NPR News Now: July 8, 2025, 3AM EDT

Hosted by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive update on the latest national and international events. The following summary captures all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. Central Texas Grapples with Devastating Flooding

[00:17 – 00:37]

Host: Shea Stevens

Parts of Central Texas are on high alert for impending heavy rainfall, following catastrophic flash flooding that has tragically claimed over 100 lives. The region remains in a state of emergency as communities strive to recover from the devastation.

Reporter: Sergio Martinez Bertrand

• Location Impacted: Guadalupe River in Kerry County, Texas.
• Current Status: Significant debris remains, but cleanup operations are underway. Trucks are actively removing cars, trees, and other debris from the river.
• Infrastructure: Highway 39, a crucial artery along the Guadalupe River, has been closed to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.

Quote: "We're starting to see cleanup operations kick off," Bertrand noted at 00:37, emphasizing the commencement of recovery efforts amid ongoing search and rescue operations.

2. Democrats Seek Updates on Election Security Amid Concerns

[01:06 – 02:11]

Host: Shea Stevens

Democrats on Capitol Hill are urgently requesting detailed updates on the government's election security measures, expressing apprehension over potential vulnerabilities ahead of the midterm elections.

Reporter: Jenna McLaughlin

• Entities Involved: Committee on House Administration and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
• Primary Concern: Recent personnel cuts at the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), especially those affecting election security experts.
• Demands:
  • A copy of CISA's internal review of election security work.
  • An in-person briefing with CISA officials.

Quote: Rep. Joseph Morelli of New York stated in the letter, there is an urgent need for "updates on election security work" to ensure the nation's preparedness (01:26).

Outcome: CISA has not yet responded to NPR's request for comment.

3. President Trump's Escalation of Tariffs Impacts Markets

[02:11 – 03:08]

Host: Shea Stevens

In a significant economic development, President Trump has notified 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, of impending tariffs of at least 25% on imports starting August 1st. This move has led to a decline in Wall Street stocks.

Reporter: Scott Horsley

• Tariff Details:
  • Initial proposal was similar in April, but a temporary reduction to 10% was agreed upon following a stock market sell-off.
  • Current announcement threatens tariffs of 25%, with potential for higher rates on other trading partners.
• Market Reaction:
  • Immediate drop in Wall Street stocks.
  • Investors are speculating whether Trump will uphold the harsher tariff threats.
• Negotiation Window: A 90-day period for negotiating new trade deals is nearing its end, with few agreements reached so far.
• Trump's Stance: Tariff rates may adjust if other countries open their markets to U.S. exports.

Quote: "Trump did say in his letters that tariff rates could be adjusted if other countries take steps to open their own markets to U.S. exports," Horsley explained at 02:25, highlighting the conditional nature of the tariff implementation.

4. Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Yields No New Evidence

[03:08 – 03:56]

Host: Shea Stevens

A recent review by the Justice Department and FBI into Jeffrey Epstein's documents concludes there is no evidence that Epstein maintained a list of wealthy associates or engaged in blackmail activities. Additionally, the investigation found no indication that Epstein's New York jail cell was accessed in the hours preceding his death in August 2019.

• Background: Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges and had previous convictions for sex crimes in Florida.

5. Escalating Drone Warfare Between Ukraine and Russia

[03:08 – 04:40]

Host: Shea Stevens

Over the weekend, Ukraine and Russia engaged in intense drone warfare, intensifying the conflict and diminishing hopes for a ceasefire.

Reporter: Joanna Kakissis

• Ukraine's Response:
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky announced ongoing drone production deals with Western allies, aiming to procure hundreds of thousands of drones this year.
• Russia's Attacks:
  • Multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, were targeted by Russian drone strikes.
  • The port of Mykolai in the southeast also sustained damage.
  • Hundreds of flights at Russian airports faced delays due to these attacks.
• Pentagon's Role: Recently, the Pentagon froze the shipment of air defense munitions to Ukraine, complicating the defense efforts.

Quote: President Zelensky expressed resilience, stating, "I hope my country will receive hundreds of thousands of drones this year," at 03:56, reflecting Ukraine's determination to bolster its defense capabilities.

6. Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

[04:40 – 04:56]

Host: Shea Stevens

In a notable political gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally presented a nomination to President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu commends Trump’s efforts in advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, highlighting his contribution to regional peace initiatives.

This summary encapsulates the critical updates and discussions from the July 8, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For detailed insights and ongoing coverage, listeners are encouraged to access NPR's full broadcasts.