NPR News: 07-02-2025 9PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: July 3, 2025, 9PM EDT

Live from Washington, this edition of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reporting on key national and international issues shaping our world.

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1. House Republicans Push Forward with President Trump's Tax Cut and Spending Bill

Host: Windsor Johnston

Republican leaders in the House are intensifying efforts to secure the necessary votes to pass President Donald Trump's expansive tax cut and spending legislation. This ambitious bill, as reported by NPR's Scott Horsley, aims to extend numerous individual tax cuts from Trump's first term while introducing new tax breaks. However, budget watchdogs have raised alarms, cautioning that the measure could escalate the federal debt by trillions of dollars.

Scott Horsley (00:34): “They all say it would push that budget even further out of balance. The bill would extend many of the individual tax cuts from President Trump's first term and then also add some new tax breaks so there would be less money coming into the government's coffers.”

In addition to tax reductions, the bill proposes increased government spending in areas such as defense and immigration enforcement. While it includes significant cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, these reductions are insufficient to offset the anticipated shortfall in revenue.

Scott Horsley (00:34): “The bill would also increase government spending on things like defense and immigration enforcement. And while there are some deep cuts here to safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, those don't begin to make up for all the revenue.”

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2. President Trump Announces New Trade Agreement with Vietnam

Host: Windsor Johnston

President Trump has declared the completion of a new trade agreement with Vietnam via a social media post. The deal incorporates a 20% tariff on all Vietnamese imports and a 40% tariff specifically on shipping services.

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3. Iran Suspends Cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency

Host: Windsor Johnston

In a significant development, Iran has officially announced the suspension of its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. This move has drawn concern from international communities and prompted reactions from U.S. officials.

Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson (01:35): “The Iranian president signed the order to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, but did not give details.”

Michelle Kellerman, NPR (01:46): “It is, we'll use the word unacceptable that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace.”

Tammy Bruce (02:00): “And prosperity after the US struck nuclear sites in Iran with bunker-busting bombs. President Trump has repeatedly said that he thinks Iran no longer has an interest in its nuclear program, which he says was, quote, obliterated.”

The suspension comes amidst heightened tensions following U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear sites. President Trump has previously stated that these strikes have effectively dismantled Iran's nuclear ambitions.

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4. Verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' Federal Trial

Host: Windsor Johnston

The legal proceedings against hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs reached a pivotal moment as a federal jury delivered its verdict today. Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related charges but was acquitted of more severe accusations, including racketeering and sex trafficking.

Defense Attorney Tenney Garrigo (02:41): “I want to thank the jury for putting such great care into this case. They came early every single day and I want to thank them. As I said in my opening standing between all of us and the drastic consequences of the criminal convictions of sex trafficking. Enrico is a jury of our peace.”

As a result of the verdict, Combs will remain in jail pending sentencing, facing up to 20 years in prison for the convictions.

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5. Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban

Host: Windsor Johnston

In a landmark decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has invalidated a 176-year-old abortion ban, paving the way for healthcare providers in the state to offer abortion services once again. This ruling signifies the culmination of a prolonged legal battle that intensified following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which had previously federally protected the right to abortion.

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6. California Governor Expands Tax Credits to Retain Film and TV Productions

Host: Windsor Johnston

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed into law a significant expansion of tax credits designed to keep film and television productions within the state. NPR's Mandalit del Marco reports that the new legislation increases the spending cap to $750 million.

Gavin Newsom (03:50): “Speaking at a movie studio in Burbank, Governor Newsom said California is trying to hold on to the entertainment industry while states like Georgia and Texas and countries like Canada and the UK are increasingly luring film and TV product away with generous rebates and grants.”

Noah Wiley, Actor (04:06): “The world we invented is now competing against us, and we've got to step up our game.”

In addition to the enhanced tax credits, Governor Newsom announced a new redevelopment initiative aimed at increasing the number of sound stages available in Hollywood, thereby supporting the local entertainment workforce.

Noah Wiley (04:19): “This city has been growing talent for decades and decades.”

Wiley also emphasized the importance of local production, noting that his show, "The Pit," was produced in Hollywood.

Noah Wiley (04:25): “It's important that his show, the Pit, was produced here.”

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7. Deadly Wildfire Engulfs Northeastern Spain Amidst Heatwave

Host: Windsor Johnston

A devastating wildfire has erupted in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, resulting in at least two fatalities. The blaze emerged last night, with authorities reporting that farmers were attempting to flee the advancing flames in a vehicle. The fire is exacerbated by the region's ongoing severe heatwave, which has left much of Europe grappling with extreme temperatures.

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This concludes today's edition of NPR News Now. Stay informed with NPR for comprehensive coverage of the stories that matter most.

Transcript

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[Windsor Johnston]

[e-mail] Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Republican leaders in the House are scrambling to find the votes to pass President Trump's massive tax cut and spending bill. NPR's Scott Horsley reports. Budget watchdogs are warning the measure could add trillions of dollars to the federal debt.

[Scott Horsley]

They all say it would push that budget even further out of balance. The bill would extend many of the individual tax cuts from President Trump's first term and then also add some new tax breaks so there would be less money coming into the government's coffers. The bill would also increase government spending on things like defense and immigration enforcement. And while there are some deep cuts here to safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, those don't begin to make up for all the revenue.

[Windsor Johnston]

That's NPR's Scott Horsley reporting. President Trump says he has struck a new trade agreement with Vietnam. In a post on social media, Trump said the deal includes a 20% tariffs on all Vietnamese imports and a 40% tariff on shipping. Iran says it will no longer cooperate with the International Atomic energy agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports. The UN is calling the movement concerning.

[Tammy Bruce]

The Iranian president signed the order to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, but did not give details. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce says the Iranians are making bad decisions.

[Michelle Kellerman]

It is, we'll use the word unacceptable that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace.

[Tammy Bruce]

And prosperity after the US struck nuclear sites in Iran with bunker busting bombs. President Trump has repeatedly said that he thinks Iran no longer has an interest in its nuclear program, which he says was, quote, obliterated. Michelle Kellerman, NPR News. The State Department.

[Windsor Johnston]

The legal team for Sean Diddy Combs is speaking out after a jury handed down its verdict today in his federal trial, the hip hop mogul was found guilty of two prostitution related charges, but was acquitted on the more serious counts, racketeering and sex trafficking. Defense attorney Tenney Garrigo spoke outside of the courthouse in Manhattan tonight.

[Tenney Garrigo]

I want to thank the jury for putting such great care into this case. They came early every single day and I want to thank them. As I said in my opening standing between all of us and the drastic consequences of the criminal convictions of sex trafficking. Enrico is a jury of our peace.

[Windsor Johnston]

Combs will remain in jail as he awaits sentencing. He's facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down a 176-year-old abortion ban, clearing the way for providers to offer the procedure in the state. For Wisconsin, today's decision marks the end of a legal saga that began when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, ending federal constitution protections for abortion. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law an expanded tax credit to help keep film and TV productions in the state. NPR's Mandalit del Marco reports. The legislation raises the spending cap to $750 million.

[Gavin Newsom]

Speaking at a movie studio in Burbank, Governor Newsom said California is trying to hold on to the entertainment industry while states like Georgia and Texas and countries like Canada and the UK Increasingly lure film and TV product away with generous rebates and grants.

[Noah Wiley]

The world we invented is now competing against us, and we've got to step up our game.

[Gavin Newsom]

Newsom also announced a new redevelopment program to add more sound stages. Actor Noah Wiley applauded the efforts to keep production in Hollywood.

[Noah Wiley]

This city has been growing talent for decades and decades.

[Gavin Newsom]

Wiley says it's important that his show, the Pit, was produced here. Mandalit del Barco, NPR News, Los Angeles.

[Windsor Johnston]

A wildfire in northeastern Spain has left at least two people dead. The fire broke out in Catalonia last night. Authorities say farmers were trying to escape the flames in a vehicle. The fire is being fueled by hot, dry conditions. Europe is in the midst of a massive heat wave. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.

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