NPR News Now: July 15, 2025, 1AM EDT
Hosted by Shea Stevens
Ukraine Receives Enhanced U.S. Support Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, to discuss the bolstering of U.S. support in the face of continued Russian aggression. This meeting follows President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will provide Patriot air defense systems to NATO on Ukraine's behalf, signaling a significant escalation in military aid.
Notable Quote:
“We are thankful to President Trump for his old messages and very strong decisions about resuming deliveries for us. And we are thankful for bipartisan support.”
— President Volodymyr Zelenskyy [00:42]
U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Spark Concerns Over Competition with China
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are voicing strong opposition to President Trump's administration, accusing it of undermining America's global competitiveness, particularly in relation to China. A comprehensive 90-page report highlights substantial reductions in U.S. foreign aid programs, including the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Notable Quotes:
“When China is spending over a billion dollars a year on information manipulation, what the United States is doing is cutting back. So all of that means that while China is on the move, America is in retreat.”
— Unnamed Analyst [01:38]
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio has brushed off similar concerns, saying China doesn't help countries the way the US Does.”
— Jeanne Shaheen [01:52]
Memorializing Tragedy: Texas Hill Country Floods Claim Over 130 Lives
The Texas Hill Country is in mourning following catastrophic flooding over the July 4th weekend, which resulted in more than 132 fatalities. A growing memorial wall in downtown Kerrville serves as a poignant gathering place for survivors and families, adorned with flowers, photographs, and personal mementos.
Notable Quotes:
“I see that some are adding stuff to the wall, so I think it's very important we do this. It's our way to say goodbye, maybe.”
— Geraldine Granado [02:39]
“With more than 160 people still missing, Granado says she expects the memorial to keep growing.”
— James Hartley [02:45]
Legal Battle Over Frozen Education Grants
A coalition of two dozen states and Washington, D.C., has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the freezing of over $6 billion in education grants. Concurrently, more than 100 House Democrats have signed a letter urging the release of these funds, highlighting the administration’s 2026 spending plan which eliminates previously frozen education grants.
Pentagon Invests $200 Million in Artificial Intelligence for National Security
The Department of Defense has announced a substantial $200 million contract awarded to four leading artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT. The initiative aims to develop AI prototypes addressing critical national security challenges in areas such as trade and warfare, although specific project details remain undisclosed.
Surge in Accidental Nicotine Ingestion Among Young Children
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant rise in cases of young children accidentally ingesting nicotine products. Between 2010 and 2023, U.S. poison centers reported approximately 135,000 incidents, predominantly involving liquid nicotine from vaping products. Alarmingly, incidents involving nicotine pouches have increased by over 760%, correlating with a surge in their market sales. While most cases resulted in minor to no side effects, there were two fatalities.
Notable Findings:
- Majority of incidents occurred at home among children under two years old.
- Liquid nicotine from vapes was the most common substance ingested.
Cyberattack on Sesame Workshop’s Elmo Account
Sesame Workshop has regained control of its Elmo account on the social media platform X after a recent cyberattack. The hacked account, boasting 650,000 followers, was inundated with anti-Semitic threats and offensive references to Jeffrey Epstein, raising concerns about cybersecurity and online safety for beloved children's characters.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the July 15, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. From international relations and national security to societal issues and cybersecurity, the episode provides a multifaceted overview of pressing current events.