NPR News Now: July 26, 2025, 6AM EDT – Comprehensive Summary
Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
1. President Trump Rejects Pardon for Glenn Maxwell
Timestamp: [00:11]
In the early hours of the broadcast, Giles Snyder reports that President Donald Trump has dismissed the notion of granting a pardon to Glenn Maxwell, the former girlfriend of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes amidst ongoing public and media speculation about potential pardons related to high-profile cases.
Carrie Conn provides further context, stating, “I don't know anything about the conversation. I haven't really been following it. A lot of people are asking me about pardons. 'Obviously, this is no time to be talking about pardons,' she noted ([00:26]).
Despite public curiosity, an attorney for Maxwell revealed that while she has completed multiple interviews with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, there have been no discussions regarding a pardon ([00:37]).
2. Brazil Stands Firm on Rare Earth Minerals Amidst U.S. Trade Tensions
Timestamp: [01:17]
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vehemently asserted that his country will "not allow for foreign intervention" in its rare earth minerals sector, which holds the world's second-largest reserves after China. This stance emerges as trade negotiations with the United States face obstacles ahead of the August 1 deadline.
Lula has expressed frustration over what he perceives as neglect from the U.S., stating, "his requests for negotiations with the US have gone unanswered" ([01:32]). In response, President Trump has threatened to impose Brazil's high tariffs, framing the move as retaliation against what he describes as a "witch hunt" targeting his political ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Carrie Conn highlights that Bolsonaro, a former far-right leader, is currently charged with attempting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 electoral defeat—a charge he denies. Additionally, Lula has criticized efforts by the U.S. Embassy to engage with Brazilian mining officials, emphasizing Brazil's resistance to external pressures in safeguarding its natural resources.
3. Escalating Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia
Timestamp: [02:00]
Giles Snyder reports on the intensifying conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, now in its third day following the initial exchange of gunfire on Thursday. The violence has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands of individuals.
The United Nations has called for restraint, urging both nations to resolve their long-standing border dispute through dialogue rather than force. The situation remains volatile, with humanitarian concerns mounting due to the mass displacement of civilians.
4. Texas Redistricting Sparks Allegations of Racial Gerrymandering
Timestamp: [02:00]
A rare mid-decade redistricting effort is underway in Texas, driven by Republican state lawmakers responding to pressure from former President Trump to expand the state's congressional delegation by five seats. However, this move has sparked significant controversy.
The Justice Department has identified four districts dominated by Black and Latino residents as "unconstitutional racial gerrymanders", mandating Texas to redraw its maps ([02:34]). Houston Democratic Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, representing one of these districts, passionately testified before a state Senate committee, urging, "I urge you to reject this partisan gerrymandering of Texas, reject the map from the felon in the White House and do what's right for Texans." ([02:52])
The upcoming field hearing on redistricting at the University of Houston is expected to attract protests, reflecting the deep divisions and high stakes involved in the redistricting process ([03:00]).
5. Ukrainian Cyberattack Targets Russian Servers in Crimea
Timestamp: [03:10]
In a significant development in cyber warfare, Ukrainian intelligence has launched a cyberattack on Russian government servers in occupied Crimea. NPR’s Polina Litvinov reports from Kyiv that Ukrainian military intelligence successfully accessed a vast array of sensitive documents.
Polina Litvinov elaborates, "Ukraine's military intelligence, known as UR, does not officially reveal any details of the operation, but Ukrainian media report that some of the documents were marked secret as they contain data about military facilities and supply routes of Russian forces in Crimea." ([03:29]).
After extracting valuable information, Ukrainian cyberspies reportedly destroyed all data on the compromised servers. Intelligence sources believe these documents will be instrumental in documenting potential Russian war crimes in the region, enhancing Ukraine's strategic position.
6. Militant Attack in Southeast Iran Kills Multiple
Timestamp: [04:04]
A militant group known as Jaish Al Abdul has claimed responsibility for an attack on a courthouse in southeast Iran, specifically in the capital city of Sistan and Baluchistan province. State media reports indicate that at least five people lost their lives, and more than a dozen were wounded during the assault. Security forces responded by killing three gunmen involved in the attack ([04:04]).
The region, situated near the borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan, is home to Iran's Sunni Muslim Baloch minority, an area that has experienced periodic unrest. This latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions and volatility in the region, raising concerns about stability and security for minority communities.
7. Tragic Shooting at University of New Mexico
Timestamp: [04:04]
In a distressing incident on the University of New Mexico's main campus in Albuquerque, authorities have apprehended an 18-year-old suspect following a shooting at a dormitory. The tragic event, which transpired early Friday, resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and the wounding of a 19-year-old individual.
Campus police reported that the altercation began as four individuals, including the suspect, were playing video games in a dorm room when the shooting erupted. This incident adds to the growing concerns over campus safety and highlights the urgent need for measures to prevent such tragedies ([04:04]).
Conclusion
NPR’s latest episode provides a comprehensive overview of pressing global and national issues, from political maneuvers and international trade tensions to violent conflicts and cyber warfare. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, the broadcast ensures listeners are well-informed about the complexities shaping today's world.
This summary is based on the transcript of NPR News Now's episode released on July 26, 2025. For the complete broadcast, please visit NPR's official channels.