NPR News Now: July 13, 2025 | 2AM EDT
NPR's latest five-minute news update covers a range of urgent topics, from natural disasters and international tensions to significant events in sports and commerce. Here's a detailed summary of the key stories discussed in this episode.
1. Devastating Flash Floods in Texas
Host: Dale Willman
Reporter: Frank Morris
The death toll from the catastrophic flash flooding on July 4th in Texas has tragically risen to 129 people. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as volunteers tirelessly work to locate missing individuals.
Volunteer Efforts: Frank Morris reports that volunteers have dedicated over 900,000 hours, with more than 12,000 actively involved in the search. Despite their heroic efforts, many volunteers, including Bo Burgess of Fort Worth, face the emotional toll of the disaster.
Notable Quote:
"Just seeing all the clothes from children and necklaces and crosses and goggles and kayaks, but really like the children's clothing, you know, just children's clothing everywhere."
— Bo Burgess [00:57]
As cleanup continues in Kerr County, the absence of these volunteers will be keenly felt, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on both the community and those who have stepped forward to help.
2. Wildfire Expansion Threatens Colorado
Host: Dale Willman
A wildfire in western Colorado, known as the South Rim Fire, nearly doubled in size on Saturday. The rapid expansion has forced authorities to close the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Initiated by lightning on Thursday, the fire has led to the closure of a segment of the U.S. Highway and has prompted an evacuation notice for one nearby community.
3. Border Security and Political Tensions
Host: Dale Willman
Speaker: Tom Homan
At the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, Border Czar Tom Homan faced protests and was ultimately escorted out by security after being heckled. Representing the conservative nonprofit, Homan lauded the Trump administration's efforts on border security.
Notable Quote:
"We will continue to prioritize public safety threats and national security threats because they're the most important and most dangerous to the community. But I'll say it again, if you're in the country illegally, you're on the table."
— Tom Homan [02:05]
His comments emphasize a hardline stance on immigration, highlighting ongoing debates surrounding border policies in the United States.
4. EU Warns of Retaliatory Tariffs
Host: Dale Willman
Reporter: Terry Schultz
The European Union has issued a stern warning to President Trump, signaling readiness to impose retaliatory tariffs against his plan to enforce a 30% tariff on EU imports starting August. Despite mounting tensions, EU officials express a desire to negotiate a resolution.
Notable Quote:
"Brussels will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required."
— Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission Chief [02:33]
Ursula von der Leyen stressed the potential disruption to transatlantic supply chains, affecting businesses and consumers on both sides, while the EU prepares comprehensive lists of U.S. goods targeted for future tariffs.
5. Violence Escalates in Gaza Amid Aid Efforts
Host: Dale Willman
Tragic incidents have unfolded in Gaza, where at least 31 Palestinians were killed while seeking food aid near an American-run aid site in Rafah. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including four children, and 15 others were killed in separate attacks in southern Gaza. Over 100 people have been treated for gunshot wounds, underscoring the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
6. Record-Breaking Prime Day Sales Surge Online Shopping
Host: Dale Willman
Reporter: Alina Selyuk
The annual Prime Day event, originated by Amazon and now participated in by multiple retailers, set a new record this year. Spanning four days, shoppers across online platforms spent over $24 billion, surpassing the total sales of two Black Fridays combined.
Notable Quote:
"People hunted for deals on appliances, electronics and a lot of back to school shopping. Many shoppers say they want to get ahead of potential future price increases if President Trump's tariffs on foreign imports go into effect August 1st."
— Alina Selyuk [04:03]
The surge in online spending reflects not only the popularity of the sales event but also strategic consumer behavior in anticipation of upcoming tariff-induced price hikes.
7. Historic Victory at Wimbledon Women's Final
Host: Dale Willman
In a stunning display of dominance, Iga Świątek clinched the women's Wimbledon title by defeating Amanda Anisimova in just 57 minutes, marking the first time in 114 years that a player in the women's final did not secure a single game. The match was witnessed by Kate, the Princess of Wales, who proudly presented Świątek with the championship trophy.
NPR News Now continues to deliver concise and comprehensive news updates, keeping audiences informed on critical developments around the world.