NPR News: July 3, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Source: NPR News Now
Release Date: July 3, 2025

House Freedom Caucus Opposes President Trump's Tax and Spending Package

Timestamp: [00:20]

Members of the House Freedom Caucus are actively challenging President Trump's expansive tax cut and spending legislation. According to Claudia Grisales of NPR, the conservative hardliners have distributed a memo criticizing the bill as follows:

“Trump's so-called big beautiful bill will spike the federal deficit, watered down repeal of Democrats' clean energy initiatives and fall short of their demands for cuts to Medicaid” ([00:38]).

Additional objections include demands for greater reductions in funding for Planned Parenthood and concerns over "excessive pork for Alaska and Hawaii." These criticisms have significantly impeded the bill's progress, particularly after its recent approval in the Senate.

President Trump Announces Trade Agreement with Vietnam

Timestamp: [01:06]

President Trump revealed a new trade deal with Vietnam via his social media platform. Under this agreement, the United States will impose a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods entering the U.S. Additionally, a 40% levy will be applied to goods from other countries that transit through Vietnam before reaching the United States. This move is seen as a strategic measure to address trade imbalances and protect American industries.

Justice Department Charges Noah Lam with Terrorism-Related Offenses

Timestamp: [01:34]

NPR's Ryan Lucas reports that the Justice Department has filed charges against Noah Lam, a California resident accused of participating in a transnational terrorist organization. The indictment reveals that:

“Lam conspired with two other Terror Graham Collective members to create a hit list of high-value targets, including a US Senator and a federal judge, and then tried to get others to assassinate the individuals on the list” ([01:34]).

Lam faces eight counts, including conspiracy and solicitation to murder a federal official. His alleged associates were charged last year, and Lam is now held without bail pending sentencing.

Wisconsin Restores Abortion Access Following Historic Court Ruling

Timestamp: [02:13]

In a landmark decision, Wisconsin's highest court has overturned an 1849 state law restricting abortion, effectively restoring abortion access after the overturning of Roe v. Wade three years prior. Jimmy Gutierrez of Milwaukee Public Radio highlights the significance of this ruling:

“Women in Wisconsin had to experience something that for essentially two generations, people hadn't had to go through, which was being denied the autonomy and the freedom to make their own reproductive health care decision” ([02:41]).

Attorney General Josh Call praised the court's decision and urged the legislature to engage with residents about the law's impact during the 15 months it was in effect. While abortion access is now guaranteed for the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, concerns remain regarding potential Medicaid cuts that could affect Planned Parenthood and healthcare providers in rural areas.

Federal Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs Case

Timestamp: [03:11]

A federal jury in Manhattan delivered a mixed verdict in the high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case against Sean "Diddy" Combs. NPR reports that:

"The jury acquitted the defendant of those charges and convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution" ([03:11]).

Combs had pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently held without bail pending his sentencing.

Bryant Kohberger Pleads Guilty to Idaho Murders to Avoid Death Penalty

Timestamp: [03:11]

Bryant Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, has entered a guilty plea. By doing so, he aims to circumvent the death penalty. Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at the University of Washington, had been scheduled for trial next month but opted for a plea agreement instead.

Cardi B's "Outside" Debuts on Pop Charts Amidst Steady Hits

Timestamp: [04:10]

In music news, Cardi B is making significant strides on the pop charts. Stephen Thompson of NPR reports:

“Cardi B has released a bunch of freestanding hit singles since her last album in 2018, and several of them, including up and WAP, will appear on her forthcoming album, Am I the Drama. Cardi B has already pulled off an odd feat by including hits from four or five years ago. Am I the Drama has already qualified for platinum status and it's not even out until September” ([04:10]).

Her latest single, "Outside," has debuted at number 10, contributing to a trend where hit songs maintain prolonged chart presence. This success underscores Cardi B's enduring influence in the music industry.

Market Update

Timestamp: [03:11]

U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street, indicating a period of market stability amid the ongoing political and economic developments.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates significant political maneuvers in Congress, critical legal developments, impactful court rulings on reproductive rights, high-profile criminal cases, and notable movements in the music industry. Each segment provides listeners with timely and relevant information, ensuring a comprehensive overview of current events.