NPR News Now: July 18, 2025, 2AM EDT – Comprehensive Summary

Hosted by Shea Stevens, NPR News Now delivers the latest updates across various national and international fronts. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on July 18, 2025.

1. House Republicans Approve $9 Billion Rescission Package Affecting NPR and PBS

Funding Cuts for Public Broadcasting

House Republicans have finalized a $9 billion package aimed at rescinding previously allocated federal funding. This package notably includes a $1.1 billion cut intended for NPR and PBS.

• Vote Details: The resolution passed with a narrow margin of 216 to 213, with all but two Republicans voting in favor of the cuts. These funds were slated for the years 2026 and 2027.

• Impact on Public Broadcasting: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which serves as a conduit for federal money to public radio and TV, stands to lose a significant portion of its funding. NPR CEO Kathryn Maher expressed grave concerns, stating, “the cuts were an irreversible loss to the public radio system” ([00:41]).

• Financial Structure: While NPR derives only a small percentage of its funding directly from the federal government, the majority comes through its roughly 1,000 member stations, which allocate some of these funds to support NPR’s programming.

2. Controversy Surrounding Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Communications

Alleged Racy Letter and Legal Implications

The Wall Street Journal reported that former President Donald Trump sent a racy birthday letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on his 50th birthday. Trump has vehemently denied these allegations, claiming the letter is fake and has announced intentions to sue the newspaper and its owner for defamation.

• Trump’s Denial: "I did not send that letter. It’s completely fake," Trump asserted, adding his plans to pursue legal action against the publication ([01:24]).

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Grand Jury Documents

Amidst the controversy, House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed questions regarding Trump’s request for the Attorney General to unseal grand jury documents related to Epstein.

• Speaker’s Statement: “We trust the American people. They can draw their own conclusions. And so he's in the process of releasing the information that can be released that's not held up by a court or involves, you know, victims of crimes or something like that,” Johnson explained ([01:44]).

Call for Transparency from Democrats

Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin emphasized the need for complete transparency, advocating for the release of all files on Epstein, not just the grand jury transcripts. This stance underscores the ongoing bipartisan tension surrounding high-profile legal cases and the handling of sensitive information.

3. Opposition Mounts Against Amel Bovey’s Nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Judicial Nomination Turmoil

Amel Bovey, a prominent figure in the Justice Department, is under scrutiny as his nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit advances. His tenure has been marked by controversies, including the dismissed case against New York Mayor Eric Adams and the dismissal of prosecutors in Capitol riot-related cases.

• Committee Proceedings: The nomination progressed after Republican Senator Charles Grassley cut off debate during a committee meeting. In response, Democratic members of the committee walked out in protest, highlighting the deep partisan divide ([01:59]).

• Opposition from Legal Community: Over 900 former DOJ lawyers have voiced their opposition to Bovey's nomination, citing concerns over his handling of immigration cases.

Democratic Resistance and Call for Accountability

Democrats have called for a whistleblower to testify regarding Bovey's management of immigration prosecutions, arguing that his actions warrant further investigation before Senate approval. Despite these objections, Bovey’s nomination still awaits a vote from the full Senate ([02:17]).

Reporter: Carrie Johnson, NPR News, Washington.

4. President Trump’s Health and Environmental Policy Shifts

Trump’s Health Update

The White House announced that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults characterized by swollen legs due to poor blood flow.

• Press Secretary’s Statement: Caroline Levitt shared, “Trump underwent examination after noticing swelling in his legs. The bruising on the back of his hand is consistent with irritation from frequent handshaking” ([02:59]).

Environmental Groups Criticize Regulatory Changes

Environmental organizations have condemned the Trump administration’s latest offer of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants and other polluting industries. The policy grants these companies a two-year grace period as the administration seeks to reverse President Biden’s ERA (Environmental Regulatory Agenda) regulations.

• Policy Implications: This move aims to allow polluting industries to revert to pre-Biden EPA standards, sparking significant backlash from environmental advocates who argue it undermines efforts to combat climate change.

5. Sudden Resignation of Atlanta’s Transit Leader Over Immigration Status

Leadership Change Amid Immigration Concerns

Kali Greenwood, the head of Atlanta’s transit system MARTA, has resigned unexpectedly due to complications related to his work permit and immigration status. Originally from Canada, Greenwood transitioned from the Toronto Transit Commission to lead MARTA in 2022 during a tumultuous period for the organization.

• Official Statement: A MARTA spokesperson clarified, “He remains in the country legally,” but noted that Greenwood was excluded from a recent board meeting because of his immigration status ([03:52]).

• Board Chair’s Remarks: Jennifer Ide stated, “Immigration is a very complicated issue in the United States today, but Mr. Greenwood needed to make the decision that was best for him and his family. And his MARTA family will miss him tremendously” ([04:13]).

• Impact on MARTA: Greenwood’s departure comes at a critical time for Atlanta’s transit system, which has been navigating operational challenges and public scrutiny.

Reporter: Melissa Fato, NPR News, Atlanta.

6. Steve Miller Band Cancels US Tour Due to Extreme Weather

Tour Cancellation Amid Severe Weather Conditions

The legendary Steve Miller Band has announced the cancellation of its US tour, citing unprecedented severe weather conditions, including extreme heat and unpredictable flooding, as the primary reasons.

• Announcement: The band’s 81-year-old frontman, Steve Miller, posted the official statement on the band’s website, expressing regret over the decision ([04:35]).

• Band’s Legacy: Known for iconic hits like “The Joker” and “Abracadabra,” the Steve Miller Band has been a mainstay in the music industry since its formation in the 1960s. The tour’s cancellation marks a significant moment for fans and the live music community.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a diverse array of pressing issues, from significant political funding decisions and high-profile legal controversies to health updates of a former president and challenges within public transportation leadership. Additionally, the intersection of environmental policy and extreme weather impacts on the arts highlights the multifaceted nature of current events. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, NPR continues to inform and engage its audience on matters of national and international importance.