NPR News Now: Summary for July 12, 2025, 11 AM EDT

Host: Nora Rahm
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

US Politics: President Trump Imposes New Tariffs

Timestamp: [00:19] – [01:15]

President Donald Trump has escalated his trade war by sending a new series of letters to the United States' trading partners, specifically targeting Mexico and the European Union (EU) with imminent tariff threats. As reported by Tamara Keith, Trump announced a 30% tariff rate on goods from both Mexico and the EU, set to take effect on August 1st.

• Mexico: The administration cites Mexico's ongoing struggle to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. as a primary reason for the tariffs.

• European Union: Trump criticizes the EU for "long-term, large and persistent trade deficits," attributing these deficits to both tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by the EU.

Trump clarified that these letters serve as new trade agreements, diverging from his initial strategy of negotiating better deals. He maintains a firm stance by warning, "If they respond with higher import levies of their own," he "threatened Mexico and the EU with even higher tariffs." This move marks the continuation of Trump's aggressive trade policies, with over two dozen such letters dispatched this month alone.

Texas Flood Crisis: Search and Accountability Efforts Intensify

Timestamp: [01:15] – [02:22]

Central Texas remains in the grip of devastation from the catastrophic flood that occurred on the 4th of July. More than 170 people are still missing, with at least 120 confirmed fatalities. Search operations are in full swing, as exemplified by Greg Froehlich's experiences on the ground.

• Greg Froehlich, Search Team Member: "[...] you try to backtrack where that piece of clothing came from and you know, where it came from. You know, the kids can't."

The emotional toll on search teams is palpable, with personal items left behind painting a somber picture of the disaster's impact.

Congressional Response:

• Representative Greg Koffsar has taken a strong stance, demanding transparency regarding the federal response to the flood. In collaboration with other Democratic members, he has sent letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking detailed accounts of the delayed response efforts.

• Greg Froehlich emphasized: "We need to know very transparently whether these cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service impacted or hurt the federal response to this disaster. And we need to know whether those cuts put us at greater risk in the future."

• David Martin, Texas Public Radio: Koffsar criticized both the Texas state authorities and the Trump administration for their handling of the investigation, stating, "the state of Texas and the Trump administration cannot be trusted to investigate themselves on the catastrophic flood." He advocates for an independent inspector general to oversee any probe into the disaster response.

International Affairs: Heightened Tensions and Tragic Incidents

Timestamp: [02:38] – [04:44]

Violent Incident in the West Bank

Local authorities in the occupied West Bank reported a tragic event where Israeli settlers brutally beat to death a U.S. citizen, identified as 21-year-old Sayfa Musalat from Florida. Musalat was visiting family in the region when the confrontation occurred.

• Israeli Military Statement: Attributes the incident to a clash between Palestinians and Israelis, though specific details remain sparse.

Escalation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia has intensified its military campaign against Ukraine, launching hundreds of drones and missiles overnight. Ukrainian officials have confirmed the deaths of at least two individuals in the western regions of the country. The Russian strategy appears to focus on long-range attacks targeting Ukrainian cities, further destabilizing the region.

Russia-North Korea Relations Strengthen

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is currently in North Korea, engaging in high-level talks with Leader Kim Jong Un. The Russian Foreign Ministry released a statement lauding the relationship between the two nations as an "invincible fighting brotherhood."

• Lavrov's Warning: He cautioned the United States, South Korea, and Japan against forming a united alliance that could challenge North Korea, signaling increased military and strategic cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

• Recent Collaborations: North Korea has been a critical supporter of Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, providing both troops and ammunition, thereby deepening the geopolitical alliance.

Passing of David Gergen

The news segment also mourns the passing of David Gergen, a renowned political commentator and former White House adviser who served under four different administrations across both Republican and Democratic parties. Gergen, aged 83, was celebrated for his insightful analysis and bipartisan approach to politics.

Local Interest: Manhattanhenge Shines in New York City

Timestamp: [03:38] – [04:44]

New Yorkers are gearing up for another spectacular display of Manhattanhenge this weekend. This solar phenomenon, coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and inspired by Stonehenge, occurs when the setting sun perfectly aligns with the grid of Manhattan's streets, creating a stunning sunset vista.

• Harrison Malkin, Reporter: "It occurs when the sun aligns with the city grid and falls between buildings on 14th Street and 9th Avenue."

• Witness Accounts:

  • Lynn C., Washington Heights Resident: "It was cool. It was really good tonight."
  • Mattea Pical, Acting Student: "No, it was beautiful."

The event attracts photography enthusiasts and casual observers alike, with popular vantage points including 23rd, 42nd, and 57th Streets. The next occurrence is scheduled for Saturday night at about 8 PM Eastern, offering another opportunity for residents and visitors to witness this urban celestial alignment.

Sports: Wimbledon Final Kicks Off

Timestamp: [04:44] – [04:57]

The prestigious Wimbledon Final has commenced at the All England Club. The match features American Amanda Enisova taking on 8th-seeded Iga Srivantek of Poland. Tennis aficionados are eagerly tuning in to watch the culmination of this grand slam tournament.

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