NPR News Now: July 25, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Host: NPR
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Federal Education Grants Released by the Trump Administration

Reporter: Sequoia Carrillo
Time Stamp: [00:26] - [01:16]

The Trump administration has announced the release of over $5 billion in federal education grants, which were previously withheld for review. Typically distributed on July 1, this year’s delay has placed many school districts in a precarious position as the new school year approaches.

• Sequoia Carrillo reports that "the Department of Education says it will disperse the money to states next week" (00:42).
• The unprecedented withholding sparked bipartisan concern, with lawmakers from both parties pushing for an immediate release due to the financial strain on states and local communities.
• A letter from Republican senators facilitated the partial release earlier in the week, but the latest announcement ensures that all previously frozen funds will now reach schools.

2. Gaza Ceasefire Stalemate and U.S. Diplomatic Efforts

Reporter: Michelle Kellerman
Time Stamp: [01:16] - [03:05]

The Trump administration faces challenges in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid escalating tensions in Gaza, with aid groups warning of impending starvation in the region.

• Donald Trump stated, "The US and Israel pulled their negotiating teams out of Qatar after receiving Hamas' latest counter proposal for a ceasefire that would have seen some hostages get out of Gaza" (01:32).
• He further criticized Hamas by saying, "Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die and it's very, very bad" (01:46).
• Trump emphasized the consequences for Hamas, noting, "Hamas will, 'lose their shield and lose their cover.' Israel will have to fight, clean it up and get rid of them" (01:55).
• The administration blames Hamas for the stalled negotiations, suggesting that a diplomatic resolution may be unattainable under current circumstances.

3. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Cooperation with the Justice Department

Reporter: Nora Ramm
Time Stamp: [02:12] - [04:38]

Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida for her role in assisting Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuses, participated in her second day of meetings with Justice Department officials.

• Her attorney, David Marcus, affirmed that Maxwell "answered the questions truthfully" and clarified, "We haven't asked for anything... we are not asking for clemency in return for cooperation" (02:38).
• Marcus added, "It's the right thing to do, and we have faith that the right thing will happen sooner rather than later," indicating no quid pro quo is involved in her cooperation.
• Despite her cooperative stance, Maxwell’s defense team states they are not seeking any relief, although they acknowledge Maxwell would appreciate any potential leniency due to her prolonged incarceration.

4. President Trump on Pardons and Economic Update

Reporter: Nora Ramm
Time Stamp: [03:05] - [04:38]

When questioned about the possibility of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, President Trump remained non-committal.

• He stated, "I have the right, but it's something I haven't thought about" and redirected the conversation by saying, "People should be talking more about how well the country is doing" (03:05).

In economic news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a significant increase, rising 208 points just before the market closed, signaling a positive trend in the financial sector.

5. Escalating Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia

Reporter: Nora Ramm
Time Stamp: [03:05] - [03:53]

Fighting has intensified for a second consecutive day along the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in at least 15 fatalities.

• The conflict has tragically affected civilians, with tens of thousands displaced from their homes.
• Both Thai and Cambodian villagers have been caught in the crossfire, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

6. Passing of British Singer Cleo Lane

Reporter: Bob Mondello
Time Stamp: [03:53] - [04:38]

Beloved British singer Cleo Lane, renowned for her smoky vocals and impressive four-octave range, has died at the age of 97. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement.

• Bob Mondello reflects on Lane’s illustrious career, noting, "Lane had a truly astonishing range... her lowest note to her well" (03:55).
• Declared "the best singer in the world" by the Sunday Times in the 1970s, Lane's influence spanned jazz, pop, and classical music.
• She was celebrated for her emotional delivery and technical prowess, leaving behind a legacy of dozens of albums and decades of performances alongside her bandleader husband, John Dankworth.

7. Former Congressman George Santos Sentenced to Prison

Reporter: Nora Ramm
Time Stamp: [04:38] - [05:04]

George Santos, the former Republican Congressman from New York, has reported to a federal facility in New Jersey to commence his seven-year prison sentence.

• Santos was convicted of federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, having admitted to deceiving voters and stealing identities to finance his congressional campaign.
• Following his plea, he was expelled from Congress in 2023 after serving less than a year in office.

This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to provide a comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed in this episode of NPR News Now.