NPR News Now Summary – July 29, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: July 29, 2025
NPR’s “News Now” delivered a comprehensive roundup of the day’s most pressing events, ranging from tragic incidents in New York City to significant developments in international trade, environmental crises, and geopolitical tensions. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed in the episode released on July 28, 2025.
Mass Shooting in Midtown Manhattan
Timestamp: [00:19]
Reporter: Shea Stevens
In a tragic incident this evening, a gunman targeted a midtown Manhattan office building, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a police officer, and injuring a fifth person. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) swiftly identified the suspect, Shane Tamora, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas, who was found deceased on the 33rd floor of the high-rise, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided details of the attack:
Quote:
"NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch: 'The building security camera footage shows the shooter enter the lobby, turn right and immediately open fire on an NYPD officer. He then shoots a woman who took cover behind a pillar and proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire.'"
[00:44]
Authorities are currently investigating Tamora’s motives behind this violent act.
U.S. Announces New Trade Tariffs at Scotland Summit
Timestamp: [01:00]
Reporter: Shea Stevens
President Donald Trump unveiled a new trade framework during a summit in Scotland, introducing a 15% tariff on European Union (EU) goods entering the United States. The administration signaled that similar tariffs would be extended to other countries lacking separate trade agreements.
Details Provided by Lauren Fryer:
"The deal announced here in Scotland means European cars and other goods will face 15% tariffs coming into the US and President Trump says he's planning a single global tariff for other countries that have not yet negotiated separate trade agreements."
[01:27]
An economic analyst offered further insight into the tariff range:
Quote:
"Economic Analyst: 'I would say in the range of 15 to 20%.'"
[01:42]
Lauren Fryer highlighted the escalation from the initial 10% tariff announced in April, emphasizing Trump’s stance on enforcing broad trade barriers:
Quote:
"Lauren Fryer: 'Those numbers are higher than the baseline 10% tariff Trump announced back in April. Trump says a single blanket tariff is, quote, what they're going to pay if they want to do business in the United States because he can't, quote, sit down and make 200 deals.'"
[01:45]
The White House aims to simplify the trade process by implementing these uniform tariffs, as detailed by NPR’s Lauren Fryer from Aberdeen.
Wildfire Threatens Northern Grand Canyon
Timestamp: [02:04]
Reporter: Ryan Heinstjes, KNAU
A rapidly spreading wildfire on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon has prompted emergency crews to mobilize intensively. Facing extreme conditions for the fifth consecutive day, firefighters contend with dangerously low humidity levels—around 10%—and 25 mph winds that are exacerbating the fire’s growth.
Statement from Lisa Jennings, Incident Management Team:
Quote:
"Lisa Jennings: 'These are historic conditions in terms of dryness and that's really the main factor. In addition to the winds that's causing this fire to grow rapidly, numerous spot[fires] have started up to a mile from the main perimeter.'"
[02:33]
The wildfire is categorized as one of the highest priority in the nation, with approximately 1,000 personnel deployed to contain the blaze. Ryan Heinstjes reported from Flagstaff on the unfolding situation.
Israeli Military Strikes Intensify in Gaza Amidst Aid Efforts
Timestamp: [02:58]
Reporter: Shea Stevens
The latest wave of Israeli attacks across Gaza has resulted in at least 78 fatalities. These strikes have intensified despite mounting international pressure to halt hostilities, allowing humanitarian aid to reach affected civilians. The situation has sparked debates over the accuracy of claims regarding the severity of starvation in Gaza.
President Trump’s Statement:
Quote:
"President Trump says he doesn't think that the claim that there is no starvation in Gaza is accurate."
[02:58]
The ongoing conflict continues to draw global attention, with calls for a temporary cessation to facilitate relief operations.
Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Convicted on Corruption Charges
Timestamp: [02:58]
Reporter: Shea Stevens
In a significant judicial outcome, former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been convicted of bribery and witness tampering. The 73-year-old ex-president, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010, was not present in court for the verdict and now faces up to 12 years in prison. Uribe is anticipated to appeal the ruling.
This conviction marks a notable moment in Colombia’s political landscape, reflecting ongoing efforts to address corruption at high government levels.
Study Reveals Life Stages of Star Clusters Through Constellations
Timestamp: [03:57]
Reporter: Regina Barber, NPR News
Astronomers have made strides in understanding the lifecycle of star clusters by studying two prominent constellations, Orion and Taurus. These constellations house three open star clusters visible to the naked eye, each representing a different stage in a cluster's development.
Insights from Astrophysicist Hossein Haki:
Quote:
"Hossein Haki: 'It's like seeing photos of the same person as a baby, teenager and elder.'"
[04:06]
Using advanced simulations, Haki and his team tracked the evolution of a star cluster, illustrating its transition from the vibrant Orion Nebula to the more mature Hyades cluster in Taurus. This research provides a visual narrative of a star cluster's aging process.
Severe Weather Causes Devastation in Northern China
Timestamp: [04:33]
Reporter: Shea Stevens
Northern China has been struck by severe weather, resulting in over 30 fatalities. Heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding and a landslide, forcing the evacuation of more than 8,000 residents on Monday. By midnight Tuesday, the region had received half a foot of rain, leading to power outages and disrupted communications across numerous villages. Meteorologists forecast up to a foot of additional rainfall before the storm moves away, heightening concerns over further damage.
NPR’s “News Now” continues to provide timely and in-depth coverage of events shaping our world, ensuring listeners stay informed with accurate and detailed reporting.