NPR News Now: July 13, 2025, 3 AM EDT

Hosted by Dale Willman

Flood Cleanup Continues in Central Texas

Timestamp: [00:18]

In the aftermath of last week's devastating floods in Central Texas, cleanup efforts are ongoing. Dale Willman reports that the Kerrville Bible Church members have been actively involved in debris removal. Murray Van Gundy, a church member, shared insights into their cleanup operations:

"One of our members of our church, their house flooded up in Hunt. So we spent Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday cleaning their house out and they were able to salvage the structure of it, ripped all the drywall out of the ceilings, out of the walls. They had three feet of mud throughout the whole house. It reached 10ft in their house, but thankfully they got out safe." [00:30]

His account highlights the community's resilience and the significant challenges faced by affected families.

President Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Mexico and the EU

Timestamp: [00:47]

Economic tensions escalate as President Donald Trump announces new tariff threats targeting Mexico and the European Union. NPR's Tamara Keith provides an in-depth analysis:

"Trump says he intends to hit both Mexico and the European Union with a 30% tariff rate starting August 1st. In the case of Mexico, he cites the country's inability to halt the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. In the EU letter, Trump blames long term, large and persistent trade deficits engendered by tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers." [01:05]

This move comes amid a series of similar letters, totaling around two dozen this month, where Trump threatens even higher tariffs if retaliatory measures are taken. Initially presented as a strategy to secure better trade deals, Trump now frames these letters themselves as the new deals [01:05]. The implications of these tariffs are poised to affect international trade dynamics significantly.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Intensifies

Timestamp: [01:47]

Access to food in Gaza has become perilously difficult, with the United Nations Human Rights Office reporting a tragic toll. Ruth Sherlock details the situation:

"The vast majority, 615 people, were killed while trying to access aid distribution sites run by the US And Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The foundation's aid centers are in Israeli militarized zones and run by US Private security contractors. They're overcrowded and the United Nations says are, quote, inherently unsafe." [02:02]

These aid distribution points, located in areas with strict military oversight, have proven to be deadly for those seeking assistance. Israel maintains that stringent controls are necessary to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas operatives. Meanwhile, the European Union claims to have brokered a deal to increase the daily influx of food and essential goods into Gaza, though the implementation timeline remains uncertain [02:02]. The situation underscores the dire humanitarian needs amidst ongoing conflicts.

UK Government Bans Pro-Palestinian Group, Leading to Mass Arrests

Timestamp: [02:49]

In the United Kingdom, government actions against the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action have sparked significant legal repercussions. On Saturday, over 70 individuals were arrested during protests opposing the government's recent measures. The group was banned under terrorism laws following incidents, including the vandalism of a Royal Air Force base in June.

Under the new restrictions, members and supporters of Palestine Action face potential prison sentences of up to 14 years. This crackdown reflects the UK's stringent stance on groups deemed to pose security threats, raising concerns about the balance between national security and freedom of expression.

Environmental Victory in Georgia: Okefenokee Swamp Protected

Timestamp: [03:30]

Environmentalists in Georgia celebrate a significant triumph after a six-year struggle to prevent strip mining near the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the largest protected swamps in the United States. Marissa Mecke reports on the successful acquisition:

"The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit, finalizes a $60 million purchase of about 8,000 acres near the Okefenokee Swamp. Alabama based Twin Pines Minerals owned the ridge next to the swamp and applied for permits with the state of Georgia in 2019 to mine titanium dioxide, a whitening pigment used in paints and foods." [03:30]

Opponents of the mining project argued that excavation would diminish the swamp's already shallow water levels and increase fire risks. The imminent sale, set to complete by July 31, ensures the protection of this vital ecosystem, preserving its biodiversity and environmental significance [03:30].

Sports Highlights: World Cup Logistics and MLB Milestone

Timestamp: [04:11]

In the sports arena, Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea FC, advocates for adjusting the kickoff times of next year's World Cup matches hosted in the U.S. to accommodate more favorable weather conditions. Speaking after a match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where high temperatures and humidity posed challenges, Fernandez emphasized the potential health risks for players:

"The soccer World Cup games played in the US next year should have morning starts." [04:11]

Additionally, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees achieved a historic milestone by hitting his 350th home run on Saturday, surpassing Mark McGwire by reaching the feat in just 192 games. Despite this personal success, the Yankees were defeated by the Chicago Cubs, with a final score of five to two [04:11].

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of critical events ranging from natural disaster recovery and international trade tensions to humanitarian crises and significant environmental and sports developments. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, listeners are kept informed on the multifaceted issues shaping our world.