NPR News Now: July 16, 2025
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Senate Republicans Vote to Rescind Nearly $9 Billion in Federal Funding
NPR's Shea Stevens reports on a significant development in the U.S. Senate where Republicans have voted to initiate debate on a proposal to rescind approximately $9 billion in already approved federal funding. This move requires only 51 votes to pass, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the decisive tie-breaking vote after three Republicans sided with Democrats.
- Key Details:
- Vice President J.D. Vance: “[The yeas are] 50 and the nays are 50, the Senate being equally divided. The Vice President votes in the affirmative and the motion is agreed to.” (00:37)
- Funding Cuts: About $1 billion from the package would be cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, impacting NPR, PBS, and 1,500 local stations.
Tensions Within the GOP Over Jeffrey Epstein Files
The episode delves into the escalating tensions within the Republican Party concerning the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson has taken a stand against President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, advocating for transparency.
- Speaker Mike Johnson: “It’s time to put the controversy behind.” (01:19)
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: “Them, put everything out there and let the people decide. The White House and the White House team are privy to facts that I don't know.” (01:29)
House Democrats are leveraging this debate to push for procedural votes to release the files, occasionally garnering GOP support.
Investigation into the Murder of Minnesota Lawmakers
Minnesota authorities have charged Vance Belter with the murder of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the attempted murder of Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
- Investigation Details by Matt Sepik:
- Belter's Actions: Left a handwritten letter claiming Governor Tim Walz ordered him to kill U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, alleging threats against his family.
- Prosecutor Joe Thompson: “There's no evidence that Belter targeted either senator.” (02:15)
Other News Highlights
Arizona's Democratic Primary
The Associated Press projects that Andelita Grijalva has won the Arizona Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District. She is the daughter of long-serving Congressman Raul Grijalva, representing Tucson and Southern Arizona for over two decades.
Pennsylvania's Closed Primary Challenge
Four independent voters have petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to overturn the state's closed primary system, arguing that it is unconstitutional. The 51-page petition claims that excluding independent voters from primaries equates to disenfranchisement for approximately 1.4 million Pennsylvanians who are not aligned with either major political party.
Ceasefire in Syria's Suwayda Province
Syria has announced a ceasefire in the southern province of Suwayda following sectarian violence that resulted in over 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries. The conflict involved government forces and Druze fighters, stemming from kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedou tribes and armed Druze factions under Syria's new leadership.
Passing of Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson
Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson passed away at the age of 49. NPR's Elizabeth Blair shares an appreciation of Gibson's work, highlighting their ability to tackle dark subjects with urgency and humor.
- Andrea Gibson: “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.” (04:19)
- Comedian Tig Notaro on Gibson: “So many of Andrea's words have quietly guided me through life's twists and turns.”
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of critical political maneuvers in the Senate, internal conflicts within the GOP, a tragic investigation in Minnesota, and significant updates from Arizona, Pennsylvania, Syria, and the arts community. Additionally, the heartfelt tribute to Andrea Gibson underscores the profound impact of their poetic contributions.