NPR News Now: July 21, 2025, 10 PM EDT

Host: Jeannine Herbst
Producer: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Harvard Faces $2 Billion Federal Funding Cutover Antisemitism Allegations

Timestamp: [00:00] - [01:19]

NPR begins with a significant legal battle as Harvard University confronts the Trump administration over the abrupt cancellation of over $2 billion in federal funding. The White House justifies this drastic measure by accusing Harvard of allowing antisemitism on its campus. In response, Harvard asserts that the administration's actions are a blatant retaliation for the university's refusal to comply with its demands regarding academic teachings, admissions, and hiring practices.

Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman emphasizes the broader implications of this dispute:

“If a university with a multi-billion dollar endowment can be cowed and pushed around by the government so that it loses its free speech rights, it's a lot easier to stop you personally from exercising your free speech rights.”
— Noah Feldman, [01:07]

The confrontation is set to escalate in Boston courts, with lawyers from both sides preparing for a hearing expected to last a single day. This case not only challenges the immediate financial strain on Harvard but also raises pivotal questions about academic freedom and governmental overreach.

2. Ukraine Proposes New Peace Talks Amid Escalating Tensions with Russia

Timestamp: [01:25] - [02:18]

In international affairs, Ukraine is stepping forward with a proposal for renewed peace talks with Russia. However, progress remains stalled as Russia steadfastly maintains its demands for Ukraine to demilitarize and cede additional territories. Concurrently, Russia continues its aerial assaults on civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

President Trump has signaled a potential shift in U.S. policy by warning of increased sanctions against Russia if a peace agreement isn't reached within 50 days. Additionally, he has committed to sending more defensive weapons to Ukraine, a move financed by NATO allies. Despite these assertions, questions linger about Trump's willingness to enforce his threats, especially considering his track record of missing previous deadlines.

NPR’s Mara Liasson provides an in-depth analysis:

“Russia is sticking to its demands that Ukraine effectively demilitarize and give up more territory. Russia also is continuing its aerial attacks on civilian targets.”
— Mara Liasson, [01:37]

This tense situation highlights the precarious balance of power in the region and the potential for significant geopolitical shifts depending on the actions of both the U.S. and Russia.

3. Wildfire Threatens North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Timestamp: [02:18] - [03:14]

A formidable wildfire, encompassing over 12,000 acres, continues to ravage the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Gusty winds have ignited numerous spot fires, some several miles distant from the primary Dragon Bravo blaze. Despite ongoing efforts, renewed hot and dry conditions have led to an uptick in fire activity.

Ryan Hindjes reports:

“Hundreds of personnel are working to suppress the lightning-caused blaze that's been burning on the park's more remote North Rim since July 4th.”
— Ryan Hindjes, [02:33]

The wildfire has caused extensive damage, burning several structures, including employee housing and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Consequently, essential trails such as the North and South Kaibab, Lower Bright Angel, and Phantom Ranch remain closed to protect visitors and staff. Crews have managed to contain a segment of the fire near the canyon's rim, safeguarding critical water infrastructure vital for the park's operations.

4. Texas Republicans Convene Special Session Over Disaster Relief and Redistricting

Timestamp: [03:14] - [04:14]

In state politics, Texas Republicans are set to embark on a 30-day special session starting the following day. The agenda is twofold: addressing disaster relief in the wake of the deadly July 4th floods and redrawing the state's congressional map. President Trump has endorsed this move, viewing it as a strategic effort to bolster the GOP's hold over the U.S. House in the upcoming midterm elections.

The redistricting process, occurring mid-cycle, presents both opportunities and challenges. While it aims to secure more favorable districts for Republicans, it also introduces risks by forcing traditionally safe GOP districts to incorporate regions with higher numbers of Democratic voters. This redrawing complicates Democrats' plans to regain influence in Washington, leaving them with limited strategies to counteract the GOP's maneuvers.

Alex Hager sheds light on intertwined environmental issues:

“Lake Powell is about 30% full after more than two decades of a megadrought. If the water level drops much lower, it will be below the hydropower turbines inside Glen Canyon Dam.”
— Alex Hager, [04:14]

5. Lake Powell Faces Critical Water Level Decline Threatening Hydropower Generation

Timestamp: [04:14] - [04:52]

Environmental concerns are mounting as Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the United States, grapples with declining water levels due to an enduring megadrought. Currently at 30% capacity, projections indicate that water levels might fall below the hydropower turbines at Glen Canyon Dam as early as next year, jeopardizing electricity generation for approximately 5 million people across seven Western states.

Alex Hager elaborates:

“Colorado river experts say that strategy won't work in the long term. Policymakers are under pressure to come up with a new system for managing the shrinking river before the current rules for sharing water expire in 2026.”
— Alex Hager, [04:14]

The reservoir previously encountered similar challenges, prompting emergency measures such as releasing water from other reservoirs to temporarily sustain Lake Powell. However, with the ongoing drought, these measures are no longer viable, necessitating urgent and sustainable policy interventions to manage the Colorado River's dwindling resources effectively.

Conclusion:

This episode of NPR News Now covers a broad spectrum of pressing issues, from federal funding disputes affecting one of the nation's most prestigious universities to international conflicts, environmental crises, and significant political maneuvers in Texas. Each segment underscores the complex interplay between government actions, environmental challenges, and the broader implications for society and governance.

For more detailed coverage and real-time updates, listeners are encouraged to access NPR News Now directly.