NPR News Now: June 30, 2025

Hosted by Jeanine Herbst

Northern Idaho Shooting Amid Brush Fire

In a tragic incident on a Sunday afternoon, authorities in Coeur d'Alene, northern Idaho, reported that at least two people were killed during a shooting at the site of a brush fire. As firefighters responded to the blaze, they were unexpectedly ambushed, leading to chaos in the lakeside city.

At a news conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris addressed the situation:

"[00:50] Robert Norris: We're developing a plan to be able to suppress these individuals' firefighting capabilities. And when we get that under control, when we have an opportunity to suppress that, then we will continue our removing of people who are on the mountain."

Sheriff Norris indicated that both police and firefighters were under sniper fire while attempting to manage the fire and assist trapped hikers. The motive behind the ambush remains unclear, and state and federal authorities, including the FBI, are actively investigating the origins of the brush fire.

Senate Debates President Trump's Tax Cut and Spending Bill

The U.S. Senate is currently engaged in a heated debate over President Trump's expansive tax cut and spending bill. Republicans are fervently pushing their members to pass the legislation, while Democrats staunchly oppose it.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced strong concerns regarding the bill's implications:

"[01:29] Chuck Schumer: Republicans are about to pass the single most expensive bill in US History to give tax breaks to billionaires while taking away Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and good-paying jobs for millions of people. The CBO just this morning said it will explode the debt by $3.3 trillion."

In contrast, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, defended the bill, asserting its benefits for American families:

"[01:52] Lindsey Graham: This bill makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent. It avoids a tax increase for your family that's coming in December if we don't act now."

While not all Republicans support the bill, the GOP aims to meet President Trump's self-imposed deadline of July 4th to secure its passage.

President Trump Discusses TikTok Sale

President Trump addressed the ongoing saga surrounding the social media giant TikTok, announcing that a buyer has been identified:

"[02:26] Donald Trump: We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way. I think I'll need probably China approval and I think President Xi will probably do it."

While the president did not disclose the buyer's identity, he hinted that it comprises "very wealthy people." This statement comes amid Congress's previous approval of a ban on TikTok unless it is sold to a non-Chinese company. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns over Chinese control of TikTok, citing personal and national security threats.

Last year, the Supreme Court upheld Congress's TikTok ban as constitutional. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly delayed the app's prohibition in the U.S. through executive orders. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately one-third of U.S. adults utilized TikTok last year, highlighting the platform's significant user base.

California's Budget Deal and Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Facing a substantial $12 billion budget deficit, California Governor Gavin Newsom has conditionally approved a budget deal that modifies the state's healthcare provisions for undocumented immigrants. Previously, in an effort to expand healthcare access, Newsom had extended coverage to all low-income individuals in California, regardless of their immigration status.

Dana Cronin of KQED reports:

"[03:30] Dana Cronin: Last year, Governor Newsom expanded health care to all low-income people in California, regardless of immigration status. But now with the state facing a $12 billion budget deficit, Newsom's budget deal walks that back for people over 18."

State Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Weiner acknowledged the necessity of tough decisions:

"[03:50] Lindsey Graham: It could have been enormously worse and we were able to protect health care access for all undocumented people who are currently receiving benefits."

Under the new budget, restrictions including a monthly premium for adults already enrolled in the healthcare system will take effect next year, aiming to address the state's financial challenges while maintaining some level of healthcare access for undocumented individuals.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' Trial to Begin in NYC

Legal proceedings against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs are set to commence in New York City tomorrow. Combs faces serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. If convicted on all counts, he faces life imprisonment. The 55-year-old entertainer has pleaded not guilty to the allegations over the weekend.

In related news, Apple has made a significant splash in the film industry with its latest release, "F1."

Apple's 'F1' Tops Box Office in Blockbuster Debut

Apple's inaugural venture into the summer blockbuster arena, the movie "F1," has debuted at the top of the box office. The film earned an estimated $55 million in its opening weekend and has amassed a total of $144 million worldwide. Produced with a budget of $200 million, "F1" marks Apple's first major foray into high-stakes filmmaking, signaling the tech giant's ambition to diversify its entertainment offerings.

For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News.