NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of July 12, 2025, 8AM EDT Episode
Released on July 12, 2025
1. Devastating Flooding in Central Texas
Central Texas Flood Crisis Continues Amid Ongoing Search Efforts
In central Texas, catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River has left more than 100 people dead, with many still unaccounted for. The community grapples with the aftermath as authorities intensify search and rescue operations. Questions surrounding early warning systems and the effectiveness of the current emergency response have taken center stage in public discussions.
President Trump's Response: During a roundtable with elected officials, President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, emphasizing the community's resilience and expressing sympathy for those affected.
“We pray for the families that are left behind. It's amazing, the incredible spirit from those families. I don't know. I don't even know how they do it.”
— Donald Trump [00:47]
Despite the administration's efforts, concerns linger regarding the preparedness of the region and the future role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Last week, President Trump had previously indicated intentions to dismantle FEMA and shift emergency responsibilities back to the states, although he has not clarified whether these plans remain unchanged following the recent disaster.
NPR’s Elena Moore reports from Kerrville, Texas.
2. Federal Judge Halts Immigration Sweeps in Los Angeles
Court Orders End to Alleged Racial Profiling by Federal Agents
A significant legal development unfolded in Los Angeles as a federal judge issued an order stopping the Trump administration’s indiscriminate immigration sweeps. The lawsuit contends that federal agents have been targeting individuals based on race, accents, and occupations typically associated with immigrants, effectively engaging in racial profiling.
Judge's Ruling and Reactions: US District Court Judge Maame Iwesu Mensah Frimpong underscored the evidence of unlawful arrests, stating that there is "a mountain of evidence that agents are arresting people illegally."
“It is a complete repudiation of the racial profiling tactics, and I think it means that the rule of law is back in Los Angeles.”
— Mark Rosenbaum, Public Counsel [02:02]
In contrast, a Homeland Security spokeswoman criticized the judge's decision, arguing that it undermines the will of the American people.
NPR’s Adrienne Florido provides the latest updates from Los Angeles.
3. Tragic Death of a US Citizen in the West Bank
Palestinian American Killed by Israeli Settlers
A distressing incident has emerged from the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlers have reportedly killed Sayfullah Mislet, a 21-year-old Palestinian American. Mislet, originally from Florida, was visiting family in the village of Sinjil when the fatal confrontation occurred.
Details of the Incident: A municipal official confirmed that Israeli settlers beat Mislet to death. The US Embassy has also acknowledged his death. The Israeli military has stated that an altercation between Palestinians and Israelis led to the killing and is currently investigating the incident.
Historical Context: This tragic event echoes a previous incident from April, where a 14-year-old Palestinian American was killed by Israeli forces in Turmo Saiya. Families of the victims have expressed frustration over the lack of action from the US government in holding perpetrators accountable, noting that prosecutions in such cases are rare and seldom result in convictions.
NPR’s Hadil Al Shalchi reports from Tel Aviv.
4. Investigation Reveals Fuel Cutoff in Deadly Air India Crash
Preliminary Findings Point to Fuel Control Switch Error
A new investigative report sheds light on the catastrophic Air India plane crash that occurred last month, resulting in 260 fatalities. The preliminary findings by India's Airline Accident Investigation Bureau indicate that the cockpit voice recorder revealed a critical error unrelated to mechanical failure.
Key Findings: After takeoff, the pilots noticed that the fuel control switch had been moved from the "run" to the "cut off" position. When one pilot questioned the other about the switch being turned off, the second pilot denied initiating the action.
“The cockpit voice recorder from the crashed flight has revealed that pilots discovered that the fuel control switch had moved from run to cut off position after takeoff. One pilot asks why the other one switched it off. The second pilot says he did not do it.”
— Omkar Khandekar, NPR News [03:30]
At this stage, the investigation does not recommend any action against Boeing or its engine manufacturer, General Electric. Both companies have expressed their support for the ongoing probe.
NPR’s Omkar Khandekar reports from Mumbai.
5. Wildfires and Severe Weather Impact National Parks and the Northeast
Wildfires Force Closures in Colorado and Arizona; Flash Flooding Hits New England and Vermont
Wildfires ignited by lightning strikes have prompted the evacuation of two national parks in the western United States. Colorado’s Gunnison National Park's Black Canyon and Arizona’s Grand Canyon North Rim were closed due to active wildfires, though authorities have successfully extinguished the blaze in the latter.
Additional Weather Hazards: Simultaneously, New England has been battered by heavy rains leading to flash flooding, particularly affecting the Boston area and surrounding regions. These conditions have disrupted daily commutes and posed significant risks to residents.
Impact in Vermont: In rural Vermont, intense rainfall has caused waterways to swell, resulting in flash flooding that has isolated nearly two dozen homes in the small town of Sutton. Swift water rescue teams from neighboring areas were deployed to assist those stranded.
NPR’s Louise Schiavone provides comprehensive coverage from Washington.
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of significant national and international events, emphasizing natural disasters, legal rulings, international conflicts, aviation safety, and severe weather impacts. Through detailed reporting and impactful quotes, listeners are kept informed of the critical issues shaping the world on July 12, 2025.