NPR News Now: July 8, 2025, 1PM EDT
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Source: NPR
Release Date: July 8, 2025
1. Devastating Floods in Central Texas
Timestamp: [00:18]
Lakshmi Singh opens the episode with a tragic update on the severe flash floods wreaking havoc across Central Texas. Rescue teams and volunteers have been tirelessly searching for stranded victims five days into the disaster. The toll has been catastrophic, with over 100 lives lost statewide, predominantly in Kerr County, where the floods claimed 87 lives, including 30 children.
Greg Allen reports on the response efforts:
"The National Weather Service warned on Thursday, the day before the flood, there was a considerable flash flood risk for Kerr County."
[00:51]
Despite the forewarnings, local officials remain tight-lipped about their preparedness and response actions prior to the floods. At a recent briefing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Lietha emphasized the immediate priorities:
"There are three priorities. That's locating, locating the people out there. Identify and notify the next of kin."
[01:14]
Hundreds of emergency workers are meticulously combing through debris along several miles of the Guadalupe River, striving to locate and rescue flood victims amidst the devastation.
2. President Trump's Economic and Foreign Policy Moves
Timestamp: [01:32]
In national news, President Donald Trump convenes a Cabinet meeting at the White House, addressing both economic and international challenges. He announced plans to impose higher tariffs on 14 countries effective August 1, should they fail to reach new trade agreements. This move signals a continued push for renegotiating international trade terms.
Turning to foreign affairs, Trump expressed frustration over the stalled ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia. In a terse exchange with reporters, he addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin:
"We get a lot of thrown at us by Putin for you want to know the truth? He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless."
[01:54]
Trump further questioned the effectiveness of sanctions, referencing Senator Lindsey Graham's sanctions bill on Russia:
"Do you want to say Lindsey Graham has a sanctions bill on Russia? Do you want him to move? I'm looking at it. Yeah. I'm looking to."
[01:54]
3. Cybersecurity Threats and Diplomatic Impersonations
Timestamp: [02:10]
Amidst ongoing international tensions, Ukraine has voiced support for a ceasefire with Russia. Concurrently, the U.S. State Department is actively investigating a sophisticated cybersecurity threat involving an impersonation attempt of Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the messaging platform Signal. Michelle Kellerman provides deeper insights:
"In a diplomatic cable sent to State Department staff last week, employees were told about two cybersecurity threats. One was a Signal account that was created in mid-June to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio."
[02:28]
The State Department identified that three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a member of Congress were targeted by the fraudulent account. Additionally, there is concern over a Russian-linked phishing campaign utilizing fake State Department emails aimed at former employees, think tank analysts, journalists, and dissidents. The department urges all personnel to report any impersonation attempts to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
4. Middle East Tensions and Maritime Security in the Red Sea
Timestamp: [03:12]
Global tensions escalate as five Israeli soldiers are reported killed in what the Israeli military attributes to a Hamas attack in Gaza. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 52 Palestinians over the past 24 hours, according to local health officials.
Meanwhile, in the Red Sea—a crucial maritime corridor between Asia and Europe—Yemen-based Houthi rebels are suspected of orchestrating a second attack on a vessel. A European Union naval force reported that a Liberian-flagged cargo ship came under fire, leading to the deaths of three mariners and injuring at least two others.
5. Audiobooks: The New Frontier of Reading?
Timestamp: [03:12] - [04:40]
Shifting to a lighter yet intriguing topic, an NPR Ipsos poll reveals that 40% of U.S. adults do not consider listening to an audiobook as a legitimate form of reading. Andrew Limbong explores this perception, drawing on scientific research.
Beth Rogowski, a professor at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, specializes in auditory and visual learning styles. She co-authored a 2016 study demonstrating no significant difference in comprehension between listening to an audiobook and reading a physical book:
"That was exciting news for people who join a book club but want to be able to fold laundry while they're reading the book."
[04:22]
However, Rogowski emphasizes that the study's participants were adults proficient in reading. Further research into school-aged children suggests that while audiobooks can aid those who have already mastered reading, the experience of reading from an actual book remains essential for young learners developing their reading skills:
"When you are learning to read, you really need to have the experience reading from an actual book."
[04:40]
This insight highlights the nuanced role audiobooks play in education and personal reading habits.
6. Stock Market Update
Timestamp: [04:49]
Wrapping up the news roundup, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a downturn, dropping 146 points to close at 44,261. Market fluctuations continue to reflect global economic uncertainties and investor sentiment in response to ongoing international events.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical events shaping the world on July 8, 2025. From the heartbreaking floods in Texas and high-stakes geopolitical maneuvers to cybersecurity threats and evolving perceptions of reading, listeners received a diverse and in-depth briefing on the most pressing issues of the day.
This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the NPR News Now episode.