NPR News Now: July 29, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Released on July 29, 2025, by NPR News Now hosted by Dave Mattingly, this episode delivers the latest news updates in a concise and engaging format. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Deadly Attack in Midtown Manhattan

Overview:
The episode opens with a tragic incident in midtown Manhattan where a gunman initiated a deadly attack in a high-rise office building.

Details:

• Host Introduction: Dave Mattingly reports, "[...] the FBI and police in New York City are investigating a deadly attack at a high rise office building in midtown Manhattan. This, they say, a man armed with a military-style rifle shot and killed four people and wounded a fifth yesterday before taking his own life." (00:18)

• Victims Identified:
  Phil Corso adds, "The officer was identified as 36-year-old Dideroul Islam, a father of two with a third child on the way. Police say he was on a security detail at 345 Park Avenue where he was shot in the lobby." (00:49)

• Perpetrator Information:
  "The gunman was identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura. Officials say he also killed three civilians. According to investigators, he had traveled across the country and had a documented history of mental illness. Police say the shooter acted alone. A fifth victim remains in critical condition." (00:49)

2. Knife Attack in Michigan Charged as Terrorism

Overview:
A separate incident involved a knife attack at a Walmart store in Michigan, leading to terrorism charges against the suspect.

Details:

• Incident Reported by Mattingly:
  Dave Mattingly states, "The man accused of attacking shoppers with a knife at a Walmart store in Michigan has been formally charged with terrorism and 11 counts of attempted murder." (01:20)

• Suspect’s Background:
  "Authorities say the 42-year-old suspect has a history of mental health issues. All of the wounded, including a store employee, are expected to survive. The oldest victim was 84 years old," he continues.

• Community Response:
  "Police in Traverse City say several bystanders subdued the suspect outside the store until officers arrived." (01:20)

3. Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza

Overview:
The Israeli government's actions in Gaza have come under scrutiny due to allegations of causing starvation amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Details:

• Criticism Highlighted by Mattingly:
  "The Israeli government is coming under more criticism for the spread of starvation in Gaza amid the ongoing war with Hamas. Aid organizations and humanitarian groups have been critical of Israel, saying food and other supplies aren't reaching people in dire need." (01:20)

• Reform Jewish Leaders' Statement:
  Jason DeRose reports, "The Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the American Conference of Cantors issued the statement. It says neither escalating military pressure nor restricting humanitarian aid has brought Israel closer to securing a hostage deal or ending the war." (02:21)

  • Key Quote:
    "The Jewish leaders say that people should not spend their time arguing technical definitions between starvation and pervasive hunger. They call the situation in Gaza dire and the statement says both Hamas and the Jewish state are culpable in this humanitarian disaster. The reformed Jewish leaders conclude, quote, denying basic humanitarian aid crosses a moral line." (02:21)

• Israel’s Response:
  Dave Mattingly adds, "Israel denies starvation is taking place in Gaza." (03:03)

4. Diplomatic Developments and Memorials

Overview:
The episode touches upon recent diplomatic achievements and commemorates a sports legend.

Details:

• US-EU Trade Agreement:
  "President Trump wraps up his trip to Scotland today, having secured an agreement on trade and tariffs with the European Union," reports Dave Mattingly. (03:03)

• Passing of Ryne Sandberg:
  Baseball fans mourn the death of Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg. "The Chicago Cubs say Sandberg died yesterday at the age of 65, a year and a half after announcing he'd been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sandberg played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, all but one with the Cubs. He was named National League Most Valuable Player in 1984," Mattingly elaborates. (03:03)

5. Advances in Astrophysics

Overview:
New research sheds light on the life cycle of star clusters, offering insights through the study of well-known constellations.

Details:

• Research Findings by Regina Barber:
  "Scientists say snapshots of a cluster's life can be seen in two well-known constellations," explains Regina Barber. (04:04)

  • Expert Input:
    "That's Hossein Haakey, an astrophysicist who helped support this hypothesis. He and a team used a sophisticated new simulation and it ran long enough to show that a computer-modeled star cluster would age to first match the Orion Nebula, later grow to resemble the Pleiades, and finally end up like the cluster Hyades, which makes up the head of Taurus." (04:20)

6. Economic Updates

Overview:
Wall Street futures show positive movement ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting.

Details:

• Market Outlook by Mattingly:
  "Wall street futures are higher this morning ahead of the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting. The two-day event gets underway today. Economists widely expect the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged despite pressure from President Trump." (04:40)

This summary encapsulates the key news items covered in the July 29, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's most pressing events.