NPR News: 06-29-2025 2AM EDT

Summary

Senate Advances President Trump's Massive Spending Bill Amid Democratic Resistance

Timestamp: [00:17]

In a significant legislative move, Senate Republicans successfully cleared a procedural vote late on Saturday, pushing forward President Trump's substantial 980-page spending bill. Dale Wilman reported, "Senate Republicans cleared a procedural vote late Saturday which moves President Trump's massive spending bill forward." However, Democrats are not stepping back. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has invoked procedural tactics to ensure transparency, ordering that the entire bill "be read in its entirety before another vote could" ([00:47]). Schumer asserted, "If Senate Republicans won't tell the American people what's in this bill, then Democrats are going to force this chamber to read it from start to finish. I object." The bill, if passed, is anticipated to significantly expand the national deficit over the next decade, highlighting the deep partisan divisions surrounding fiscal policy.

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Honoring the Legacy of Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Timestamp: [00:57]

The community mourned the loss of Melissa Hortman, the former Minnesota House Speaker, who was tragically killed alongside her husband Mark by an individual impersonating a police officer. During her funeral, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz paid heartfelt tributes to her legacy. He stated, "Melissa will always be remembered because of the legacy she leaves behind."

In her own words, Melissa Hortman envisioned a better future: "More kids in pre K, fewer in poverty, more schools with the tools and teachers they need. Fewer with hungry students, more trees in the ground and clean energy coursing through the grid. Fewer roads and bridges at risk of failure. More people in safe and secure housing, fewer worrying about how to manage caring for their loved ones. That's the legacy that Mark and Melissa will leave behind for all Minnesotans" ([01:13]). Her dedication to education, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and social welfare left an indelible mark on the state and its citizens.

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Landmark Convictions in Deadly Human Smuggling Case in Texas

Timestamp: [01:39]

In one of the deadliest human smuggling incidents in recent U.S. history, two smugglers have been handed lengthy sentences. Dan Katz reports that Felipe Orduna Torres and Armando Gonzalez Ortega were convicted for their roles in the tragic event where 53 immigrants died in a sweltering tractor trailer in San Antonio three years ago. Orduna Torres, identified by prosecutors as the leader of the operation, received two life sentences, while Gonzalez Ortega, his assistant, was sentenced to over 80 years.

Melissa Hortman commented on the verdict, stating, "This was a major milestone in this case with these individuals effectively going away for the rest of their lives. That is justice in this case" ([02:22]). Several other individuals associated with the operation have pleaded guilty to felony charges related to the deaths and are awaiting sentencing. Justin Simmons, interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, emphasized the significance of these convictions in combating human trafficking and ensuring accountability.

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Chrysler Recalls Over 250,000 Pacifica and Voyager Vehicles for Airbag Replacement

Timestamp: [02:38]

Automaker Chrysler has issued a voluntary recall affecting more than 250,000 of its 2022 to 2025 Pacifica and Voyager models. The recall addresses potential issues with side curtain airbags that may not hold sufficient pressure during deployment, thereby increasing the risk of passenger injuries in certain crash scenarios. Dale Wilman detailed, "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's because some side curtain airbags may not hold enough pressure during deployment to limit the risk for passengers during certain types of crashes."

While Chrysler's parent company has stated that there have been no related injuries or accidents to date, the company is urging affected customers to follow the instructions provided in their recall notices to ensure vehicle safety. This proactive measure aims to maintain consumer trust and uphold safety standards.

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France Launches International Competition for Louvre Museum’s Major Expansion

Timestamp: [03:31]

The French government is initiating an international competition for a significant expansion of the Paris Louvre Museum, aiming to alleviate overcrowding and enhance visitor experience. Chloe Veltman reports that architects worldwide are invited to submit designs under the theme “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” (Louvre New Rebirth), with a particular focus on creating a dedicated space for the iconic Mona Lisa. France's Minister of Culture, Rashida Dati, announced via social media, "the expansion will allow the museum to increase visitorship to around 10 million as a result of the creation of new exhibition spaces, walkways and entrances."

This initiative follows last month's announcement by President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized the need for expansion to manage the museum's popularity. The call for designs comes shortly after Louvre staff went on strike due to high congestion levels, leaving visitors stranded outside for extended periods. According to Le Monde, a jury will select five finalists in October, with the winning design to be unveiled early next year, marking a new chapter for one of the world's most visited museums.

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Hungary Hosts Its Largest Ever LGBTQ Pride March Amid Government Ban

Timestamp: [04:15]

In a display of resilience and solidarity, approximately 100,000 individuals marched in Budapest's largest-ever LGBTQ Pride event on Saturday, defying a government-imposed ban. Dale Wilman highlighted that the march "was Hungary's largest ever LGBTQ pride event and it took place in defiance of a government ban." Organizers described the protest as "a bold stand against the country's prime minister and his policies," which many view as increasingly autocratic.

The event underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in Hungary, where governmental policies have been criticized for their restrictive nature. The massive turnout reflects the community's determination to advocate for equality and push back against oppressive measures, signaling a significant moment in Hungary's sociopolitical landscape.

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Passing of Pittsburgh Pirates Legend Dave Parker

Timestamp: [04:15]

The baseball community mourns the loss of Dave Parker, a revered former outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who passed away at the age of 74. Known affectionately as "the Cobra," Parker had a distinguished 11-year career with the Pirates, earning back-to-back batting titles in 1975 and 1978. Dale Wilman noted, "**Parker was a hard hitting outfielder who played 11 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Parker, who was known as the Cobra, won back to back batting titles in 1975 and '78. He was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month."

His contributions to the sport and his team have left a lasting legacy, with fans and fellow players remembering him for his prowess on the field and his spirited personality. Dave Parker's impending Hall of Fame induction was eagerly anticipated, making his untimely passing a significant loss to the baseball world.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on June 29, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the original podcast.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcement]

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. Senate Republicans cleared a procedural vote late Saturday which moves President Trump's massive spending bill forward. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer then ordered that the 980 page bill be read in its entirety before another vote could.

[Dan Katz]

This week, the University of Toronto and.

[Dale Willman]

Harvard's Kennedy School of Government announced a backup. Apologies for that.

[Melissa Hortman]

If Senate Republicans won't tell the American people what's in this bill, then Democrats are going to force this chamber to read it from start to finish. I object.

[Dale Willman]

If passed, the measure is expected to greatly expand the national deficit over the next decade. Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman was honored at her funeral on Saturday by Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz, who told those gathered that Melissa will always be remembered because of the legacy she leaves behind.

[Melissa Hortman]

More kids in pre K, fewer in poverty, more schools with the tools and teachers they need. Fewer with hungry students, more trees in the ground and and clean energy coursing through the grid. Fewer roads and bridges at risk of failure. More people in safe and secure housing, fewer worrying about how to manage caring for their loved ones. That's the legacy that Mark and Melissa will leave behind for all Minnesotans.

[Dale Willman]

Portman and her husband Mark were killed two weeks ago by a man posing as a police officer. Lengthy sentences have been handed down in the deadliest human smuggling incidents in modern U.S. history. 2 Texas Public Radio's Dan Katz reports.

[Dan Katz]

It was three years ago that 53 immigrants died when they were left in a sweltering tractor trailer in San Antonio. Two of the human smugglers, Felipe Orduna Torres and Armando Gonzalez Ortega, were convicted in March and heard their sentences in federal court. Ordunia Torres, who is described by prosecutors as the leader of the smuggling operation, was given two life sentences. Gonzalez Ortega, his assistant, got more than 80 years. Justin Simmons is interim U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.

[Melissa Hortman]

This was a major milestone in this case with these individuals effectively going away for the rest of their lives. That is justice in this case.

[Dan Katz]

Several others have pleaded guilty to felony charges related to the smuggling deaths. They await sentencing. I'm Dan Katz in San Antonio.

[Dale Willman]

Chrysler is voluntarily recalling some of its 2022 to 2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. They are going to replace the side curtain airbags if needed. The recall potentially affects more than 250,000 vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's because some side curtain airbags may not hold enough pressure during deployment to limit the risk for passengers during certain types of crashes. Chrysler's parent company said it's not aware of any related injuries or accidents, but it's urging customers to follow the instructions on their recall notices. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The French government is launching an international competition this week for a major expansion of Paris Louvre Museum. As NPR's Chloe Veltman reports, architects are being asked to submit designs that include a new dedicated space for the Mona Lisa.

[Chloe Veltman]

France's Minister of Culture, Rashida Dati announced the competition Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance, Louvre New Rebirth. In a post on X, she said the expansion will allow the museum to increase visitorship to around 10 million as a result of the creation of new exhibition spaces, walkways and entrances. President Emmanuel Macron first announced the expansion aimed at easing overcrowding at the world's most visited museum in January. The call for designs comes just weeks after Louvre staff went on strike over the high levels of congestion, leaving museum goers stranded outside for hours. According to the French newspaper Le Monde, a jury will convene in October to select five finalists, and the winner will be announced early next year. Chloe Veltman, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

Some 100,000 people marched in Budapest on Saturday. It was Hungary's largest ever LGBTQ pride event and it took place in defiance of a government ban. Organizers called the march a bold stand against the country's prime minister and his policies, which are seen as autocratic by the marchers. Former baseball player Dave Parker has died. He was 74 years old. Parker was a hard hitting outfielder who played 11 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Parker, who was known as the Cobra, won back to back batting titles in 1975 and 78. He was set to be inducted into the Baseball hall of Fame next month. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News, in Washington.

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