NPR News Now – July 18, 2025

Hosted by Shea Stevens

1. House Republicans Approve $9 Billion Cuts to Foreign Aid and Public Media

At [00:16], Shea Stevens reports that House Republicans have granted final approval to a sweeping plan aimed at reclaiming $9 billion previously allocated for foreign aid and public media. The measure, now awaiting President Donald Trump's signature, proposes cutting over a billion dollars from organizations such as NPR and PBS, as well as their member stations. Stevens highlights that although a minimal portion of NPR's funding is sourced directly from taxpayers, the majority relies on donations and member station dues. Critics argue that this legislation represents Congress relinquishing its fiscal authority to the executive branch.

2. President Trump's Health Update

Continuing at [00:56], White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt provides an update on President Trump's health. Levitt states:

"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency AB9 in common condition." ([00:56])

This diagnosis indicates that Trump's swelling in the legs is due to a common vein disorder. Additionally, a note from the president's doctor confirmed that his lab results remain within normal limits ([01:14]).

3. New USPS Postmaster General Opposes Privatization

At [01:14], Shea Stevens introduces NPR’s Hanji Lawang’s report on the new U.S. Postmaster General's stance against privatizing the nation's mail service. David Steiner, the newly appointed Postmaster General with a background at FedEx, addressed concerns raised by USPS employee unions regarding potential privatization efforts.

In a video message to postal workers, Steiner emphasized his position:

"I do not believe that the Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government. I believe in the current structure of the Postal Service as a self-financing, independent entity of the executive branch." ([01:48])

He further explained that the Postal Service operates without tax dollars, though his plans to modify the controversial reorganization initiated by former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in 2021 remain unclear ([02:00]).

4. DOJ Recommends Minimal Sentence for Officer in Breonna Taylor Raid

Shea Stevens reports at [02:13] that the Department of Justice is advocating for a one-day prison term for Brett Hankinson, a former Louisville police officer involved in the ill-fated raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor’s death. Roberto Roldan of Louisville Public Media details the case:

Hankinson is the sole officer to face legal repercussions, having been acquitted of state-level charges in 2022 and experiencing a hung jury in his initial federal trial. Despite a conviction last year for violating Taylor's Fourth Amendment rights, the DOJ under President Trump is reassessing the necessity of prosecuting Hankinson. Notably, the DOJ’s recommended sentence starkly contrasts with the U.S. Probation Office's proposal of two to fourteen years. Hankinson's sentencing is slated for the upcoming Monday ([02:31]).

5. Tropical Storm Chantal Devastates Central North Carolina

At [03:07], Shea Stevens updates listeners on the severe impact of Tropical Storm Chantal in Central North Carolina, which has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency. Governor Josh Stein is contemplating a request for federal assistance to bolster his state's strained response efforts. The storm delivered approximately a foot of rain to parts of North Carolina earlier this month, causing widespread damage and overwhelming local resources.

6. Passing of Former Congressman Bill Clay

Shea Stevens reports at [03:07] the death of Bill Clay, a former U.S. Congressman from Missouri, who passed away at the age of 94. Jason Rosenbaum of St. Louis Public Radio provides an in-depth look at Clay's legacy:

Bill Clay was the first African American to represent Missouri in Congress and was a pivotal figure in strengthening black political influence within the legislative branch. A civil rights stalwart, Clay even endured imprisonment for his participation in protests against employment discrimination. He played a crucial role in founding the Congressional Black Caucus, which, in a 2019 interview, he described as transformative for African American advocacy:

"We don't need in between middle people to be our spokesperson. We will speak for ourselves." ([04:12])

Clay retired from Congress in 2000 and is survived by his three children, including his son, Lacey Clay, who succeeded him in the House ([04:20]).

7. Remembering Connie Francis

Concluding the news segment at [04:34], Shea Stevens announces the passing of renowned singer and actress Connie Francis at the age of 87. Francis was celebrated for her numerous top 20 hits during the late 1950s and 1960s, including classics like "Who's Sorry Now" and "Where the Boys Are." Interestingly, her 1962 song "Pretty Little Baby" has recently surged in popularity on TikTok, introducing her timeless music to a new generation.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments covered in the July 18, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not listen to the original broadcast.