NPR News Now: July 26, 2025

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes of content

President Trump's Visit to Scotland Sparks Security Concerns

[00:20] Jeanine Herbst
President Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland this weekend, where he plans to tour his golf resorts and engage with British and European leaders. The visit has triggered a significant security operation across Scotland, raising concerns among local residents about its extensive scale and financial implications.

[00:43] Fatima Al Kassab, NPR News, Edinburgh
The Scottish government is allocating millions of pounds for the security measures necessary to safeguard the President during his stay. Kerry Walsh from Glasgow voiced her apprehension:

“So much is being spent on him being here, and I don't know what the benefit of him being here is, if I'm honest.”
[00:58] The Scottish Police Union has highlighted that the diversion of resources could delay responses to other emergencies over the weekend. In response, protesters are organizing a "festival of resistance," with demonstrations already underway in multiple Scottish cities.

Cuts to the National Park Service Under Fire

[01:22] Jeanine Herbst
Former National Park Service employees are raising alarms through letters to Congress and public protests, warning that President Trump's significant budget cuts could severely harm national parks' environments and the surrounding local economies.

[01:41] Kirk Sigler, NPR News, Whitefish, Montana
Zach Anderson, the head of Explore Whitefish, expressed his concerns:

“Well managed parks make the federal government reducing staff at the national... It just seems like there's a lot of uncertainty and a lot of counterintuitive decisions being made.”
He highlighted that while national parks have been struggling with maintenance backlogs for over a decade, the latest budget cuts threaten to degrade the visitor experience, potentially driving tourists to alternative destinations. Despite a downturn in Canadian tourists this summer, Whitefish has maintained visitor numbers through increased domestic tourism.

Russia Launches Combined Attacks on Ukrainian Cities

[02:22] Jeanine Herbst
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia conducted a combined attack on Ukrainian cities overnight, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.

[02:39] Hanna Polomarenko, NPR News, Kyiv
Ukraine's President has called for long-range strikes targeting Russian military assets in retaliation. Emergency services released footage showing rescuers protecting civilians during the assaults on Kharkiv. The attacks involved over 200 drones and 27 missiles targeting the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions, causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and residential areas. The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed the strikes were aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial sites.

Multiple Stabbing Incident in Traverse City, Michigan

[03:14] Jeanine Herbst
Authorities in Michigan are investigating a multiple stabbing incident that occurred at a Walmart in Traverse City. Police have confirmed that a suspect is in custody. Details remain scarce, with no information yet available regarding the victims' conditions or the motive behind the attack.

Venus Williams Returns to Tennis for Health Benefits

[03:22] Jeanine Herbst
Tennis star Venus Williams was eliminated from the City D.C. Open after winning two matches. Her decision to compete came after a year-long hiatus, motivated by the need to secure health insurance benefits.

[03:54] Selena Simmons Duffin, NPR News
In a post-match interview, Williams explained:

“I had to come back for the insurance because they informed me earlier that this year I'm on cobra. So I was like, I got to get my benefits on.”
COBRA allows individuals to continue their health insurance after job termination. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires players to meet specific rankings and participation criteria to qualify for its health plans. Williams also noted her ongoing health challenges, including recent surgery to remove uterine fibroids, and her efforts to raise awareness about such conditions.
“Let me tell you, I'm always at the doctor, so I need this insurance.”
Her story underscores the complexities of tying health insurance to employment in the United States.

Concession Workers Strike at Boston's Fenway Park

[04:44] Jeanine Herbst
Concession workers at Fenway Park in Boston have been on strike for the second consecutive day, continuing a five-day walkout that began yesterday. The workers aim to negotiate better pay and conditions, urging fans to refrain from purchasing snacks and treats during Red Sox games to support their cause. They emphasize that their goal is to avoid disrupting game attendance while advocating for fair treatment.

Notable Quotes

• Kerry Walsh, Glasgow (00:58):
  “So much is being spent on him being here, and I don't know what the benefit of him being here is, if I'm honest.”

• Zach Anderson, Whitefish (02:10):
  “Well managed parks make the federal government reducing staff at the national... It just seems like there's a lot of uncertainty and a lot of counterintuitive decisions being made.”

• Venus Williams, Post-Match Interview (03:59):
  “I had to come back for the insurance because they informed me earlier that this year I'm on cobra. So I got to get my benefits on.”
  “Let me tell you, I'm always at the doctor, so I need this insurance.”

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing international and domestic issues, including presidential visits, government budget cuts, international conflicts, local incidents, and labor strikes, all delivered with clarity and insightful reporting.