NPR News Now: Episode Summary – July 19, 2025

Released: July 19, 2025 | Host: Dale Willman

1. President Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Article

[00:20] In a significant legal move, President Donald Trump’s lawyers filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, News Corporation director Rupert Murdoch, and two other parties. The lawsuit, initiated in Florida on Friday, alleges that an article published by the Wall Street Journal is "false, defamatory and malicious." Trump’s legal team is seeking at least $10 billion in damages.

[00:44] The contentious article claims that Trump sent a letter to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. According to the report, the letter included a drawing of a naked woman and was part of Epstein’s leather-bound collection of letters. The letter allegedly concluded with the phrase, "happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret." However, the Wall Street Journal has not independently verified these claims.

[01:07] Trump has denied writing the letter, calling the allegations baseless. This lawsuit underscores the ongoing tension between Trump and media outlets, especially concerning reports that link him to Epstein.

2. President Trump Signs Landmark Cryptocurrency Legislation

[01:10] In a groundbreaking development for the U.S. financial landscape, President Trump signed into law the first major cryptocurrency legislation, dubbed the Genius Act. NPR's Rafael Nam provides an in-depth report on this pivotal moment.

[01:21] The legislation specifically sets rules for a type of cryptocurrency known as stablecoins, aiming to provide more stability and regulatory oversight in the volatile crypto market. President Trump emphasized the importance of this law, stating:

"This afternoon, we take a giant step to cement American dominance of global finance and crypto technology as we sign the landmark Genius Act into law." [01:33]

Despite the positive outlook from the administration, consumer advocates have expressed concerns. They argue that Trump and his family may have conflicts of interest due to their financial stakes in the crypto industry. Additionally, there are worries about the inherent volatility and risks associated with cryptocurrencies, making them unsuitable for the average American consumer.

[01:45] Rafael Nam highlights that while the Genius Act is a significant step, it may not be the only piece of crypto legislation on the table. Congress is considering additional bills related to digital currencies, reflecting the growing importance and complexity of the crypto sector.

3. Meta Declines to Sign EU’s New AI Code of Conduct

[02:08] In the realm of technology and regulation, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced its refusal to sign the European Union’s new General Purpose AI Code of Conduct. NPR’s John Ruich delves into the implications of this decision.

[02:22] The European Commission introduced the AI code last week to help AI developers comply with forthcoming AI regulations set to take effect in August. Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, expressed concerns on LinkedIn, stating that:

"The new code introduces legal uncertainties for AI model developers and includes measures that exceed the requirements of Europe’s AI Act. Therefore, Meta will not be signing it." [02:22]

Kaplan further criticized the code as an overreach that could stifle the development and deployment of Frontier AI technologies in Europe. This stance aligns with over 40 of Europe’s largest companies that have collectively urged the European Commission to delay the implementation of these regulations. Meta’s position highlights the ongoing debate between technological innovation and regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

4. Mixed Performance on Wall Street

[03:06] The U.S. stock markets saw a day of mixed results on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 142 points, while the NASDAQ managed a slight uptick, closing 10 points higher. The S&P 500 experienced a modest decline, ending down by 0.57 points. These fluctuations reflect the current economic uncertainties and investor sentiment surrounding recent legislative and global events.

5. Tragic Explosion at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

[03:20] A devastating explosion occurred Friday morning at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility, resulting in the loss of three deputies.

[03:25] Sheriff Robert Lunas described the incident as the department's worst loss of life since 1857. The explosion took place within the Arson and Explosives Unit, marking a somber moment for the law enforcement community. Thankfully, no other individuals were injured in the blast.

[03:35] The deceased deputies were all veterans, underscoring the tragedy’s impact on those who have served in the military prior to their law enforcement careers. Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the explosion to determine whether it was accidental or malicious in nature.

6. Ongoing Search Efforts in Texas Hill Country Flooding

[03:35] Two weeks following catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, approximately 100 people remain missing. NPR member station KERA’s James Hartley provides an update on the challenging search and recovery operations.

[03:56] Katie Boyland, a nurse assisting in the efforts, recounts the harrowing scenes along the Guadalupe River:

"You can just see the hurt and the devastation that's in their eyes." [04:09]

She described witnessing search teams sifting through baby clothes washed away from homes, highlighting the emotional toll on responders. Boyland emphasized that mental health effects are particularly severe among those who have found the bodies of children, showcasing the profound human cost of the disaster.

7. Mandela Day Celebrated Amidst Food Insecurity in South Africa

[04:32] In South Africa, citizens marked Mandela Day with acts of service, honoring the legacy of the beloved political leader Nelson Mandela. The day is celebrated annually to reflect Mandela’s commitment to public service and community upliftment.

[04:45] In Johannesburg, chefs and volunteers prepared 67,000 liters of soup to aid those in need. This amount symbolizes Mandela’s 67 years of public service, serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring impact.

[04:51] Despite the celebratory efforts, South Africa faces widespread food insecurity, with over 20 million people suffering from hunger daily. The scale of food insecurity underscores the importance of Mandela Day initiatives in providing relief and fostering community solidarity.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now navigates through a spectrum of pressing issues, from high-profile legal battles and groundbreaking cryptocurrency legislation to technological regulatory challenges and tragic local incidents. Additionally, the segment highlights the ongoing struggles with natural disasters and the enduring spirit of community service exemplified by Mandela Day celebrations. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's significant events.