NPR News: 07-23-2025 2AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: July 23, 2025

Congressional Recess Amid Epstein Files Debate Timestamp: 00:15

In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson has sent his chamber home early as some members of Congress take an early summer recess. This move comes amid escalating calls for the release of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a late sex offender. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker criticized his Republican colleagues, stating, “They are running out of town” (00:15). An unnamed political analyst commented on the situation, saying, “The speaker believes that their membership in the Republican caucus over there is so fragile that they cannot withstand simple debate” (00:35), highlighting internal tensions within the Republican party over the Epstein dossier.

Senate Republicans Consider Trump's Recess Cancellation Request Timestamp: 00:49

Senate Republicans are currently deliberating President Donald Trump's request to cancel the August recess. The president aims to utilize this time to confirm additional nominees, a move that Majority Leader John Thune has indicated he is open to. This discussion aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to solidify its appointments within the federal government.

Alina Habba's Tenure as US Attorney Ends Timestamp: 01:14

The Trump administration faces challenges in maintaining Alina Habba as the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. As reported by NPR's Ryan Lucas, a panel of federal judges has declined to extend Habba’s appointment beyond her initial 120-day tenure. Ryan Lucas detailed, “President Trump tapped Alina Habba as interim US Attorney for New Jersey back in March. Habba can only serve on an interim basis for 120 days...” (01:14). The court has appointed Desiree Lee Grace as the new U.S. Attorney, effective immediately. Habba's term was marked by controversy, including her decision to charge a Democratic congresswoman over an incident at an immigration detention facility.

Trump Administration Withdraws from UNESCO Timestamp: 01:55

In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration is withdrawing from UNESCO, reversing the Biden administration’s reinstatement of U.S. funding and participation two years prior. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce explained, “UNESCO has an agenda to advance divisive and social and cultural causes” (01:55), citing concerns over the organization's direction. UNESCO's World Heritage Sites program, which identifies and protects major global landmarks, will now operate without U.S. involvement.

Ukraine Prepares for Peace Talks with Russia Timestamp: 02:32

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that his country will engage in its next round of peace talks with Russia on Wednesday in Turkey. NPR’s Polina Litvinova reported, “The Ukrainian president said his delegation would work on the return of the prisoners of war and deported children to Ukraine and preparation of a meeting between himself and President Vladimir Putin” (02:32). This marks the third attempt to resume direct negotiations since the talks were renewed, with previous meetings resulting in prisoner exchanges but failing to achieve a ceasefire or resolve territorial disputes.

Wall Street Update: Stocks Steady After Mixed Close; General Motors' Financial Outlook Timestamp: 03:06

U.S. futures are trading flat in after-hours markets following a mixed close on Tuesday. In corporate news, General Motors reported a loss exceeding $1 billion in profits for the second quarter, which, despite the significant figure, was better than expected due to strong sales of gas-powered vehicles. However, GM anticipates an annual loss of up to $5 billion attributed to President Trump’s tariffs, as nearly half of its vehicles sold in the U.S. are imported.

San Francisco Enacts New RV Parking Restrictions Timestamp: 03:35

San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has approved new parking restrictions targeting hundreds of recreational vehicles (RVs) used to shelter the homeless, including immigrant families with children. Mayor Daniel Lurie stated, “The plan is to keep sidewalks clear and free of trash” (03:35), emphasizing the city's need to manage public spaces effectively. Critics argue that the restrictions are inhumane, claiming they exacerbate the struggles of the homeless population by limiting their available shelter options.

Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: Legacy of a Heavy Metal Icon Timestamp: 03:51

Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76, marking the end of an era for fans worldwide. NPR's Andrew Limbong commemorated Osbourne's contributions, noting, “John Michael Osbourne was born in Birmingham in 1948 to a working-class family. He told NPR in 2010 that because of his dyslexia and ADD, school wasn't his thing, he gravitated towards music” (04:08). Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath, a band pivotal in creating the heavy metal genre. His career was characterized by both musical innovation and personal controversies, including his infamous on-stage antics and turbulent relationships within the band. Osbourne's death follows his farewell performance with Black Sabbath bandmates weeks earlier, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Conclusion This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant political developments, international relations, economic updates, social issues, and a heartfelt tribute to a music icon. From the inner workings of Congress and the Trump administration’s strategic moves to global peace efforts and market fluctuations, listeners were offered a multifaceted glimpse into current events shaping the world.

Transcript

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[Shea Stevens]

Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. Some members of Congress are taking an early summer recess. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent his chamber home early amid calls for the release of all files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker says his Republican colleagues are running out of town.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Clear the speaker believes that their membership in the Republican caucus over there is so fragile that they cannot withstand simple debate. Discussion about the topic of Jeffrey Epstein.

[Shea Stevens]

Senate Republicans are weighing President Trump's call to cancel the August recess so that lawmakers can confirm more of his nominees. Majority Leader John Thune says he is open to that idea. The Trump administration is challenging the removal of Alina Habba as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. As NPR's Ryan Lucas reports, a panel of federal judges declined to extend Haba's interim appointment.

[Ryan Lucas]

President Trump tapped Alina Habba as interim US Attorney for New Jersey back in March. Habba can only serve on an interim basis for 120 days, though beyond that, she would need to be confirmed by the Senate or have her tenure extended by the district court. Haba has faced opposition from some lawmakers, and now a panel of judges on the federal bench in New Jersey has declined to keep her in the job. Instead, the chief judge says in a new standing order that the court has appointed Desiree Lee Grace as the new U.S. attorney, effective immediately. Abba's stint in charge has been rocky, including her decision to bring charges against a Democratic congresswoman in connection with a confrontation outside an immigration detention facility. Ryan Lucas, NPR News, Washington.

[Shea Stevens]

Two years after the Biden administration reinstated US Funding and participation in UNESCO, the Trump administration is once again withdrawing from the UN Cultural agency. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce cites a perception that UNESCO has an agenda to advance divisive and social and cultural causes. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites program recognizes major landmarks needing protection. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says his nation will hold its next round of peace talks, talks with Russia on Wednesday in Turkey. From Kyiv, NPR's Polina Litvinova has details.

[Polina Litvinova]

The Ukrainian president said his delegation would work on the return of the prisoners of war and deported children to Ukraine and preparation of a meeting between himself and President Vladimir Putin. This meeting will be the third after the direct talks between Ukraine and Russia renewed during the last two meetings. The two countries succeeded only in terms of the release of the prisoners of war from both side, but didn't make progress in establishing a ceasefire and solving territorial issues. Polina Litvinova, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

U.S. futures are flat in after hours trading on Wall street following Tuesday's mixed close. This is NPR. General Motors is reporting a more than $1 billion loss in profits for the second quarter, but that's better than expected thanks to strong sales of gas powered vehicles. But the Detroit automaker is predicting it will lose up to $5 billion in Prof. Year because of President Trump's tariffs. Nearly half of GM vehicles sold in the US are imported. San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has approved new parking restrictions targeting hundreds of recreational vehicles. The RVs have been used to shelter the homeless, including immigrant families with children. Mayor Daniel Lurie says the plan is to need it to keep sidewalks clear and free of trash. Critics say it's cruel. Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. NPR's Andrew Limbong says Osbourne's death comes weeks after his farewell performance with Black Sabbath bandmates.

[Andrew Limbong]

John Michael Osbourne was born in Birmingham in 1948 to a working class family. He told NPR in 2010 that because of his dyslexia and ADD, school wasn't his thing, he gravitated towards music.

[Ozzy Osbourne]

So when I the Beatles, I thought, that's it. That's what I want to be. I want to be a beetle.

[Andrew Limbong]

So he joined Black Sabbath and helped create heavy metal. Drugs, alcohol and infighting led to Osbourne eventually leaving Sabbath and going solo. Throughout his career, Ozzy Osbourne attracted controversy from reinventing reality TV to biting the head off a bat.

[Shea Stevens]

Andrew Limbong reporting.

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