NPR News Now: July 14, 2025, 11 AM EDT

Host: Jael Snyder

1. Texas Hill Country Faces Severe Flooding

Overview:
Heavy rainfall continues to batter the Texas Hill Country, exacerbating flood concerns in the region. The National Weather Service in Austin reported that up to five inches of rain fell within a few hours overnight, triggering flood warnings and watches across the area.

Community Response:
In Kerrville, a community severely impacted by the flooding, local faith leaders are mobilizing to support residents. Reverend Burt Betts of St. Peter's Episcopal Church emphasized the church's commitment to aiding the community through the prolonged recovery process.

Notable Quote:
“We're not leaving. We're committed to the emotional, spiritual, material, mental needs that will arise. We're not leaving.”
— Reverend Burt Betts [01:01]

2. White House Addresses War in Ukraine and Shifting Immigration Views

Ukraine Conflict:
President Trump is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss ongoing tensions in Ukraine. Following Trump's statement last night, the administration plans to supply Ukraine with NATO Patriot air defense missiles, indicating a continued military support stance.

Immigration Policy Shifts:
While immigration was a cornerstone of Trump's campaign, recent polling indicates a shift in public opinion. Initially, approximately 55% of Americans favored reducing immigration, according to Gallup a year ago. However, recent surveys by PBS NewsHour and Marist University reveal a significant decline in support, with only 30% now advocating for decreased immigration levels.

Notable Quote:
“Our Polling with PBS NewsHour and Marist, for example, showed Trump with just a 43% approval rating for his handling of immigration. People said that they believed America's openness to immigration is essential to what the country is.”
— Domenico Martino, NPR [01:41]

3. Trump Administration Defends Deportation Efforts Amid Legal Challenges

The Trump administration is actively defending its enhanced deportation strategies. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has vehemently denied allegations of racial profiling, asserting that the administration will challenge a recent judicial ruling that has temporarily halted these aggressive tactics. A jury trial is scheduled to commence today in a lawsuit against Tesla related to these broader immigration enforcement policies.

4. Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Fatal Autopilot Crash

Incident Details:
A jury trial has begun regarding a 2019 crash in Florida where a Tesla vehicle, operating under its Autopilot driver assistance system, collided with a parked SUV. The tragic accident resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman and critically injured her companion.

Legal Arguments:
Victims' lawyers claim that Tesla overpromoted the capabilities of its Autopilot technology, leading to driver complacency. Conversely, Tesla is expected to argue that the driver was at fault for not paying adequate attention to the road, despite the assistance provided by the technology.

Notable Quote:
“Tesla is expected to argue that the driver is at fault because he wasn't paying attention to the road.”
— Joel Rose, NPR [02:33]

5. Grand Canyon Wildfires Prompt Governor's Criticism of National Park Service

Wildfire Impact:
Recent wildfires near the Grand Canyon's North Rim have led to the closure of public access for the season. The flames destroyed a historic lodge along with dozens of other structures, including several notable cabins.

Governor's Stance:
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has publicly criticized the National Park Service for its handling of the wildfire response, calling for a thorough investigation into the agency's preparedness and actions during the disaster.

6. DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Afghans

Policy Change:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 12,000 Afghans residing in the United States. TPS has previously allowed individuals fleeing persecution in Afghanistan to live and work legally in the U.S. while they await asylum decisions.

Community Impact:
Many of those affected were instrumental in assisting U.S. efforts post-9/11 and now face threats from the Taliban. Abdul Faragi, an investigative journalist from Afghanistan, criticized the Trump administration’s decision, highlighting the unstable economic and security conditions in Afghanistan.

Notable Quote:
“Afghanistan right now, it's kind of a jail for all those people that they are living there.”
— Abdul Faragi, Investigative Journalist [03:53]

7. House Republicans Propel Cryptocurrency Legislation Forward

Legislative Developments:
This week has been dubbed "Crypto Week" by House Republicans, who are poised to consider three new bills aimed at establishing a clear regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry. These measures seek to provide legal clarity and structure to support the growing digital asset market.

For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into NPR News Now.