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

Release Date: June 28, 2025

Hosted by Giles Snyder, the June 28, 2025, episode of NPR News Now offers a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing national and international issues. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode, enriched with notable quotes and precise timestamps for reference.

1. Senate Republicans Advance Trump's Tax and Spending Bill

Overview: Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Trump's expansive tax and spending legislation, aiming to initiate voting as early as the afternoon of June 28. However, internal divisions persist, particularly concerning proposed cuts to Medicaid aimed at prolonging the 2017 tax reductions.

Key Points:

• Leadership Stance: Republican Leader John Thune acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating, "Some issues still need to be resolved" (00:30).

• Medicaid Reforms: The bill includes measures to reduce Medicaid by imposing work requirements for coverage. Senator James Lankford articulated the rationale behind these cuts: "It's better if a person transitions off Medicaid and moves to employer-provided health care than it does by their next door neighbor providing their health care through their taxes. That's a much better formula for everybody." (00:48).

• Opposition Concerns: Critics warn that reducing Medicaid could have severe repercussions for rural hospitals, potentially leading to their closure and adversely affecting low-income communities.

• Legislative Timeline: The Senate's decision to vote today could trigger an intensive legislative session over the weekend, with the objective of finalizing the bill by Independence Day, July 4 (01:09).

2. Canada Commits to Continued Trade Engagement Amid Digital Tax Dispute

Overview: In response to President Trump's cessation of trade negotiations over Canada's digital services tax, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada's intention to persist in trade discussions with the United States, prioritizing Canadian interests.

Key Points:

• Prime Minister's Assurance: "Our government will continue to engage in trade talks with the US and work for the best interests of Canadians," stated Carney (01:16).

• Digital Services Tax Details: The tax, set to take effect on June 30, imposes a 3% levy on revenues from Canadian users for major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, totaling approximately $2 billion annually (01:30).

• US Criticism: Following Trump's declaration on his Truth Social platform labeling the tax as "attacks, a blatant attack on the US and its tech companies," tensions have escalated (01:32).

• Canadian Response: Carney has refrained from direct communication with Trump, choosing instead to consult privately on Canada-US relations. Despite pressures from business groups to repeal the tax, the Canadian government maintains its stance (01:32).

3. Tehran Mourns Assassinated Military Leaders and Scientists

Overview: Amidst heightened tensions, large crowds in Tehran gathered to honor senior Iranian military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists who were assassinated by Israel during its 12-day conflict.

Key Points:

• Public Sentiment: Mourners were seen clad in black, chanting slogans, waving Iranian flags, and holding portraits of the 60 honored individuals, reflecting a mix of mourning and defiance (02:16).

• BBC's Lyse Doucet Commentary: "Today is an event of mourning, but also anger and defiance. Iranians were stunned when Israel was able to assassinate one after another, its top military commanders, its leading nuclear scientists. It's a somber occasion, but it's an occasion which is deeply sensitive to the ceasefire is holding. So many Iranians aren't sure that it will last." (02:36).

4. New Orleans Apprehends Key Figure in Massive Jailbreak

Overview: Authorities in New Orleans have successfully detained Antoine Massey, a pivotal inmate involved in the city's significant jailbreak last month. Despite this progress, one inmate remains at large, with a substantial reward offered for information leading to his capture.

Key Points:

• Details of the Escape: In May, Massey and nine other inmates escaped from Orleans Parish Jail through a hole behind a cell toilet, evading capture for six weeks while Massey circulated viral videos asserting his innocence (03:18).

• Current Status: Massey has been arrested based on an anonymous tip and is now housed at the state prison. The remaining escapee, Derek Groves, convicted of second-degree murder, is still at large (03:25).

• FBI Involvement: The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to Groves' arrest (03:26).

5. Tragic Assassination in Minneapolis: Funeral for Melissa Hortman

Overview: A state funeral is underway in Minneapolis for Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota House Speaker, and her husband, both victims of an alleged assassination. The event underscores the growing concerns over political violence and security for public figures.

Key Points:

• High-Profile Attendance: Former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to attend the funeral service held in honor of Hortman and her husband (04:05).

• Assassination Details: Authorities have reported that a suspect, posing as a police officer, targeted Democrats, including Hortman and a state senator, indicating a premeditated attack on political figures (04:23).

• Legal Proceedings: The alleged perpetrator made a brief court appearance, highlighting the gravity and immediate response to the incident (04:30).

6. Governor Gavin Newsom Sues Fox News Over National Guard Deployment Coverage

Overview: California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a lawsuit against Fox News, claiming the network deliberately misrepresented facts surrounding the National Guard's deployment in Los Angeles earlier in the month.

Key Points:

• Allegations: Newsom's lawsuit alleges that Fox News host Jesse Watters distorted the realities of the National Guard's involvement, specifically relating to communications between Newsom and President Trump (04:36).

• Legal Demands: The Governor is seeking $787 million in damages, asserting that the misinformation has caused significant harm to his reputation and administrative actions (04:50).

• Context: The dispute centers on the narrative presented by Fox News regarding the necessity and execution of the National Guard deployment, which Newsom contends was inaccurately portrayed (04:41).

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a thorough examination of legislative developments in the U.S. Senate, international trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., significant events in Iran, criminal justice updates from New Orleans, a poignant political assassination in Minneapolis, and legal battles involving high-profile political figures. Each segment is meticulously timed and attributed, offering a clear and engaging narrative for both regular listeners and those new to the broadcast.