NPR News Now: July 29, 2025, 12 PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Manhattan Office Shooting and NFL Grievance
Timestamp: [00:19]
The episode opens with a tragic incident in Manhattan where a gunman killed four individuals in an office building before taking his own life. New York City Mayor Eric Adams provided insights into the motive behind the shooting:
"We have reason to believe that he was focused on the NFL agency that."
— Mayor Eric Adams ([00:34])
Further details revealed that the suspect, a Las Vegas resident with a history of mental illness, held grievances against the National Football League. Investigators discovered a rambling note on his body, in which he expressed blame towards the NFL for repeated brain trauma. Interestingly, Mayor Adams mentioned that the suspect "got on the wrong elevator," adding a layer of complexity to the incident.
Gaza Strip Faces Severe Famine Conditions
Timestamp: [00:44]
Shifting focus to international affairs, NPR's Emily Feng reports from Tel Aviv on the dire situation in the Gaza Strip:
"The alert by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, warns that 'widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.'"
— Emily Feng ([01:24])
The United Nations-backed coalition issued an alert this morning, emphasizing that Gaza is experiencing its "worst case scenario of famine." The World Health Organization reported over 60 deaths due to malnutrition in July alone, with more than 20 of those being children under five. The IPC panel highlighted that at least 30% of children are suffering from acute malnutrition.
However, the data used was collected just four days prior, before Israel began allowing more food into Gaza. The panel plans to conduct a new analysis with updated information. Israeli officials have denied the presence of starvation in Gaza, attributing the humanitarian crisis to Hamas's interference in aid distribution.
Trump Sues Rupert Murdoch and Wall Street Journal
Timestamp: [02:12]
In a significant legal battle, former President Donald Trump is expanding his lawsuits to include media mogul Rupert Murdoch. NPR's David Folkenflick provides an in-depth analysis:
"Trump wants a judge to give Murdoch just two weeks to be deposed, saying it's uncertain whether he would show up at a trial."
— David Folkenflick ([02:25])
Trump alleges that Murdoch published a story claiming he sent a body birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago—a claim Trump vehemently denies:
"Trump says he did not draw or send such a note."
— David Folkenflick ([02:25])
Despite Trump's lawyers describing the case against Murdoch as "flimsy," Trump has previously secured large settlements from other major media and tech companies under similar dubious claims. This move indicates Trump's intent to challenge his former allies in the media landscape.
Stock Market Declines
Timestamp: [03:09]
The U.S. stock market faced downturns during the reporting period:
"The Dow Jones industrial average is down more than 200 points. The S&P has lost 10, and the NASDAQ is down 31 points."
— Lakshmi Singh ([03:09], [04:42])
These declines reflect broader economic uncertainties and investor apprehensions affecting the market.
Protests in Serbia Against Corrupt Leadership
Timestamp: [03:09]
In Serbia, anti-government demonstrators clashed with police as they forcibly removed students from a university faculty building in Novi Pazar. The protesters, who had been camping on-site for months, accused the Serbian leadership of corruption. The unrest intensified following a tragic incident last November when a concrete canopy collapsed at a renovated train station, resulting in 16 fatalities.
Booker Prize 2025: Diverse Nominee List Announced
Timestamp: [03:09]
The literary community buzzes with the announcement of this year's Booker Prize nominees. NPR's Andrew Limbong details the diverse and compelling list:
"Reva's novel 'Endling' is about a Ukrainian scientist studying snails until the war starts, and then it becomes about a woman writing a novel about a Ukrainian scientist studying snails."
— Andrew Limbong ([04:04])
Among the thirteen candidates, two are debut novelists:
- Reva Azoga for Endling: A metafictional narrative intertwining scientific pursuit and the impacts of war.
- Maria Joga for Misinterpretation: Follows an unnamed interpreter deeply involved in the lives of those she translates for.
Other notable nominees include:
- Susan Choi for Flashlight
- Ben Markovitz for The Rest of Our Lives
- Katie Kitamura for Audition
The judging panel features acclaimed figures such as novelist Kylie Reid, actress and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, and former Booker Prize winner Roddy Doyle, who chairs the panel this year.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant local and international events, touching on tragic incidents, humanitarian crises, legal battles involving high-profile figures, economic updates, social unrest, and cultural achievements in literature. Through detailed reporting and insightful quotes, listeners are kept informed on the pressing issues of the day.
This summary was generated based on the transcript of the NPR News Now episode released on July 29, 2025. For the full details, listeners are encouraged to tune into the original podcast.