NPR News Now: July 8, 2025, 6AM EDT

Hosted by Kristen Wright

1. Catastrophic Flash Flooding in Texas

Overview: Five days have passed since severe flash flooding devastated Texas, leading to a tragic loss of over 100 lives. The city of Kerrville has been particularly hard-hit, bearing the brunt of the disaster.

Key Developments:

• Mayor's Statement: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring expressed profound gratitude for the global assistance received. He emphasized the importance of organized volunteer efforts, urging those willing to help to register with the Salvation Army to ensure coordinated search and rescue operations.

  "We need focused and coordinated volunteers, not random people just showing up and doing what they do." – Dan Katz, Texas Public Radio Reporter [00:46]

• State Response: In response to criticisms about the initial handling of weather alerts and the absence of an early warning siren system, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick assured that the state would fund the installation of a siren system in Kerrville by next summer if the city lacks the resources.

• Ongoing Rescue Efforts: The search and rescue operations remain intensive, with thousands involved in locating the missing and assisting affected families.

2. International Relations and Diplomatic Initiatives

Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made headlines by nominating U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts towards peace in the Middle East.

"I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It's nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well deserved." – Benjamin Netanyahu [01:28]

Ceasefire Efforts Between Israel and Hamas: Netanyahu is currently in Washington to collaborate with U.S. officials aiming to broker a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, striving to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza.

Discussions on Iran: Amidst the peace talks, both leaders are also addressing the situation with Iran, following its recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Notably, the U.S. coordinated an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities last month. President Trump announced plans to engage with Iranian officials in the upcoming weeks to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.

U.S. Tariffs on Trade Partners: President Trump declared a 25% tariff on goods imported from major trading partners, including Japan and South Korea. He has sent letters to these countries outlining the new rates and expressing willingness to enter negotiations. The deadline for the new tariffs to take effect is set for August 1st.

3. Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released findings indicating no evidence that the deceased Jeffrey Epstein maintained a client list or engaged in blackmailing influential individuals.

Details from the Investigation:

• Dan Katz's Report: An unsigned two-page memo outlines the exhaustive review conducted by the DOJ, concluding that Epstein died by suicide in his federal lockup in New York City in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

  "Those are some of the conclusions contained in an unsigned two page memo outlining the quote, unquote exhaustive review the department conducted of the Epstein files in its possession." – Dan Katz [02:27]

• Public Skepticism: Despite the official findings, conspiracy theories persist due to Epstein's connections with the wealthy and powerful. Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged ongoing reviews, maintaining that certain documents, such as the alleged client list, are still under examination.

  "It's sitting on my desk right now to review." – Attorney General Pam Bondi [02:27]

4. Surge in Measles Cases Across the United States

The United States has reported its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with over 1,200 confirmed cases this year alone.

Epidemiological Insights:

• Regional Impact: The outbreak spans more than three dozen states, including the District of Columbia. Texas records the highest number of cases at 753, although the rate of new infections is decreasing in the state.

• Health Implications: Nationwide, 155 individuals have been hospitalized, and three have died as a result of measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes the majority of cases to unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination statuses.

  "Measles is highly contagious, but it is vaccine preventable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vast majority of measles cases have been in unvaccinated people or those whose vaccination status is unknown." – Maria Godoy, NPR Reporter [03:30]

5. Legal Action Against Health Secretary Over COVID-19 Vaccination Policies

The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with several other public health organizations, has initiated a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This legal action challenges his decision to discontinue recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women.

Arguments Presented:

• Grounds for Lawsuit: The plaintiffs argue that the policy is baseless and lacks scientific backing, thereby endangering the health of pregnant women and children alike.

  "The suit calls the policy baseless and uninformed and one that leaves pregnant women and all children at grave risk." – Kristen Wright [04:09]

6. Philadelphia's Municipal Workers Strike and Waste Management Crisis

Philadelphia is grappling with a mounting trash problem as municipal workers have been on strike for a week. The strike, involving approximately 9,000 city workers, centers around demands for better pay.

City's Response:

• Temporary Solutions: In an attempt to manage the situation, the city has established temporary drop-off sites for trash. However, these measures have proven insufficient, leading to widespread dumping of various types of waste.

• Negotiations: Efforts to resume negotiations between the city and the workers' union are scheduled for the day, aiming to resolve the strike and restore regular waste management services.

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