NPR News Now: July 24, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Hosted by Korva Coleman

1. Surge in Malnutrition-Related Deaths in Gaza Due to Israeli Restrictions

Timestamp: 00:14 – 00:38

NPR’s Korva Coleman opens the episode by highlighting a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israeli-imposed restrictions on food deliveries have led to a significant increase in malnutrition-related deaths. According to Gaza health officials, “at least 46 civilians in Gaza have starved to death this month” ([Anas Baba, 00:38]). Anas Baba reports from Gaza City, detailing the heartbreaking scenes in hospitals where “dozens of mothers cradle their infants,” many of whom “are too weak to cry” ([Anas Baba, 00:38]). The Patient's Friends Hospital, the only facility capable of treating severe malnutrition in northern Gaza, has been forced to shut down its malnutrition program due to depleted supplies. Aid organizations accuse the entity named Raili of continuing to block most aid from entering Gaza. Families like Najah Abu Shada’s are severely impacted, with Najah stating, “we go to sleep hungry” when charity meals are unavailable ([Anas Baba, 00:38]).

2. Columbia University Settles Dispute Over Federal Research Funding

Timestamp: 01:21 – 02:15

Jessica Gould from WNYC reports on a significant development between Columbia University and the Trump administration. Columbia has agreed to pay over $200 million in fines to resolve government investigations into campus discrimination, particularly concerning anti-Semitism. In exchange, the Trump administration will release “hundreds of millions of dollars in grants” ([Jessica Gould, 01:33]). Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman stated, “university officials do not agree that it violated anti-discrimination laws,” yet acknowledged the institution’s commitment to fostering a “safer, respectful campus” ([Jessica Gould, 01:33]). The settlement also ensures Columbia’s independence remains intact, marking a critical resolution to the prolonged dispute.

3. Record High Prices for Existing Homes Amidst Slow Spring Sales

Timestamp: 02:15 – 03:03

Laurel Walmsley from NPR discusses the National Association of Realtors' findings that existing home prices reached an all-time high in June, with the median price at $435,300—a 2% increase from the previous year ([Laurel Walmsley, 02:26]). Despite these record prices benefiting homeowners looking to sell, the real estate market experienced a sluggish spring season due to high mortgage rates averaging around 6.75% ([Laurel Walmsley, 02:26]). Notably, luxury homes priced over a million dollars saw a robust 14% increase in sales. Although there are more homes for sale compared to last year, inventory levels remain below pre-pandemic figures, indicating a persistent shortage in the housing market ([Laurel Walmsley, 02:26]).

4. Hershey’s Announces Price Increases Due to Cocoa Supply Issues

Timestamp: 03:03 – 03:42

The chocolate industry faces challenges as Hershey’s announces a price hike in response to escalating cocoa costs. The company clarifies that the increase is not related to tariffs but stems from “problems with cocoa supplies” ([Korva Coleman, 03:03]). This move reflects broader market pressures on confectionery manufacturers grappling with raw material shortages and rising production costs.

5. Federal Appeals Court Invalidates Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

Timestamp: 03:42 – 04:02

A federal appeals court has ruled President Trump’s executive order unconstitutional. The order aimed to revoke birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. who lack at least one parent with permanent legal status. This decision marks the first significant legal challenge to the order following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited lower courts' authority to impose nationwide blocks while allowing specific exceptions ([Korva Coleman, 03:42]). Sergio Martinez Beltran from NPR elaborates on the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration, which has led to a sharp increase in migrant detentions and heightened concerns among immigration advocates ([Sergio Martinez Beltran, 04:02]).

6. Significant Increase in Migrant Detentions Under Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies

Timestamp: 04:02 – 04:42

Sergio Martinez Beltran reports that under President Trump’s administration, the number of migrant detentions has surged, with over 56,000 individuals currently in detention facilities. Approximately 70% of these detainees have not been convicted of any crimes ([Sergio Martinez Beltran, 04:02]). The Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, points out that arrests without criminal convictions have increased sixfold compared to Trump’s first term, indicating a “radical shift in immigration enforcement” ([Sergio Martinez Beltran, 04:02]). Despite Department of Homeland Security claims that the majority of those arrested are criminals, no supporting evidence has been provided ([Sergio Martinez Beltran, 04:02]).

7. New Health Study Recommends 7,000 Daily Steps for Disease Protection

Timestamp: 04:42 – 04:58

Concluding the episode, a study published in Lancet Public Health challenges the traditional goal of walking 10,000 steps daily. The research suggests that 7,000 steps per day are sufficient to offer significant protection against various diseases, making the fitness goal more attainable for many ([Korva Coleman, 04:42]).

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the July 24, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. It provides an in-depth overview for listeners seeking to stay informed without tuning into the actual podcast.