NPR News Now: July 13, 2025, 5PM EDT
Host: Jeanine Herbst
1. Central Texas Flash Flooding and Recovery Efforts Suspended
Timestamp: [00:16]
Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a dire update on the severe flooding in Central Texas. Recovery operations along the Guadalupe River have been suspended due to escalating flood conditions.
Key Highlights:
- Emergency Alert: The Kerr County Sheriff's Office declared a code red alert late Saturday night in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
- Evacuations and Suspensions: Early Sunday, Kerrville officials halted recovery efforts, instructing personnel to evacuate the river corridor until the situation stabilizes.
- Rainfall Intensity: Some regions experienced rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour on Sunday morning.
- Flood Warnings: A broad flood watch remains in effect for much of the Texas Hill Country and south Central Texas through Sunday evening.
Impact:
- The suspension of recovery operations has left both volunteers and affected residents in a state of uncertainty. Many have lost their homes and loved ones, deepening the community’s distress.
Quote:
“Some areas experienced 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour Sunday morning. Flood watches have been issued for a large portion of the Texas Hill country in south Central Texas through Sunday evening.”
— Jerry Clayton, Texas Public Radio [00:31]
Casualty Report:
- At least 128 people have died due to flash flooding, and over 160 individuals remain missing.
2. EU Responds to President Trump's Tariff Threats
Timestamp: [01:12]
Shifting to international trade tensions, the European Union addresses President Trump's announcement of potential retaliatory tariffs.
Key Highlights:
- Tariff Plans: The EU is delaying the implementation of retaliatory tariffs but remains prepared to enact them if necessary.
- Negotiation Preference: EU leaders express a strong preference for reaching a negotiated settlement to avoid the imposition of 30% tariffs on EU imports, slated to begin on August 1st.
Notable Statements:
“The EU believed trade talks with the US were making progress on a solution which would avoid the tariffs Trump has announced will go into effect August 1st if no agreement is reached.”
— Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission Chief [01:35]
“We will use the time we have.”
— Bob Mondello [01:53]
“Now till the 1st of August.”
— Ursula von der Leyen [01:55]
“We can respond with countermeasures if necessary.”
— Ursula von der Leyen [01:57]
Future Actions:
- Von der Leyen hints at the potential use of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument, a regulatory measure that allows the bloc to seek reparations for economic damages, though it is deemed too early to confirm its application.
Quote:
“Von der Leyen says it's too early to say whether the bloc would consider using its anti coercion instrument... But she says the measure's existence shows the EU is prepared for all eventual scenarios.”
— Terri Scholz, NPR News [02:00]
3. U.S. Considers Aggressive Sanctions Against Russia
Timestamp: [02:19]
President Trump is reportedly contemplating a substantial sanctions package targeting Russia in response to its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Key Highlights:
- Legislative Support: Senator Lindsey Graham announces that 85 senators support legislation granting President Trump the authority to impose tariffs up to 500% on countries backing Russia.
Notable Statements:
“85 senators support legislation allowing President Trump to levy up to 500% tariffs on the countries supporting Russia.”
— Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican [02:31]
“I expect in the coming days that there will be tariffs and sanctions available to President Trump he's never had before.”
— Jerry Clayton [02:42]
“Graham calls the bipartisan sanctions a sledgehammer.”
— Bob Mondello [02:49]
Political Context:
- During his presidential campaign, Trump maintained a conciliatory stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, promising a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
- Post-election, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his management of the war.
- The current stance marks a significant shift, signaling Trump’s diminishing patience with Putin's actions.
Quote:
“Graham calls the bipartisan sanctions a sledgehammer.”
— Jerry Clayton [02:43]
Reporter:
Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington [02:49 - 02:55]
4. "Superman" Reboot Soars at the Box Office
Timestamp: [03:13]
The latest reboot of the Superman franchise is achieving remarkable success both domestically and internationally.
Key Highlights:
- Box Office Performance: The film has grossed over $120 million in North America and an additional $100 million overseas, positioning it as one of the year's top earners.
- Director’s Vision: James Gunn, the director, envisions this film as the foundation for a comprehensive restructuring of the DC Universe.
Insights:
- Despite initial concerns that the portrayal of Superman as an immigrant might not resonate in traditionally conservative regions ("red states"), the movie has performed consistently across all U.S. regions, matching the reception of other PG-13 family adventure films.
Notable Statements:
“Superman is the first film... will be a wholesale restructuring of the DC universe.”
— Bob Mondello, NPR News [03:34]
“There was some concern that the director referring in an interview to Superman, who was born on another planet as an immigrant, might be box office kryptonite in red states. But the entertainment analysis firm Intelligence reports that the film's reception in all regions of the US has been right in line with that of most PG13 family adventure films.”
— Bob Mondello, NPR News [03:47]
Quote:
“I'm not messing around. I'm doing important stuff.”
— Jerry Clayton [03:45]
5. Hungary's Oldest Library Battles Beetle Infestation
Timestamp: [04:11]
A historical preservation effort is underway in Hungary to save tens of thousands of centuries-old books from a destructive beetle infestation.
Key Highlights:
- Location: The library at the nearly 1,000-year-old Paninhelma Arch Abbey, a Benedictine monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site, is at the heart of the initiative.
- Infestation Details: The infestation is caused by the drugstore beetle, which not only feeds on dried foods but also targets the starch-based adhesives used in bookbinding.
- Preservation Efforts: Approximately 100,000 hand-bound books are being meticulously removed and packed into crates. This process is a precursor to the disinfection procedures aimed at eradicating the beetles.
Significance:
- The Paninhelma Arch Abbey library is one of Hungary's oldest learning centers, making the preservation of its collection crucial for historical and cultural heritage.
Quote:
“Called the drugstore beetle, the bug loves dried foods like grains, flour and spices, but also the starch based adhesives found in books.”
— Jeanine Herbst, NPR News [04:25]
Conclusion:
This episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of critical events ranging from natural disasters in Texas and international trade tensions between the EU and the US, to significant geopolitical moves concerning Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, cultural highlights included the booming success of the new Superman movie and the preservation efforts of Hungary's ancient library. Each segment was enriched with expert insights and firsthand quotes, offering listeners a well-rounded understanding of the day's most pressing issues.
For more updates, stay tuned to NPR News Now.