House Approves Funding Rescission for Public Media
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step by approving a White House request to reclaim two years of previously allocated funding for public media. This rescission package is now poised to advance to the Senate. The move has sparked concerns about the future of local public media stations across the nation. An unnamed speaker emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating at [00:00]: “This move poses a serious threat to local stations and public media as we know it.” Supporters are being urged to advocate for public media by visiting goacpr.org.
Texas Floods: Search and Vigil for Missing
In Kerrville, Texas, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of severe flooding along the Guadalupe River. As of the second week of search operations, more than 170 individuals remain unaccounted for, with fatalities totaling at least 120. The somber atmosphere was palpable during a vigil held last night, where hundreds gathered in front of a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers, photographs, and personal notes.
Steve Futterman reported from Kerrville, highlighting the resilience of survivors. Michelle McGuire, a flood survivor, shared her harrowing experience: “Thank God I'm a decent swimmer. I got to a tree. I got to a wall. I held on for a couple hours in a tree.” [01:04] Although the chances of finding survivors are slim, the community is preparing to hold several funerals this weekend.
EU vs. US: Tariffs and Trade Tensions
President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions by announcing a 30% tariff on European Union (EU) imports, citing the significant trade deficit the U.S. faces with Europe. In response, EU officials are preparing to implement countermeasures. Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission chief, conveyed the bloc’s stance at [01:41]: “The threatened measures would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” Despite the tensions, EU officials remain hopeful of reaching a deal before the new tariffs take effect on August 1st. The EU has already identified U.S. goods that would be subject to these tariffs, signaling potential economic repercussions.
State Department Layoffs amid Administration Cutbacks
In a move that has sparked significant concern, the State Department has initiated layoffs affecting over 1,300 employees. This action comes at a critical time when diplomatic efforts are essential. Robert Blake, the former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, expressed his dismay during a rally outside the State Department: “I just think it's a sad time for our institution at a time when, if anything, the State Department is needed more than ever to advance our interests around the world and to compete with China and other countries to stop wars and support President Trump's agenda.” [02:54] These layoffs mark the beginning of a series of cutbacks that could undermine the United States' ability to maintain its global diplomatic presence.
Plane Crash in India: Preliminary Report
A tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, has resulted in the loss of at least 260 lives. Authorities have released a preliminary report indicating that the crash was caused by the fuel control switches being moved to the cutoff position, thereby depriving the engines of fuel. Analysis of the cockpit voice recorder revealed a critical moment when one pilot questioned the other: “Why did you cut off the fuel?” to which the response was, “I hadn't.” [03:13] Investigators are continuing to delve into the specifics of the incident to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies.
Virginia's AI-Powered Regulatory Reduction Effort
The state of Virginia is pioneering an innovative approach to regulatory reform by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Governor Glenn Youngkin announced plans to reduce 25% of the state's regulations, utilizing AI to generate comprehensive reports on all existing regulations. Jack Khalil from VPM reported at [04:09]: “Earlier this week, Youngkin was touting reducing 25% of Virginia's regulations. He also pointed out that artificial intelligence played a role in helping.” The AI-generated reports will assist state employees in conducting legal reviews and comparing regulations with those of neighboring states to enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, the initiative aims to streamline regulatory language and guidelines, with executive agencies given eight weeks to implement the recommended changes. Governor Youngkin aims to reduce regulations by more than a third before his term concludes in January.
Sports Highlight: Iga Świątek Wins Wimbledon
In a thrilling conclusion to the Wimbledon championships, Polish tennis star Iga Świątek triumphed over American Amanda Anisimova in the women’s singles final. The match, which lasted just 57 minutes, marked Świątek’s sixth Grand Slam title, solidifying her position as one of the top players in the sport. Nora Ramm announced the victory at [04:47], celebrating Świątek's impressive performance and her swift ascent in the world of tennis.
This summary encapsulates the key moments and discussions from the July 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and readers alike.