NPR News Now: July 7, 2025, 8 PM EDT
Live from NPR News
Central Texas Faces Devastating Flash Floods
Timestamp: [00:19]
In a tragic development, Central Texas is grappling with a new flooding threat following a catastrophic flash flood that claimed at least 78 lives on Friday. Jeanine Herbst reports from Washington:
"There's a new flooding threat in Central Texas today where at least 78 people died in a flash flood Friday."
— Jeanine Herbst, [00:19]
Despite ongoing rescue efforts, dozens remain missing. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton provides an update:
Timestamp: [00:34]
"Even more rain began falling in the flooded area on Sunday afternoon. Governor Greg Abbott said the state will continue to search for victims until they are all found."
— Gerry Clayton, [00:34]
Timestamp: [00:42]
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen emphasizes the urgency of providing accurate information to affected families:
"We know that parents and families, they want information, they want closure. And we want them to know that we are working as swiftly as possible to get them accurate information that will provide that closure."
— Scott Bessen, [00:42]
Timestamp: [00:56]
Gerry Clayton adds:
"There are over 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies working in Kerr County, including searchers on foot, in boats, and aircraft. Officials expect the death toll to rise not only in Kerr County but in several other areas of the state that have experienced flooding."
— Gerry Clayton, [00:56]
The situation remains dire as rescue operations continue amid persistent rainfall, raising concerns of further casualties across Texas.
President Trump's Tariffs Deal Approaches Deadline
Timestamp: [01:15]
The United States is at a critical juncture in its trade negotiations as President Trump sets a firm deadline for a tariffs deal by Wednesday. Jeanine Herbst outlines the situation:
"President Trump says the deadline for his tariffs deal is Wednesday, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen says some countries may have more time."
— Jeanine Herbst, [01:15]
NPR’s Luke Garrett reports on the negotiations:
Timestamp: [01:26]
"Trading partners that make deals with the US before August 1st can escape stiff tariff hikes. Bessen told CNN that originally July 9th was the deadline. Bessen says President Trump is sending letters to these countries with a trade deal ultimatum."
— Luke Garrett, [01:26]
Timestamp: [01:40]
Secretary Bessen warns:
"If you don't move things along, then on August 1st you will boomerang back to your April 2nd tariff level."
— Scott Bessen, [01:40]
Timestamp: [01:48]
"Those so-called reciprocal tariff rates reached as high as 50% and when first implemented, crashed the stock market, though it has since recovered. Bessen says Trump's strategy is maximum pressure."
— Luke Garrett, [01:48]
Timestamp: [01:59]
Bessen concludes:
"If you want to speed things up, have it. If you want to go back to the old rate, that's your choice."
— Scott Bessen, [01:59]
Timestamp: [02:04]
"Bessen says he expects several big trade announcements in the coming days."
— Luke Garrett, [02:04]
As the deadline looms, global markets are watching closely, anticipating significant trade developments in the coming days.
Ceasefire Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas
Timestamp: [02:13]
Israeli negotiators are currently in Qatar engaged in ceasefire talks with Hamas, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump in Washington tomorrow. Jeanine Herbst reports:
"Israeli negotiators are in Qatar for ceasefire talks with Hamas as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump in Washington tomorrow."
— Jeanine Herbst, [02:13]
NPR’s Daniel Estrin provides more details:
Timestamp: [02:24]
"Talks in Qatar are aimed at reaching a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. According to the ceasefire proposal, Hamas would release eight living hostages at the start of the ceasefire and two more hostages on the 50th day. Israel would release Palestinian prisoners."
— Daniel Estrin, [02:24]
The proposed ceasefire includes:
- Hostage Releases: Initial release of eight hostages, followed by two more after 50 days.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel commits to releasing Palestinian prisoners.
Timestamp: [02:24]
"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."
— Daniel Estrin, [02:24]
However, tensions remain as Israel states that Hamas is seeking unacceptable changes to the proposal. Specific demands from Hamas include:
- Permanent Peace: Guarantees that the talks will lead to a permanent end of the conflict.
- Humanitarian Aid: Ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance as per the previous UN System guidelines.
- Troop Withdrawal: Israeli forces to withdraw from areas captured in recent months.
The negotiations remain fragile, with significant hurdles to achieving a lasting ceasefire.
Wildlife Encounters Captured by Security Cameras in Anchorage
Timestamp: [03:10]
Shifting focus to a lighter topic, Anchorage residents are discovering abundant wildlife through their security cameras. Jeanine Herbst introduces the story:
"In recent years, more people are using some sort of security camera to monitor outside of their homes. In Anchorage, Alaska, those cameras also end up capturing footage of the city's abundant wildlife, from nosy moose to playful bear cubs."
— Jeanine Herbst, [03:10]
Ava White from Alaska Public Media reports:
Timestamp: [03:38]
Donna Gail Shaw oversees a network of nine trail cameras on Anchorage’s east side:
"Because of her cameras, she knows she's not the only creature that walks these trails."
— Ava White, [03:38]
Timestamp: [03:49]
Emily Bokar shares her experiences:
"I get lynx, wolves, coyotes, foxes, brown bears, black bears, moose."
— Emily Bokar, [03:49]
Timestamp: [03:59]
"They've captured everything from a bear sniffing her flower baskets to a pair of moose feasting on Halloween pumpkins."
— Emily Bokar, [03:59]
Residents find joy in these unexpected wildlife visitors:
Timestamp: [04:09]
"It's something she's never experienced anywhere else."
— Ava White, [04:15]
The presence of diverse wildlife adds a unique charm to Anchorage’s community life, offering residents delightful glimpses into the natural world surrounding their homes.
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits the U.S. East Coast
Timestamp: [04:23]
Meteorological conditions are tense as Tropical Depression Chantal intensified into a tropical storm upon making landfall in northeastern South Carolina today. Jeanine Herbst provides the update:
"Tropical Depression Chantal came ashore as a tropical storm across northeastern South Carolina today. The storm is dropping heavy rain in places, causing flooding and tornado warnings in parts of North Carolina as it moved up the Mid-Atlantic."
— Jeanine Herbst, [04:23]
Timestamp: [04:23]
Forecasters warn of ongoing dangers:
"The storm is expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents along beaches over the next day or so."
— Jeanine Herbst, [04:23]
As Tropical Storm Chantal progresses along the coast, residents are urged to stay informed and heed local advisories to ensure safety.
Market Movements
Timestamp: [03:10] & [04:23]
Financial markets reflected the day's tumultuous events, with Wall Street and U.S. futures trading lower at the time of reporting.
Additionally, crude oil futures saw a decline:
"Crude oil futures are trading lower at this hour, down 1.5% at $65.97 a barrel."
— Jeanine Herbst, [04:23]
Market analysts attribute these movements to ongoing geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and shifting economic policies impacting global trade dynamics.
Stay informed with NPR News for the latest updates on these and other stories affecting our world.