NPR News Now – Episode Summary: July 7, 2025
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Texas Floods Devastation
Timestamp: [00:01]
NPR's Dale Willman opens the episode with a harrowing update on the severe flash floods that struck central Texas. Weather officials anticipate additional rainfall overnight, which threatens to exacerbate the already dire flooding situation. The death toll from Friday's floods has tragically risen to at least 80 individuals, with numerous others still unaccounted for.
Timestamp: [00:20] - [00:42]
Reporter Sergio Martinez Beltran provides a ground-level perspective from the Texas Hill Country, highlighting the widespread devastation. He describes how RV parks in Kerrville, Texas, are nearly deserted, as many RVs and cabins have been washed away by the Guadalupe River's powerful currents. Melvin Harris shares his personal loss, stating:
Melvin Harris: "We had friends that were camped up the road here and they didn't make it. This has been very devastating."
[00:36]
Governor Greg Abbott emphasizes the relentless nature of the rescue efforts:
Governor Greg Abbott: "Search and rescue efforts are happening 24/7."
[00:42]
U.S. Trade Tensions and Tariffs
Timestamp: [00:51]
Shifting focus to international trade, Dale Willman reports on President Donald Trump's impending deadline to lift the suspension on tariffs imposed on numerous U.S. trading partners. Initially, Trump had predicted that this pause would result in dozens of tariff actions, but only two have been enacted thus far.
Timestamp: [01:08]
In a press briefing, President Trump outlines his strategy to enhance compliance with his trade policies:
Donald Trump: "It could be maybe as many as 15 or so, and they'll be going out on Monday and some will go out on Tuesday and Wednesday. And it'll and we've we've made deals also, so we're going to have a combination of letters and some deals have been made."
[01:08]
Trade officials indicate that the forthcoming letters serve as warnings of increased tariffs slated to commence in August.
BRICS Bloc Criticism
Timestamp: [01:22]
Further complicating the global trade landscape, the BRICS bloc—comprising developing nations—has voiced strong opposition to the escalation of U.S. tariffs and recent attacks on Iran. Leaders from the bloc convened in Rio de Janeiro, where their summit declaration also condemned NATO's heightened military expenditures. They expressed significant concern over the potential disruptions to global trade engendered by these tariff measures.
OPEC's Production Increase to Lower Gas Prices
Timestamp: [02:15]
In the energy sector, eight members of the OPEC alliance have announced plans to boost oil production by over half a million barrels per day starting in August. This strategic move aims to stabilize or potentially reduce gas prices amid fluctuating market demands. The decision was finalized during a recent weekend meeting of OPEC representatives.
Impact of Heat and Wildfire Smoke on Pregnancy
Timestamp: [02:15] - [02:47]
NPR's Alejandra Barunda introduces a concerning study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, which explores the effects of heat and wildfire smoke exposure on unborn babies. The research indicates that pregnant individuals subjected to extreme heat and smoke—especially during the preconception period and the first trimester—are more likely to give birth to smaller infants.
Roxanna Khalili, the study's lead author from the University of Southern California, emphasizes the critical periods of vulnerability:
Roxanna Khalili: "Preconception and first trimester were important time periods for heat stress exposure and linked to having an infant that was smaller in size."
[02:38]
Medical professionals advise expectant mothers to take precautions such as staying hydrated and wearing masks during smoky conditions to mitigate these risks.
Broadway's Record-Breaking Season
Timestamp: [02:56]
Dale Willman shifts to the cultural sector, highlighting significant achievements on Broadway. "The Picture of Dorian Gray," featuring Sarah Snook from Succession, concluded its limited run on June 29, successfully recouping its $8.75 million investment.
Timestamp: [03:20]
Jeff London elaborates on Broadway's financial success, noting that the season saw plays outperform musicals in terms of profitability:
Jeff London: "To be fair, musicals cost a lot more money and take a longer time to turn a profit. But this past season, plays helped make the Broadway box office tally at $1.9 billion, the highest in Broadway history."
[03:20]
Other notable productions that contributed to this financial triumph include "Good Night and Good Luck" starring George Clooney, "Glengarry Glen Ross" with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, and Cole Escola's farce "Omer." The potential profitability of new musicals remains to be seen.
Red Sea Ship Attack and Regional Tensions
Timestamp: [04:07]
Concluding the episode, Dale Willman reports on a troubling incident in the Red Sea where a commercial vessel was set ablaze. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, suspicions fall on the Houthi militants from Yemen. A security firm analyzing the attack suggests the use of drone boats laden with bombs, alongside small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
In retaliation, Israeli forces launched strikes targeting sites in Yemen on Monday morning. Israeli officials have stated that these actions are a direct response to the Houthi's attack on the ship, indicating escalating tensions in the region.
End of Summary