NPR News Now: July 26, 2025

President Trump Visits Scotland Amid Controversy

[00:16] Nora Ramm opens the episode by reporting on President Donald Trump's weekend visit to Scotland, his late mother's homeland. While in Scotland, Trump is actively promoting his golf resorts and engaging in discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about trade and tariffs.

Upon arriving, Trump notably avoided questions regarding his former acquaintance, Jeffrey Epstein:

Donald Trump [00:35]: "I'm focused on making deals. I'm not focused on conspiracy theories that you are."

Despite his promotional activities, Trump's motorcade faced protests from Scottish demonstrators. Some protestors carried signs referencing Epstein, and one notably installed a sign at the entrance of one of Trump's golf resorts stating, "Twinned with Epstein Island":

Lauren Frayer, NPR News, Edinburgh [00:47]: "Scottish protesters lined his motorcade route, some with signs about Epstein."

Escalating Conflict Along the Thai-Cambodian Border

Continuing the international focus, [01:15] Nora Ramm reports on the third consecutive day of fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border. The violence has resulted in at least 32 deaths, the majority being civilians, despite global appeals for an immediate ceasefire.

Michael Sullivan provides insight into the diplomatic efforts:

Michael Sullivan [01:32]: "Thailand's Foreign Ministry says its UN Ambassador told the council it is deeply regrettable that Cambodia has deliberately avoided meaningful dialogue and instead sought to internationalize the issue to serve its own political purposes."

Cambodia's UN Ambassador countered these claims, advocating for peace:

Cambodia's UN Ambassador [01:32]: "Cambodia wants an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful solution."

However, peace remains elusive as new clashes occur near tourist-heavy regions:

Michael Sullivan [01:32]: "For now, peace appears elusive, with the Thai navy reporting new fighting along the border near an area home to several popular tourist destinations."

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza

[02:19] The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. International aid agencies warn that the crisis is worsening daily, with the United Nations World Food Program highlighting that one in three Gazans is unable to eat for days at a time.

Channel Low from the Norwegian Refugee Council emphasizes the urgency of aid delivery:

Channel Low [02:45]: "There are thousands and thousands of tons of aid waiting to enter. We just need that aid to be able to actually go through those crossings and to be able to access it and for Israel to facilitate our movement across Gaza, our access throughout Gaza, in order to be able to deliver."

Operating from Amman, Jordan, Low notes that some of her colleagues in Gaza are currently experiencing hunger:

Channel Low [03:04]: "Some of my colleagues working in Gaza are going hungry."

Russian Strikes Intensify in Ukraine

Ukrainian officials have reported that Russian forces conducted extensive strikes overnight on the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions. The assault involved over 200 drones and 27 missiles, resulting in at least three fatalities and 11 injuries. The attacks also caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.

Breakthrough in Combating Illegal Fishing

New research utilizing satellite technology is shedding light on the pervasive issue of illegal fishing worldwide. Lauren Sommer reports on how satellite-based radar is detecting movements of fishing ships that previously evaded monitoring by disabling GPS transponders.

Referencing studies published in the journal Science, Sommer highlights that:

Lauren Sommer [03:48]: "In protected areas where the restrictions are looser, two-thirds of them had industrial fishing that was previously undetected."

The findings suggest that satellite data could become a crucial tool for enforcing fishing bans and protecting marine environments in the future.

U.S. Postal Service Marks 250 Years Amid Privatization Threats

Celebrating its 250th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service has become the focus of labor disputes as the American Postal Workers Union opposes potential overhauls proposed by the Trump administration, including the possibility of privatizing the agency.

Nora Ramm underscores the significance of the USPS:

Nora Ramm [04:31]: "The U.S. Postal Service is 250 years old today. It started in 1775 with riders delivering the mail on horseback."

The union's stance is firm against changes that could undermine the agency's foundational role:

Nora Ramm [04:31]: "The American Postal Workers Union rallied this week against talk the Trump administration wants to overhaul the agency and perhaps privatize it."

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of critical global issues, from international diplomacy and conflicts to humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. It also touches on significant national topics such as the future of the U.S. Postal Service, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events shaping our world.