NPR News: 07-21-2025 6PM EDT
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Why are Harvard lawyers challenging the Trump administration’s $2 billion research funding cut?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Kristen Wright. Harvard's lawyers appeared in federal court today to challenge the Trump administration's decision to cut more than $2 billion in research funding. NPR's Alyssa Nadwarny reports from outside the courthouse in Boston.
Inside, lawyers from the university and the Trump administration were arguing over... $2 billion in canceled federal funds. The Trump administration argued that this is really a contracts issue. And as a federal government, they have the right to cancel or freeze or renegotiate contracts. Harvard is arguing that the government's actions violate their First Amendment rights and their academic freedom. and that the government failed to follow the Administrative Procedure Act.
What sentence is the former Kentucky officer facing for violating Breonna Taylor’s civil rights?
So even if the government has rights to cancel money, Harvard argues that they didn't follow the proper procedure in doing so.
Alyssa Nadwani reporting. Today, a judge is set to sentence a former Kentucky police officer convicted of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights. Brett Hankinson fired his weapon during the raid in Louisville in 2020. It was shots from other officers that struck and killed Taylor. The Justice Department says Hankinson is not a threat to the public and is recommending a one-day prison sentence. He was acquitted of state charges in 2022, and his first federal trial ended in a hung jury. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of 25 countries, including the U.K., Japan and Canada, say the Gaza war, quote, must end now.
Which 25 countries called for an immediate cease‑fire in Gaza and why?
As NPR's Lauren Freyer reports, it's the latest sign of allies sharpening their language and Israel's isolation deepening since hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.
The statement says the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. It calls the Israeli government's aid delivery model dangerous. It condemns the, quote, inhumane killing of civilians and says Israel's denial of essential humanitarian assistance is unacceptable. Now, Israel rejects such criticism, saying it's acted lawfully and that Hamas is to blame for siphoning aid in Gaza and using civilians as shields. Many of the signatories, 25 countries plus the European Union, are allies of Israel, who say, quote, further bloodshed serves no purpose, and that they'll work together for an immediate ceasefire and political pathway to security and peace. Lauren Freyer, NPR News.
Actor Malcolm Jamal Warner has died. Officials in Costa Rica confirm he was on a family vacation.
How is Israel responding to international criticism over its aid‑delivery model in Gaza?
and drowned while swimming yesterday. Warner was best known for his role in the 80s and 90s as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. He played the only brother to four sisters and shaped his character with memorable comedic timing. He was nominated for an Emmy. He also starred in the sitcom Malcolm and Eddie and on Read Between the Lines. Outside of acting, Malcolm Jamal Warner won a Grammy in 2015 and recently launched a podcast, Not All Hood. He was 54. This is NPR News from Washington. Chasing down hornets and other venomous stinging insects isn't exactly what most people envision for summertime activities, but a few dozen intrepid souls do just that.
What is the niche market for harvesting hornet venom and how does it help allergy patients?
As Brian Bull of member station KLCC in Eugene, Oregon reports, it's for a niche pharmaceutical market.
At a campground in Veneta, Oregon, Jeannie Howell vacuums up a nest of yellow jackets from an old fence post. She figures there's 300 insects here. Powell sells the Yellow Jackets to pharmaceutical company Hollister Steer Allergy, which in turn creates venom immunotherapy medicine that helps people with severe reactions to wasp and hornet stings. I've been able to meet people that grew up as a teenager, go into an allergist, getting a series of injections, and now they have a whole new freedom of being able to enjoy the outdoors. About 20 to 60 contracted vendors like Howell do this work every year, making up to $1,500 a pound depending on the insect. For NPR News, I'm Brian Bull in Veneta, Oregon.
Texas state lawmakers are meeting for a 30-day special session. One of the major issues they're taking up is redistricting.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Why are Harvard lawyers challenging the Trump administration’s $2 billion research funding cut?
0:00–0:45
2
What sentence is the former Kentucky officer facing for violating Breonna Taylor’s civil rights?
0:45–1:28
3
Which 25 countries called for an immediate cease‑fire in Gaza and why?
1:28–2:29
4
How is Israel responding to international criticism over its aid‑delivery model in Gaza?
2:29–3:11
5
What is the niche market for harvesting hornet venom and how does it help allergy patients?
3:11–4:10
6
Why are Texas lawmakers focusing on redistricting during a special 30‑day session?
4:10–4:40