NPR News Now: July 13, 2025, 4AM EDT – Episode Summary

Host: Dale Willman
Release Date: July 13, 2025

Tragic Floods in Central Texas: Counselor Found

At the beginning of the episode, Dale Willman reports the harrowing discovery of the remains of counselor Catherine Ferruzzo amidst the devastating July 4th floods in Central Texas. The floods along the Guadalupe River resulted in the loss of at least 128 lives, with 160 individuals still missing.

Celia Aranda provides a poignant account from Kerrville's Water Street, highlighting a makeshift memorial adorned with photographs of the victims. Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old recent graduate from Memorial High School in Houston, had aspirations to attend the University of Texas at Austin and become a special education teacher. Her family has announced the establishment of a foundation in her honor to support individuals with special needs and learning differences.

Quote:
Celia Aranda (00:37): “The family sets it's launching a foundation in her name for those with special needs and learning differences.”

Timestamp: [00:11 – 01:19]

Environmental Concerns: Flood Watch and Wildfires

Dale Willman updates listeners on the environmental challenges facing Texas and Colorado. A flood watch remains in effect for the Texas Hill Country until Sunday night, indicating ongoing risks from severe weather conditions. Concurrently, the South Rim Fire in western Colorado has expanded to over 3,000 acres, posing a significant threat to the Bostwick Park community in Montrose and leading to the closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As of now, the fire remains completely uncontained.

Controversy at the Everglades Immigration Center

A bipartisan congressional tour of the new Everglades Immigration Center has sparked debate. Dale Willman outlines the differing perceptions between Republicans and Democrats regarding the facility's conditions.

Republican Perspective:
Republican members observed the center as "a clean and well-run facility."

Democratic Concerns:
Conversely, Democrats criticized the center, citing inadequate and unhealthy food options for detainees. An unnamed reporter details the disparity in meal portions between employees and detainees:

Quote:
Unnamed Reporter (01:55): “The portions available for employees, large pieces of roast chicken, large sausages and the detainees lunches were a small turkey and cheese, gray turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple and chips.”

Additionally, Democrats raised alarms about overcrowded, unsanitary, and bug-infested conditions within the facility.

Tragic Incident in the West Bank: U.S. Citizen Killed

Dale Willman reports on a fatal incident in the occupied West Bank where Palestinian health officials confirmed that Israeli settlers killed Sayfullah Mislet, a 21-year-old U.S. citizen born in Florida. The incident occurred in the village of Sinjil amid heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.

Hadil Al Shalchi of NPR provides further insights:

Quote:
Hadil Al Shalchi (02:29): “Israeli officials rarely prosecute offenders, and when they do, a very small percentage end in conviction.”

Mislet's family expressed disappointment over the lack of action from the U.S. government, drawing parallels to a previous incident in April involving a 14-year-old Palestinian American killed by Israeli forces.

Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Dale Willman highlights Russia's intensified bombing campaign against Ukraine, which involved launching nearly 600 drones and missiles targeting multiple regions. Ukrainian authorities report approximately six fatalities and dozens of injuries resulting from the attacks. Ukraine's air force claims success in intercepting or jamming the majority of the incoming threats.

U.S. Political Spotlight: Hakeem Jeffries Opposes Medicaid Cuts

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vocally opposes the substantial Medicaid reductions included in the recently passed Trump budget bill. Drew Hawkins from the Gulf States Newsroom reports on Jeffries' remarks at Crescent Care, a federally qualified health center in New Orleans.

Quote:
Hakeem Jeffries (03:57): “The one big ugly bill that has been jammed down the throats of the American people represents the largest assault on Medicaid and health care in American history.”

The legislation entails over a trillion dollars in healthcare cuts, potentially stripping coverage from 17 million Americans. Clinics like Crescent Care are bracing to operate with significantly reduced resources, despite Republican justifications that aim to curb waste and fraud.

Timestamp: [03:10 – 04:28]

Sports Update: Rory McIlroy at the Scottish Masters

Concluding the episode, Dale Willman reports on Rory McIlroy's performance at the Scottish Masters golf tournament. Tied for first place with Chris Goddarup, who set a course record by shooting a 61 in his opening round, McIlroy is optimistic about maintaining his top form with just one round remaining in the competition.

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