NPR News Now: July 6, 2025, 3 PM EDT

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

1. Devastating Floods in Kerr County, Texas

Nora Ramm opens the broadcast with a heart-wrenching update on the ongoing flood situation in Kerr County, Texas.

• Death Toll: As of the latest reports, 59 lives have been lost, including 21 children. Governor Greg Abbott has assured that rescue operations will continue around the clock despite challenging conditions.

• Rescue Efforts: Kerr County Sheriff Larry Letha emphasized the magnitude of the rescue operations:

  “[00:45] Sheriff Larry Letha: At present, there's over 400 first responders for more than 20 agencies that are working in Kerr County. We have more than a dozen K9 working in and near the river. More than 100 air, water and ground vehicles are in the field right now working on this search and rescue.”

• Missing Campers: Eleven campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. Ground crews initiated their search early Sunday morning at 6 AM, facing obstacles like fallen trees and overturned vehicles.

2. U.S. Trade Deals and Upcoming Tariff Increases

Nora Ramm transitions to economic news, highlighting significant developments in U.S. trade policy.

• Trade Agreements Nearing Completion: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen announced that the U.S. is close to finalizing several trade deals. He indicated that major announcements are expected in the coming days.

• Tariff Hikes Scheduled: President Donald Trump has slated July 9 for increasing tariffs on most countries. Danielle Kurtzleben provides an in-depth analysis:

  “[01:47] Danielle Kurtzleben: 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. So soon we're going to find out how much American businesses and likely consumers will be paying for imports.”

• Negotiated Rates: To date, tariffs with the UK and Vietnam have been negotiated. The detailed impact on American consumers and businesses awaits the official tariff rate announcements.

3. Ceasefire Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas

The global spotlight shifts to the Middle East as Nora Ramm reports on pivotal peace talks.

• Diplomatic Efforts in Qatar: Israeli negotiators are meeting in Qatar to discuss a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal includes:

  • Hostage Releases: Hamas to release eight hostages at the start of the ceasefire and two more on the 50th day.

  • Reciprocation by Israel: In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners.

• Conditions and Challenges: Hamas demands assurances that the ceasefire will lead to a permanent end of hostilities, along with significant humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from recently captured territories.

• Upcoming Presidential Announcement: President Trump is anticipated to announce the ceasefire deal during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

  “[02:28] Daniel Estrin: President Trump is expected to announce the ceasefire deal as early as Monday with Netanyahu in the White House. But it's unclear when the ceasefire would begin.”

4. Wildfires Ravage Syria and Impact Maternal Health

Nora Ramm brings attention to environmental and health crises unfolding in Syria.

• Wildfire Crisis: For the fourth consecutive day, wildfires are raging along Syria's coast, displacing hundreds of families. International aid teams from the United Nations are assessing the situation to determine urgent humanitarian needs. Assistance is also being provided by firefighting crews from Turkey and Jordan.

• Environmental Impact: Syrian authorities report that hundreds of thousands of trees have been lost to the flames.

• Health Implications: Recent studies, as reported by Alejandro Barunda, indicate that exposure to heat and wildfire smoke during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal development.

  “[03:53] Roxana Khalili: Preconception and first trimester were important time periods for heat stress exposure and linked to having an infant that was smaller in size.”

• Health Recommendations: Medical professionals advise expecting mothers to stay hydrated and use masks in smoky conditions to mitigate risks.

5. The Dalai Lama Celebrates His 90th Birthday

Nora Ramm highlights a significant cultural and spiritual milestone.

• Birthday Celebrations: The Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday by addressing thousands of followers at a temple in India, where he resides in exile. His message reflected on his life's journey:

  “[04:33] Dalai Lama: When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all.”

• Future Outlook: Expressing optimism, the Dalai Lama shared his hope to live another 40 years, continuing his role as a spiritual leader and advocate for peace.

6. Threat to Public Media Funding in the U.S.

Concluding the broadcast, Nora Ramm delivers critical news affecting public media.

• Funding Cuts Approved: The House of Representatives has greenlit a White House proposal to rescind two years of funding previously allocated for public media. This rescission package is now advancing to the Senate.

• Implications: The proposed funding cuts pose a significant threat to local stations and the broader public media landscape in the United States.

• Call to Action: Listeners are urged to defend public media by taking a stand:

  “Please take a stand for public media today@goacpr.org thank you.”

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