NPR News Now: July 4, 2025, 5 PM EDT

Live from Washington, Windsor Johnston brings you the latest updates on critical national and international issues.

1. President Trump to Sign Massive Tax Cut and Spending Bill

[00:14] Windsor Johnston

President Donald Trump is poised to sign a comprehensive tax cut and spending legislation into law. This bill allocates billions of dollars towards defense and border enforcement while implementing significant reductions in Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Democratic Concerns: NPR's Tamara Keith highlights the Democratic response, emphasizing their unified stance against the bill. Democrats argue that the legislation predominantly benefits the wealthy and large corporations at the expense of the working class. An independent analysis cited by Keith indicates that the bill could increase the national deficit by trillions and displace millions from their health coverage.

Quotes:

• Tamara Keith [00:43]: "Democrats have been quite united in branding this as a tax cut that will overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy and big businesses, paid for by making life harder for the working class."

White House Position: Despite public skepticism towards the entire package, White House officials maintain that individual components of the bill enjoy popular support. As midterm elections approach, the administration aims to persuade voters that the legislation will enhance their lives.

Quotes:

• Tamara Keith [00:43]: "So with the midterms coming up next year, the president and his party are working to convince voters that this bill will make their lives better."

2. Escalating Conflict in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

[01:18] Windsor Johnston

Palestinian health officials report that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people in the Gaza Strip. These attacks occur as Israel and Hamas show signs of readiness to negotiate a ceasefire.

Humanitarian Impact: NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi provides a harrowing glimpse into the situation on the ground. Hospitals in Gaza, overwhelmed with casualties from recent Israeli strikes, struggle to cope with the influx of injured and deceased.

Personal Testimonies: Eneas Baba of NPR visited Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where he met Uthman Abdou, a local resident whose niece tragically lost her three children in an Israeli strike targeting a school-turned-shelter.

Quotes:

• Uthman Abdou: "Enough malicious politics... Have mercy on us. There are innocent people being killed."

Diplomatic Efforts: President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet in Washington on Monday to discuss a potential ceasefire, aiming to halt the ongoing violence.

Quotes:

• Hadil Al Shalchi [01:36]: "President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to meet in Washington on Monday to discuss a ceasefire."

3. Trump Administration Directs Tech Giants to Defy TikTok Ban

[02:21] Windsor Johnston

Newly released documents reveal that the Trump administration instructed major tech companies, including Apple and Google, to ignore a federal law that bans the social media platform TikTok unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

Legal Implications: NPR's Bobby Allen reports that this directive emerges despite the Supreme Court upholding the ban based on national security concerns. Attorney General Pat Bondi's instructions to tech companies are viewed by legal experts as an overreach of presidential authority.

Quotes:

• Bobby Allen [02:38]: "Attorney General Pat Bondi told Apple and Google to ignore the law since it would interfere with the president's constitutional duties."
• Legal Scholar: "It’s breathtaking."

Future Developments: The White House has yet to comment on the matter, but President Trump has indicated that a new buyer for TikTok will be announced in the coming days.

Quotes:

• Bobby Allen [02:38]: "Trump has said a new TikTok buyer will be announced in the coming days."

4. Air Traffic Controllers Strike in France Disrupts Flights

[03:13] Windsor Johnston

A significant labor strike by air traffic controllers in France has led to the cancellation of approximately 40% of airline flights at Paris airports. The strike, driven by insufficient staffing to manage increased air travel demand and the impact of inflation on salaries, has stricken travelers and airlines alike.

Union's Position: One of the leading unions involved in the strike cites the need for more employees to handle the surge in travel and addresses concerns over stagnant wages due to rising inflation.

5. 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Military Celebrated with Capitol Fourth Concert

[03:13 - 04:23] Elizabeth Blair

This year's Capitol Fourth concert commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States military. The event features a diverse lineup of musical acts, including the Beach Boys, the Temptations, and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Connections Among Performers: NPR's Elizabeth Blair notes the collaborative spirit among the artists. Louisiana natives Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle blend New Orleans jazz funk with contemporary Christian music, showcasing the fusion of genres.

Quotes:

• Unknown Musician [04:02]: "Baby, there's a Fine Line before between Salvation and Sin."
• Unknown Musician [04:17]: "Everybody's gone surfing, Surfing USA A Capitol."

Special Performances: Country duo Lil Cash will join the Beach Boys on stage to perform "Surfin' USA," highlighting cross-genre collaboration.

Broadcast Details: The concert will be aired on PBS at 8 PM Eastern and will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall.

6. Severe Thunderstorm Causes Fatalities and Widespread Damage in New Jersey

[04:32] Windsor Johnston

A violent thunderstorm struck central New Jersey last night, resulting in at least three fatalities. The storm wrought extensive damage across multiple towns, leading to tens of thousands of customers losing electricity.

Emergency Response: Authorities are actively deploying emergency crews to clear obstructed roads caused by downed trees and power lines, aiming to restore normalcy in the affected regions.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for continuous updates on these and other pressing stories.