Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Event/Special
CNN Headlines: Dozens Of Fires Spark Evacuations, Some Areas Banning Fireworks; Supreme Court Makes Several Major Rulings; Alex Murdaugh's New Murder Trial Set For April 2027. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired June 30, 2026 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[05:30:00]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
The Supreme Court is set to rule today on two critical cases that will affect hundreds of thousands of children for years to come. One is Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship, and another is to ban transgender youth in sports. Yesterday the Supreme Court made sweeping decisions that impact President Trump's power to fire at will. Now, they also upheld state laws that did count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. We'll wait for those decisions.
Also here today, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is on his way to Doha as President Trump said that the U.S. will meet with Iran today. However, Iran is pushing back, saying that no negotiations are scheduled with the U.S. in the coming days, though an expert Iranian delegation will be traveling to Qatar later this week. Now, Iran's foreign ministry say that the U.S. and Iran have not yet entered into the stage of negotiating a final agreement. So we'll keep tabs on any movement there.
Also, summer is here and if you don't believe the calendar just step outside. Millions coping with a dangerous heat wave in the east and deadly western wildfires are being fueled by dry and windy conditions.
For more there, let's bring in CNN's Reed Benyon.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE MORGAN, DIRECTOR, COLORADO DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL: The lion's share of ignitions are caused by human acts or emissions that create these ignitions.
REED BENYON, CNN REPORTER (voiceover): As wildfires rage in Colorado, officials, including the governor, are urging caution for the Fourth of July.
GOV. JARED POLIS, (D) COLORADO: Celebrate big without lighting anything on fire. Hold on to those fireworks until Colorado Day, August 1. That's our 150th.
BENYON (voiceover): Among the wildfires currently burning in Colorado is the Aspen Acres fire. It started early Monday. According to officials it grew to 23,000 acres as of Monday evening as howling winds stymied firefighting efforts. The flames have consumed multiple residences, but officials say no injuries have been reported. Evacuation orders have been issued.
Meanwhile, there was a procession in Grand Junction Monday honoring three firefighters killed over the weekend while battling a wildfire along the Utah-Colorado border.
DIRK CLINGMAN, GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO FIRE DEPARTMENT: Fire service is a family, so when something like this happens we all feel it.
BENYON (voiceover): As wildfires rage in the west, sweltering heat is baking other parts of the country. In Chicago officials are reminding people that high temperatures can be much more than just uncomfortable.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, (D) CHICAGO: The extreme heat can be very dangerous. This is the time to check in on our neighbors. Let's look out for one another.
BENYON (voiceover): The oppressive heat wave also hitting the eastern half of the U.S. ahead of the July Fourth weekend threatening to tie or break more than 100 daily temperature record highs, plus more than twice that for record warm overnight lows.
I'm Reed Benyon reporting.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. Thank you, Reed.
And for all of your holiday weather needs from any location you can download the CNN weather app for your iPhone. Check it out at cnn.com/cnnweather.
Back to the major Supreme Court decisions that are expected today. They are expected to arrive after the president seemed to get one big win from the court but also several notable losses.
On presidential power, the court gave him a win when it comes to authority to fire the heads of independent agencies at his will. But in a different decision the justices said that power cannot apply to members of the Federal Reserve.
And a big Trump loss concerning elections. In a narrow 5-4 decision the court snubbed efforts to curb mail-in voting, something that the president has wanted for years.
So here's CNN's Paula Reid with the details on some of these.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA REID, CNN CHIEF LEGAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: On Monday, President Trump lost a few battles at the Supreme Court, but he is winning the war to expand executive power. In a pair of cases the Supreme Court did lay out some restrictions on
who he can and cannot fire within the federal government. But really, what they did more significantly is overturn about 90 years of precedent that said in order to fire certain officials within the government the executive would have to find malfeasance and negligence of duty, inefficiency. The court held that is, in fact, a violation of the separation of powers and overturned that 90-year precedent giving the president broad authority to fire officials at more than two dozen agencies that Congress had designed to be independent.
Now, in one of the cases the Supreme Court did say that if he wants to file -- fire someone at the Federal Reserve that he would need to make sure that individual received certain steps, certain process. Through that process they would have to have the opportunity to respond to their firing. Again, it doesn't say he can't fire them; it just says they need to receive process beyond just a tweet, which is what happened in this case.
Now in a different case, interestingly, the administration lost its argument to try to restrict when mail-in ballots can be counted. And this is significant because we know the Trump administration wants a greater federal power within how elections are administered even though that's traditionally left to the states. Now in this case they're looking at a case in Mississippi and that state allows mail-in ballots that are postmarked on Election Day to still be counted even if they come in several days after Election Day.
[05:35:05]
But the court said that law is constitutional, upheld it, and that is significant because roughly a dozen other states have similar laws. So if the administration had prevailed on that case, it could have opened the door for more federal intervention in sort of preventing people from voting in alternative ways, not just lining up on Election Day.
So again, a mixed bag for the president on Monday in terms of what he can and cannot do, how far the administration can go into state governments. More questions coming -- a big one on birthright citizenship. Can the president limit that right through executive order? Also, a big case related to transgender students in school sports. All of that expected to be revealed on Tuesday, the final day of the Supreme Court term.
Paula Reid, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Thank you, Paula.
Checking back in on Venezuela, more than 1,700 people are now confirmed dead nearly a week after back-to-back earthquakes struck the country. Officials estimate that the final death toll could reach 10,000 or more.
Emergency teams from around the world are still on the ground digging through debris and just listening for any signs of life. A 12-year-old boy was pulled from the rubble outside of Caracas yesterday and he had been trapped for days. You can see rescuers carefully put the child on a stretcher and carried him to safety. And in another area the Costa Rican Red Cross says that there are signs that a 47-year-old man may still be alive beneath a collapsed building. Teams say that they are not giving up hope of finding more survivors.
Well, Alex Murdaugh's new trial is now set for next year. He won an appeal overturning his convictions in the killings of his wife and son.
CNN's Dianne Gallagher has the latest details from his latest court appearance.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DICK HARPOOTLIAN, ALEX MURDAUGH'S ATTORNEY: Chains on the feet. I mean, this guy is not a serial killer.
DIANNE GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Alex Murdaugh appeared in court today for the first time since his murder convictions were overturned by the state Supreme Court. His new trial date for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul -- now that's set for April 5 of next year.
Now I was inside the courtroom -- this building right here -- and he appeared kind of nervous in an orange jumpsuit and in shackles. And really, that was the subject of the only real point of drama during the hourlong status and scheduling hearing. His attorney saying that being dressed like that could potentially taint a future jury pool because of all the media attention.
HARPOOTLIAN: Chains around the waist, chains on the hands, chains on the feet. I mean, this guy is not a serial killer. He's not, you know, Ted Bundy.
GALLAGHER: Now Murdaugh is, of course, still serving decades behind bars from both state and federal sentences after pleading guilty to stealing millions from vulnerable clients.
We also got a chance today to meet Judge Debra McCaslin, the new judge who will handle everything related to the retrial. Look, she was no nonsense and she was ready to move forward.
JUDGE DEBRA MCCASLIN: When I say April the 5th, we're picking a jury and going forward.
GALLAGHER: The judge didn't rule on any of the pretrial motions from the defense, like a request for an independent new testing of DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernail.
And where is this new trial going to be held? Well, she didn't rule on the change of venue either but that's something that we'll likely learn more about at the next pretrial hearing that could be right here in August.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Thank you, Dianne.
Turning now to the case against Luigi Mangione. He is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A judge pushed his federal trial back to next January, saying it was simply impossible to move forward while Mangione's New York state trial is going on.
He faces murder and weapons charges in that trial, which is set to begin this fall. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Capitol Hill the countdown is now on for a bipartisan housing affordability bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent the measure to the White House, kicking off a 10-day clock as President Trump is already dismissing it as a "yawn."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think this is so unimportant if I compare it to -- if I compare it to the Save America Act. I think the Save America Act is exactly what it says. It's saving America from crooked elections. It hasn't been sent to me yet. It's coming, I understand --
REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE).
TRUMP: -- and then I'll make --
REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE).
TRUMP: -- then I'll make a --
REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE).
TRUMP: Here's what I would like to sign. Much more than a bill that -- big deal. It's a yawn. Some people say it's wonderful. Uh, to me, compared to the Save America Act just about everything is a big yawn.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: The bill is aimed at tackling the housing affordability crisis by boosting supply and limiting large investors from buying single- family homes.
[05:40:05]
The president has not committed to signing it, but if he takes no action, it will automatically become law after 10 days.
Former NFL star Chris Johnson has revealed that he is living with ALS, saying that the disease changed his life in just one year. The former running back is one of nine players in league history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. Johnson shared his diagnosis in an interview with ABC, communicating through a computerized speech device.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) CHRIS JOHNSON, FORMER NFL STAR DIAGNOSED WITH ALS: I first noticed weakness in my right hand. At first, it was little things like my grip didn't feel right and I wasn't as strong as I've always been. It's continued to progress much faster than I ever imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. Just over a year ago I was picking up my 7-year-old daughter so she could make a wish with her birthday cake. Today I couldn't do that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Johnson says that his mind is still sharp, adding, "I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family."
Hoping for progress in his condition, of course, and we'll keep you updated.
Next on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, celebrities turn out to say goodbye to the man responsible for the careers of some of the biggest names in music. The life and legacy of Clive Davis coming up. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:45:55]
SMITH: Let's go around the globe to see what else is making headlines today.
A manhunt is underway for a person suspected of detonating a makeshift bomb in Monaco injuring two adults and a child outside a residence. The explosive device was a parcel bomb, according to local reports. Authorities say that the suspect ran away into France. Prince Albert is calling it an odious act as officials investigate the motive.
And police are investigating a rare and deadly mass shooting in northern Germany. A gunman opened fire at a welfare facility for mothers and children killing six adults and wounding several others. Authorities have arrested the alleged gunman, a 45-year-old man in an apparent child custody battle. Officials believe the motive is tied to a personal matter.
And police fired tear gas to break up demonstrations in Senegal outside Parliament there. Inside, lawmakers were debating constitutional reforms that critics say would expand Parliament's power. But protesters say they should vote on any changes to the constitution.
And in Tasmania, a very large elephant seal has become quite the celebrity. Here's CNN's Jessie Yeung to introduce Neil the Seal.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Neil will go to the beach when he wants to go to the (bleep) beach.
JESSIE YEUNG, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: This is Neil, a 2,200-pound southern elephant seal that has become a local icon in Tasmania. Like all seals, Neil spends a couple of weeks every year on land to shed his old coat and grow a new one. But unlike other seals Neil can often be seen in town, lounging in people's backyards, in parking lots, and even in the middle of the road.
He's also known for chaos and destruction. Videos online show him knocking over traffic cones, blocking cars, and generally wreaking havoc.
He's become an internet sensation with more than 1.4 million followers on a TikTok fan page. Local residents love him too, describing him as cheeky and a lovable menace. Authorities have warned people to keep their distance.
Neil is still a young adult but could eventually grow to more than 8,000 pounds. But for now he's a beloved fixture and residents say a visitor they hope to keep seeing year after year.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. Don't doubt your vibe, Neil.
Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, and many more paid tribute to the late music executive Clive Davis. Take a look as they came together for his memorial to share their stories.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALICIA KEYS, SINGER-SONGWRITER: He didn't just sign an artist; he recognized a soul. He saw not just the music I'd already made but the music that was still sleeping inside of me. So thank you. Thank you for seeing me fully, completely from the very beginning, even before I fully saw myself.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voiceover): Some of America's biggest artists paid their respects to legendary music producer Clive Davis at a private funeral in New York City on Monday. Davis, who died June 22 at the age of 94, was known as the "man with the golden ears" and he had a decadeslong impact on the music industry by discovering and signing huge talent.
BARRY MANILOW, SINGER-SONGWRITER: He would show me a song. I would turn it down. We would argue. I would rearrange it. I would record it.
He would show me a song. I would turn it down. We would argue. I would rearrange it and I would celebrate when they were hits and we would feel bad when they weren't.
This went on for nearly 50 years. I'm gonna miss him. Who am I going to argue with? Oh, Clive. I wish we could do it all again.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, SINGER-SONGWRITER: He was born to run everything.
(Laughter)
[05:50:00] I think I played him, growing up in Saint in the City, songs that would end up predominantly placed on my first album. And when I finished, Clive, smiling, simply said, "Welcome to Columbia Records." And in those few words he changed my life forever.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voiceover): Jennifer Hudson gave an emotional performance at the funeral of "I Will Always Love You," the song written by Dolly Parton and re-popularized by Whitney Houston.
JENNIFER HUDSON, SINGER-SONGWRITER: Singing "I Will Always Love You."
We love you, Clive.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voiceover): An instrumental of Houston's "I Want to Dance With Somebody" played as his coffin was carried out of the memorial.
Davis is survived by his four children.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: A powerful ceremony there for Clive Davis, a legend in the music industry.
Still to come on this morning's edition of CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, inmates take over a North Carolina jail and hold two guards hostage. How the SWAT team, the FBI, and others brought it all to an end.
And someone tried to sneak a live grenade onto a plane by hiding it in a jar of peanut butter. More on the bizarre incident on the other side of the break.
(COMMERCIAL)
[05:55:50]
SMITH: In today's Money Express the Walt Disney Company has agreed to a $50 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging it helped drive up the price of live TV streaming.
Let's get to Maribel Aber. Maribel, who is eligible to file a claim here?
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: Let's talk it through, Brad. If you paid for YouTube TV or DirectTV's stream you could get some money from Disney. The company agreed to a $50 million settlement for people who subscribed in the past seven years. So you've got until September 8 to file a claim and to do that, you'll need a notice that will be sent by mail. If you think you should have received one but didn't, you can email info@onlinetvsettlement.com for help.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is increasing at a modest pace. Ship tracking data shows a number of larger tankers are using a more southern route close to the Omani coast. That's a bit of a workaround to avoid sailing in waters controlled by Iran. It's also something Tehran has warned shippers not to do. The traffic on the waterway is still well below where it was before the conflict with Iran started.
Sephora wants to make it easier for neurodivergent customers to shop in its stores. The retailer will lower music volume, dim screens, and reduce scents to help prevent sensory overload. Sephora is introducing quiet hours at all of its locations after a successful pilot program at 32 stores. The company hasn't said exactly when they'll begin so check with your local store for additional details -- Brad.
SMITH: All right, Maribel Aber. Thank you, appreciate it.
Let's get a check in on some of the other stories making news across the country. We start in North Carolina. A jail takeover in Bertie County is over after inmates overpowered correctional officers yesterday morning. One guard was able to escape, and two others were held hostage for several hours before being released, along with 18 inmates. State investigators later secured the facility and took the remaining inmates into custody. All three officers were treated for their injuries.
And in Pennsylvania one person is hurt after a home explosion on Monday morning. Officials say the explosion may have been caused by a propane tank leak. Now, the homeowners were not there but a worker near the property was injured but is expected to be OK.
And a 12-year-old boy from Texas is recovering after a terrifying shark attack during a family vacation in the Bahamas. Parker was swimming with his brother Jack when a shark clamped down on his leg. Jack jumped in to help, and the family says it may have saved Parker's life.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PARKER, BITTEN BY SHARK: I just remember looking down and seeing a head over a foot wide just clamped around my calf. And at that point I didn't feel it, so I just walked onto the side. But after that I couldn't walk.
JACK, PARKER'S BROTHER: So he jumps out and he's screaming. I see this massive gash on his shin, and I was like that needs to be stopped. So I took my swimsuit off and then immediately ran over there and just wrapped it up and tried to stop the bleeding.
PARKER: I'm very thankful he did cause at the rate I was losing blood there it could have been fatal cause, you know, I also don't have that much blood. I'm very little.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Quick thinking by his brother there. Parker is expected to make a full recovery.
And police are searching for a suspect who released bear spray into a New York hotel Monday morning. Several people were injured and two sent to the hospital. Officials believe a woman sprayed the chemicals directly into the HVAC system following a dispute. So far, no arrests have been made. And in Massachusetts several beaches are closed due to a massive wastewater pipe that broke over the weekend. Approximately eight million gallons of sewage flowing into a river daily. The mayor says there was a break in a 42-inch sewer and when crews arrived, they found a second break. Repairs will not be completed until Wednesday.
[06:00:00]
And in Indiana you will not believe this. TSA found a smoke grenade hidden inside this jar of peanut butter at Indianapolis International Airport. This was just one of two grenades inside a passenger's checked bag. The passenger was immediately questioned by officials. They haven't said yet if there will be charges. We will continue to track any developments there.
That does it for us here on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
