Senate Approves $9 Billion Foreign Aid Cut
Jeanine Herbst opened the episode by reporting that the Senate has given preliminary approval to the Trump administration's request to reduce foreign aid by $9 billion. This decision comes after a swift series of amendments proposed by Democrats, which predominantly aimed to safeguard public broadcasting funds but ultimately failed along party lines.
Scott Newman detailed the legislative process, noting, “Senators stripped out cuts to PEPFAR, the George W. Bush era U.S. AIDS Relief Program” (00:33). This significant amendment ensures that the bill must return to the House of Representatives for a final vote before the impending Friday deadline, highlighting the ongoing legislative negotiations and partisan divisions within Congress.
Funding Uncertainty for Fentanyl Overdose Prevention
Transitioning to public health concerns, Jeanine Herbst highlighted issues surrounding the funding of a key grant program aimed at combating fentanyl overdoses. The Trump administration has pledged to fully fund the initiative, but the allocation by Congress will now occur incrementally, potentially disrupting addiction services nationwide.
Brian Mann reported, “Roughly $140 million for the overdose data to action grants are being withheld by the Trump administration and could be canceled” (01:21). CDC staff expressed fears that incremental funding could lead to operational challenges for state and local agencies, with one CDC staffer emphasizing, “IOUs don't work in the public health world” (01:21). The lack of a clear timeline for fund disbursement raises concerns about the continuity and effectiveness of addiction prevention efforts.
Stalled Ceasefire Talks Between Israel and Hamas
In international news, Jeanine Herbst informed listeners about the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha. Despite continued discussions, critical issues remain unresolved, preventing the finalization of a truce.
Hadil Al Shalchi provided insight into the negotiations, stating, “Israel and Hamas have yet to agree on how aid will be distributed in Gaza and on which hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel will be released first” (02:24). Additionally, debates over the details of Israeli troop withdrawals persist. An anonymous Israeli official mentioned potential flexibility regarding the withdrawal from the Morad Corridor, a strategic area for Israel’s plans (02:24). The talks reflect deep-seated disagreements, with Hamas seeking permanent peace assurances while Israel desires the option to maintain the conflict post a partial ceasefire.
Deadly Fire at New Shopping Mall in Iraq
Jeanine Herbst reported a tragic incident in Iraq, where a fire at a newly constructed shopping mall in Kut has resulted in dozens of fatalities, including children. The provincial governor announced that legal actions against the mall’s owner are underway and declared a three-day mourning period for the more than 60 victims. The investigation into the blaze’s cause remains ongoing, underscoring issues related to public safety and construction standards in the region.
UNESCO Adds 26 New World Heritage Sites
Highlighting cultural heritage, Jeanine Herbst shared that Sierra Leone's rainforest and three rococo castles in Germany are among the 26 new additions to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Piers Netta Uluby elaborated on the significance of these sites, mentioning, “King Ludwig II of Bavaria is known for his impossibly romantic fairy tale castles built in the 1800s” (03:57). Travel writer Rick Steves was quoted describing Neuschwanstein Castle’s enchanting interiors: “The castle's interior is decor with misty medieval themes, brave knights, fair maidens and scenes from Wagnerian operas” (04:02). Other noteworthy sites include a Brazilian national park celebrated for its expansive limestone caves, a preserved 17th-century fort in Jamaica, and the prehistoric “fairy houses” of Sardinia, Italy.
Oregon Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfires
Jeanine Herbst updated listeners on the escalating wildfire situation in Oregon. Governor Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency as the Cram Fire spreads across more than 64,000 acres, driven by extreme temperatures and strong winds. Currently, hundreds remain under evacuation orders or warnings, and approximately 430 structures are at risk. The wildfire has also led to poor air quality, exacerbating health concerns. Notably, the Cram Fire stands as the largest among at least seven active wildfires in the state, highlighting the increasing severity of wildfire seasons.
Market Update: Mixed Trading in US Futures
Concluding the news segment, Jeanine Herbst provided a brief market update, noting that US futures are trading in mixed territory at the time of the broadcast, with Dow futures slightly down by about 0.1%. This indicates a cautious investor sentiment amidst the day’s unfolding events.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode aired on July 17, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not tune in.