NPR News Now: July 18, 2025
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Rural Community Radio Faces Critical Budget Cuts
Timestamp: 00:34
Dozens of rural community radio stations are grappling with significant budget shortfalls following a congressional decision to reduce federal funding. Scott Smith, the general manager of Allegheny Mountain Radio, highlighted the station's reliance on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which accounts for up to 65% of its budget. He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “President Trump said he wanted federal funding because he sees NPR and PBS as politically biased, which both organizations deny.” (00:58)
An unnamed expert further underscored the dire circumstances, noting, “You can only continue to operate in the red for so long. At some point that well will run dry.” (00:53) The potential shutdown of Allegheny Mountain Radio, a cooperative of public stations not affiliated with NPR, threatens to eliminate a vital source of local news and information in areas with limited phone and internet access.
Justice Department Seeks Epstein Grand Jury Scripts
Timestamp: 01:19
In ongoing efforts to shed light on the Jeffrey Epstein federal investigations, Attorney General Pambanti announced that the Justice Department will request access to grand jury scripts. President Trump has publicly called on Bondi to release pertinent testimony, provided it receives court approval. This move has garnered support from Democrats on the House floor, including Representative Ro Khanna of California, who urged for the release of all Epstein-related files held by the Justice Department.
However, an unnamed analyst cautioned, “The grand jury testimony is largely about Epstein and Maxwell, not about all the rich and powerful men who abused, assaulted and abandoned young women. Those people are still being protected. And by the way, the courts usually don't release grand jury testimony.” (01:42) This statement highlights the complexities and potential limitations of accessing sensitive legal documents in high-profile cases.
US and EU Intensify Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
Timestamp: 02:00
A bipartisan coalition of U.S. lawmakers is intensifying efforts to pressure Russia into adhering to President Trump's demands for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump has threatened “stiffer economic penalties against Moscow,” signaling a potential escalation in economic warfare.
Concurrently, the European Union has sanctioned Russia for the 18th time, aiming to cripple Moscow’s oil revenues and banking sectors. Terry Schultz, reporting from Brussels, detailed the EU's robust measures: “EU governments agreed to what the bloc's foreign policy chief is calling one of its strongest ever packages of penalties against Russia over its war on Ukraine. Kayakala says the aim is to keep raising the costs so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow.” (02:25) Specific sanctions include lowering the oil cap from $60 to just over $47 per barrel and banning the import of any petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil. Additionally, transactions with Russian financial institutions are prohibited to further restrict Moscow’s access to international financial markets and foreign currency.
Brazil's Bolsonaro Under Legal Scrutiny; US Markets Decline
Timestamp: 03:08
In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro is under intense legal scrutiny. Brazilian police recently conducted raids on his home and party headquarters, and he has been mandated by the Supreme Court to wear an ankle monitor amid fears of a potential flight to avoid prosecution. Bolsonaro stands trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup to overturn his 2022 election defeat, charges he vehemently denies.
In a transatlantic twist, President Trump, who is himself under investigation for attempting to reverse the results of the 2020 U.S. election, has commented on Bolsonaro’s situation, stating, “Bolsonaro's treatment is unjust.” (03:08) These developments come as U.S. stock markets are experiencing a downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping more than 200 points during the hour.
Malaria Outbreaks Linked to Storm Disruptions in Madagascar
Timestamp: 04:01
New research published in the journal Science reveals a concerning link between major storms and spikes in malaria cases. Jonathan Lambert reports that back-to-back cyclones in Madagascar during 2022 and 2023 disrupted crucial malaria prevention programs, including the distribution of preventative drugs and bed nets. As a result, nearly half of all school-aged children contracted malaria in the two months following the storms.
The study highlights the potential of newly available vaccines to mitigate such outbreaks. The researchers found that widespread vaccination prior to storm events could have reduced infections by 50%, offering a more resilient strategy against climate-induced health crises.
Trump Targets Late-Night Hosts as Colbert’s Show Faces Cancellation
Timestamp: 04:35
On Truth Social, President Trump criticized major late-night hosts from ABC, NBC, and CBS. This comes in light of the network’s decision to cancel the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” scheduled for next May. Lakshmi Singh reported, “Trump has often been the target of criticism in Colbert's comedic monologues.” (04:35) The cancellation may reflect broader tensions between political figures and media personalities who engage in satirical commentary.
Note: This summary excludes promotional content and focuses solely on the news segments presented in the episode.