NPR News Now: July 15, 2025, 6 PM EDT

On this episode of NPR News Now, listeners are provided with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments shaping the national landscape. From legislative actions affecting public media to significant strides in space exploration, here's a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

1. Threat to Public Media Funding

[00:00] The episode opens with alarming news about the House of Representatives approving a White House request to rescind two years of previously allocated funding for public media. This decision, now advancing to the Senate, poses a significant threat to local public media stations across the country. The move has sparked concern among supporters who are urged to advocate for the preservation of public media through platforms like goacpr.org.

2. New Immigration Enforcement Tactics

[00:25] Windsor Johnston introduces a pressing issue regarding the Trump administration's new strategies to identify individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.

[00:51] Tovia Smith reports that landlords are receiving written subpoenas from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Anti-Fraud Unit. These subpoenas demand detailed information about tenants, including leases, forwarding addresses, and ID cards. Notably, these subpoenas are not signed by a judge, raising questions about their legality.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, addressed the issue, stating, “Subpoenas don't need to be signed by a judge to be binding” ([00:51]). She further warned that non-compliance with an ICE-issued administrative subpoena could lead to severe legal consequences. However, DHS declined to disclose the number of subpoenas issued or provide additional details about their tactics.

3. U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Negotiations

[01:30] Windsor Johnston shifts focus to international trade, highlighting President Trump's recent statements regarding tariffs on Indonesia.

[01:43] Franco Ordonez elaborates that despite initial threats of a 32% tariff, President Trump has negotiated a deal wherein Indonesia will agree to pay a 19% tariff on U.S. goods.

When pressed about the specifics, Trump notably declared, “We are going to pay nothing” ([01:55]), emphasizing the U.S.'s position in the trade negotiations. He also hinted at gaining access to Indonesia's rich copper reserves and suggested that similar agreements with India are imminent, signaling a potential shift in U.S. trade policies.

4. Impact of Tax Cuts on Renewable Energy

[02:22] The discussion turns to the environment and energy sector, with Windsor Johnston reporting on the implications of recent legislative changes.

[02:40] Michael Copley explains that the substantial tax cut and spending bill signed by President Trump has terminated tax incentives for wind and solar energy projects. According to the non-partisan think tank Energy Innovation, this withdrawal is expected to escalate electricity costs across the nation by at least 9% over the next decade. The impact is projected to be more pronounced in Republican-led states, potentially causing power bills to soar by 60 to 350% in Oklahoma by 2035 ([02:40]).

A White House spokesperson, Taylor Rogers, responded by stating that President Trump is actively working to "boost US energy production," suggesting a pivot towards traditional energy sources to mitigate the rising costs.

5. Tribute to Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson

[03:20] Windsor Johnston shares the somber news of the passing of Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s beloved poet laureate.

[03:38] Elizabeth Blair pays homage to Gibson's impactful life and work, describing them as a "queer poet who was considered a rock star at poetry slams." Gibson's poetry, characterized by its blend of darkness, urgency, and humor, resonated deeply with audiences. An excerpt from Gibson reflects their unique voice: “The nutritionist said I should eat root vegetables, said if I could get down 13 turnips a day, I would be grounded, rooted, so my head would not keep flying away to where the darkness lives.”

Gibson, who battled ovarian cancer for four years, was cherished by fans and peers alike. Comedian Tig Notaro commemorated Gibson on social media, stating, “So many of Andrea's words have quietly guided me through life's twists and turns,” underscoring the profound influence Gibson had on those around them.

6. Successful Splashdown of SpaceX Astronauts

[04:18] The episode concludes on an uplifting note with Windsor Johnston announcing the safe return of four astronauts aboard a SpaceX capsule, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off California’s coast.

[04:26] Tovia Smith further details the successful splashdown of the AX4 crew, marking the end of their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

[04:31] Michael Copley welcomes the astronauts back, highlighting retired astronaut Peggy Whitson among them. Whitson, who holds the U.S. record for the most cumulative time in space by an American astronaut at 675 days, also boasts the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, totaling 10 spacewalks over 60 hours and 21 minutes.

These astronauts, including representatives from Hungary, India, and Poland, conducted several experiments during their stay, contributing valuable knowledge and fostering international collaboration in space exploration.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a diverse array of topics, from domestic policy shifts and their broader implications to heartfelt tributes and triumphs in space exploration. Whether you're catching up on political developments, energy sector changes, or celebrating human achievement, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing news.