NPR News Now: July 8, 2025, 10AM EDT – Detailed Summary

Hosted by Kristen Wright, this episode of NPR News Now covers a range of urgent and significant news stories from across the globe. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Devastating Flash Floods in Texas

[00:15]
Kristen Wright opens the episode by reporting on the catastrophic flash flooding in Texas. As the search for missing survivors enters its fifth day, hope diminishes amidst the extensive floodwaters, wreckage, and debris. The death toll has tragically surpassed 100 individuals, with the majority of victims located in Kerr County.

Key Points:

• Ongoing Search Efforts: Authorities continue to navigate through challenging conditions to locate survivors.
• Rising Casualties: The significant loss of life has sparked questions about the preventability of the mass casualties.
• Upcoming Official Update: Texas officials are slated to provide further information within the hour.

Market Impact:
The disaster has also had repercussions on the financial markets. Scott Horsley reports that the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by approximately 40 points in early trading as President Trump announced the postponement of his tariff deadline.

2. U.S. Economic Policies and International Relations

[01:01]
Scott Horsley delves into the economic ramifications of President Trump's recent decisions. Despite threats of imposing 25% tariffs on exports from Japan and South Korea, stock markets in these countries rose overnight, indicating a complex international response.

Notable Quote:
"Trump pushed back the effective date for those import taxes until August 1st, suggesting there's still some room for negotiation." – Scott Horsley [01:15]

Additional Economic Concerns:

• Red Sea Shipping Routes: Houthi rebels from Yemen have resumed attacks in the Red Sea, sinking vessels and compelling shipping companies to reroute around Africa's southern tip, impacting global trade.
• Corporate Leadership Changes: Kirk Tanner, CEO of Wendy’s, is set to become the new CEO of Hershey’s next month, signaling significant leadership transitions in major American corporations.

3. U.S. Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

[01:44]
Kristen Wright reports that President Trump has declared the U.S. will increase its military support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, now in its fourth year.

Notable Quote:
"We're going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They're getting hit very hard now." – President Trump [01:49]
Reported by Steve Futterman

Context:

• Pentagon's Role: The announcement follows a recent halt by the Pentagon on weapons shipments to Ukraine.
• US-Russia Relations: The tension between the U.S. and Russia remains high, with both nations frequently exchanging attacks related to the Ukraine invasion.

4. Federal Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles

[02:22]
Steve Futterman provides details on a controversial incident involving federal immigration agents in Los Angeles. In the late morning, numerous agents, some heavily armed and others on horseback, entered MacArthur Park—a central area for the city's immigrant population.

Notable Reactions:

• Mayor Karen Bass:
  "They shouldn't go to work. They shouldn't go to school because we're coming after you." [02:46]
  Mayor Bass condemned the action as an act of intimidation, highlighting the presence of children from summer camps in the park during the raid.

• Customs and Border Patrol Perspective:
  "LA should get used to this because it's going to be normal very soon." – Gregory Bovino, Customs and Border Patrol Chief [02:46]

Implications:
The incident has sparked debates over federal immigration policies and their impact on local communities, especially amid the presence of minors affected by these enforcement actions.

5. San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, Spain

[03:10]
Miguel Macias reports on the annual San Fermín festival, renowned for its "Running of the Bulls" tradition in Pamplona. On the second day of the nine-day festivities, an unusual delay occurred when a bull named Gaminante took over five minutes to reach the bullfighting arena, deviating from the typical sub-three-minute arrival.

Incident Details:

• Unexpected Delay: The prolonged journey resulted in one person being gored and subsequently hospitalized, though they remain in stable condition.
• Festival Atmosphere: Despite the scare, the festival continues to attract thousands who participate in the adrenaline-fueled event.

Cultural Significance:
The San Fermín festival remains a testament to enduring cultural traditions, balancing celebration with the inherent risks of such festivities.

6. Legal Proceedings and Public Health Controversies

[04:13]
Kristen Wright covers two significant developments:

• Diddy Combs' Legal Case:
  Sean "Diddy" Combs is scheduled for a virtual hearing to discuss his sentencing after being found guilty of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. His defense and prosecution seek an expedited timeline, moving the originally set sentencing date from October 3rd forward.

• Public Health Litigation:
  The American Academy of Pediatrics, alongside several public health organizations, has initiated a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The lawsuit challenges his decision to cease recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women, sparking a significant debate over public health policy and vaccine recommendations.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a spectrum of pressing issues—from natural disasters and international conflicts to domestic policy debates and cultural events. Each segment provides listeners with in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the day's most critical news.

For more updates and detailed reporting, tune into NPR News Now or visit npr.org.