NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of the June 28, 2025, Episode

Host: Giles Snyder
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Source: NPR News Now

1. Senate Republicans Advance President Trump's Tax and Spending Package

Timestamp: [00:14]

NPR host Giles Snyder opens the episode by reporting significant developments in Washington's political landscape. After encountering a series of setbacks earlier in the week, Senate Republicans are making progress on President Donald Trump's ambitious tax and spending package. Senate Majority Leader John Thune remains cautiously optimistic, describing the Senate's ability to commence voting on the package as "an aspirational goal" ([00:14]). This indicates that while momentum is building, there are still obstacles to overcome before the legislation can be finalized.

2. President Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax

Timestamp: [00:49]

Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR reporter, delves into the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Following Canada's implementation of a digital services tax targeting revenues generated by U.S.-based tech giants from Canadian users, President Trump declared on social media that the U.S. is "hereby, terminating all discussions on trade with Canada effective immediately" ([00:49]). This abrupt move signals a significant downturn in bilateral trade relations.

Moreover, Trump announced plans to inform Canada of a new tariff rate on Canadian goods within the next week. He also mentioned the possibility of adjusting the July 9 deadline for increasing tariffs on various countries, a deadline he had previously set with the intention of negotiating new tariff deals. As of now, only a deal with the United Kingdom has been successfully negotiated ([00:49]). This development underscores the fragile state of international trade agreements during Trump's presidency.

3. Salvadoran Informant Battles Deportation Amid Safety Concerns

Timestamp: [01:29 - 02:13]

Giles Snyder transitions to a critical story from Massachusetts involving a Salvadoran man who alleges he served as an FBI informant against MS-13 gang members. According to Jesus Marrero Suarez from WBUR, the informant contends that the U.S. government reneged on its promise to protect him, revealing his identity in court records. This breach has reportedly allowed rival gang members to locate him, placing his life in jeopardy if he is deported.

Alexander Nadopoff, a Harvard law professor specializing in informant issues, comments on the precarious nature of informant work: "It's very hard for any informant to stop the government from behaving in the way that it chooses. The bottom line is it's an extremely risky space to be in" ([02:02]). Currently, a judge has paused the man's deportation proceedings while he seeks asylum, but both his legal team and the FBI have declined to provide further details or interviews ([02:13]). This case highlights the complex and often perilous circumstances faced by individuals who cooperate with law enforcement against criminal organizations.

4. Ongoing Search for Fugitive Derrick Groves from New Orleans Jailbreak

Timestamp: [02:23 - 02:54]

The episode shifts focus to public safety with updates on the New Orleans jail breakout that occurred six weeks prior. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick urges the last remaining fugitive, Derrick Groves, to surrender peacefully. Kirkpatrick states, "We still have one more we have Groves. And so Groves knows that we are going to capture you. You will be taken into custody, but you still have the option to peacefully turn yourself in" ([02:38]).

Groves remains at large following the recent recapture of another escapee, Antwan Massey, who was apprehended less than two miles from the jail facility ([02:54]). The initial jailbreak was one of the most significant in recent U.S. history, involving ten prisoners. Authorities continue their extensive search efforts to ensure Groves is located safely and swiftly.

5. University of Virginia President Resigns Amid DEI Policy Pressure

Timestamp: [02:54]

In educational news, James Ryan, the President of the University of Virginia (UVA), has resigned from his position. Reports indicate that Ryan chose to step down to avoid jeopardizing the university's federal funding. This decision comes amidst heightened pressure from the U.S. Justice Department regarding UVA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The specific nature of the DOJ's concerns remains unclear, but Ryan's resignation underscores the intense scrutiny higher education institutions are facing over their social policies.

6. Private Funeral Held for Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Timestamp: [02:54]

A tragic event is reported as a private funeral is held for Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House. Hortman, her husband, and their dog were killed two weeks prior in what prosecutors are describing as a political assassination ([02:54]). The incident has sent shockwaves through the political community, with high-profile figures such as Former President Joe Biden and Former Vice President Kamala Harris expected to attend the service. The suspect responsible for the killings made a brief appearance in court dressed in a suicide prevention suit, adding further intrigue and concern to the case ([02:54]).

7. Climate Change Exacerbates Eczema, New Study Finds

Timestamp: [04:10 - 04:49]

Shifting to health and environmental issues, Alejandra Varunda reports on a new study linking climate change to increased eczema flare-ups. The research, published in JAMA Dermatology, conducted a meta-analysis of numerous global studies and found that exposure to air pollution and higher temperatures correlates with more frequent and severe eczema symptoms ([04:10]). Notably, the impact is slightly more pronounced among older women.

Eczema affects approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide, causing flaky, itchy, and uncomfortable skin problems. While scientists have yet to determine the exact mechanisms by which pollution and heat trigger eczema flare-ups, the findings highlight the urgent need to address air quality and mitigate climate change to protect public health ([04:10]).

Conclusion

Giles Snyder wraps up the episode by summarizing the diverse range of topics covered, from political maneuvers in Washington and international trade disputes to public safety concerns and pressing health issues exacerbated by environmental changes. This comprehensive snapshot of the day's news provides listeners with essential updates and in-depth analysis on significant national and international events ([04:49]).

Note: The summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, focusing solely on delivering the core information presented in the NPR News Now episode.