NPR News Now: July 17, 2025, 9 AM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date Released: July 17, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Senate Approves $9 Billion Funding Cuts Affecting NPR, PBS, and Foreign Aid

At the outset of the episode, Jeanine Herbst reports significant legislative changes made by the Senate. In a dramatic move dubbed a "so-called Votorama," the Senate approved a bill cutting $9 billion in federal funding. This includes nearly $8 billion slashed from foreign assistance programs and $1.1 billion earmarked for public broadcasting services like NPR and PBS.

Deirdre Walsh elaborates on the implications:

“The final bill the Senate passed included nearly $8 billion in cuts to foreign assistance programs and $1.1 billion in federal money for public broadcasting. Assuming it passes the House. This is a win for President Trump and his push to slash spending.”
[00:32]

The legislation's passage marks a significant victory for President Trump, who has been aggressive in his efforts to reduce government spending. However, the bill faces opposition in the House, where prominent Republicans such as Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine have aligned with Democrats to oppose the cuts. Trump has signaled potential repercussions for any Republicans who dissent, threatening to withdraw his endorsements from those who vote against the bill.

Federal Prosecutor Maureen Comey Fired Amid High-Profile Cases

Jeanine Herbst transitions to a development in the Justice Department, announcing the termination of Maureen Comey, the federal prosecutor overseeing the high-profile Diddy and Epstein cases.

“Maureen Comey, the federal prosecutor in charge of the Sean Diddy and Epstein cases, has been fired by the Justice Department, according to two sources who were not authorized to talk publicly.”
[01:00]

The sources did not disclose the reasons behind Comey's dismissal, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty. This unexpected move raises questions about the administration's intentions and the future of these significant legal proceedings.

Deadly Strike on Holy Family Church in Northern Gaza

A tragic event in the Middle East is detailed by Hadil Al Shalchi. A strike on the Holy Family Church in northern Gaza resulted in at least two fatalities. Eneas Baba, an NPR reporter who visited the scene, confirmed that the parish priest was among the injured.

“Dr. Fadhel Naim, acting director of Al Ahili Hospital, told NPR the hospital received some victims in critical condition. In a statement, the Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident. Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed, 'deep sorrow over any civilian casualties and damage to the church.'”
[01:32]

The Holy Family Church holds significant importance as the only Catholic church in Gaza, providing shelter to displaced Christians amid the ongoing conflict. Notably, Pope Francis previously maintained regular contact with the church to monitor the well-being of its congregants.

Trump Administration Requests Additional Funds for Air Traffic Control Overhaul

Jeanine Herbst introduces a report on the Trump administration's plans to address the aging U.S. air traffic control system. Joel Rose provides insight into the financial requirements and legislative developments.

“Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy thanked members of Congress for voting to approve $12.5 billion to modernize the US air traffic system. But Duffy says that funding is just a down payment and ultimately the final price tag will be much larger.”
[02:26]

The aviation industry estimates the total cost at $31.5 billion, a figure Duffy has refrained from publicly confirming until now. The urgency to overhaul the system has been heightened by recent incidents, including a mid-air collision and significant telecommunications outages, underscoring longstanding issues that have plagued air traffic management for years.

June Retail Sales Rise Amid Recession Concerns Impacting Influencer Industry

Economic indicators present a mixed picture as Jeanine Herbst reports on the Commerce Department's latest figures showing a 0.6% increase in retail sales for June, following a 0.9% decline in May.

This uptick contrasts with emerging signs of a potential recession, particularly affecting the multi-billion-dollar influencer industry. Christian Monroe explores how tariff policies are disrupting this sector, leading to a 10% decline in advertising dollars allocated to online creators.

“Recession jitters are changing what consumers watch and who they interact with online and brands have taken notice with a 10% decline in advertising dollars dedicated to online creators.”
[02:59]

Content creator Carolyn Moran Cook shares her strategies for navigating these turbulent times:

“I think in more recent years have really learned and understood the importance of not putting all my eggs in one basket, quote, unquote, you know, making sure I'm diversifying my streams of revenue, not solely relying on one thing.”
[03:45]

Cook emphasizes adaptability as the key to survival in an ever-changing digital landscape, highlighting the necessity for creators to diversify their income sources to mitigate the risks posed by fluctuating market dynamics.

Passing of Iconic Singer Connie Francis

The episode concludes with the somber news of Connie Francis's passing. Jeanine Herbst reports:

“Connie Francis, the chart-topping female singer of the late 1950s and early 60s, has died. She was 87 years old. Her hits included 'Who’s Sorry Now?' and 'Stupid Cupid.'”
[04:14]

Francis experienced a resurgence in popularity through platforms like TikTok, where her song "Pretty Little Baby" became a viral sensation. Although the cause of death was not officially disclosed, it was noted that Francis had been hospitalized earlier in the month due to pain from a possible broken hip, which necessitated the cancellation of her upcoming appearances.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant political, economic, and social developments. From substantial federal budget cuts impacting public broadcasting and foreign aid to critical updates in the Justice Department and tragic events in Gaza, the episode encapsulates a range of pressing issues. Additionally, insights into the aviation industry's financial challenges, the influencer sector's economic struggles, and the cultural impact of Connie Francis's legacy offer listeners a well-rounded perspective on current affairs.

For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now or visit npr.org.