NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of July 10, 2025, Episode at 3AM EDT

Released on July 10, 2025, NPR News Now provides a comprehensive update on the latest happenings around the globe in a concise five-minute format. Hosted by Shea Stevens, this episode covers a range of critical topics from natural disasters and legal developments to labor negotiations and public health concerns.

1. Catastrophic Flash Floods in Central Texas

Shea Stevens opens the episode reporting on the devastating flash floods in Central Texas, which have resulted in at least 120 fatalities since July 4th, with 160 individuals still missing. The hardest-hit area is Kerr County, prompting a significant emergency response effort.

Notable Insights:

• Marian Navarro of Texas Public Radio provides an update at [00:43]:

  "Officials are working with local organizations and state agencies in the search, recovery, and identification process."

• Kerr County Sheriff Larry Letha emphasizes the commitment to evaluating the emergency response:

  "As with other significant events that our emergencies services encounter, this incident will be reviewed. You have my word when or if necessary if improvements need to be made. Improvements will be made." ([00:57])

2. State Response and Legislative Priorities

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has announced that the state will allocate resources to fund alert systems, currently utilized in other Texas communities, enhancing future disaster preparedness ([01:10]).

Governor Greg Abbott has declared that flood assistance will be a priority in the upcoming special legislative session, signaling a focused legislative response to the ongoing crisis ([01:10]).

3. Supreme Court Upholds Florida's Ban on Undocumented Immigrants

In a significant judicial decision, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to strike down Florida's statute banning undocumented immigrants from entering the state. The ruling maintains the statute's enforceability, which imposes mandatory prison terms for violations ([01:27]).

NPR's Nina Totenberg elaborates at [01:41]:

"The high court's action came in a one sentence order without any elaboration and without any noted dissents. The result is that for now at least, the challenged parts of the Florida law are dead on arrival."

The decision follows a pattern where federal judges have previously blocked similar state-level attempts in Oklahoma, Idaho, Iowa, and Texas, citing conflicts with federal immigration laws. Immigrant rights groups had contested the Florida law, arguing its inconsistency with overarching federal statutes.

4. Philadelphia Labor Negotiations Resume Services

The city of Philadelphia is set to resume trash pickups and pool openings following a tentative contract agreement with AFSCME District Council 33, who had been on strike. The union initially demanded a 5% wage increase over four years but ultimately secured a 3% annual raise.

Mayor Sherrell Parker commented on the agreement at [02:48]:

"It will increase District Council 33 members' pay 14% over my four years in office."

Despite the resolution, some union members expressed disappointment with the concessions. Local 33 President Greg Bolwer voiced his personal dissatisfaction:

"I'm unhappy with the tentative offer myself, but union leaders did the best they could." ([02:59])

5. Video Game Performers Ratify New Labor Contracts

An important development in the entertainment industry saw unionized video game performers ratify a new contract with major employers including Activision and Disney. This agreement concludes a nearly three-year long negotiation process, which featured a year-long strike.

Key Provisions of the New Contract:

• Higher Pay: Improved compensation for performers.
• Likeness Usage: Requires permission for the use of a performer's likeness.
• AI Provisions: New guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence in performance contexts.

6. Measles Cases Surge to a 30-Year High in the United States

The United States is witnessing a concerning rise in measles cases, totaling 1,288 so far this year—the highest since 1992. NPR's Maria Godoy reports from The Hague at [03:51]:

"The last time the US saw more measles cases was in 1992, eight years before the disease was declared eliminated in the country."

The resurgence is attributed to increased transmission in more than three dozen states, including a significant outbreak in Texas. The CDC reports 155 hospitalizations and three deaths linked to measles.

Public Health Expert Caitlin Rivers from the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Johns Hopkins underscores the severity:

"Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to humans."

She and other experts advocate for vaccination as the most effective measure to prevent further spread:

"We really hate to see this resurgence of a preventable virus." ([04:08])

7. European Court of Human Rights Holds Russia Accountable for War Crimes

In an international legal verdict, the European Court of Human Rights has found Russia liable for extensive violations of international law. The court's decision references four major cases, including the notorious 2014 downing of a Malaysian Airlines flight.

Additional Violations Cited:

• Murder, torture, and rape of civilians.
• Kidnapping of Ukrainian children during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine over the past three years.

This landmark ruling emphasizes the court's stance against egregious breaches of human rights and international norms by state actors.

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a thorough overview of pressing issues, from natural disasters and legal battles to labor negotiations and public health crises. Through insightful reporting and authoritative voices, listeners are kept informed of significant developments shaping our world.