NPR News Now – July 25, 2025, 12 PM EDT
Nora Ram hosts the latest developments from around the globe, delivering concise and comprehensive news updates.
Israeli Minister's Controversial Remarks on Gaza
Timestamp: [00:16] – [01:18]
In a provocative statement, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai El Yaou advocated for extreme measures against Palestinians in Gaza. During a radio interview, El Yaou declared, "No nation feeds its enemies," emphasizing Israel's intent to "wipe out Gaza" ([00:36]).
However, the Israeli Prime Minister's office quickly responded, clarifying that El Yaou's views do not represent the government. They stated, "Eliyahu does not speak for the government and he's not a member of the security cabinet that determines the conduct of the war." Additionally, the Israeli ambassador to Washington labeled the minister's comments as "foolish" and not reflective of official policy.
This rhetoric arises amid dire conditions in Gaza, where aid agencies warn of imminent famine due to restricted food imports. Hadil El Shelchi reports on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Tel Aviv.
President Trump's Upcoming Visit to Scotland Amidst Controversies
Timestamp: [01:18] – [02:16]
President Donald Trump is set to travel to Scotland, where his agenda includes discussions on trade and global relations. NPR's Franco Ordonez outlines that Trump will engage with key figures such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney to deliberate on a previously announced trade deal with the United Kingdom ([01:27]).
The trip also involves visits to Trump's golf courses in Aberdeen and Turnberry, potentially offering him a respite from ongoing controversies in Washington. These include inquiries into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and demands from his MAGA base for more information on the Epstein case.
Before departing, Trump was questioned about the possibility of granting clemency to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. He responded, "I have the right to, but it's something I haven't thought about," and redirected focus to the nation's performance, stating, "People should really focus on how well the country is doing." Meanwhile, the Justice Department is advancing legal action against New York City over its sanctuary policies, as reported by Sarah Ventri.
DOJ Sues New York City Over Sanctuary Laws
Timestamp: [02:16] – [03:13]
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York City, challenging its sanctuary policies. Sarah Ventri explains that the DOJ alleges, "New York City has long been at the vanguard of interfering with enforcing this country's immigration laws," asserting that these policies violate the Constitution's supremacy clause.
The lawsuit targets not only the city itself but also the NYPD, New York City Council, and Mayor Eric Adams, who in 2023 warned that migrant influxes could "destroy the city." This legal move is part of a broader federal effort to contest local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Ongoing Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia
Timestamp: [03:13] – [04:20]
Host Nora Ram reports on the intensifying border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, now persisting for two consecutive days. According to Michael Sullivan, Thailand reports at least 15 fatalities, primarily civilians, while Cambodia has released limited casualty information, acknowledging just one civilian death ([03:35]).
The clashes, which ignited early Monday morning, have expanded to new regions despite global appeals for a ceasefire. Thailand has taken significant measures, evacuating over 100,000 residents from border areas and accusing Cambodia of targeting civilians. Conversely, Cambodia accuses Thailand of deploying cluster munitions.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister has cautioned that Cambodia's actions could potentially escalate into a full-scale war but has notably refrained from deploying F-16 fighter bombers, possibly aiming to de-escalate tensions.
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Show Canceled Over Controversial Artwork
Timestamp: [04:20] – [04:56]
In Chiang Rai, Thailand, artist Amy Sherrill has decided to cancel her upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery due to a dispute over one of her paintings titled "Transforming Liberty." The artwork depicts a transgender woman in a blue gown holding a torch.
The Smithsonian proposed adding a video component showcasing public reactions to the painting, which Sherrill opposed. She expressed concerns about a "climate of political hostility towards trans lives," highlighting the challenges faced by transgender communities in the current political landscape. Sherrill, renowned for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, believes that the addition undermines the artistic integrity and the message intended by the original piece.
This summary encapsulates the key points and discussions from the NPR News Now episode released on July 25, 2025. For the full details and additional stories, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR's coverage.