Friday morning news: July 18, 2025

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Ukraine latest » More U.S. Patriot missile defense systems will soon be on their way to Ukraine.

That from NATO’s top general, Alexus Grynkewich:

GRYNKEWICH: I'm not going to reveal to the Russians or anyone else the exact numbers of weapons that we're transferring or when those will happen but what I will say is that preparations are underway. We're working very closely with the Germans on the Patriot transfer. And the guidance that I've been given has been to move out as quickly as possible.

And the White House says the clock is ticking on President Trump's 50-day ultimatum for Russia to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt:

LEAVITT: If Russia refuses to legitimately agree to a ceasefire, then they will face very steep tariffs and they will also face secondary sanctions, so countries that are purchasing oil from Russia will be sanctioned as well, and of course that will do deep damage to Russia's economy.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, a shakeup at the top of the Ukrainian government.

ZELENSKYY: [Speaking Ukrainian]

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulating Yulia Svyrydenko after she was appointed as the country's new prime minister.

She replaces Denys Shmyhal, who is now heading up Ukraine’s defense ministry.

Recissions package » Lawmakers debated on the House floor through the night and into the early morning hours today ahead of a vote on a bill that would cut billions in federal spending.

Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks:

MEEKS:  Mr. Speaker, this Rescissions package is disastrous. It cuts $8 billion in lifesaving and critical US aide assistance.

Republicans argued the legislation cuts only wasteful spending and foreign aid programs that do not align with American interests.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Republicans were determined to send it to President Trump’s desk:

SCALISE:  Despite so many attempts by the Democrats to block this effort to cut waste, fraud, and abuse and government spending.

The bill would also claw back about a billion dollars of taxpayer money that went to NPR and PBS each year.

The bill passed in the Senate early Thursday morning.

Trump health » Karoline Leavitt also spoke with reporters Thursday about a health concern involving President Trump.

The White House says the president had a recent medical checkup after he noticed “mild swelling” in his lower legs.

LEAVITT:  Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

That condition occurs when small valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity gradually lose the ability to work properly.

Leavitt said doctors found no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.

She said the 79-year-old president remains in—quote—“excellent health.”

Jobs, Retail sales numbers » New jobs and retail spending numbers suggest the US economy remains solid. WORLD’s Benjamin Eicher has more.

BENJAMIN EICHER: Initial jobless claims unexpectedly edged lower this week. They fell by 7,000 to 221,000. That was well below economists’ expectations. It marks the fifth straight weekly decline, reaching the lowest level since mid‑April.

The drop suggests hiring is steady, even while job openings remain modest. Many analysts say it’s another sign that the job market remains solid.

Despite some economists’ fears about downstream effects from tariffs, the Commerce Department says spending rose six-tenths of a percent (0.6%) in June after dipping in May.

President Trump, reacting to the numbers Thursday, again called on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

For WORLD, I’m Benj Eicher.

Suspect arrested for threats against rep. Greene » Federal authorities have arrested a Maryland man who they say repeatedly threatened to assault and kill Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family.

Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Colunbia Jeanine Piro:

PIRO:  The United States Capitol Police executed an arrest warrant resulting in the arrest of an individual by the name of Seth Jason.

An indictment unsealed Thursday says the 64-year-old suspect repeatedly threatened violence during several calls to the Republican Congresswoman’s district offices for more than a year.

Police say Jason worked for Voice of America and made threatening calls using phone lines connected to studios and control rooms at the news agency’s Washington headquarters.

Connie Francis Obituary » Singer Connie Francis has died.

Francis was a groundbreaking pop star who in 1961 became the first female artist with a N0. 1 hit on Billboard’s top 100 chart with “Everybody's Somebody's Fool”.

MUSIC: [Francis–Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool]

She was also well known for pop hits like “Where the Boys Are” and “Stupid Cupid.”

MUSIC: [Stupid Cupid]

That song and others found a new audience among younger generations, surging in popularity across social media over the past year.

Connie Francis was 87 years old.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: Katie McCoy is standing by for Culture Friday. Plus, saying goodbye to a dear friend.

This is The World and Everything in It.

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