NPR News Now: July 11, 2025 | 4AM EDT
Host: Shea Stevens
1. Central Texas Flash Flooding: Impact and Calls for Enhanced Warning Systems
Shea Stevens opened the episode with a tragic update on the ongoing flash flooding in Central Texas, highlighting the severe human toll:
"A surge continues for more than 170 people still missing from the flash flooding in Central Texas. The death toll from the disaster has risen to at least 120." [00:18]
In response to the catastrophe, officials are advocating for the installation of more flood warning sirens to better protect residents in future emergencies. However, disaster expert Jeanette Sutton emphasized the limitations of sirens in comprehensive warning systems:
"Sirens are best for alerting people who are outside of a building. So it's really going to get people who are camping along a river, which is a really good thing." [01:08]
Sutton highlighted that while sirens can be a vital tool for those outdoors, particularly in areas like the Texas Hill Country where many engage in camping and fishing, they are not intended to replace other warning mechanisms. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick affirmed the state's commitment to enhancing flood preparedness:
"The state intends to install flood warning sirens in hard-hit Kerr County, Texas." [01:17]
2. Strengthening Ukraine’s Defense: European Support and Military Aid
Turning to international affairs, Shea Stevens reported on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plea for increased foreign investment to bolster Ukraine's air defenses. Zelenskyy made these remarks in Rome during the European allies' fourth annual meeting focused on stabilizing Ukraine post-ceasefire.
Chancellor Friedrich Mertz of Germany announced a significant commitment to Ukraine's defense capabilities:
"Germany will buy additional U.S. Patriot missiles on Ukraine's behalf and had this message for President Trump." [01:53]
In a show of solidarity, Jeanette Sutton (likely a misattribution in the transcript, intended to reference a European leader) underscored the unified stance of European nations:
"Stay with us and stay with the Europeans. We are on the same page and we are looking at for a stable political order in this world." [01:53]
This collaboration aims to ensure a stable and secure political environment in the region, with European allies playing a crucial role in supporting Ukraine's defense infrastructure.
3. US State Department Workforce Reduction Amid Policy Shifts
Shea Stevens shifted focus to domestic policy, reporting on significant workforce reductions within the U.S. State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a planned 15% reduction in personnel, a move that has sparked controversy among former diplomats.
Rubio detailed the reorganization efforts:
"We went very specifically through and reorganized the State Department. And when you reorganized the State Department, there were certain bureaus we wanted to empower the regional bureaus and there were certain bureaus, these functional bureaus that were closed." [02:40]
He further elaborated on the extent of the cuts:
"He's closed 132 offices and rewrote the rules to be able to fire people who worked in them." [02:50]
The American Academy of Diplomacy criticized these actions as "vandalism and bad management," emphasizing the detrimental impact on America's national security resources. These workforce reductions coincide with Russia's intensified drone and missile attacks in the ongoing conflict, as US Envoy Keith Kellogg led a delegation discussing these security challenges.
4. Legal and Security Concerns: Birthright Citizenship and USDA Data Access
In legal developments, a federal judge has issued a temporary block on former President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The ruling includes a seven-day pause to allow the administration to file an appeal. The Trump administration maintains that:
"U.S. citizenship is not a birthright." [03:12]
Additionally, concerns have arisen regarding data security within the Department of Agriculture. Jenna McLaughlin reported that Jordan Wick, a former software engineer at Waymo, gained unauthorized access to sensitive information at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This access potentially allowed him to view or modify data related to billions in government subsidies and loans to farmers and ranchers.
An anonymous USDA source expressed fears of potential abuse:
"Access to the information would allow Wick to modify or cancel loans or payments with little oversight." [03:51]
Experts warn that DOGE's high-level access could exacerbate vulnerabilities for farmers during already challenging times. Neither the USDA nor DOGE responded to NPR's requests for comment on this issue.
5. Trade Tensions Escalate: Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada
Concluding the main news segments, Shea Stevens reported that former President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on imports from Canada, set to take effect on August 1st. The tariff was detailed in a letter posted on Trump's platform, Truth Social, where he stated:
"I would consider an adjustment if Canada stops the flow of fentanyl." [04:31]
Trump also warned of repercussions if countries attempt to circumvent the new import levies. This move follows similar tariff announcements sent to over a dozen other nations, signaling a potential escalation in global trade tensions.
Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the podcast were omitted to focus solely on the news content.
Sources:
- NPR News Now Transcript, Episode: NPR News: 07-11-2025 4AM EDT