NPR News: July 22, 2025, 1 PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Producer: NPR
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Justice Department Reaches Out to Ghislaine Maxwell’s Attorneys

Timestamp: 00:18

In a significant development, the U.S. Justice Department has initiated contact with the legal team of Ghislaine Maxwell, seeking her cooperation in ongoing investigations related to her association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking, may be brought in for further questioning.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch stated via social media, “I have contacted Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers to determine whether she would be willing to meet with department attorneys. I anticipate meeting with her in the coming days” (00:41). This move comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration to enhance transparency surrounding the Epstein case. Last week, the administration requested the unsealing of Epstein's grand jury transcripts, though experts note that these transcripts represent only a fraction of the extensive materials amassed during the investigation.

Coca-Cola to Transition to Cane Sugar in the U.S.

Timestamp: 01:23

Coca-Cola has announced a forthcoming change to its sweetener base in the United States, switching from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. This shift is being credited to both the company and President Donald Trump, aligning with his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which advocates for more natural ingredients in food products.

Yukin Iguchi, NPR's correspondent, reported, “Coca Cola touted the change as a win for the president's Make America Healthy Again movement” (01:37). Despite the shift to cane sugar, experts argue that this alteration will have minimal impact on the nutritional value of beverages or broader public health outcomes. The debate highlights the ongoing concerns over sugary processed foods as a major factor in the global rise in obesity rates.

Russia and Ukraine to Engage in New Round of Peace Talks

Timestamp: 02:17

Efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine are gaining momentum, with another round of negotiations scheduled to take place potentially as soon as the following day in Turkey. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that Kyiv's primary objectives remain the repatriation of prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces, alongside the possibility of direct talks between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Charles Maynes, NPR's Moscow correspondent, added, “The return to negotiations comes as President Trump has threatened additional economic penalties on Russia if Moscow doesn't agree to a ceasefire by early September” (02:34). Despite these efforts, the Kremlin maintains that peace is contingent upon Russia achieving its goals in Ukraine, with Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserting that “Russia and Ukraine remain diametrically opposed in their proposals to negotiate an end to the war” (02:34).

NPR’s Chief News Executive Announces Departure Amid Funding Cuts

Timestamp: 03:13

Edith Chapin, NPR's Chief News Executive and Chief Content Officer, has announced her decision to step down later this year. Her departure comes on the heels of significant legislative changes, including the recent congressional vote to eliminate all future federal funding for public media.

David Folkenflick, NPR’s reporter, stated, “Edith Chapin joined NPR's international editor in 2012 from CNN and held a series of senior newsroom roles... she needed to recharge and regroup” (03:45). During her tenure, Chapin spearheaded initiatives such as the establishment of seven regional newsrooms to enhance collaboration among local stations and implemented a team of senior editors focused on ensuring fairness and balance in NPR's coverage. Chapin emphasized the importance of NPR's openness to criticism and continual self-assessment, even when such measures may not be universally popular.

Treasury Secretary Calls for Federal Reserve Investigation Amid Trump’s Criticism

Timestamp: 04:21

Treasury Secretary Scott Bridenstine has urged the Federal Reserve to conduct an internal investigation into major renovations at its Washington D.C. headquarters. This request emerges amidst escalating tensions between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Trump has vocally criticized the Federal Reserve for not lowering interest rates and has pressured Powell to resign. Notably, Powell, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, is expected to leave his position in May when his current term concludes. The administration's scrutiny of the Federal Reserve coincides with mixed movements in the stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 50 points during the hour.

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of pressing national and international issues, including legal proceedings involving high-profile figures, corporate policy changes influenced by political agendas, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, leadership shifts within major news organizations, and high-stakes interactions between government entities and financial institutions.