NPR News: 07-19-2025 10PM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: July 19, 2025, 10PM EDT

Released on July 20, 2025

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USDA’s Demands for SNAP Participant Data Sparks Privacy Concerns

Reporter: Jeannine Hurst
Segment: [00:20]

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a July 30 deadline for states to provide sensitive personal data of millions enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This unprecedented data request includes applicants' names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and addresses.

Reporter: Jude Joffe Block
Segment: [00:43]

The USDA insists this measure is essential for verifying the program's integrity. However, the plan has drawn significant criticism. Thirteen Democratic U.S. senators have condemned the initiative, arguing it would transform SNAP from a vital support system into a mechanism for government surveillance. In a letter to the Agriculture Secretary, they stated the proposal would, "turn a program that feeds millions of Americans into a tool of government surveillance".

Responding to these concerns, a USDA spokesperson informed NPR that the comment period for the proposed SNAP database remains open until July 23. Additionally, a federal lawsuit challenging the data collection process is currently underway.

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Investigation Underway After Driver Crashes into Crowd Outside East Hollywood Nightclub

Reporter: Jeannine Hurst
Segment: [01:23]

Early morning hours saw a dramatic incident in Los Angeles when a man drove his car into a crowd outside the Vermont Club in East Hollywood, resulting in several injuries.

Reporter: Steve Futterman
Segment: [01:37]

The crash occurred around 2 AM, striking individuals gathered outside the nightclub, including food vendors operating nearby carts. Some victims sustained critical injuries. Los Angeles Police Officer Jerry Lee shared insights into the investigation:

Officer Jerry Lee: "What caused this driver to plow into this crowd? Was it intentional? Was it not intentional? Was it DUI related? Was it personal?"
[01:53]

Witnesses revealed that the driver had been asked to leave the club shortly before the incident. In the aftermath, the driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and beaten by bystanders. Additionally, a gunshot was fired that hit the driver, further complicating the situation.

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Grand Canyon Wildfire Continues to Rage with Low Containment Rates

Reporter: Ryan Hindjes (KNAU)
Segment: [02:21]

A massive wildfire, spanning nearly 12,000 acres at Grand Canyon National Park, remains largely uncontrolled with just 2% containment as of the latest reports.

Reporter: Ryan Hindjes
Segment: [02:32]

Firefighters faced temporary relief from the Dragon Bravo fire due to a humid monsoon pattern, but shifting weather conditions on the Grand Canyon’s remote North Rim are expected to exacerbate the blaze. Over 750 personnel are actively engaged in containing the wildfire, which was initially ignited by lightning on July 4. Initially, park managers allowed parts of the fire to burn to promote forest health. However, heavy winds a week later propelled the flames through dense timber, leading to the destruction of approximately 100 structures, including employee housing and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

Ryan Hindjes: "It eventually burned nearly 100 structures, including employee housing and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge."
[02:32]

Efforts to assess and mitigate damage continue as authorities strive to protect remaining infrastructure.

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Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Reporter: Jeannine Hurst
Segment: [03:13]

In a significant escalation, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile offensive against Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least one fatality. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 300 drones and 30 cruise missiles were deployed, with many targeting the port city of Odessa and critical infrastructure in the Sumy region.

In his evening address, Zelensky announced plans for a new series of peace talks scheduled for next week, following stalled negotiations in June. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has persisted for over three years, continuing to impact the region's stability and international relations.

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AI Companions Gain Popularity Among American Teenagers, Raising Concerns

Reporter: Jeannine Hurst
Segment: [03:13]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) companions have surged in popularity among American teenagers, with three-quarters reporting usage for activities such as chatting, flirting, role-playing, and seeking advice.

Reporter: Neta Uluby
Segment: [03:13]

Expert: Michael Robb, Lead Researcher at Common Sense Media
Segment: [04:05]

The trend is highlighted by a study conducted by Common Sense Media, which surveyed 1,000 teenagers across diverse American demographics. While many teens utilize AI companions for entertainment, the study raises alarms about the implications for their emotional and social development.

Michael Robb: "They are sharing things that are quite serious with AI companions instead of sharing them with other humans."
[04:24]

Furthermore, a quarter of the surveyed teenagers admitted to sharing private information with AI companions, posing risks related to data privacy and security.

Michael Robb: "They are also sharing their data. One quarter of teenagers in the study said they had given AI companions private information."
[04:30]

Common Sense Media advises against the use of AI companions by teenagers, emphasizing that the companies behind these technologies may not prioritize the well-being of young users.

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This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on July 20, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.

Transcript

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[Jeannine Hurst]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeannine Hurst. The Department of Agriculture has set a July 30 deadline for states to share the sensitive data of tens, millions of people enrolled in the federal food stamp program known as SNAP. As NPR's Jude Joffe Block reports, critics say the USDA's unprecedented demand violates federal privacy laws.

[Jude Joffe Block]

The USDA says states must turn over SNAP applicants personal information, including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and addresses, as part of an effort to check the program's integrity. Thirteen Democratic U.S. senators slammed the agency's proposed data plan in a letter to the agriculture secretary, saying it would, quote, turn a program that feeds millions of Americans into a tool of government surveillance. In response to the letter, a USDA spokesperson told NPR the comment period on the agency's notice for its proposed SNAP database is open till July 23. Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit is challenging the data collection. Jude Joffe Block, NPR News.

[Jeannine Hurst]

In California, Los Angeles police are trying to determine what led a man to slam his car in into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub early this morning, injuring several people. Steve Futterman has more.

[Steve Futterman]

The vehicle crashed into people gathered here outside the Vermont Club around 2am Some suffered critical injuries. Among those struck were vendors selling food items on carts. Los Angeles police Officer Jerry Lee says detectives still have not determined a motive.

[Jerry Lee]

What caused this driver to plow into this crowd? Was it intentional? Was it not intentional? Was it DUI related? Was it personal?

[Steve Futterman]

Witnesses say the driver had been asked to leave the club shortly before the incident. After the crash, the driver was pulled from the car and beaten. There was also a shot fired that.

[Ryan Hindjes]

Hit the driver, a humid monster.

[Jeannine Hurst]

Crews battling a nearly 12,000 acre wildfire at Grand Canyon national park expect activity to pick up in the coming days. Ryan Hindjes from member station KNAU has more.

[Ryan Hindjes]

A humid monsoon pattern gave firefighters a few days of relief from the Dragon Bravo fire, but changing weather on the Grand Canyon's remote North rim is likely to allow the blaze to grow further. More than 750 personnel are now working to contain the lightning caused wildfire as they assess damage to the park and protect remaining infrastructure. It began July 4, and managers initially let parts of it continue to burn for forest health. But a week later, heavy winds drove the blaze, thousands of acres through heavy timber. It eventually burned nearly 100 structures, including employee housing and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. For NPR News, I'm Ryan Huince in Flagstaff.

[Jeannine Hurst]

And that fire is just 2% contained. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight, leaving at least one person dead. President Zelensky says more than 300 drones and 30 cruise missiles were fired, many aimed at Odessa. Critical infrastructure in the Sumy region was also damaged. In his evening address to the country today, Zelensky proposed a new series of peace talks next week after negotiations stalled in June. Russia's war in Ukraine has been going on for more than three years. AI companions have become mainstream among American teenagers. Three quarters of teens say they've used artificial intelligence to do things like chat, flirt, role play and ask for advice. NPR's Neta Uluby has more.

[Michael Robb]

The numbers come from Common Sense Media. The nonprofit surveyed a thousand teenagers representing a cross section of American demographics. Many teens said they used AI companions for entertainment. But they're turning to AI at a moment when adolescents are developing emotional and social skills, says the study's lead researcher, Michael Robb.

[Neta Uluby]

They are sharing things that are qu quite serious with AI companions instead of sharing them with other humans.

[Michael Robb]

They are also sharing their data. One quarter of teenagers in the study said they had given AI companions private information. Common Sense suggests teenagers avoid AI companions. The companies that make them, Rob says, do not necessarily have teenagers well being in mind. Nada Ulupi, NPR News.

[Jeannine Hurst]

And I'm Jeanine Herbst. And and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.

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