NPR News: July 8, 2025, 9PM EDT
Host: Windsor Johnston
1. Central Texas Flooding: Search and Rescue Continues
Search and rescue operations have entered their fifth day in Central Texas amidst devastating floods that have tragically claimed 109 lives.
Governor Greg Abbott provided a heartfelt update after visiting the affected Texas Hill Country:
“The hearts of our fellow Texans are breaking every single day. There's nothing more important on our hearts and minds than the people of this community, especially those who are still lost.” [00:40]
Officials report that over 160 individuals remain missing, including many children from a local summer camp. The community remains on high alert as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for.
2. Wisconsin Supreme Court Clears Path for Conversion Therapy Ban
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has delivered a pivotal 4-3 ruling that enables the state to ban conversion therapy, a practice widely discredited by scientists and mental health professionals.
Reporter Mayan Silver from WUWM in Milwaukee detailed the developments:
“Since April 2024, a Wisconsin professional licensing board has labeled conversion therapy unprofessional, but a GOP-controlled legislative committee in charge of approving state agency regulations has blocked the provision twice.” [01:21]
The court's decision challenges the legislative committee's authority, allowing Governor Tony Evers' administration to proceed with the ban. This ruling arrives amid a broader national discourse on LGBTQ rights, with the U.S. Supreme Court set to hear a related case from Colorado concerning bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth.
3. Israeli Airstrike in Northern Lebanon Claims Lives
An Israeli drone strike in northern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injured 13, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
Jawad Rizkhalla reports from Beirut:
“Israel says the drone strike near the city of Tripoli killed a key Hamas operative involved in rocket attacks on Israel during the war with Hezbollah last year.” [02:31]
Despite a ceasefire established last November, Israel has continued its airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs. The strike in the north is unusual, and local sources suggest the casualties may have included non-combatants. Efforts by the U.S. to broker a disarmament agreement with Hezbollah remain stalled, as the group insists it cannot disarm while Israeli attacks persist.
4. Financial Markets and Local Affairs
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Stock Market Update: Wall Street experienced mixed trading today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing down by 165 points. [03:11]
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Operation Near MacArthur Park, Los Angeles: Immigrant communities residing near MacArthur Park remain unsettled following a recent operation involving federal authorities and National Guard troops. The Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the operation's objectives or reasons for its abrupt conclusion, leaving the community uncertain about potential arrests or ongoing investigations. [03:11]
5. In Memoriam: Playwright Richard Greenberg
Richard Greenberg, a celebrated playwright often referred to as the "Bard of American Privilege," passed away on July 4th at the age of 67 due to cancer.
Jeff London offers a tribute:
“Born on Long Island and educated at Princeton and Yale, Richard Greenberg's plays crackled with brilliant language. His work was staged off-Broadway and in regional theaters, but several of his plays made it to Broadway, among them, ‘Three Days of Rain,’ which starred Julia Roberts, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper, ‘Eastern Standard,’ and most notably, ‘Take Me Out.’” [03:53]
Greenberg's impactful work, especially ’Take Me Out’, which explores the journey of a major league baseball player coming out as gay, earned him a Tony Award and was successfully revived in 2022, highlighting his enduring legacy in American theater.
6. Retail News: Amazon Prime Day Extended
Amazon Prime has announced an extension of its annual Prime Day through Friday, aiming to capture more consumer interest amidst fierce competition from other retailers.
Windsor Johnston reports:
“Competing retailers are having their own coinciding discount days. Target is trying to lure shoppers with Circle Week and Walmart with its own set of deals starting today.” [04:36]
The extension comes as Amazon continues to be a significant financial supporter of NPR, ensuring that shoppers have ample opportunity to take advantage of the extended sales period.
Stay updated with NPR for the latest news developments.