NPR News Now: July 3, 2025, 5AM EDT

Hosted by Dave Mattingly

1. Capitol Hill: Republican Tax and Spending Cut Bill

Timestamp: [00:15]

NPR's Dave Mattingly reports from Washington, highlighting the House's anticipated vote on the Republican tax and spending cut bill. This legislation, which narrowly passed the Senate with Vice President Vance's tie-breaking vote, encompasses several key areas:

• Tax Cuts and Regulations: Extends tax cuts from President Trump's first term and aims to reduce regulations.
• Border Security and Defense: Increases funding for border security and national defense.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Advocates for lighter government spending and a crackdown on waste.

Notable Quote:

Tom McClintock, Republican Congressman from California: “?Mean lower taxes, lighter regulations, a secure border, more frugal spending and a war on waste.”
[00:40]

Opposition: Democratic lawmakers counter the GOP's plan, arguing that it includes significant cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office warns that the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

2. Judicial Ruling on Asylum Seekers at the Southern Border

Timestamp: [00:48]

The episode delves into a federal judge's decision that President Trump's administration lacks the authority to deny entry to asylum seekers at the U.S. southern border.

Details:

• Proclamation: Issued by President Trump on his first day in office to restrict asylum seekers.
• Legal Challenge: LAWSU intervened on behalf of over a dozen individuals detained or removed without their asylum claims being considered.
• Judge’s Ruling:

  “The president does not have the power to create an alternative immigration system.”
  — Judge Randolph D. Moss
  [01:21]

The ruling is set to take effect in two weeks, providing the administration time to appeal the decision.

3. Sean "Diddy" Combs Convicted on Lesser Charges

Timestamp: [01:59]

In New York City, hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faces legal consequences following a split verdict in his trial.

Trial Outcome:

• Acquitted: Of major charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
• Convicted: On lesser charges related to prostitution.

Impact:

• Community Response:

  Sam Stigger, local resident: “Do you see any signs? Anybody celebrating? Anybody saying go did he? Because it's wrong.”
  [02:40]

• Prosecutors' Claims: Accused Combs of orchestrating a criminal enterprise to exploit women near the Apollo 3 theater.
• Victims' Perspective:

  Denver Williams: “I wouldn't know how to feel if I was those victims.”
  [02:59]

Combs maintains his innocence and faces up to 20 years in prison for the convictions. Samantha Max from WNYC provides on-the-ground reporting from Harlem.

4. Skydiving Plane Crash in Southern New Jersey

Timestamp: [03:09]

A single-engine Cessna plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Cross Keys Airport, carrying 15 skydivers.

Incident Details:

• Pilot's Report: Experienced engine trouble and attempted an emergency landing.
• Outcome: The plane collided with trees during the landing attempt.
• Casualties: No fatalities, but injuries ranged from minor to critical.
• Location: Cross Keys Airport, approximately 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia.

The National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the cause of the crash.

5. Clayton Kershaw Achieves 3,000 Career Strikeouts

Timestamp: [03:59]

In Major League Baseball news, Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Clayton Kershaw has become the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts.

Highlights:

• Milestone Achievement: Reached the 3,000 strikeout mark during the Dodgers' 54th win against the Chicago White Sox.
• Game Moment:

  “Strikeout number 3,000 for Clayton Kershaw. History at Dodger Stadium.”
  — Dodger Radio Network
  [04:11]

• Significance:
  • First Dodgers pitcher since Max Scherzer in 2021 to achieve this feat.
  • At 37 years old, Kershaw's accomplishment is a strong indicator of his eventual induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • Overcoming major injuries in recent years adds to the impressiveness of his milestone.

Steve Futterman reports from Los Angeles, celebrating Kershaw's historic achievement.

End of Summary

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