and privacy. Conversely, supporters believe it protects minors from exposure to explicit material.

This decision reflects the ongoing struggle to balance regulatory measures with constitutional freedoms in the digital age.

Controversial Reports from Israel on Actions in Gaza

Host: Dale Willman presents a contentious report from Israel, where the Prime Minister and Defense Minister are scrutinizing allegations from a prominent Israeli newspaper.

Aya Batrawari reports on the situation:

• Allegations: An article in Haaretz claims that Israeli soldiers were ordered to fire at unarmed Palestinian crowds seeking food aid in Gaza, leading to over 500 deaths.

  “Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the report in the newspaper Haaretz as malicious falsehoods and blood libel.”
  — Aya Batrawari, [02:09]

• Soldier's Claims: The report includes statements from unnamed soldiers describing the use of machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars against civilians, likening it to a "lethal version of the game red light, green light."

• Official Response: The Israeli military is investigating these claims, asserting that soldiers are not instructed to deliberately shoot civilians. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General emphasizes that the world recognizes the massive violations of international law occurring in Gaza, independent of such reports.

NPR has not independently verified Haaretz's claims, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mourning in Tehran Over Israeli Strikes

Host: Dale Willman shifts focus to international affairs, reporting on the public mourning in Tehran following Israeli airstrikes.

• Victims: The attacks targeted key military figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and the leader of Iran's missile program, resulting in their deaths. Additionally, at least 11 scientists were killed.

• Public Reaction: Thousands took to the streets to mourn the loss of these prominent military leaders and scientists, underscoring the tension and ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

This development underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the regional repercussions of military actions.

The Phantom of the Opera Returns with an Immersive Experience

Host: In lighter news, Dale Willman announces the return of "The Phantom of the Opera" to Broadway in a new immersive format titled "Masquerade."

Jeff London provides the details:

• Production Details: Starting July 31, audiences will enter the Phantom's underground lair, wearing masks as part of an environmental production directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. The set features a chandelier adorned with 30,000 crystals, enhancing the immersive experience.

  “There were mysterious hints of the Phantom's return on Instagram and a brief cameo at the Tony Awards.”
  — Jeff London, [03:35]

• Andrew Lloyd Webber's Vision: This production is part of a series of reinterpretations by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is encouraging directors to creatively explore his classic works. Other projects include "Sunset Boulevard", featuring live video elements, and "A Veto", where Rachel Ziegler performs “Don't Cry for Me, Argentina” from an outdoor balcony in London.

This innovative approach aims to breathe new life into the beloved musical, offering audiences a fresh and engaging theatrical experience.

California Governor Sues FOX News Over False Information

Host: Dale Willman returns to political news, reporting that California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against FOX News.

• Lawsuit Details: Filed on Friday, the lawsuit alleges that FOX News intentionally broadcasted false information regarding a phone call between Newsom and President Trump. This call occurred just as the National Guard was being mobilized to Los Angeles.

  “Newsom is asking for $787 million in punitive damages from the network.”
  — Dale Willman, [04:22]

• FOX News' Response: The network has denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit as frivolous.

This legal action reflects the ongoing tensions between public officials and media organizations over the portrayal of events and the responsibility of news outlets in reporting accurate information.

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