NPR News Now – June 29, 2025

Host: Nora Raum
Release Date: June 29, 2025
Duration: 4 minutes 56 seconds

1. Senate Debates Multi-Trillion Dollar Tax Cut and Spending Bill

Timestamp: [00:16]

The U.S. Senate is currently embroiled in the debate over a substantial tax cut and spending bill championed by President Donald Trump. NPR’s Mara Liasson provides an in-depth analysis of the legislative dynamics at play.

Mara Liasson emphasizes the president's significant influence over the Republican majority, stating, “It’s hard to imagine that the current Republican majority in Congress will vote against the president” (00:30). She highlights that President Trump has tightly integrated his legislative agenda into this singular bill, underscoring his unparalleled hold on his party. In a recent statement, Trump declared, “Failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal” (00:30), signaling the political risks Republicans face should they oppose the legislation.

Despite this strong backing, Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, opposed the bill during a procedural vote, announcing that he will not seek reelection next year (00:58). Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report indicating that the Senate's version of the bill would increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, adding complexity to the debate.

2. ACLU Accuses Government of Failing to Protect Migrant Families

Timestamp: [00:58]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised alarms over the federal government’s failure to uphold commitments made under a 2023 settlement regarding migrant families separated during the first Trump administration. Mark Bettencourt of the California Newsroom details these developments.

Under the settlement, separated families were assured a pathway to asylum along with essential legal and mental health support. However, the ACLU alleges that the Department of Justice has ceased funding many of these critical services. In court on Friday, the ACLU further accused the government of not complying with a court order to restore legal services for these families.

League Alert, the ACLU’s lead attorney in the case, stated, “The administration, while claiming the settlement is still in place, is trying to undermine it in various ways that will have the effect of allowing families to be re-separated and deported” (01:56). The judge overseeing the case has mandated that the government must halt deportations of family members while the dispute is being resolved, aiming to protect these vulnerable groups (02:09).

3. Violence by Israeli Settlers Escalates in West Bank

Timestamp: [02:16]

Amidst the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza, violence from Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has intensified. NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv on these troubling developments.

On Friday night, the Israeli military intercepted a group of Israeli civilians attempting to drive into the Palestinian village of Kafir Malik (02:28), a location previously targeted by settlers. In a prior incident, Israeli settlers attacked the same village, leading to rare arrests of settlers and the death of three Palestinians according to Palestinian health officials. During the latest confrontation, settlers allegedly hurled stones and attempted to ram into military forces, prompting soldiers to open fire and wound an Israeli teenage settler (02:28).

Israeli officials have condemned the settler violence, noting that settler leaders hold prominent positions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. This ongoing tension highlights the volatile situation in the region and the challenges faced by the Israeli military in maintaining order (02:28).

4. Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine

Timestamp: [03:12]

In a significant escalation of the conflict, Ukrainian officials report that Russia executed its largest aerial assault to date, deploying 537 weapons, including drones and missiles overnight. This offensive has resulted in at least two fatalities, including a Ukrainian pilot whose F-16 warplane crashed while intercepting incoming threats (03:12).

The scale of this attack marks a critical point in the ongoing war, reflecting Russia's intensified efforts to challenge Ukrainian defenses. The impact on civilian infrastructure and the morale of Ukrainian forces remains a central concern as the conflict continues to evolve.

5. Shape Note Singing Community Announces Major Update to Sacred Harp

Timestamp: [03:33]

A centuries-old American musical tradition, Shape Note singing, is set to undergo a significant transformation. NPR’s Justin Hicks reports on the forthcoming revision of the Sacred Harp, the community's most revered music book, which is receiving its first major update since 1991 (03:49).

Shape Note singing, which enjoyed widespread popularity before the Civil War, maintains a vibrant presence today, particularly in the Southern United States. David Ivy, who led the committee for the Sacred Harp Publishing Company, shared his hopes for the revision: “Hopefully, you’d think my great grandfather heard that song and he would say, oh, that sounds just like something he’d want to sing in the first part of the 20th century” (04:17). The updated Sacred Harp will feature a curated selection of old and new tunes, reflecting both tradition and contemporary influences.

The community plans to unveil the revised book at a major gathering in September, anticipating record attendance and renewed interest in this unique musical heritage (04:24).

6. Wimbledon Opens with Prominent American Tennis Stars Competing

Timestamp: [04:35]

As one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, Wimbledon, commences tomorrow with a strong presence of American talent. Four American women are ranked within the top 10, including the 21-year-old Coco Gauff, who recently triumphed at the French Open. On the men’s side, 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz of Spain enters as the favorite, having secured the title for the past two years (04:35).

Nora Raum highlights the excitement surrounding Wimbledon, emphasizing the promising performances and the competitive spirit that American players bring to the historic event. Fans are eagerly anticipating thrilling matches and potential upsets as the world's best athletes vie for the coveted titles (04:35).

Closing Notes

The episode provided a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, ranging from legislative battles in the U.S. Senate to critical human rights concerns and ongoing conflicts abroad. Additionally, cultural updates and sports highlights offered a well-rounded snapshot of current affairs.

This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on June 29, 2025.