NPR News Now: July 12, 2025, 9AM EDT Summary

Released on July 12, 2025

1. Texas Flood Tragedy and Ongoing Search for Missing

Louise Schiavone reports from Kerrville, Texas, that the search for those missing in the recent catastrophic flood has now entered its second week. Over 170 people remain unaccounted for, with at least 120 fatalities confirmed. The community came together last night for a solemn vigil located in front of a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers, photographs of the deceased, and heartfelt notes.

Steve Futterman detailed the vigil, highlighting personal stories shared by survivors. One poignant account came from Michelle McGuire, a survivor who was swept away by the floodwaters:

Michelle McGuire [00:51]: "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."

Despite relentless search efforts, the likelihood of finding survivors has dwindled. The community is preparing for several funerals scheduled over the weekend as they continue to grapple with the devastation.

2. Cancellation of Plea Deals with Guantanamo Prisoners

In a significant legal development, Louise Schiavone covers the fallout from the dismissal of plea deals involving three Guantanamo Bay prisoners accused of masterminding the September 11 attacks, including alleged ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. These plea agreements had been in place since last summer but were abruptly canceled by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin two days after their establishment.

Sacha Pfeiffer explains that a military court judge and a military appeals court initially held that Austin lacked the authority to retroactively cancel the deals. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that Austin "indisputably had legal authority" to revoke the agreements, meaning the case will now move forward toward a death penalty trial unless defense attorneys pursue an appeal.

Brett Eagleson, whose father perished in the September 11 attacks, welcomed the court’s decision:

Brett Eagleson [01:58]: "We absolutely need a trial and a plea deal. A plea bargain would have taken that right away from us as Americans, as humans, we have the right for justice, and that's how we get the truth."

However, concerns remain as a Guantanamo defense lawyer warns that the legal proceedings could extend until 2050, underscoring the protracted nature of such high-profile cases.

3. Restoration of U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine

Turning to international affairs, Louise Schiavone reports that the United States has restored military aid shipments to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict. Hanna Polomarenko provides insights from Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to advance new agreements with American partners. These agreements focus on:

• New military supplies
• Increased weapons production within Ukraine
• Equipping the Ukrainian army

President Zelensky emphasized that despite a previous pause in U.S. weapons deliveries, Ukraine has received a "positive signal" that aid shipments have been restored. Further discussions on military assistance are scheduled to continue during the visit of U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who will spend the week in Ukraine.

4. U.S. Sanctions on Cuban President and Passing of David Gergen

Louise Schiavone also addresses the U.S. government's decision to sanction Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel for human rights violations linked to the detention and torture of Cuban protesters in 2021. These demonstrators had taken to the streets in response to severe blackouts caused by Cuba's economic crisis. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the sanctions would involve visa restrictions targeting officials responsible for the abuses.

In other news, the nation mourns the passing of David Gergen, a distinguished presidential speechwriter, counselor, and political commentator, who died in Massachusetts at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. Amy Held provides an overview of Gergen's illustrious career:

Amy Held: "Born in North Carolina, David Gergen was a Navy veteran, educator, lawyer, and journalist. As a White House advisor, he shaped much of what we know about four presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton."

Gergen was known for his bipartisan approach, stating in a 2000 interview with Fresh Air:

David Gergen [04:12]: "There is a long and I think honorable tradition in this country of people from the other party helping presidents when they're in trouble."

However, he also expressed regret over his involvement in what he termed "spin patrol," acknowledging that it inadvertently contributed to a culture of excessive spin and manipulation:

David Gergen [04:21]: "And it's been one of my greatest regrets in public life is the degree to which while I thought what we did in the early '80s was appropriate, I think it did help to open the door to what has become very, very excessive, so that now spin has become almost an art form, manipulation."

Gergen believed that straight talk is what Americans truly desire from their leaders:

David Gergen [04:37]: "What Americans want...is straight talk."

5. National Weather Service Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued forecasts predicting hot and stormy weather across the Midwest to the Northeast regions of the United States. In the Western areas, temperatures are expected to soar into the low hundreds, posing potential challenges and hazards for residents. Citizens are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions in light of the impending weather conditions ([04:42]).

This summary provides an overview of the key topics discussed in the NPR News Now episode released on July 12, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to access the full episode.