NPR News Now: July 12, 2025, 5PM EDT
Live from Washington, D.C.
1. White House Funding Rescission for Public Media
Jeanine Hurst kicked off the episode by reporting that the House of Representatives has approved a White House request to retract two years of previously allocated funding for public media. This rescission package is now advancing to the Senate, raising significant concerns about the future of local stations and public media across the nation. Hurst emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying:
"This move poses a serious threat to local stations and public media as we know it."
She called on listeners to advocate for public media by contacting goacpr.org to take a stand against these funding cuts.
2. President Trump's Tariff Threats on Mexico and the European Union
Tamara Keith provided an in-depth analysis of President Trump’s latest trade policies, revealing that the administration is threatening to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union, effective August 1st. The reasons cited for these tariffs include:
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Mexico: Inability to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
"I held on for a couple hours in a tree." – A quote from a survivor during the Texas flood, indirectly highlighting broader issues of safety and governance.
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European Union: Persistent trade deficits exacerbated by existing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Trump initially framed these tariffs as a strategy to secure more favorable trade deals but has since positioned the letters themselves as the agreements. Keith noted:
"As with all the two dozen or so letters Trump has sent this month, he threatened Mexico and the EU with even higher tariffs if they respond with higher import levies of their own."
This aggressive stance underscores the administration's readiness to escalate trade tensions if desired terms are not met.
3. Catastrophic July 4th Flooding in Kerrville, Texas
Tragedy struck Kerrville, Texas, following the devastating flash floods on July 4th along the Guadalupe River. Steve Futterman reported that the search for missing individuals is now in its second week, with the death toll rising to at least 120, and over 170 people still unaccounted for.
A poignant vigil was held, where Michelle McGuire, a survivor, recounted 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."
Futterman highlighted the somber reality that while search efforts continue, the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes. The community has come together to mourn, with several funerals scheduled for the weekend.
4. Tragic Incident in the West Bank Involving a U.S. Citizen
In a distressing development, Palestinian health officials reported the death of Sayfullah Mislet, a 21-year-old U.S. citizen, at the hands of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Hadil Al Shalchi detailed the incident:
"21 year old Sayfullah Mislet was born in Florida and visiting family in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers beat him to death in the village of Sinjil."
The U.S. Embassy has confirmed Mislet's death. The Israeli military stated that a confrontation occurred between Palestinians and Israelis in Sinjil and is currently investigating the incident. Historically, prosecutions of such cases by Israeli authorities are rare and seldom result in convictions. Al Shalchi drew parallels to a previous incident in April, where a 14-year-old Palestinian American was killed, noting the absence of significant action from the U.S. Government in response to these tragedies.
5. Wall Street Weekly Overview
Jeanine Hurst provided a brief update on the stock market, indicating a downturn for the week:
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Down 1%
- S&P 500: Decreased by approximately 0.3%
- Nasdaq: Slight decline of less than 0.1%
This modest decline reflects the ongoing volatility in financial markets amidst global and domestic challenges.
6. Historic Victory at Wimbledon Women's Final
In a thrilling sports highlight, Poland’s Iga Świątek triumphed over American player Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon women’s final, as reported by Alana Wise. Świątek secured her first Wimbledon title with a score of 6-0, 6-0, showcasing her dominance on the court. Despite Anisimova's efforts, she struggled with unforced errors, allowing Świątek to capitalize effectively.
Post-match, Świątek commended her opponent:
"I hope to face off against her again in the future."
Świątek's win marks Poland's first-ever Wimbledon singles champion, a landmark achievement in the world of tennis.
7. Manhattan Henge Captivates New Yorkers
Harrison Malkin recounted the mesmerizing event of Manhattan Henge, where the sun aligns perfectly with New York City's street grid, creating a striking visual of the sunset framed by skyscrapers. On that evening, the phenomenon occurred along 14th Street and 9th Avenue, drawing crowds who captured the fleeting spectacle through photos and videos.
Residents like Lynn C. from Washington Heights described the event as a delightful novelty:
"It was cool. It was really good tonight."
Others gathered at notable intersections, including 23rd, 42nd, and 57th Streets, to witness the beauty of the moment. Mattea Pikal, an acting student, expressed anticipation for the next occurrence scheduled for Saturday night at 8 PM Eastern.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and events covered in the July 12, 2025, episode of NPR News Now. For continuous updates, listeners are encouraged to tune in regularly.