NPR News Now: July 14, 2025, 10PM EDT

Hosted by Jeanine Hearst

1. European Union Delays Retaliatory Tariffs Against the U.S.

The European Union (EU) has announced a postponement of its retaliatory tariffs in response to President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on EU imports. EU leaders emphasize their preference for a negotiated resolution to the ongoing trade tensions.

Key Points:

• The EU is delaying the implementation of tariffs initially set to commence on August 1st.
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, highlighted the EU's commitment to finding a diplomatic solution.

Notable Quotes:

• Ursula von der Leyen [00:59]: "We will use the time we have now till the 1st of August. We can respond with countermeasures if necessary."
• Ursula von der Leyen [01:06]: "It's too early to say whether the bloc would consider using its anti-coercion instrument... but the measure's existence shows the EU is prepared for all eventual scenarios."

The EU remains open to dialogue, hoping to avert the imposition of tariffs that could escalate economic tensions between the two global powers.

2. Heightened Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles and Community Support

Los Angeles continues to experience increased immigration enforcement activities, prompting religious leaders to step in and provide support to migrants apprehensive about arrest.

Key Points:

• The group Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice has initiated "Know Your Rights" workshops to educate and assist those fearing detention.
• Methodist Minister Jennifer Gutierrez observes significant changes in community needs following the surge in arrests.

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer Gutierrez [01:56]: "This past week, the Catholic bishop in the neighboring diocese of San Bernardino told anyone who fears arrest while going to church they didn't have to attend mass."
• Unnamed Rabbi [01:56]: "Spending a lot of time in the streets, a number of rabbis or other clergy and their callers out at actions, trying to be a peaceful presence, but also just trying to show the community that we stand with them."

The involvement of religious leaders underscores the community's resilience and commitment to supporting vulnerable populations amidst stringent immigration policies.

3. Devastating Wildfire Engulfs Portion of Grand Canyon National Park

A massive 5,000-acre wildfire, known as the Dragon Bravo fire, has severely impacted Grand Canyon National Park, leading to the destruction of historic structures and critical infrastructure.

Key Points:

• The wildfire, driven by strong winds, rapidly expanded, overtaking containment lines and engulfing the park's north rim.
• Over 50 structures, including a lodge from the late 1930s, were destroyed.
• The fire compromised the water treatment facility, releasing hazardous chlorine gas and necessitating the evacuation of several trails, including the iconic Phantom Ranch.
• The North Rim has been closed for the season, while the South Rim remains operational.
• This incident follows the White Sage Fire last week, which also led to significant evacuations.

Notable Quotes:

• Adrienne Scabland [02:32]: "Within hours, it grew 500 acres, destroying more than 50 structures, including the lodge, which dates back to the late 1930s."

Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze, which remains 0% controlled, highlighting the escalating challenges of wildfire management in national parks.

4. New Non-Opioid Painkiller Faces Accessibility Issues

A newly approved painkiller, Journavix, offers a promising alternative to opioids by effectively managing severe acute pain without the associated addiction risks. However, accessibility remains a significant hurdle for patients in need.

Key Points:

• Journavix, approved by the Food and Drug Administration earlier this year, functions by blocking pain signals directly at the source.
• Despite its potential, only approximately 38% of individuals have insurance coverage for the medication.
• While some doctors report gradual improvements in insurance coverage, accessibility remains inconsistent.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Jessica Burgess [03:33]: "Journavix works by blocking pain signals from where someone hurts."
• Unnamed Surgeon [03:57]: "Surgeons, we're very excited about the option to have a non opioid pain medicine for our patients. Unfortunately, I have yet to meet a surgeon that's been able to prescribe it."

The limited insurance coverage underscores a gap between medical advancements and their practical implementation, affecting patient access to safer pain management solutions.

5. Ancient Hungarian Library Battles Beetle Infestation to Preserve Heritage

Hungary's oldest library, housed within the nearly millennium-old Panninhelma Arch Abbey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—is undertaking a critical effort to save tens of thousands of centuries-old books from a destructive beetle infestation.

Key Points:

• Approximately 100,000 hand-bound books are being meticulously removed and packed to undergo a disinfection process aimed at eliminating the drugstore beetle, known for damaging starch-based adhesives in books.
• The infestation poses a severe threat to the library's invaluable collection, which is a testament to Hungary's rich scholarly history.

Notable Quotes:

• While specific quotes are not provided in the transcript, the situation highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve historical artifacts against biological threats.

The preservation efforts at Panninhelma Arch Abbey reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding cultural and historical heritage in the face of unforeseen challenges.

This summary provides an overview of the key stories covered in the NPR News Now episode released on July 14, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full broadcast.