NPR News Now: Episode Summary – June 28, 2025
Hosted by Giles Snyder
1. Senate Republicans Advance President Trump's Tax and Spending Bill
Washington D.C. – [00:18]
Giles Snyder reports that Senate Republicans are actively pushing forward President Donald Trump's expansive tax and spending bill. Despite internal conflicts, particularly over proposed cuts to Medicaid aimed at offsetting the extension of Trump's 2017 tax cuts, the Senate may commence voting on the bill as early as the afternoon.
Jennifer Tolbert from KFF Health News provides an in-depth analysis:
“The budget bill passed by the House makes it harder for people to enroll in Affordable Care Act plans and Medicaid, the federal state insurance program for people with low incomes and disabilities. The Congressional Budget Office estimates almost 11 million people will lose coverage in the next decade if the House version of the bill becomes law.”
[00:43]
Maggie Baker emphasizes the severity of these changes:
“For those people who lose coverage, whether it's marketplace coverage or Medicaid coverage, the effects could be catastrophic.”
[01:04]
Tolbert further comments on the Senate's version of the bill:
“The version of the bill under consideration in the Senate includes even deeper Medicaid cuts. Even when the uninsured rate was at its lowest in 2023, more than 25 million Americans lacked health insurance.”
[01:14]
2. Tragic Loss: Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed
Minnesota – [01:27]
Giles Snyder announces a private funeral for former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were tragically killed two weeks prior by an individual impersonating a police officer. The incident is being treated as a politically motivated murder.
Maggie Baker shares her heartfelt reaction:
“I'm horrified by what happened this. I had to bear witness. I had to pay my respects. I don't know. I just felt compelled to be here.”
[01:41]
The funeral drew thousands to the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, including notable figures such as Former President Joe Biden and Former Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the national significance of Hortman's contributions and the shocking nature of the crime.
3. President Trump Seeks Peace and Prosperity in Eastern Congo
White House – [01:54]
President Donald Trump is taking diplomatic strides by inviting the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the White House. The goal is to finalize a peace agreement aimed at ending the 30-year conflict in eastern Congo. This initiative is also anticipated to pave the way for lucrative business deals.
Michelle Kellerman of NPR reports:
“In front of television cameras and the foreign ministers of both countries, President Trump signed letters to the leaders of DRC and Rwanda, inviting them to what he says will be a big ceremony in July.”
[02:31]
President Trump asserted his commitment to the agreement:
“We'll say you better do what's in that agreement. Right. Because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen. But I have a feeling that after 30 years, I think after 30 years, you're all set.”
[02:42]
The response from international leaders has been cautiously optimistic. Congo's Foreign Minister urged Trump to "stay committed and stay on board," while Rwanda's Foreign Minister praised the new approach, particularly regarding economic integration. Additionally, Trump announced plans for the U.S. to secure mineral rights in Congo, signaling potential economic interests intertwined with diplomatic efforts. [02:53]
4. Law Enforcement Efforts and Leadership Changes in Education
New Orleans – [03:12]
Giles Snyder updates on the ongoing situation in New Orleans, where Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick is urging Derrick Groves, the last remaining fugitive from a recent jailbreak involving ten prisoners, to surrender peacefully. Authorities have successfully recaptured Antwan Massie, who was found less than two miles from the jail, bringing the manhunt closer to resolution.
University of Virginia – [03:12]
In educational news, James Ryan, the President of the University of Virginia (UVA), has resigned. Ryan chose to step down rather than risk the institution's federal funding amidst mounting pressure from the Justice Department concerning UVA's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This move underscores the heightened tensions between higher education institutions and federal regulatory bodies over DEI initiatives.
5. Climate Change Exacerbates Health Issues: Eczema Flare-Ups on the Rise
Health Sector – [04:15]
Alejandra Barunda reports on a new meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology, which reveals a significant link between climate change factors—specifically air pollution and rising temperatures—and the worsening of eczema symptoms. Eczema affects approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults globally.
Barunda elaborates:
“A lot of people deal with the flaky, itchy, uncomfortable skin problems that come with eczema. Now a new meta analysis... found more eczema problems came with exposure to both air pollution and hotter temperatures. The impacts were slightly worse for older women.”
[04:15]
The study highlights that while the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the correlation underscores the urgent need to address environmental pollution and mitigate climate change to improve public health outcomes.
“Scientists still don't know exactly why pollution and heat cause flare ups, but they write their findings add to the urgency to clean up the air and slow down climate change.”
[04:15]
This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of significant national and international developments, ranging from legislative actions and political tragedies to diplomatic initiatives, law enforcement challenges, educational leadership shifts, and the tangible health impacts of climate change.