NPR News Now – Episode: July 24, 2025, 4 AM EDT

Released on July 24, 2025

NPR’s “News Now” delivered a comprehensive roundup of the latest developments both in the United States and internationally. Hosted by Shea Stevens, the episode covered a range of topics from higher education settlements and political controversies to significant legal rulings and groundbreaking scientific studies. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Columbia University Settles Trump Administration Investigations

Shea Stevens opened the episode with significant news from Columbia University. The Ivy League institution has agreed to a hefty settlement exceeding $200 million to resolve multiple investigations conducted during the Trump administration. These probes focused on Columbia’s admissions processes and its management of campus protests.

A notable aspect of the settlement is the reinstatement of hundreds of millions of dollars in current and future research grants. This move is expected to bolster Columbia's research capabilities moving forward. However, the settlement raises questions about the broader implications for university autonomy and the politicization of higher education.

Jeffrey Epstein Case and Call for Transparency

The episode delved into the contentious circumstances surrounding the death of Jeffrey Epstein in prison in 2019. Republican Congressman Eli Crane expressed skepticism about the official narrative of Epstein’s suicide. During a town hall meeting, Crane was pressed on his stance regarding the release of Epstein’s unredacted case files.

Crane emphasized the importance of transparency irrespective of political affiliations, stating at [01:14] "I believe transparency should be the hallmark of every administration, whether they're Democrat or Republican." As a member of the Freedom Caucus and a staunch supporter of President Trump, Crane’s demand for transparency aligns with his recent support for Senator Thomas Massie’s bipartisan resolution. This resolution seeks the release of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein, highlighting ongoing concerns about unresolved questions surrounding Epstein’s death and the broader implications for accountability in high-profile cases.

Supreme Court Ruling on Presidential Authority to Fire Commissioners

In a landmark decision, the divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump had the authority to fire three Democratic commissioners from the Consumer Product Safety Commission without cause. NPR’s Nina Totenberg provided an analysis of the ruling’s significance.

At [01:50], Totenberg remarked, "Remember that a year ago it granted Donald Trump, then a former president, unlimited immunity for his core official conduct while in office, and it extended that to when he was out of office." This decision marks a pivotal shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory agencies. Historically, these agencies operated with a degree of independence to ensure unbiased regulatory oversight. The ruling suggests a potential erosion of this independence, with implications for how future administrations may interact with and control such bodies.

Ukraine’s Commitment to Independent Anti-Corruption Watchdogs Amid Protests

Turning to international news, Shea Stevens reported on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle with corruption and the government's response to public dissent. President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to ensure the independence of anti-corruption watchdogs following widespread protests against legislation perceived to undermine their authority.

NPR’s Polina Litvinova detailed the public outcry, noting, "People are chanting cancel the law. In the square not far from Zelenskyy's office, parliamentarian Yaroslav Zheleznyak, who voted against the bill, says he and other lawmakers are trying to annul the law as it was passed with lots of violations." The protests underscore the Ukrainian populace's demand for transparent and effective anti-corruption measures, which are crucial for the country's aspirations to join the European Union. Zelensky’s commitment aims to reassure both domestic and international stakeholders of Ukraine’s dedication to combating corruption.

Legal Battle Over Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Custody

The episode also covered a significant legal development involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man facing deportation. A federal judge has intervened to prevent the Trump administration from taking custody of Garcia, who is currently detained in Tennessee.

Abrego Garcia’s case is complex; he was initially accused of involvement with a Venezuelan gang, subsequently deported to El Salvador, and later returned to the United States under a court order. Upon his return, he faced new allegations of human trafficking, which he denies. The judge's decision to bar the administration from taking custody highlights ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals accused of serious crimes. Abrego Garcia continues to fight deportation, raising questions about the fairness and consistency of immigration policies.

Global Study Reveals Diet, Not Activity Levels, Drive Obesity

In health-related news, a groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) challenges prevailing assumptions about obesity. NPR’s Maria Godoy reported on research conducted by Herman Poncer of Duke University and his international team.

At [04:21], Poncer explained, "Surprisingly, the total calories burned per day is really similar across these populations, even though the lifestyle is and the activity levels are really different." The study analyzed detailed data on daily caloric expenditure among thousands of individuals worldwide, spanning both high and low obesity rate regions. The findings reveal that calorie burning rates are consistent globally, regardless of varying activity levels. This suggests that dietary factors, rather than physical inactivity, are the primary drivers of obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of diet in addressing obesity rates, potentially reshaping public health strategies and interventions aimed at tackling this global issue.

Brief Financial Markets Update

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens provided a snapshot of the current financial markets. U.S. futures remained flat, while after-hours trading on Wall Street showed minimal movement. In Asia, markets exhibited mixed performance, with Tokyo experiencing a slight increase of 1.5%. This brief update offers listeners a quick overview of the latest trends in global financial markets, indicating a period of relative stability amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR’s “News Now” encapsulated a diverse array of stories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of current events. From significant legal settlements and political controversies to international anti-corruption efforts and pivotal scientific research, the program provided listeners with insightful analyses and comprehensive coverage of pressing issues. Notable quotes from key figures like Eli Crane and Herman Poncer added depth to the discussions, offering authoritative perspectives on matters of national and global importance.