NPR News Now: July 17, 2025, 2 PM EDT

Released on July 17, 2025

NPR News Now brings you the latest updates on pressing national and international issues. This summary highlights the key topics discussed in the episode, complete with notable quotes and insights for a comprehensive understanding.

Justice Department Silences Prominent Prosecutor

[00:26] Lakshmi Singh:
The episode opens with a significant development in the U.S. Justice Department. Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor renowned for her work on high-profile cases, including those involving Sean Combs and Jeffrey Epstein, was abruptly dismissed.

[00:47] Carrie Johnson:
"Maureen Comey spent nearly 10 years in the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, where she prosecuted music mogul Sean Combs and an associate of Jeffrey Epstein," reports Carrie Johnson. Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, expressed her dismay in a letter to colleagues, stating, "those kinds of firings can spread fear. Fear is the tool of a tyrant."

Comey's termination is part of a larger pattern, with dozens of career prosecutors being dismissed under the Trump administration's new leadership within the Justice Department. This move has raised concerns about potential abuses of power and the undermining of justice for victims.

Proposed $9 Billion Funding Rescission Threatens Public Broadcasting

[01:29] Lakshmi Singh:
The Trump administration is on the verge of attempting to retract $9 billion in previously approved funding by Congress. A recent Senate vote approved a rescissions package that includes a substantial $1.1 billion cut to public broadcasting.

[01:52] Katherine Maher:
NPR CEO Katherine Maher warned, "I know that we've heard from some members of Congress that there's lots of time for people to absorb this, but the reality is that the new budget year has already started for many stations, meaning that they are waiting on those federal funds." She highlighted the immediate impact on member stations, which are already facing budget deficits.

Republican lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Jonathan, defend the cuts as a necessary measure to address "wasteful spending," stating, "What we are talking about here is 1/10 of 1% of all federal spending, 1/10 of 1% of ALL federal spending, but it's a step in the right direction."

The majority of the $9 billion targeted for rescission was allocated to foreign aid, with the U.S. House set to hold a final vote on the package.

Tragic Israeli Strike Targets Gaza's Catholic Church

[02:29] Lakshmi Singh:
In international news, Pope Leo has voiced profound sorrow over an Israeli artillery strike that struck a Catholic church in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinian Christians.

[02:48] Pierre Zanas Baba:
Pierre Zanas Baba reports, "The Israeli artillery shell that hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza City damaged the roof of the sanctuary. 400 Palestinian Christians have been sheltering on the church grounds throughout the past 21 months of war." Shadi Abu Dawood, a survivor, recounted, "I was in the courtyard with my mother and son. Suddenly, an Israeli tank shell hit the church and people were wounded, including my mother and son." This incident marks the second strike on a Catholic church this year, following an October 2023 attack that killed 21 Palestinian Christians.

FDA Permits Juul's E-Cigarettes Amid Controversy

[03:23] Lakshmi Singh:
Turning to public health and business, federal regulators have decided to allow Juul to continue selling its E-cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this decision today, marking a significant victory for Juul, which had previously faced a federal ban that nearly led to bankruptcy.

Juul contends that its products offer "less harmful options for adult smokers," positioning them as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, this stance is met with opposition from parents and anti-tobacco groups. Critics argue that Juul's flavored products may facilitate underage vaping, raising concerns about youth addiction and health risks.

Rising Dangers for Walkers and Cyclists Highlighted by CDC

[04:15] Bing Wong:
Safety for pedestrians and cyclists is declining, according to the latest data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. The report reveals that being around cars while walking or biking is becoming increasingly perilous.

Cyclists and walkers in the western and southern regions of the United States face nearly double the risk of fatal injuries compared to those in the Northeast and Midwest. From 2013 to 2023, the death rate for these groups has surged by approximately 40%, amounting to over 8,400 fatalities in 2023 alone.

Most walking deaths occur at night in areas lacking sidewalks, while cycling fatalities are predominantly urban. In response, the CDC urges walkers and bikers to enhance their visibility, wear appropriate safety gear, and utilize sidewalks and bike lanes whenever possible. Additionally, drivers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid driving under the influence to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of critical developments in the Justice Department, federal funding implications for public broadcasting, international conflicts affecting religious sites, regulatory decisions impacting public health, and emerging safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. Through informative reporting and firsthand accounts, NPR delivers essential news to keep listeners informed and engaged.

For more detailed coverage, tune in to NPR News Now or visit NPR.org.