NPR News Now Episode: NPR News: 07-10-2025 9AM EDT | Release Date: July 10, 2025
Catastrophic Flooding in Central Texas
In central Texas, search and rescue operations are ongoing as crews continue to locate more than 160 missing individuals following devastating floods that struck the region last week. The disaster has claimed at least 120 lives, leaving the community in mourning.
A large vigil was held last night, drawing hundreds of attendees paying their respects to the victims. Among those affected is Jake Ramsey, who shared his personal loss:
"It's just my dad telling us he loves us and he loves my sister. And, you know, he, he pretty much said, I think this is it. So it was, it was short and sweet, but yeah."
— Jake Ramsey [00:41]
Despite the tragedy, there was a glimmer of hope as Ramsey mentioned that his father's dog, Chloe, was successfully rescued.
Additionally, new analysis from NPR and data scientists has revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) overlooked at least 17 buildings in Camp Mystic when updating flood maps, potentially exacerbating future disaster responses.
Elon Musk Launches the American Party
Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political entity, the American Party, positioning it as a centrist alternative ahead of the midterm elections. Musk argues that there is a significant voter base seeking moderate options beyond the traditional two-party system.
"Voters want a middle ground option,"
— Elon Musk [00:55]
NPR's Elena Moore discusses the potential impact of this new party, highlighting its appeal to young men—a demographic that saw increased support for Trump in the previous election cycle.
Dan Cox, representing the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, provides a critical perspective:
"Third parties often take away votes from major parties in close races that could be a problem in the midterms. Plus, men under 30 are a valuable group for Republicans to hold onto. They were key to Trump's win last fall, but they're not reliable Republican voters."
— Dan Cox [01:25]
Cox emphasizes the unpredictability of young men's political affiliations, noting:
"Polling shows that young men are uniquely critical of both political parties." [01:45]
Despite uncertainties, Cox believes Musk's initiative presents a substantial opportunity to engage this pivotal voter segment.
Diocese of San Bernardino Reconsiders Mass Attendance
In a historic move, the Diocese of San Bernardino has officially lifted the requirement for Catholics to attend Mass. This decision comes in response to recent immigration-related detentions that occurred on church property.
Aleja Hertzler McCain from Religion News Service explains that:
"Has more Catholics are usually obligated to go to Mass on Sundays and other holy days, but Bishop Alberto Rojas has paused that requirement in San Bernardino for people who may fear immigration rates." [02:07]
The diocese reported that immigration agents detained individuals on two of its properties in June. This action mirrors a broader trend among Catholic leaders nationwide, who have observed declining Mass attendance linked to the heightened immigration enforcement under the previous administration.
The Diocese of Nashville also issued a similar dispensation in May, stating that Catholics would not be required to attend Mass if it jeopardizes their safety. San Bernardino's decision marks the first formal exemption among the nation's numerous dioceses, accommodating over one million Catholics in the area.
Tunnel Collapse in Los Angeles
A significant incident occurred in Los Angeles last night when a large industrial tunnel partially collapsed. Remarkably, all 31 construction workers inside the tunnel managed to escape safely. The workers had to navigate through loose soil reaching heights of up to 15 feet to access a tunnel boring machine before being transported back to the tunnel's entrance.
However, one worker, Dunn, sustained serious injuries. The collapse has raised concerns about the nearly $700 million project, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the structural failure.
Decade Since Removal of Confederate Battle Flag in South Carolina
July 10 marks ten years since South Carolina officially took down the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds—a decision that followed the tragic mass shooting of nine African American parishioners at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
Alan Roberson, director of the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, reflects on the flag's current status:
"For most of 10 years, the flag has sat on the back wall of the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. The nylon flag is framed behind plexiglass with a tiny plaque. It's unassuming, surrounded by century-old artifacts." [04:06]
Roberson emphasizes the museum's intent to focus on history rather than politics:
"He wants the museum to be known for not only the flag personally." [04:06]
Delaney Flanagan of Public Radio comments on the broader significance:
"It was a sense of duty that the state needed this and needed a solution and you couldn't get past what happened in Charleston. The flag is no longer disconnected from what happened in Charleston." [04:25]
The removal symbolizes South Carolina's commitment to addressing its troubled past and moving towards a more inclusive future.
Crude Oil Futures Experience Decline
In the financial markets, U.S. crude oil futures are trading lower as of this hour, experiencing a decline of approximately 1%, currently priced at $67.71 per barrel. This downward trend may be influenced by various global economic factors and supply-demand dynamics affecting the energy sector.
This summary provides an overview of the key news stories covered in the NPR News Now episode released on July 10, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to refer to the full podcast episode.