NPR News: 07-06-2025 2AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now

Episode: NPR News: 07-06-2025 2AM EDT
Release Date: July 6, 2025
Host: Dale Willman

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Devastating Flooding Claims Lives in Central Texas

Timestamp: [00:16]

Central Texas is reeling from severe flooding that has resulted in at least 43 fatalities and 27 missing persons. The disaster has prompted a large-scale response with more than 850 people rescued to date. Dale Willman reports on the tragic impact and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Dominic Anthony Walsh provides a glimpse into the community’s resilience:

"Everyone knows someone that's been affected. We have friends that are missing, friends that were recovered. So everyone's just doing what they can."
— Marissa Baldwin, [00:52]

Residents are banding together, utilizing local supply depots and online platforms to distribute essential items like blankets and towels. The tight-knit communities along the Guadalupe River are exemplifying solidarity in the face of disaster.

President Trump Faces Imminent Tariff Deadline

Timestamp: [01:13]

With only three days left until the tariff deadline, President Trump has signaled a potential increase in tariffs if new trade agreements aren't reached. Danielle Kurtzleben delves into the complexities of the current trade situation.

Danielle Kurtzleben explains:

"In July 9th, he's negotiated rates with two countries, the UK and Vietnam. So now he says he'll send out letters simply notifying countries of their tariff rates."
— [01:26]

Originally, tariffs were set at 10% temporarily, with plans to renegotiate before the rates were scheduled to rise. The looming deadline casts uncertainty over how much American businesses and consumers will ultimately pay for imports, as final tariff rates remain undecided for most countries.

Congress Debates Reforming FEMA Amidst Criticism

Timestamp: [01:58]

Congress is actively considering multiple bills aimed at overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Rebecca Hersher reports on the proposed reforms and the administration's stance.

Rebecca Hersher outlines the proposals:

"A new bill introduced by Vermont Senator Peter Welch would make it easier for rural towns to get FEMA assistance and to access federal money to help prevent damage from extreme weather."
— [02:11]

Other legislative efforts include transforming FEMA into a cabinet-level agency that reports directly to the president. The president has also established a FEMA reform council to provide recommendations later in the year, indicating a significant shift in how disaster management is handled at the federal level.

Ceasefire Talks Gain Momentum in Israel-Hamas Conflict

Timestamp: [02:50]

Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are showing signs of progress. Dale Willman covers the latest developments in the conflict and diplomatic initiatives.

Willman reports:

"Israel announced on Sunday it will be sending a negotiating team to talks that will get underway this week in Qatar."
— [02:50]

Additionally, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Israel's Prime Minister in Washington to advocate for a sustainable deal in Gaza. Despite these efforts, the violence continues, with 14 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes over the weekend. In London, over 20 arrests were made during pro-Palestinian protests, following the banning of the activist group Palestinian Action under anti-terrorism laws.

Paris Reopens the Seine River for Public Swimming

Timestamp: [03:52]

In a historic move, Paris has reopened the Seine River for public swimming, marking the first time in over a century that residents can safely enjoy the waters.

Eleanor Beardsley reports on the initiative:

"Paris's deputy mayor said they were happy to have proved skeptics wrong."
— [03:52]

Three designated swimming areas have been established, with daily water quality tests determining their accessibility through a flag system. This reopening follows a comprehensive cleanup effort, largely motivated by the Seine's use as a venue during last summer's Olympic Games. Additionally, 14 swimming areas outside Paris on the Seine and Marne rivers will be available, encouraging more Parisians to take advantage of the now cleaner waterways.

Athletic Triumph: Faith Kipyegon Shatters Her Own Record

Timestamp: [04:35]

Athlete Faith Kipyegon made headlines by breaking her own record in the 1500-meter track event at the 50th anniversary Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Dale Willman highlights the achievement:

"Faith Kipyegon beat her own record in the 1500 track event on Saturday, winning the event in 3 minutes, 48.68 seconds."
— [04:35]

This remarkable performance not only underscores Kipyegon's exceptional talent but also celebrates half a century of the prestigious track event, reinforcing her status as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the world.

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NPR News Now continues to deliver the latest updates and in-depth reporting on pressing issues around the globe. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage of news that impacts you.

Transcript

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[Dale Willman]

Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Willman. In central Texas, at least 43 people are dead and 27 people are missing in the wake of devastating flooding. First responders are arriving from across the state to assist with search and recovery, and more than 850 people have been rescued so far. As Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh reports, the local community is also coming together.

[Dominic Anthony Walsh]

Outside a supply depot. Marissa Baldwin and her son Hudson pull a cart full of blankets and towels. The small towns along the Guadalupe river form a tight community, and it's coming together now.

[Marissa Baldwin]

Everyone knows someone that's been affected. We have friends that are missing, friends that were recovered. So everyone's just doing what they can.

[Dominic Anthony Walsh]

The depot was bustling throughout the day as residents dropped off supplies. And on the local Facebook group, community members are offering up food and resources to anyone in need. I'm Dominic Anthony Walsh in Kerrville, Texas.

[Dale Willman]

President Trump's tariff deadline is just three days away. After backing off earlier demands, he's said tariffs will go up again this week if affected countries have not negotiated a new trade deal. And NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben has more.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, he said he plans to make a lot of tariff moves in this next week, but first let me remind you of where we are. In early April, Trump announced tariffs on most countries. Then he backed off and set those tariffs at 10% temporarily. He said that on July 9, the rates would jump back up. But then before then, he would negotiate rates country by country. Well, July 9th is coming and he's negotiated rates with two countries, the UK And Vietnam. So now he says he'll send out letters simply notifying countries of their tariff rates. So soon we're going to find out how much American businesses and likely consumers will be paying for imports.

[Dale Willman]

That's NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben. Congress is considering multiple bills that would reform the Federal Emergency management agency. As NPR's Rebecca Hershey reports, the president has said that as it exists now, FEMA should be eliminated.

[Rebecca Hersher]

FEMA is responsible for responding to major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. The agency has struggled for decades to adequately help survivors of disasters. A new bill introduced by Vermont Senator Peter Welch would make it easier for rural towns to get FEMA assistance and to access federal money to help prevent damage from extreme weather. A separate bill pending in Congress proposes even more drastic changes, including making FEMA a cabinet level agency that reports directly to the president. Meanwhile, the president has created a FEMA reform council that's supposed to make recommendations later this year. Rebecca Hersher, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

Efforts to reach a ceasefire and the fighting between Israel and Hamas appear to be gaining ground. Israel announced on Sunday it will be sending a negotiating team to talks that will get underway this week in Qatar. President Trump says he'll be meeting with Israel's prime minister in Washington on Monday to push for a deal in Gaza. Meanwhile, health officials say 14 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes this weekend. You're listening to NPR News. More than 20 people were arrested in London on Saturday after protesters gathered in central London to support the group Palestinian Action. The arrest took place just hours after pro Palestinian activist group was banned in Britain under anti terrorist laws. Activists say their group is non violent and advocates for civil disobedience. Paris has opened the Seine river for public swimming. It's the first time that's happened in more than a century. As NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports, the move follows an extensive cleanup operation spurred on by the river being used as a venue in last summer's Olympic Games.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

There are three designated swimming areas along the Seine. Daily water quality tests will be conducted with green and red flags, similar to beach safety systems, indicating whether swimming areas are open or closed. Swimming in the Seine has been illegal since 1923 due to pollution and risks posed by river navigation. Now Parisians are lined up, towels in hand, waiting for their chance to jump in. Paris's deputy mayor said they were happy to have proved skeptics wrong. In addition to the three sites within Paris, 14 swimming areas outside the capital's boundaries will be set up on the Seine and the Marne rivers. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

Paris Canyon runner Faith Kipyegon beat her own record in the 1500 track event on Saturday, winning the event in 3 minutes, 48.68 seconds. It was the 50th anniversary of the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. She had set the previous record during last year's event. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

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