NPR News Now: July 17, 2025

Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Senate Votes on $9 Billion Spending Cuts

[00:21] Shea Stevens:
The Republican-led Senate is actively voting on amendments to a substantial $9 billion spending package. This package primarily focuses on cutting funds that Congress had previously approved. The Trump administration has specifically targeted funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which includes NPR and PBS, citing concerns over perceived political bias.

[00:42] Scott Newman:
"The Senate began what's called a vote-o-rama, a rapid fire session where lawmakers can offer an unlimited number of amendments to the package," explains Scott Newman of NPR.

A notable attempt to preserve public broadcasting came from Nevada Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, who introduced a motion to remove these cuts. However, the motion failed, aligning largely along party lines. The Trump administration's proposed cuts also extend to foreign aid, particularly affecting food and health programs abroad. NPR's Scott Newman provides comprehensive coverage of these developments from Washington.

2. Immigration Detention Continues for Maryland Man

[01:16] Shea Stevens:
A Maryland man, Kilmar Obrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, remains detained in Tennessee despite being eligible for release. The detention persists because the court fears he might be deported before his trial.

[01:35] Mariana Bacall, WPLN:
"Federal immigration officials have said that they intend to deport Abrego Garcia to a third country, such as Mexico or South Sudan, upon his release," reports Mariana Bacall following a hearing in Nashville.

During the hearing, prosecutors argued for continued federal custody, emphasizing the risk of prior deportation before Garcia could stand trial on human smuggling charges. In contrast, other witnesses in the case have received deferred action for cooperating with the government. The judge handling the case has indicated an intention to rule next week on Garcia's future status.

3. Severe Storm Brings Flood Watch to Gulf Coast

[02:14] Shea Stevens:
A severe storm is currently brewing off Louisiana, prompting a flood watch that spans from New Orleans to the Mississippi Valley. New Orleans is preparing for an expected 3 to 5 inches of rain through Saturday, with some areas potentially experiencing up to 10 inches.

[02:32] Mayor Latoya Cantrell of New Orleans:
"Listen, I have been seeing firsthand, I would say, how other cities have been impacted by rainfall just in the past couple of days. And again, that should just be something that we be mindful of as we prepare right here at home in the city of New Orleans," Mayor Cantrell stated at [02:32].

In anticipation of the storm, about 8,000 sandbags have already been distributed to mitigate potential flooding impacts.

4. Trump Administration Enacts Stricter Fentanyl Regulations

President Trump has signed new legislation aimed at intensifying the crackdown on illegal fentanyl and its counterfeit versions. The bill imposes severe penalties, including a minimum of 10 years in prison for possession of 100 grams or more of fentanyl. Concurrently, the administration is withholding $140 million in grants that were designated to fund fentanyl addiction response efforts.

5. Meta Faces $8 Billion Class Action Lawsuit

An $8 billion class action lawsuit has been initiated against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other company executives in Wilmington, Delaware. Investors allege that Meta failed to fully disclose the risks associated with selling Facebook users' personal data. This data was reportedly sold to the now-defunct British company Cambridge Analytica, which played a role in supporting Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement for expenses related to settling lawsuits that stemmed from the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

6. New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Announced

[02:51] Shea Stevens:
UNESCO has expanded its list of World Heritage Sites by adding 26 new locations, including a rainforest in Sierra Leone and three ornate castles in Germany.

[04:08] Neta Ulaby, NPR:
"King Ludwig II of Bavaria is known for his impossibly romantic fairy tale castles built in the 1800s," explains Neta Ulaby.

[04:15] Rick Steves:
"Neuschwanstein Castle is just up the hill," adds travel writer Rick Steves, highlighting one of the featured sites.

[04:17] Neta Ulaby:
These castles have gained additional popularity through features on platforms like YouTube, where Rick Steves showcases their intricate interiors adorned with medieval themes and Wagnerian opera scenes.

Other notable additions include a national park in Brazil celebrated for its extensive limestone caves, a well-preserved 17th-century fort in Jamaica, and the "fairy houses" of Sardinia—tiny prehistoric dwellings carved into the island's rocky landscape.

[04:49] Shea Stevens:
In financial news, U.S. futures are trading lower in after-hours markets, while shares in Asia Pacific markets are on the rise.

7. Market Overview

U.S. futures have dipped in after-hours trading, reflecting investor caution. Conversely, Asia Pacific markets have seen gains, indicating a mixed global economic sentiment.

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of current events, from political developments and legal battles to environmental warnings and cultural milestones. For those who missed the broadcast, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by NPR reporters and contributors.