NPR News Now: July 6, 2025, 2PM EDT
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1. Devastating Texas Floods
Timestamp: 00:19
In the early hours of July 4th, Texas was struck by catastrophic floods that have left at least 67 people dead in Kerr County and 11 girls still missing after a Christian summer camp was swept away by the Guadalupe River. Nora Ramm reports that rescue crews are tirelessly working to aid those affected.
Congressman Joaquin Castro, representing the area, expressed concern over the rapid onset of the disaster: “It all happened very fast,” he told CNN, suggesting that job cutbacks at the National Weather Service and local forecasting offices may have hindered timely warnings.
Timestamp: 00:57
Scott Bessen, a key official, highlighted the potential consequences of reduced personnel in critical agencies: “There is a risk that you won't have the personnel to make that, do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, and it could lead to tragedy.” While cautious, Bessen emphasized the need for an investigation into the matter.
Timestamp: 01:17
In response to the floods, President Trump announced via social media that he has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County to mobilize necessary resources.
2. Trade and Tariff Deal Deadlines
Timestamp: 01:39
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen provided an update on President Trump's ultimatum regarding trade and tariff agreements. He stated that “Trading partners that make deals with the US before August 1st can escape stiff tariff hikes”. Originally set for July 9th, the deadline has been extended, with Bessen noting, “If you don't move things along, then on August 1st, you will boomerang back to your April 2nd tariff level.”
Timestamp: 02:01
Bessen elaborated on the impact of the tariffs, explaining that the reciprocal tariff rates have previously reached up to 50%, which initially caused the stock market to crash. Despite recovery, he characterizes Trump's approach as one of “maximum pressure”.
Timestamp: 02:16
Luke Garrett from NPR reports optimism for imminent trade announcements: “Bessen says he expects several big trade announcements in the coming days.”
3. Deportation of Migrants to South Sudan
Timestamp: 02:23
The U.S. has deported eight migrants to South Sudan who were previously held in U.S. custody in East Africa. Michael Kaloki reports that these individuals, from countries including Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Burma, Vietnam, and South Sudan, were deported on July 4th after a Supreme Court order overruled a federal judge’s block on their deportation due to due process concerns.
Kaloki adds that the State Department has advised U.S. citizens against traveling to South Sudan, citing ongoing violent crime and armed conflict.
4. Anti-Semitic Arson Incident in Australia
Timestamp: 03:14
A suspect appeared in court in Melbourne, Australia, facing arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a synagogue on Friday night. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished without any injuries. This incident marks a troubling rise in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia since the commencement of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023.
5. Broadway's Record-Breaking Season
Timestamp: 03:55
Jeff London reports on Broadway's impressive financial performance last season, driven primarily by plays rather than musicals. The Broadway box office achieved a historic $1.9 billion, the highest ever recorded.
Notable successes include "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a one-person play that successfully recouped its $8.75 million investment, and other profitable productions like "Good Night and Good Luck" starring George Clooney, "Glengarry Glen Ross" with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, among others. London notes, “It remains to be seen whether any of the musicals which opened this past season will turn a profit.”
6. U.S. vs. Mexico in Gold Cup Final
Timestamp: 04:31
In international soccer, the Gold Cup final is set to take place tonight in Houston, featuring a showdown between the U.S. and Mexico. This matchup marks the eighth time these national teams have faced each other in the tournament's final, promising an intense and highly anticipated game.
Summary Prepared by NPR News Now