NPR News Now: June 30, 2025, 4 PM EDT
NPR Hosts: Lakshmi Singh, Deirdre Walsh, Emma Vandendyne, Bobby Allen, Becky Sullivan
Senate Holds Marathon Vote on President Trump's Domestic Agenda
Lakshmi Singh opened the hour by highlighting a pivotal moment in U.S. politics: the Senate's extended voting session on President Donald Trump's comprehensive domestic agenda. The proposed bill encompasses significant tax breaks and spending cuts, notably including approximately one trillion dollars in Medicaid funding reductions.
Deirdre Walsh provided deeper insights into the political dynamics at play:
"[They] are sounding confident, but they can only lose three votes and two Republicans already voted no to start debate on this bill," [00:41] Deirdre Walsh reported.
Key Points:
- The Republican leadership is pushing aggressively to pass the bill by the self-imposed July 4 deadline.
- North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis has emerged as a notable opponent, expressing concern over the Medicaid cuts:
"It is flat out wrong to back this bill," [01:02] Tillis stated, emphasizing the potential financial burden on states due to shifted Medicaid costs.
Thom Tillis Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election
In a surprising turn of events, Deirdre Walsh reported that Thom Tillis, facing mounting pressure over his opposition to the Medicaid cuts, declared he would not seek re-election. This announcement paves the way for a highly contested seat in the upcoming 2026 midterms, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
Tragedy Strikes Boulder: Community Mourns Loss of Elderly Victim
Emma Vandendyne covered the somber news from Boulder, Colorado, where an 82-year-old woman, Karen Diamond, succumbed to injuries from a recent attack. Diamond was actively participating in a demonstration supporting Israeli hostages when the incident occurred.
Community Response:
"We're very, very saddened by this news. It just compounds the tragedy of the events on June 1," [01:42] expressed Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy.
Additional Details:
- Diamond was among 13 victims injured during the attack.
- The suspect now faces two first-degree murder charges, following prior federal hate crime charges.
- Concerns are rising among local residents about safety, prompting leaders like Levy to vow increased security measures:
"This is not who we are. This is a community that celebrates with joy and we want people to feel," [01:58] Levy affirmed.
President Trump Advances TikTok Acquisition Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Lakshmi Singh reported on President Trump's announcement regarding a prospective buyer for the Chinese-owned video app TikTok. The deal, expected within two weeks, hinges on securing approval from Beijing regulators.
Bobby Allen added context to the negotiations:
"President Trump said on Fox News on Sunday that he was confident China will accept a TikTok deal the White House has been putting together," [02:30] Allen stated.
Key Highlights:
- Oracle is anticipated to acquire a significant stake in TikTok, overseeing data practices and algorithms.
- The proposed arrangement allows ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to maintain control over the algorithm, in compliance with federal law.
- Despite initial deadlines, enforcement of the law mandating divestment from Beijing-controlled entities has been delayed repeatedly by Trump.
USAID Merges into State Department as U.S. Stocks Rise
In financial and administrative news, Lakshmi Singh reported a positive close for U.S. stocks, with the Dow Jones up 275 points. Concurrently, a significant restructuring is underway as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to be absorbed into the State Department.
Notable Reactions:
- Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush issued a rare public condemnation of the Trump administration's decision to dismantle USAID.
- Grammy-winning artist Bono delivered an emotional poem in a video message, visibly moved:
“...” [03:08] (Note: Exact quote not provided in transcript)
Implications:
- USAID's absorption marks the final day of its operations as an independent agency.
- The move is part of broader cuts spearheaded by Elon Musk-led administration policies, termed "Doge cuts," which have significantly reduced the scope of several federal agencies.
WNBA Announces Expansion with Three New Teams
Becky Sullivan reported exciting developments in women's professional sports as the WNBA unveiled plans to expand by adding three new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This expansion will elevate the league to 18 teams by 2030.
Commissioner Kathy Engelbert elaborated on the strategic growth:
"So this is a bold step forward as we grow our footprint, create more opportunities for players and inspire the next generation of fans around the globe," [04:19] Engelbert stated.
Details:
- Cleveland will join in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.
- Each new franchise will be owned by an NBA ownership group, which paid a $250 million expansion fee.
- The expansion aligns with a surge in interest and investment in women's sports, ensuring competitive balance and broadening the league's national presence.
- Current teams include 13, with Portland and Toronto set to join the next season, bringing the total to 18.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode aired on June 30, 2025. For more detailed information, listening to the full podcast is recommended.