NPR News: July 6, 2025, 6 PM EDT

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on critical national and international issues, along with entertainment highlights from the weekend box office.

1. Severe Flooding Threatens Central Texas

[00:19] Jeanine Herbst reported on escalating flood dangers in central Texas as heavy rains persist in the region.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the severity of the situation:

"There is heavy rainfall that's already occurred and there's more heavy rainfall that's expected that will lead to potential flash flooding."
[00:27]

The north fork of the Guadalupe River, flowing through Hunt, Texas, has been significantly impacted. Following devastating flash floods last Friday, authorities are urging residents to seek higher ground. The catastrophe has resulted in at least 78 fatalities, with dozens still missing, including 10 children and one adult from a summer camp. As search and rescue efforts continue, the community begins its arduous path to recovery.

Personal stories highlight the human toll of the disaster. Lilia Herrera, a resident, shared her devastation:

"I'm watching them throw all my stuff, all my everything. Yeah, my whole house is empty. It's devastating."
[01:19]

Governor Abbott added:

"Their home flooded with about 2ft of water and they don't have flood insurance because they say it's not in a floodplain."
[01:28]

Neighbors are rallying together to clear mud and debris, marking the initial steps toward rebuilding the affected areas.

2. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations Under Pressure

In economic news, FEMA has been activated in Texas following President Trump's major disaster declaration. Shifting focus to international trade, President Trump has set a tight deadline for resolving trade and tariff disputes:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant outlined the current stance:

"Trading partners that make deals with the US before August 1st can escape stiff tariff hikes."
[02:05]

Originally, the deadline was July 9th, but extensions to August 1st have been suggested. Secretary Bessant conveyed the administration's uncompromising approach:

"If you don't move things along, then on August 1st, you will boomerang back to your April 2nd tariff level."
[02:19]

He further explained the implications of these tariffs:

"Those so-called reciprocal tariff rates reached as high as 50% and when first implemented, crashed the stock market, though it has since recovered. Trump's strategy is maximum pressure."
[02:27]

Treasury Secretary also stated:

"If you want to speed things up, have it. If you want to go back to the old rate, that's your choice."
[02:38]

Secretary Bessant anticipates significant trade announcements in the upcoming days, indicating a critical period for U.S.-China economic relations.

Jeanine Herbst added updates on technology and national security concerns:

"President Trump says a deal is pretty much in place with China on the video app TikTok, new talks are expected to start this week."
[02:51]

The administration has delayed enforcement of laws requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest control or face a U.S. ban, offering three enforcement extensions as the negotiations continue.

3. Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday Amid Succession Uncertainty

Anthony Kuhn reported from Dharamshala, India, where the Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday amidst ongoing tensions with China regarding his succession.

The Dalai Lama addressed future leadership:

"After I die, a foundation under my office will handle my succession without any outside interference."
[03:35]

This declaration poses a direct challenge to China's stance, which asserts:

"China's government insists it has the final say over the Dalai Lama's reincarnation and is likely to appoint its own successor, possibly leading to two Dalai Lamas, one backed by the Chinese government, the other by the Tibetan government in exile."
[03:35]

The event was attended by Indian and U.S. officials, as well as Hollywood actor Richard Gere, highlighting the global significance of the Dalai Lama's leadership and the geopolitical implications of his succession.

4. Weekend Box Office Highlights

Jeanine Herbst provided an overview of the weekend's box office performance:

• Jurassic World Rebirth topped the charts with an estimated $91 million in ticket sales, bringing its worldwide total to $318 million against a production budget of $180 million.
  [04:14]

• Brad Pitt Racing Film F1 secured the second spot, earning $26 million and nearing $300 million globally.
  [04:14]

• Universal's Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon garnered $11 million, ranking third.
  [04:14]

• Additional films included Helio with $5 million and 28 Years Later with $4 million, rounding out the top five.
  [04:14]

These figures reflect the continued popularity of blockbuster franchises and high-profile releases in the competitive film market.

For more detailed coverage and ongoing updates, stay tuned to NPR News.