NPR News Now: July 21, 2025, 2 PM EDT — Comprehensive Summary

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Rising Tensions

Timestamp: [00:18 - 01:12]

The podcast opens with a grave report from Gaza, where ongoing aid operations have led to what may be the deadliest day for Palestinian civilians. Lakshmi Singh reports that local health officials have confirmed over 100 Palestinian fatalities as individuals attempted to access life-saving supplies.

NPR's Anas Baba interviews Dr. Noor Sharif, an American physician at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital. Dr. Sharif provides a harrowing account of the situation:

“[00:51] Dr. Noor Sharif: I saw you today once I entered the hospital in the ER and I saw you freeze.”

“[00:57] Dr. Noor Sharif: I think I was in shock. I've never seen anything like this in my entire life. Lots of young children have come in with gunshot wounds to the head and to the abdomen. Chest people are coming in with severe malnutrition.”

These statements highlight the dire conditions faced by civilians, including severe malnutrition and injuries among children. The situation has prompted over two dozen Western countries, including Canada, Britain, and France, to issue a joint condemnation of Israel’s methodical distribution of aid to Palestinians. These nations accuse Israel of exacerbating the crisis, stating:

“[01:12] Lakshmi Singh: The group, including Canada, Britain and France, issued a joint statement today condemning what they call the drip-feeding of aid to Palestinians. They say more than 800 civilians have been killed while seeking aid.”

Israel, however, disputes these claims, arguing that the devastation is largely attributable to Hamas and contends that their forces exercised caution by firing warning shots at crowds attempting to reach aid.

Harvard Challenges Trump Administration's Research Funding Cuts

Timestamp: [01:12 - 02:29]

Shifting to domestic affairs, Harvard University has taken legal action against the Trump administration's decision to slash over $2.5 billion in federal research funding. Alyssa Ned reports from outside a Boston courthouse, detailing the courtroom battle:

“[01:52] Alyssa Ned: Inside, lawyers from the university and the Trump administration were arguing over $2 billion in canceled federal funds. The Trump administration argued that this is really a contracts issue and as a federal government, they have the right to cancel or freeze or renegotiate contracts. Harvard is arguing that the government's actions violate their First Amendment rights and their academic freedom and that the government failed to follow the Administrative Procedure Act.”

Harvard contends that the administration’s abrupt funding cuts undermine academic freedom and did not adhere to proper procedural protocols, challenging the legitimacy of the administration’s authority to make such changes without following established legal frameworks.

Kerr County, Texas Transitions to Recovery After Devastating Floods

Timestamp: [02:29 - 03:15]

In Texas, Kerr County is officially moving into the recovery phase following severe flooding that struck Central Texas over two weeks prior. Maria Nevada of Texas Public Radio provides updates on the situation:

“[02:42] Maria Nevada: Over the weekend, Texas and Kerrville officials reduced the number of missing in Kerr County from 97 people to just three.”

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly explains that most missing individuals were tourists who failed to report their locations:

“[02:52] Rob Kelly: Most of them are tourists that came in town that left and went back home, didn’t report back in that they were there. That’s what a lot of that was. But the recovery is going to look like it’s going to start with the debris.”

Efforts will continue with debris cleanup expected to take six to eight months, including the use of cadaver dogs to ensure no human remains are overlooked.

Microsoft Addresses Critical Security Vulnerability in SharePoint

Timestamp: [03:15 - 04:08]

A significant cybersecurity threat has emerged as Microsoft works urgently to patch a vulnerability in its SharePoint software. Unlike the online version, this flaw affects the locally installed version of the collaboration tool, posing severe risks. The Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings:

“[03:15] Lakshmi Singh: The Department of Homeland Security warns that if hackers break in using this flaw, they could access everything hosted on the platform, including secret cryptographic keys, and essentially take control.”

This vulnerability could allow malicious actors to gain unprecedented access to sensitive data and control over affected systems, underscoring the critical need for immediate security enhancements.

Venom Harvesting in Oregon Supports Life-Saving Pharmaceuticals

Timestamp: [04:08 - 04:52]

In a unique and specialized industry, individuals in Oregon are actively hunting hornets and other venomous insects to supply the pharmaceutical sector. Brian Bull reports from Veneta, Oregon, where Jeannie Howell details her role in this niche market:

“[04:08] Jeannie Howell: At a campground in Veneta, Oregon, Jeannie Howell vacuums up a nest of yellow jackets from an old fence post. She figures there's 300 insects here.”

The harvested yellow jackets are sold to Hollister Steer Allergy, which manufactures venom immunotherapy medicines essential for people with severe allergic reactions to stings:

“[04:29] Brian Bull: I've been able to meet people that grew up as a teenager going to the Analogist, getting a series of injections, and now they have a whole new freedom of being able to enjoy the outdoors.”

Jeannie explains the economic aspect:

“[04:41] Jeannie Howell: About 20 to 60 contracted vendors like Howell do this work every year, making up to $1,500 a pound, depending on the insect.”

This initiative not only supports a specialized industry but also plays a crucial role in enabling individuals with allergies to lead safer, more active lives.

Market Update

Timestamp: [04:52 - 04:57]

The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw an increase of 224 points, signaling a positive movement in the stock market.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on July 21, 2025. For further details, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast.