NPR News Now – July 5, 2025, 1 PM EDT

Host: Nora Ramm

Natural Disasters: Texas Hill Country Flash Flooding

[00:17] Nora Ramm reports a devastating flash flood in Texas Hill Country that has resulted in at least 27 confirmed deaths, including nine children. The Kerr County Sheriff's office confirmed the fatalities following waters from the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes, leading to the destruction of homes, vehicles, and a girls' summer camp.

[00:48] Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice provides insight into the ongoing crisis:

"We have the known which is the 27, you know, potential missing campers that we're looking for now. The unknown is how many people were here locally, visiting on vacation, you know, doing other things in the community that we just do not have numbers. So these numbers are going to are going to change throughout the day."

Search and rescue efforts are hindered by rugged terrain and debris, with authorities warning of more heavy rain expected today. Flash flood watches and warnings remain in effect for parts of Central Texas, complicating relief efforts and increasing the risk for residents in the affected areas.

Healthcare Policy: Impact of New Tax and Spending Law on Community Health Clinics

[01:06] The Trump administration's new tax and spending law poses significant threats to approximately 1,500 federally funded community health clinics that serve over three million Americans, particularly affecting rural areas.

[01:35] NPR's Yuki Noguchi explains:

"About half of such centers' patients rely on Medicaid, meaning the centers do too for revenue. The new law's cutbacks to that program mean many will no longer get payment and will have to close or cut back on services."

[01:58] Dalton Rice emphasizes the critical role these health centers play:

"Health centers are largely the only primary care network in the community. And so if there's a closure or reduction in services, then it's going to be felt even more so than in maybe a suburban or urban setting because there's just not as many other options out there."

The reductions or closures of these clinics could leave many Americans, especially in underserved areas, without access to essential healthcare services.

Gun Control Legislation: Legal Challenges to Ghost Gun Regulations

[02:16] The Biden administration's regulations on "ghost guns"—unserialized firearms assembled from kits—are under scrutiny as manufacturers push back against the new rules.

[02:30] Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, discusses the ramifications of these regulations:

"We’re trying to legally, you know, fill that gap."

Following the shutdown of Polymer80, another key player in the gun kit market, Defense Distributed is seeking to launch a kit for a 9mm pistol. Wilson is challenging the administration by requesting a federal court in Texas to suspend enforcement of the ghost gun regulation.

[02:54] He adds:

"The Trump administration hasn't yet said whether it'll keep enforcing the Biden era regulation, but Wilson says he won't wait."

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between gun rights advocates and regulatory efforts aimed at controlling untraceable firearms.

International Conflict: Injuries Among American Aid Workers in Gaza

[03:13] In Gaza, two American aid workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were injured when military grenades were reportedly thrown into their food distribution site. The Israeli military attributes the attack to Hamas but has not provided evidence to support this claim. Concurrently, the United Nations reports that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while attempting to procure aid amidst the conflict.

Entertainment News: BTS Announces Comeback with New Album and World Tour

[03:13] The internationally acclaimed K-pop boy band BTS has announced their return next year with a new album and a global tour, marking their first major activities in nearly four years. This reunion follows the members' completion of mandatory military service, a requirement under South Korean law for men aged 18 to 28.

[03:55] NPR's Ava Pukach reports:

"For the members, it's a reunion. Smooth like butter, Smooth like butter, like... Criminal Undercover, Yawn, pap like trouble breaking. Into your heart like that."

The band had previously taken a hiatus in 2022 to fulfill their military duties, with each member releasing solo projects during this period. BTS's return is highly anticipated by fans worldwide, signaling a significant moment in the global music scene.

Business and Tourism: Legoland Opens in Shanghai

[04:36] A new Legoland park has officially opened in Shanghai, marking the first Legoland in China. Constructed with 85 million Lego bricks, the resort features replicas of famous landmarks, including Beijing's Temple of Heaven. This expansion brings the total number of Legoland parks to eleven worldwide, enhancing China's tourism and entertainment offerings.

Summary: Today's episode of NPR News Now covered a range of critical issues, from the tragic flash flooding in Texas and its repercussions on the local community, to significant changes in healthcare policy affecting millions. The legal battles over ghost gun regulations highlight persistent debates over gun control in the United States. On the international front, ongoing conflicts continue to impact aid workers and civilians alike. In lighter news, global entertainment giants BTS are set to make a grand return, and Legoland's expansion into Shanghai underscores the growth of themed entertainment venues worldwide.

This summary was generated based on the episode transcript of NPR News Now released on July 5, 2025.