NPR News Now: July 8, 2025, 4 AM EDT

Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

1. Catastrophic Flash Flooding in Central Texas

Timestamp: [00:19]

NPR's Shea Stevens opens the episode with breaking news about severe flash flooding in Central Texas. The disaster has resulted in a death toll surpassing 100, with hundreds injured and at least 11 individuals still missing. The floodwaters have surged rapidly, causing widespread devastation across the region.

• Details of the Disaster:
  The Guadalupe River experienced unprecedented levels, rising more than 26 feet in less than an hour early Friday. Authorities warned that the region is receiving additional rainfall this morning, exacerbating the flooding situation.

2. White House Defends National Weather Service Amid Criticism

Timestamp: [00:43]

In the wake of the flooding disaster, questions have arisen regarding the National Weather Service's (NWS) preparedness and warnings prior to the storm. The White House has stepped in to defend the agency against allegations of inadequate staffing and support.

• Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary, Responds:
  "The National Weather Service office in New Braunfels, which delivers forecasts for Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding areas, had extra staff on duty during the storms despite claims of the contrary. So to any person who has deliberately lied about these facts surrounding this catastrophic event, you should be deeply ashamed. At this time, the administration's focus will be on giving the victims in their communities the support they deserve during these recovery efforts in this tragic time." [00:43]

Levitt emphasizes that the NWS was adequately staffed and any misinformation about staff cuts crippling the agency is unfounded. The administration aims to concentrate on supporting the affected communities during the recovery phase.

3. U.S. Trade Policy: New Tariffs on Exports

Timestamp: [01:12]

The episode transitions to international trade tensions, highlighting the Trump administration's recent actions affecting global trade dynamics. At least 14 countries may face new tariffs on their exports to the United States starting August 1st.

• Reporting by Danielle Kurtzleben:
  "In a series of social media posts, President Trump released letters to the leaders of several foreign countries, including major trading partners Japan and South Korea. Those countries' goods will have 25% tariffs, but some countries will now face tariffs of 40%." [01:33]

Kurtzleben explains that these tariffs are an escalation from the initial 10% imposed on nearly every country on April 2nd. President Trump had previously rolled back these tariffs shortly after their initial implementation but indicated plans to reinstate them after 90 days on July 9th. The administration has now postponed this deadline to August 1st, signaling a potential increase in tariffs for certain countries without prior negotiations.

4. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduran and Nicaraguan Migrants

Timestamp: [02:18]

Shea Stevens reports on the impending deportation of thousands of migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua who are losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the Trump administration.

• Report by Juliana Kim:
  "About 4,000 people from Nicaragua and 72,000 people from Honduras had been covered by Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. The program allows people from countries hit by war or disaster to live and work legally in the U.S. Honduras and Nicaragua were granted TPS in 1999 following Hurricane Mitch. On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security said the two countries have recovered enough for TPS recipients to return. The protections are slated to end in September." [02:32]

Kim details that the Trump administration is systematically ending TPS for numerous countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nepal, Haiti, and Venezuela. This move affects tens of thousands of migrants, removing their legal status to live and work in the United States and facing possible deportation.

5. Legal Battle Over Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood

Timestamp: [03:14]

The podcast highlights a significant legal development where a federal judge is temporarily blocking the Trump administration's attempt to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. The contested provision stems from a tax and spending plan passed by Congress, which prohibits funding for organizations providing family planning services, reproductive health care, and related services, including abortions.

• Impact on Healthcare Services:
  Critics argue that this restriction could limit access to essential health screenings such as Pap smears and mammograms at clinics that also offer abortion services, thereby hindering patients' ability to receive comprehensive reproductive health care.

6. Declining Global Birth Rates: United Nations Study

Timestamp: [03:56]

NPR's Brian Mann discusses a new United Nations study revealing a significant decline in birth rates worldwide, with profound implications for global economies and social structures.

• Findings of the Study:
  "Roughly half as many children are being born to women in the US and around the world compared with 1960. Countries with the world's largest economies, including the US, are seeing so few babies, populations are expected to age and begin to shrink." [03:56]

• Insights from Vladimira Kadyrova, UN's Chief Population Scientist:
  "We did not have historic experience with such a low fertility level, so this is something new for many countries." [04:18]

The study highlights that nations like China, Japan, and Italy are experiencing drastic drops in birth rates, leading to aging populations and potential economic strain on systems like Social Security. However, there are positive aspects, such as increased female independence and a significant reduction in adolescent pregnancies, which contribute to these demographic shifts.

7. China Eases Visa Requirements for 74 Countries

Timestamp: [04:40]

The episode concludes with an update on China's changing visa policies, aimed at boosting tourism and international relations.

• Policy Changes:
  "China is using its visa policy to allow citizens from 74 countries, including most of Europe, to visit for up to 30 days without permission. More than 20 million foreign visitors entered China without visas last year." [04:40]

This move simplifies travel procedures for a substantial number of countries, potentially stimulating economic growth through increased tourism and fostering stronger diplomatic ties.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative aspects of the podcast episode.