Senate Spending Bill, Ukraine Airstrikes, Idaho Firefighter Shootings

Summary

Senate Advances President’s Tax and Spending Bill Amid GOP Dissent

In the first major story of the day, the U.S. Senate is pressing forward with President Trump's expansive tax and spending legislation. However, the bill faces significant resistance from within the Republican ranks, primarily due to proposed cuts to Medicaid.

Key Points:

• GOP Opposition: Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina emerged as a vocal critic, expressing concerns that the Medicaid reductions would shift billions of dollars in costs to the states. He stated, “People who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid” [03:03], emphasizing the adverse impact on beneficiaries.

• Leadership and Voting Concerns: Senate Majority Leaders remain cautiously optimistic about securing the necessary votes, acknowledging that “they can only lose three votes” [02:31]. Despite GOP leaders' confidence, two Republicans have already voted against initiating debate on the bill [02:31].

• Bill Components and Costs: The legislation seeks to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, introduce temporary tax breaks (such as no taxes on tips and overtime), increase spending on border enforcement and the military, and raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to prevent a potential default [04:20]. To balance these additions, the bill implements substantial spending cuts, including reductions in nutrition programs and the rollback of green energy tax incentives. Notably, nearly a trillion dollars in spending cuts are allocated to Medicaid modifications [04:20]. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade and potentially remove coverage for almost 12 million Americans [04:20].

• House Implications: If the Senate passes the bill, it faces an uphill battle in the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson oversees a narrow margin. President Trump is anticipated to exert considerable pressure on House Republicans to secure the necessary support [05:22].

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Johnson: “He did, a day after President Trump blasted him on social media for opposing this bill and vowed to back a primary challenger to him.” [03:08]

• Thom Tillis: “The president is flat out wrong to back this bill.” [03:03]

Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since 2022 Invasion

The second major story covers Russia's latest military escalation against Ukraine. Over the weekend, Russian forces executed what Ukrainian officials describe as the largest airstrike since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Key Points:

• Scale of the Attack: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched more than 500 drones, missiles, and guided air bombs targeting several western Ukrainian cities, including frequent attacks on Kyiv and Odessa [06:12]. Approximately half of these munitions were intercepted [06:12].

• Casualties and Damage: The assault resulted in the deaths of at least six civilians and injuries to a dozen others. Infrastructure targets, including businesses and utilities, sustained significant damage [06:37]. Additionally, Ukraine lost an F16 fighter jet and its pilot, 32-year-old Maximus Tamanko, who successfully downed seven aerial targets before his plane was shot down [06:37].

• Air Defense Strategies: Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Odessa employ robust air defense mechanisms, including anti-aircraft missiles and mobile air defense units mounted on vehicles and speedboats. These systems aim to neutralize incoming threats, with personnel celebrating each successful interception to protect their communities [07:04].

• Strategic Implications: Military experts suggest that Russia's strategy is to deplete Ukraine’s air defense resources, thereby increasing the potential for future successful strikes [07:57]. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian ground forces continue to resist, with the frontlines expanding slowly but significantly westward [08:05]. The prolonged conflict has exacted a heavy toll on Russian forces, with over a million casualties reported by the UK’s defense ministry [08:05].

• Prospects for Peace: Currently, there appears to be little hope for an imminent ceasefire. While Ukraine and Russia have agreed to prisoner exchanges in Istanbul, broader peace negotiations remain stalled. Furthermore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has withdrawn Ukraine from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines, signaling a shift towards more aggressive defensive measures [08:32].

Notable Quotes:

• Joanna Kakisis: “Pirate always carries a photo of his wife and babysitter. He's saying the crew celebrates whenever they shoot down a drone because it means that drone will not hit a neighborhood.” [07:04]

• Thom Tillis: “At least six civilians died across the country and at least a dozen were injured.” [06:37]

Tragic Ambush of Idaho Firefighters Sparks Investigation

The third story highlights a devastating incident in North Idaho, where two firefighters lost their lives, and a third was injured during a response to a wildfire.

Key Points:

• The Incident: On June 29th, firefighters were ambushed by a sniper while addressing a grass fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene. Authorities have described the attack as intentional and highly coordinated, leaving the firefighters with no opportunity to defend themselves [09:22].

• Law Enforcement Response: Multiple agencies, including local law enforcement and the FBI, responded to the scene. The suspect was found dead near the fire site, with authorities investigating the possibility of additional weapons being present [10:42]. The challenging terrain, filled with trees and shrubbery, complicated the search and recovery efforts [10:42].

• Community Impact: Despite North Idaho's historical associations with violence against authorities, local officials stress that the community is generally supportive of first responders. County Commissioner Bruce Mitari highlighted the region’s shift towards being a family-friendly area, underscored by widespread public mourning and support for the fallen firefighters [11:49].

• Ongoing Investigation: Investigators are continuing their search for more evidence and attempting to uncover the motive behind the shooter’s actions. The absence of immediate leads regarding the suspect’s identity or affiliations has left the community seeking answers [12:37].

Notable Quotes:

• Eliza Billingham: “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.” [00:44]

• County Commissioner Bruce Mitari: “This is an area that loves first responders.” [11:49]

Conclusion

Today's episode of NPR's Up First delved into pressing national and international issues, from the contentious passage of a significant Senate bill with far-reaching implications for healthcare and the federal deficit, to the ongoing and escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and a heartbreaking attack on heroic firefighters in Idaho. Each story underscores the complex interplay of political maneuvering, global conflict, and local tragedy, highlighting the multifaceted challenges facing communities and nations alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Leila Fadel: “The Senate is moving ahead on the president's massive tax and spending bill, but there is dissent in the ranks of the GOP, mainly over cuts to Medicaid.” [00:02]

• Thom Tillis: “People who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid.” [03:03]

• Joanna Kakisis: “Pirate always carries a photo of his wife and babysitter... the crew celebrates whenever they shoot down a drone because it means that drone will not hit a neighborhood.” [07:04]

• Eliza Billingham: “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.” [00:44]

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This summary is based on the transcript of the NPR Up First episode released on June 30, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Up First and support NPR’s reporting.

Transcript

[Leila Fadel]

The Senate is moving ahead on the president's massive tax and spending bill, but there is dissent in the ranks of the gop, mainly overcuts to Medicaid.

[Michelle Martin]

Do leaders have the votes to get this bill over the finish line?

[Leila Fadel]

I'm Leila Fadel. That's Michelle Martin. And this is a first from NPR News. Russia pummeled Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones. It was the largest attack since the full scale invasion began in 2022 and targeted several areas, western Ukraine. Are the two countries moving any closer to a breakthrough that could end three years of war?

[Michelle Martin]

And the latest on the attack on the firefighters who were responding to a wildfire in Idaho. Two were killed and a third was injured.

[Eliza Billingham]

This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.

[Michelle Martin]

Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Deirdre Walsh]

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[Joanna Kakisis]

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[Michelle Martin]

Evening and is still debating the sweeping Republican tax and spending bill.

[Leila Fadel]

President Trump lobbied Republicans over the weekend and wants Congress to send him a bill by July 4th. But GOP leaders have little room for error as they negotiate key issues right up until the final vote.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh is with us now to tell us more. Good morning, Deirdre.

[Mike Johnson]

Good morning, Michelle Sue.

[Michelle Martin]

Do leaders have the votes to get this bill over the finish line?

[Mike Johnson]

You know, they're sounding confident, but they can only lose three votes. And two Republicans already voted no to start debate on this bill Saturday night. North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis was one of those. He's been warning that the fallout from the cuts to Medicaid in this package would mean shifting billions of dollars of costs to the states. And he said the president is flat out wrong to back this bill.

[Eliza Billingham]

But I'm telling the president that you have been misinformed. You supporting the Senate, Mark, will hurt.

[Thom Tillis]

People who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid.

[Michelle Martin]

Well, speaking of Tillis, he made some news yesterday.

[Mike Johnson]

He did, a day after President Trump blasted him on social media for opposing this bill and vowed to back a primary challenger to him. Tillis says he's not running for reelection next fall. His race was expected to be very competitive, but Tillis says his brand as a bipartisan lawmaker was essentially becoming an endangered species.

[Michelle Martin]

So I take it there are Republicans who are still considered undecided. What are they looking at as they weigh their votes Right?

[Mike Johnson]

There are a few conservatives like Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, Florida Senator Rick Scott want deeper spending cuts. And they're pushing for an amendment later this morning to change how much the federal government pays for people covered under the Medicaid expansion program that passed as part of the Affordable Care Act. Moderate Republicans like Maine Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski really want to limit changes to Medicaid, ensure there are resources for rural hospitals in their states to treat patients. How those Republicans view the final version after these amendment votes later this morning. And the cost of the bill will determine if it passes.

[Michelle Martin]

So how much does this overall package cost and what are the key components?

[Mike Johnson]

This is really a tax bill. It makes the tax cuts enacted in 2017 in President Trump's first term permanent. It adds some temporary tax breaks, like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime. It also boosts spending for border enforcement, for the military, increases the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to avoid a default later this summer. But to offset all of those tax breaks, the legislation includes significant spending cuts. It cuts nutrition programs. It rolls back green energy tax breaks. But the bulk of these spending cuts, almost a trillion dollars worth, come from changes to Medicaid. The Senate new work requirements for some enrolled in the program changes the way states finance their Medicaid programs. And Congress's nonpartisan scorekeeper said yesterday this version of the bill adds $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and almost 12 million Americans could lose their coverage.

[Michelle Martin]

So let's say if the Senate approves this bill, what is likely to happen in the House? Will the House pass it this week?

[Mike Johnson]

It's going to be tough. You know, House Speaker Mike Johnson has a razor thin margin. President Trump is going to put a lot of pressure on Republicans there to pass. He's going to have to help the speaker lock in those votes.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Deirdre Welsh. Deirdre, thank you.

[Mike Johnson]

Thanks, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

This weekend the Ukrainian Air Force said Russian forces launched the largest air assault on Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full scale invasion.

[Leila Fadel]

Russia has been bombing Ukrainian cities more often over the last few months and that battlefield remains a bloody war of attrition with no end in sight.

[Michelle Martin]

NPRs Ukraine correspondent Joanna Kakisis is on the line with us now from Kyiv to tell us more. Good morning, Joanna.

[Thom Tillis]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So tell us about this weekend's airstrikes. What happened?

[Thom Tillis]

Well, the Ukrainian Air force told us this attack was the largest of the war because of the sheer number of weapons used. Russia fired more than 500 drones, missiles and guided air bombs at several Ukrainian cities and regions. About half were shot down. We in Kyiv were largely spared this time, but the capital has been repeatedly targeted, including earlier this month, 28 people were killed.

[Michelle Martin]

And was anybody hurt this time?

[Thom Tillis]

Yes, at least six civilians died across the country and at least a dozen were injured. Businesses, residential areas and utilities were damaged. The air force also lost an F16 fighter jet and its pilot, 32 year old Maximus Tamanko, who shot down seven aerial targets before his plane went down.

[Michelle Martin]

So Russia is obviously escalating its attacks on Ukraine. How are Ukrainian cities protecting themselves?

[Thom Tillis]

So here in Kyiv, the military usually shoots down attack drones using anti aircraft missiles. They also have these machine gunners moving around on trucks. And in another city that's often hit the southern port of Odessa, the Navy uses mobile air defense units on speedboats in the Black Sea. We rode with one of the speedboat units recently and spoke with the crew, including Pirat or Pirate. We are using only his call sign at the request of the Ukrainian military, which cites security reasons. Pirate always carries a photo of his wife and babysitter. He's saying the crew celebrates whenever they shoot down a drone because it means that drone will not hit a neighborhood. And one drone hit very close to his own family's home recently. Now I should add, Michelle, that military experts say Russia is using these aerial assaults to deplete Ukraine's supply of air defense munitions.

[Michelle Martin]

You know, Joanna, Odessa and even Kyiv aren't that close to the front line. So how is Ukraine's attempt to defend its territory on the ground going?

[Thom Tillis]

Well, Michelle, it's been very difficult for Ukraine's ground forces. The front line stretches hundreds of miles and the Russians are making incremental gains pushing farther west into Ukraine. But I should say at this rate, it would take Russia years to conquer Ukraine. And the war has also cost Russia. The UK's defense ministry estimates that more than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded during the full scale war.

[Michelle Martin]

So amid all this, Joanna, is there any hope for a ceasefire?

[Thom Tillis]

Well, not right now. Representatives from Ukraine and Russia have met in Istanbul and agreed to prisoner exchanges, but no ceasefire. And in another sign that this war will not end anytime soon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just signed a decree withdrawing his country from the Ottawa Treaty which bans the production and use of anti personnel landmines. Now he says landmines are instruments of defense against Russia. And some other countries bordering Russia have also said that they will withdra from the treaty. Russia, by the way, has not signed this treaty and has used anti personnel mines extensively.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Joanna Kakis in Kyiv. Joanna, thank you.

[Thom Tillis]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

Two firefighters are dead in North Idaho along with the man suspected of shooting them.

[Leila Fadel]

Yeah. Authorities called it an ambush by sniper. The city of Coeur d' Alene was under a shelter in place order most of yester afternoon. Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what happened and why.

[Michelle Martin]

Spokane Public Radio reporter Eliza Billingham is with us now from nearby Spokane, Washington. Good morning, Eliza.

[Eliza Billingham]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So what can you tell us so far about what happened? What are the authorities saying?

[Eliza Billingham]

Well, yesterday afternoon, firefighters responded to a 911 call for a grass fire on Canfield Mountain, which is a small mountain just north of Coeur d' Alene. And pretty soon after the firefighters arrived, officials say that somebody opened fire on them. Kootenay County Sheriff Bob Norris was clear that he thinks this was intentional. This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance. Two firefighters were killed, another was injured. And later that afternoon, law enforcement was able to recover the body of the suspect from the ongoing fire.

[Michelle Martin]

So, Eliza, I understand that the authorities are saying that they think there was only one shooter and that he is dead. They don't yet know how he died. Could you walk us through how they went about figuring that part out? And do we know anything about who this person is or was?

[Deirdre Walsh]

Of course.

[Eliza Billingham]

So lots of law enforcement from nearby jurisdictions showed up, plus the FBI. Apart from the fire, the sheriff said this is a really difficult type of terrain to conduct a search. When you have an environment where you don't know where the bullets are coming from because of the trees and the shrubbery and what have you. It's, it is daunting for police officers, let alone firefighters. And the FBI was able to locate a cell phone signal. And when they followed that signal, they were able to find a body. And they say that body was near a type of weapon that made them think this was the suspect and the only shooter. But they're not saying what kind of weapon that is. And they're not saying anything about his identity, his politics, his past or anything that might explain why he did this.

[Michelle Martin]

So we don't want to speculate, but North Idaho does have a reputation as a place where white supremacist organizations or anti government militia groups have gone to set themselves up at some point. Did authorities there talk about that at all?

[Eliza Billingham]

Right. Well, County Commissioner Bruce Mitari did acknowledge the region's history with violence against authority, but he stressed that that's not what defines the area today. He said that this is an area that loves first responders. And when they moved the bodies of firefighters from the North Idaho Hospital to the Spokane county medical examiner's office, people were lining the interstate for miles on both sides of the state line waving American flags. Despite its history, this is a place that people have been moving to raise young families. And this type of attack against firefighters is especially strange and difficult for this community to process.

[Michelle Martin]

So where does this investigation go from here?

[Eliza Billingham]

Authorities said that they've contained the fire and they'll resume the investigation on the mountain this morning. The sheriff is thinking that they may find more weapons. But meanwhile, local and federal agents are working to ID the suspect and they hope to uncover more about his motive.

[Michelle Martin]

That is Spokane Public Radio's Eliza Billingham. Eliza, thank you.

[Eliza Billingham]

Thank you so much.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up for us for Monday, June 30th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Leila Fadel]

And I'm Layla Faulded. Your next listen is Consider this from npr. We here at up first give you the three big stories of the day. Or consider this team takes a different approach. They dive into a single news story and what it means to you. That means you can learn about a big story of the day in less than 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Jason Breslow, Ryland Bartlett, Kevin Drew, Janaya Wilson Williams and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Zia Butch, Destiny Adams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zoe Van Genhoven. And our technical director is Zach Coleman. Join us again tomorrow.

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