NPR News Now: Episode Summary – July 17, 2025

Released on July 18, 2025

President Trump Diagnosed with Vein Disorder

[00:20] Windsor Johnston

In a surprising health update, President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a vein disorder known as chronic venous insufficiency. During a routine medical examination, President Trump reported experiencing swelling in his legs, prompting further investigation.

[00:37] Danielle Kurtzleben explains, “Chronic venous insufficiency is a pretty common circulatory condition. What it is is blood is not being pumped back up to the heart from the legs very well, and it can cause swelling and pain.”

Dr. Sean Barbabella, President Trump’s physician, clarified that they tested for more serious conditions such as heart problems and deep vein thrombosis, finding no signs of these issues. This diagnosis follows Trump’s annual physical in April, where he was previously declared in “excellent health.”

Historic Crypto Legislation Faces Criticism

[01:02] Windsor Johnston

In a landmark move, Congress has passed the first major cryptocurrency bill in U.S. history. The Genius Act aims to regulate a specific type of cryptocurrency known as stablecoin, designed to offer greater safety by requiring companies to back each stablecoin with real cash reserves.

[01:27] Rafael Nam reports, “The Genius act provides rules for a cryptocurrency called stablecoin. It's meant to be safer because companies have to back each stablecoin with real cash. So if a company sells you a Stablecoin worth a dollar, it has to keep another dollar in reserve so that it can pay you back whenever you want to cash in your stablecoin.”

The legislation is particularly exciting for its potential in global commerce, enabling companies to send or receive payments in stablecoins almost instantaneously, with easy conversion to cash. However, critics argue that the regulations are too lenient. They contend that stablecoin companies should adhere to the same stringent rules as traditional financial institutions, such as credit card companies, to ensure robust financial oversight.

Silicon Valley’s Vision for Advanced Manufacturing

[02:13] Windsor Johnston

Forever, a company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, has unveiled plans to create the largest advanced manufacturing site in North America. This ambitious project, detailed by Aditi Bunlamoudi from KQED, is part of a broader vision to build an entirely new city from scratch on current ranchland, located approximately two hours from Silicon Valley.

[02:31] Danielle Kurtzleben adds, “The 2,000 acre site, about two hours away from Silicon Valley, would provide space for defense tech, robotics, energy and other industries.”

[02:48] Andreas Lieber, the site's general manager, emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “It’s just the overall insight of you can not really operate as a country, if you're only doing service jobs and basically outsource your middle class and then, you know, building anything anymore.”

The project is still in its early stages, collaborating with two nearby cities. Forever estimates that the development could eventually generate 40,000 jobs, responding to calls from both state and national leaders for increased U.S.-based manufacturing.

Georgia Librarian Fired Over Inclusive Book Display

[03:13] Windsor Johnston

A librarian in Georgia has been dismissed after including a book featuring a transgender character in a summer reading display, sparking a heated controversy. Peter Biello reports on the incident from Atlanta.

[03:32] LaVonna Moore, the fired library manager from Southeast Georgia's Pierce County, stated, “Moore had worked in the library system for 15 years and says she built the display with local volunteers.”

The firing was precipitated by the Christian advocacy group, Alliance for Faith and Family, which accused Moore of “teaching children God made them incorrectly.” The group demanded that county commissioners take action, leading to Moore’s immediate termination on the same day the display was unveiled.

Efforts to obtain comments from Pierce County commissioners, library staff, and other stakeholders were unsuccessful. An attorney representing Moore confirmed that she is exploring all legal options in response to her dismissal.

Remembering Connie Francis, Music Legend

[04:09] Windsor Johnston

The music world mourns the loss of Connie Francis, the beloved voice of the late 1950s and 60s, who passed away at the age of 87. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Francis was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Her timeless hits, including “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Stupid Cupid,” left an indelible mark on the music industry. Remarkably, her song “Pretty Little Baby” experienced a resurgence in popularity, going viral on TikTok and introducing her music to new generations. As of today, creators on TikTok have made more than 22 million videos using the song.

In a heartfelt social media post before her passing, Francis expressed her gratitude: “I want to thank TikTok users for the unexpected reception.”

[04:09] Windsor Johnston concludes, “I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.”

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