NPR News Now: July 13, 2025, 8 PM EDT
Hosted by NPR | Release Date: July 13, 2025
1. Escalating EU-US Trade Tensions
French Unity Amid U.S. Tariff Threats
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European nations to maintain solidarity in the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States. In a recent statement, Macron emphasized the importance of a unified European front as President Donald Trump announced a potential increase in tariffs on European Union (EU) products from 10% to 30% if a trade deal is not finalized by August 1st.
"European countries must remain firm and united," Macron stated at [00:20].
The tariff announcement, delivered in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and subsequently shared on social media, has rattled the EU's confidence. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports that European nations had been optimistic about maintaining the lower tariff rate during ongoing negotiations. However, Trump's move is perceived as an attempt to intensify pressure and sow divisions within the continent.
Analysts suggest that while some EU countries are eager to secure a swift agreement to alleviate business uncertainties and financial losses, others may push back against the aggressive tariff strategy. In response, the European Commission has pledged to pursue an agreement while also preparing to implement "proportionate countermeasures" to protect EU interests if necessary ([00:44]).
2. U.S. Legal Proceedings at Guantanamo
Cancellation of Plea Deals for 9/11 Accused
In a significant legal development, plea agreements involving three Guantanamo Bay detainees accused of orchestrating the September 11 attacks, including the alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, have been annulled. This decision propels the long-delayed case back into the spotlight, potentially leading to a death penalty trial.
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer explains that former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had initially agreed to the plea deals last summer but rescinded them shortly thereafter, citing surprise at their implementation. Although a military court judge and appeals court previously ruled against Austin's authority to revoke the deals retroactively, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has since determined that Austin did possess the "indisputable legal authority" to cancel the agreements ([01:38]).
Brett Eagleson, whose father lost his life in the 9/11 attacks, welcomed the ruling as a victory for justice:
"We absolutely need a trial and a plea deal. A plea bargain would have taken that right away from us as Americans... we have the right for justice, and that's how we get the truth," Eagleson stated at [02:08].
However, a defense attorney for one of the Guantanamo detainees cautions that the legal process could extend until 2050 ([02:21]).
3. Ongoing Search Efforts After Texas Floods
Second Week of Searches Yields Limited Results
In the wake of catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas, search and rescue operations have entered their second week, with over 170 individuals still unaccounted for. Professional and volunteer searchers from across the United States and Mexico continue to navigate the treacherous banks of the Guadalupe River in hopes of locating missing persons.
Reporter Steve Futterman details the arduous efforts:
"The search area has an enormous footprint covering miles and miles. The crew simply are not finding many additional bodies. It is possible that some of those missing may never be found," Futterman reported at [02:46].
A somber vigil was held last night at a makeshift memorial erected in the affected area. As the death toll reaches at least 120, forecasts indicate more rain is expected, potentially complicating ongoing rescue missions ([03:08]).
4. Record-Breaking Prime Day Sales Reflect Consumer Concerns
Shoppers Spend Over $24 Billion Amid Trade Uncertainty
The annual Prime Day sale, initially launched by Amazon, has now become a major retail event embraced by numerous competitors. This year, the sale spanned four days instead of the usual two, resulting in unprecedented online spending.
Alina Selyuk reports that consumers collectively spent over $24 billion during the Prime Day sales period, surpassing the total revenue of two Black Fridays. Key categories driving sales included appliances, electronics, and back-to-school items. Many shoppers expressed a desire to preempt potential price hikes associated with President Trump's impending tariffs on foreign imports set to take effect on August 1st, as they seek to capitalize on current deals ([03:40]).
Adobe, the company tracking online transactions, highlighted top-selling items such as children's clothing, home security systems, refrigerators, and video games, reflecting both essential needs and discretionary purchases amid economic uncertainties.
5. Wimbledon Highlights: Historic Women's Final and Anticipated Men's Showdown
Iga Świątek Clinches First Wimbledon Title in Dominant Fashion
At Wimbledon, Poland's Iga Świątek secured the women's singles championship with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova ([04:15]). This marks the first women's final in the tournament's 114-year history where a player did not concede a single game. Świątek's swift 57-minute triumph not only earns her maiden Wimbledon title but also her sixth Grand Slam title overall. She now boasts a 60% success rate in major title matches. Anisimova struggled throughout the match, committing 28 unforced errors, highlighting Świątek's exceptional performance.
Looking ahead, the men's singles final is scheduled for tomorrow, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament ([04:15]).
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key news topics covered in the July 13, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, including international trade tensions, significant legal proceedings, natural disaster aftermath, consumer behavior during major sales events, and notable sports achievements.