NPR News Now – July 5, 2025, 5PM EDT

Central Texas Flash Flooding Claims Lives and Leaves Dozens Missing

In a devastating event on Friday, central Texas experienced severe flash flooding that has tragically resulted in the loss of at least 32 lives, including 14 children. The area most impacted is Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, where the aftermath of the floods has left the community in ruins.

Jeanine Herbst reported from Washington, highlighting the ongoing rescue efforts:

"In central Texas, the death toll in the flash flooding Friday has risen to at least 32, including 14 children."

Field reporter Sergio Martinez Beltran provided a vivid description of the destruction:

"Parts of [Camp Mystic] were washed away and the area around this place is completely destroyed. It's pretty incredible. Huge trees are down, cars are stuck on them. There are also huge boulders in the middle of the road."
(00:37)

The Guadalupe River's violent waters have made search and rescue operations extremely challenging. Authorities continue to scour the area for more than two dozen children reported missing from the summer camp, adding to the community's anguish.

Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Community Health Clinics Nationwide

Approximately 1,500 federally funded community health clinics that serve over 3 million people are facing potential closures due to the Trump administration's new tax and spending law. These clinics provide essential free or reduced-cost healthcare services, many of which rely heavily on Medicaid funding.

Jeanine Herbst introduced the story, with Yuki Noguchi elaborating on the implications:

"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 they will no longer get payment and will have to close or cut back on services."
(01:26)

Joe Dunn of the National Association of Community Health Centers emphasized the regional impact:

"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."
(01:49)

The cuts are expected to disproportionately affect rural areas, where alternative healthcare options are scarce, exacerbating existing disparities in medical access.

Violence in Gaza Intensifies Amidst Aid Distribution Efforts

Tensions in Gaza have escalated as the Israeli military reported an attack on a distribution site, resulting in injuries to two Americans working for a U.S.-based aid organization. Concurrently, Gaza health officials have reported that over 70 Palestinians have been killed, including many seeking food assistance.

Jeanine Herbst provided the initial report, followed by details from Jana Raf:

"The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation... says the wounded were treated for non life-threatening injuries. It blamed Hamas for the attack, but did not provide evidence."
(02:22)

The situation has been further complicated by Israel's halt of most incoming aid to Gaza since March and the introduction of a new system in May aimed at bypassing UN agencies to address widespread hunger. The United Nations has noted that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access aid around GHF sites.

In response to reports of civilian casualties, the Israeli military has stated that it has issued "new instructions to its forces on lessons learned," although it has not confirmed the exact number of casualties. The ongoing conflict continues to draw international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.

High Altitude Mammals Exhibit Diminished Sense of Smell

A surprising scientific discovery reveals that mammals inhabiting high altitude mountainous regions may have a significantly reduced sense of smell. Researchers found that these animals have lost key genes associated with olfaction.

Jeanine Herbst introduced the story, with Nell Greenfield Boyce detailing the findings:

"Scientists made this unexpected discovery when they looked at the genetic codes of a bunch of high altitude species like yaks and mountain goats and compared them to mammals that live at lower elevations."
(03:32)

Nathan Clark, a biologist from the University of Pittsburgh, explained:

"Animals that live high up had significantly fewer olfactory receptor genes."
(03:53)

The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that the diminished reliance on the sense of smell may be due to environmental factors such as the scarcity of odorants in bare high altitude regions and the cold, dry air, which impedes the dispersion of smells. The exact reasons for this genetic loss remain under investigation.

Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches the Southeast Coast

The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches and warnings along the Carolina coast as Tropical Storm Chantal forms and moves northward. The storm currently boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 miles an hour, with higher gusts expected.

Jeanine Herbst reported on the developing weather situation:

"Scattered showers and thunderstorms from Chantal's outer bands are already hitting parts of the Carolina coasts, along with increasingly rough surf and dangerous rip currents. The storm is expected to make landfall tomorrow morning in South Carolina as a weak tropical storm."
(04:21)

Residents are advised to stay alert for updates and prepare for potential impacts, including rough seas and sporadic heavy rainfall. While Chantal is not projected to be a major storm, its approach underscores the importance of preparedness in hurricane-prone regions.

This summary encapsulates the key stories covered in the NPR News Now episode from July 5, 2025. From tragic natural disasters and healthcare challenges to geopolitical conflicts, scientific breakthroughs, and weather updates, these reports provide a comprehensive overview of the pressing issues shaping our world today.