NPR News: 07-29-2025 6AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: July 29, 2025, 6AM EDT

On this episode of NPR News Now, listeners are brought up to speed with the latest developments across national and international headlines. From tragic events in New York City to significant political and legal battles, as well as personal stories of resilience and loss, this summary encapsulates all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

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Tragic Shooting in Midtown Manhattan

The episode opens with breaking news from midtown Manhattan, where a sudden shooting has claimed the lives of five individuals, leaving one person in critical condition. Among the deceased are a New York City police officer and the gunman himself.

Shooter Identified Sarah Ventri reports that the shooter, 27-year-old Shane Tamora from Las Vegas, entered New York City on Monday afternoon. Authorities discovered that Tamora's vehicle was equipped with a loaded revolver, ammunition, and prescription medication. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, especially regarding the choice of the building at 52nd Street and Park Avenue, which houses the offices of the private equity firm Blackstone and the NFL.

Mayor's Statement New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the incident, describing it as a "senseless act." At [00:48], Adams emphasized the broader issue of gun violence, stating:

“Gun violence has scarred so many neighbors and ripped apart too many families across this entire country and we will continue the fight to do all we can to protect our city.” ([00:48])

Adams reiterated his commitment to combating gun violence and ensuring the safety of New Yorkers.

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Growing International Criticism of Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

Shifting focus to international affairs, the episode addresses the escalating criticism of Israel in the context of the worsening conditions in Gaza, which has been enduring the ravages of war for nearly 22 months.

Senator Angus King's Opposition Independent Senator Angus King of Maine voiced his opposition to continued support for Israel as long as the hunger crisis in Gaza persists. At [01:31], King stated:

“I'm through voting for support for Israel as long as there are starving children in Gaza that have been caused by Israel's action or inaction with regard to humanitarian relief.” ([01:31])

King's stance highlights the growing concern over humanitarian issues and the impact of prolonged conflict on civilian populations.

Senator Jim Risch's Perspective In contrast, Republican Senator Jim Risch of Idaho defended Israel's actions, attributing the crisis to Hamas. Speaking at [01:50], Risch asserted:

“The fault of all this is Hamas. You got to start there. They've just made life miserable for the people.” ([01:50])

Risch emphasized Israel's efforts to facilitate food distribution, suggesting that the root cause of the suffering in Gaza lies with Hamas's actions.

Food Security Concerns The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the leading international authority on food crises, indicates that Gaza has been on the brink of famine for years. The situation has recently deteriorated dramatically, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and drawing increased international attention and criticism.

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Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against Rupert Murdoch Intensifies

The podcast delves into the ongoing legal saga between former President Donald Trump and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, along with the Wall Street Journal. NPR’s David Folkenflick provides an in-depth analysis of the personal turn in Trump’s defamation lawsuit.

Legal Maneuvers Trump's legal team is seeking to bring the 94-year-old Murdoch under oath, aiming to depose him within a tight two-week window. At [02:24], Folkenflick explains:

“[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.” ([02:24])

Trump alleges that Murdoch published a story falsely claiming he sent a body message to Jeffrey Epstein two decades prior—a claim Trump denies vehemently. Despite dismissals from outside lawyers branding Trump's case as "flimsy," he has previously secured substantial settlements from other media giants, including ABC, CBS, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

Political Fallout The lawsuit marks a significant strain between two previously allied figures within the American right-wing political sphere. As Trump's actions against Murdoch unfold, they signal a potential shift in alliances and power dynamics within conservative media and politics.

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Political Tensions in Texas Over Redistricting Plans

Back in the United States, political tensions flare in Arlington, Texas, where hundreds attended a town hall to oppose Governor Greg Abbott's plan to redraw the state's congressional maps. This move by President Trump aims to favor Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, deviating from the traditional redistricting schedule that follows the decennial census.

Community Pushback The early redistricting plan has sparked significant backlash, with opponents arguing that it undermines fair representation and manipulates electoral outcomes. The town hall served as a platform for citizens to express their concerns and mobilize against what they perceive as partisan gerrymandering.

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Deion Sanders' Battle with Bladder Cancer

A heartfelt segment highlights the personal journey of Deion Sanders, the University of Colorado football coach, who recently battled bladder cancer.

Diagnosis and Recovery Tony Gorman reports that Sanders underwent a procedure to remove his bladder after a tumor was detected during a routine CT scan for vascular patterns. He had been grappling with blood clots and other health issues in recent years, which had even necessitated the amputation of two toes.

At [04:12], Sanders reflects on his experience:

“Out because it could have been a whole another gathering if I had. I'm thankful.” ([04:12])

His doctor assures that Sanders will remain under routine surveillance, and he is optimistic about resuming his coaching duties for the upcoming season. Sanders’ resilience serves as an inspiring reminder of personal strength in the face of adversity.

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Passing of Ryan Sandberg, Former Chicago Cubs Star

The episode concludes with the somber news of the passing of Ryan Sandberg, a beloved former star of the Chicago Cubs. At [04:30], Nora Ram reports:

“Ryan Sandberg was 65. The team said he died yesterday at his Chicago home. He had cancer. Sandberg played second base for the Cubs but was considered one of baseball's best all-around players. Cubs chairman Tom Rickard said he'll be remembered as one of the all-time greats.” ([04:30])

Sandberg’s legacy in baseball is celebrated, marking the loss of a sports icon cherished by fans and the community.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now presents a comprehensive overview of pressing events, from tragic incidents and geopolitical tensions to personal stories of courage and loss. The inclusion of direct quotes and detailed reporting ensures that listeners receive a clear and engaging account of the day's significant news.

Transcript

[Capital One]

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[Nora Ram]

[e-mail] Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Ram. A shooting in midtown Manhattan has left five people dead and one person in critical condition. As NPR's Sarah Ventri reports, A A New York City police officer and the gunman are among the dead.

[Sarah Ventri]

The shooter has been identified as 27 year old Shane Tamora, a Las Vegas man who entered New York City on Monday afternoon. According to the nypd, Tamora's vehicle contained a loaded revolver, ammunition and prescription medication. New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the shooting a, quote, senseless act.

[Eric Adams]

Gun violence has scarred so many neighbors and ripped apart too many families across this entire country and we will continue the fight to do all we can to protect our city.

[Sarah Ventri]

Authorities say that Chamorro's motives, including why he chose the building on 52nd street and Park Avenue, are still unclear. That building houses the offices of the private equity firm Blackstone as well as the NFL. Sarah Ventri, NPR News, New York.

[Nora Ram]

International criticism of Israel is growing as conditions in Gaza become even more dire after nearly 22 months of war. Independent Senator Angus King of Maine said yesterday he will oppose any support for Israel as long as the hunger crisis continues.

[Angus King]

I'm through voting for support for Israel as long as there are starving children in Gaza that have been caused by Israel's action or inaction with regard to humanitarian relief.

[Nora Ram]

Republican Senator Jim Risch of Idaho says Israel has paused fighting to allow food distribution. The problem is Hamas.

[Jim Risch]

The fault of all this is Hamas. You got to start there. They've just made life miserable for the people.

[Nora Ram]

The leading international food authority on food crises, the Integrated Food Security Phase classification, says Gaza has teetered on the brink of famine for years, but the situation has dramatically worsened. President Trump's defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal has turned personal. As NPR's David Folkenflick reports, Trump's legal team wants to get the 94 year old media mogul under oath soon.

[David Folkenflick]

The two titans of the American right have been political all for the past decade. Murdoch's Fox News, the New York Post and the Journal's editorial pages have largely served as pillars of support for Trump. 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. Trump says he warned Murdoch not to publish a story saying Trump sent a body birthday message two decades ago to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Trump says he did not draw or send such a note. The Journal is standing by the story. The outside lawyers say Trump's case is flimsy, yet he has won big settlements from the parent companies of abc, cbs, Facebook and X for suits that were similarly deemed as weak. Now Trump is putting his former ally Murdoch on notice, too. David Folkenflick, NPR News.

[Nora Ram]

This is NPR News in Washington. Hundreds of people turned out for a town hall in Arlington, Texas, last night to voice their opposition to a plan to redraw the state's congressional maps. President Trump has been seeking a redistricting to help Republicans pick up seats in next year's midterm elections. This is usually done after a new census, not in the middle of a decade. University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders revealed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and is now cancer free. From Colorado Public Radio, Tony Gorman has more.

[Tony Gorman]

Deion Sanders medical team says he had his bladder removed after a tumor was discovered during a routine CT scan for vascular patterns. The CU Buffalo's coach had been dealing with blood clots and other ailments in recent years that even required the amputation of two of his toes. Sanders says he's adjusting to the new lifestyle and he never thought he wouldn't coach during the upcoming season, get checked.

[Angus King]

Out because it could have been a whole another gathering if I had. I'm thankful.

[Eric Adams]

It's been a tremendous journey.

[Tony Gorman]

His doctor says they will keep Sanders on routine surveillance scans. For NPR News, I'm Tony Gorman in Denver.

[Nora Ram]

Former Chicago Cubs star Ryan Sandberg has died. The team said he died yesterday at his Chicago home. He had cancer. Sandberg played second base for the Cubs but was considered one of baseball's best all around players. Cubs chairman Tom Rickard said he'll be remembered as one of the all time greats. Ryan Sandberg was 65. I'm Nora Ramm, NPR News, in Washington.

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