NPR News Now: July 29, 2025

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Deadly Shooting in New York City

[00:18 - 00:30]

NPR's Shea Stevens opens the episode with breaking news from New York City, where a tragic shooting has left the community in shock.

Phil Corso, reporting from WNYC, details the incident:

"Authorities say a gunman opened fire inside a midtown Manhattan office tower Monday night, killing four people, including an NYPD officer, before fatally shooting himself."
[00:30]

The victim, 36-year-old NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, was on security duty at 345 Park Ave when he was shot in the lobby. The perpetrator, 27-year-old Shane Tamura, also killed three civilians and had a history of mental illness. A fifth victim remains in critical condition.

2. President Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal

[01:14 - 02:14]

Shea Stevens transitions to the escalating legal battle between former President Trump and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

David Folkenflick provides an in-depth analysis:

"Now 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."
[01:29]

This lawsuit marks a significant turn as Trump, who has previously been supported by Murdoch's media outlets like Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, seeks to undermine them. Trump alleges:

"Trump says he warned Murdoch not to publish a story saying Trump sent a bawdy birthday message two decades ago to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Trump says he did not draw or send such a note."
[01:29]

Despite Trump's claims, The Wall Street Journal stands by its reporting. While outside lawyers deem Trump's case as "flimsy," his legal strategy has previously resulted in substantial settlements against other major companies. This move against Murdoch signals a potential rift within the conservative media landscape.

3. Israel Faces International Outcry Over Gaza Humanitarian Conditions

[02:14 - 03:11]

Shea Stevens brings attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza amid international condemnation.

Eleanor Beardsley reports from the region:

"We rode over the Kerem Shalom crossing near Egypt in the back of military trucks... we were shown a massive asphalt parking lot with thousands of tons of uncollected aid and told it was the fault of the UN."
[02:28]

Israeli military Brigadier General Effie Defron defends their actions:

"It's not fun being in Gaza. We understand that. But we are doing our best being creative to distribute food to the people of Gaza."
[02:54]

Contrary to reports from aid agencies and NPR, Defron asserts there is no starvation in Gaza, labeling starvation claims as "Hamas propaganda fakes." This assertion has sparked significant debate and international concern regarding the actual conditions on the ground.

4. Medicaid Reimbursements to Planned Parenthood to Continue Amid Legal Battles

[03:11 - 04:07]

Shea Stevens shifts focus to a crucial legal decision affecting healthcare services nationwide.

A federal judge in Boston, Indira Talwani, has ruled that Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood must continue despite ongoing efforts to defund the organization:

"Judge Talwani says the cuts would adversely affect patients in areas where health care services are disrupted or unavailable."
[03:11]

The decision stems from a recently enacted tax and spending law that includes a one-year moratorium on Medicaid payments to abortion providers receiving over $800,000 in reimbursements in 2023. Although the law did not specifically mention Planned Parenthood, the organization's leaders argue that it significantly impacts their centers.

5. Extreme Weather Events Impacting Europe, China, and the United States

[03:11 - 04:52]

Continuing with environmental concerns, Shea Stevens highlights the surge in extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

Jeff Brady reports on the latest developments:

"Up to 12 more inches of rain was forecast in Greece and Turkey. Crews have been battling wildfires for weeks."
[04:07]

In China, a devastating landslide in northern regions has resulted in at least four deaths and eight missing persons. Authorities in Beijing have ordered residents in Hebei province to stay indoors, closing schools and halting outdoor activities in response to the heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, southeastern Europe faces intense wildfires, with central Greece experiencing temperatures reaching 108°F and Turkey reporting 17 wildfire-related deaths in the past month. In the southeastern United States, extreme heat persists, with forecasts predicting temperatures in the low 100s affecting over 18 million people. Scientists emphasize that human-caused climate change is intensifying these heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and floods, making such events more frequent and severe.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant events shaping the world on July 29, 2025. From tragic incidents and high-profile legal battles to pressing humanitarian crises and alarming climate-related disasters, the news encapsulates the multifaceted challenges of our time.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been omitted for clarity and focus on the news content.