NPR News Now: July 2, 2025, 4PM EDT
Hosted by Lakshmi Singh
1. President Trump's Push for Tax and Spending Cuts Faces House Resistance
President Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to secure Congressional support for his substantial package of tax and spending cuts. Speaking to House Republicans, Trump is advocating for the passage of this significant legislative package. However, the initiative is encountering opposition from fiscal conservatives within the House who are concerned about its implications on the national deficit.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly endorsed the bill, aligning with Trump's vision. Despite this support, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is actively urging four Republican members to join Democrats in voting against the bill, highlighting the internal divisions within the party (Lakshmi Singh, [00:35]).
2. Senate's Budget Proposal: Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Programs
NPR's Jennifer Ludden delves into the specifics of the Senate's latest budget proposal, which introduces approximately $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, primarily through the implementation of new work requirements. This move could result in an estimated 12 million Americans losing their health coverage.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to restructure the federal food aid program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), by shifting some of its funding responsibilities to the states. Katie Berg from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warns that such a shift could lead states to reduce their SNAP allocations or even withdraw from the program entirely, fundamentally altering its structure and potentially ending SNAP as a nationwide initiative (Jennifer Ludden, [01:29]).
3. Legal Developments: Sean "Diddy" Combs Awaits Sentencing
Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, is facing significant legal challenges. After being acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges earlier today, Combs was convicted on two lesser counts related to prostitution. These convictions could result in several years of imprisonment. The rapper and hip-hop executive may learn this afternoon whether he will be released on bail while he awaits sentencing (Lakshmi Singh, [02:09]).
4. Corporate Update: Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Del Monte Foods, a staple in the canned goods industry for nearly 140 years, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The company is seeking to sell its assets, with debts ranging between $1 billion and $10 billion. Del Monte's financial struggles are attributed to a decline in consumer preference for fresh produce and the increasing popularity of more affordable store-brand options. Rising operational costs have forced the closure of several plants and warehouses. In a statement, the CEO cited "challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment" as a key factor, without specifically mentioning tariffs (Alina Selyukh, [02:43]).
5. Entertainment Sector: Paramount Settles Trump's Lawsuit; Fans Rally for Tiny Chef
Paramount Pictures has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump against CBS News. The dispute arose from alleged editing practices during a "60 Minutes" interview with then Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump accused CBS of manipulating the interview to present Harris favorably by airing altered responses to the same questions. CBS News denied these claims, but the settlement underscores the lengths to which organizations may go to avoid protracted legal battles with high-profile figures (Lakshmi Singh, [03:27]).
In other entertainment news, fans of the "Tiny Chef" show are rallying to bring the beloved stop-motion animated series back to Nickelodeon. The show's creator revealed that despite the cancellation, supporters have initiated petitions and social media campaigns, raising over $120,000 to continue producing "Tiny Chef" videos independently. Fans describe the show as a "joyful" and family-friendly series, with viewers expressing heartfelt appeals for its return (Elizabeth Blair, [04:24]).
6. Market Update: Mixed Performance in U.S. Stocks
The U.S. stock market experienced a mixed closing today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 10 points, reflecting some investor caution, while the NASDAQ Composite gained 190 points, indicating strength in the technology sector. These fluctuations highlight the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the current economic landscape (Lakshmi Singh, [05:06]).
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