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