NPR News Now: July 14, 2025, 8AM EDT

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U.S.-Russia Relations: Anticipated Trump Announcement and Legislative Push

President Donald Trump is slated to make a significant announcement regarding Russia today. Despite ongoing efforts by the Trump administration, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. Speaking to reporters last night, Trump refrained from directly addressing the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia. Instead, he expressed his disappointment in Putin, stating at [00:46] [00:46] Donald Trump:

"But I am very disappointed with President Putin. You know, I thought he was somebody that meant what he said and he'll talk so beautifully and then he'll bomb people at night. We don't like that."

This statement comes shortly after Trump indicated to NBC News that a major statement concerning Russia was forthcoming. Concurrently, Congress is mobilizing to strengthen the administration’s stance against Putin. A bipartisan effort in the Senate, championed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to provide Trump with extensive powers to target both Putin personally and the broader Russian economy, described by Graham as a "sledgehammer" approach.

Ukraine: Diplomatic Engagements and Special Envoy's Visit

In related developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Keith Kellogg, President Trump's special envoy, earlier today. Zelensky reported that their discussions were "productive," as highlighted at [01:21] [01:21] Giles Snyder:

"Zelensky says he met today with Keith Kellogg, President Trump's special envoy, saying on social media that the two had a productive meeting."

Kellogg has arrived in Kyiv for an anticipated week-long visit, underscoring the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

EU Responds to U.S. Tariff Threats Amid Trade Tensions

European Union trade ministers convened in Brussels to address President Trump's recent threat to impose a 30% tariff on European imports. In a strategic move to facilitate constructive dialogue, the EU has decided to suspend its retaliatory measures temporarily, aiming to create a conducive environment for successful trade negotiations. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized at [01:49] [01:49] Ursula von der Leyen:

"The EU has decided to suspend retaliatory measures to give trade talks more chance of success."

She further added at [02:00]:

"At the same time, we will continue to prepare further countermeasures so we are fully prepared."

The EU has compiled a list of U.S. goods worth approximately 93 billion euros that could be targeted with reciprocal tariffs. While some measures were poised to take effect immediately, von der Leyen indicated a strategic delay to prioritize negotiations. Additionally, the EU is considering the "anti-coercion mechanism," a regulation that permits seeking reparations in the event of economic harm, though von der Leyen noted it might be premature to activate this tool.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Tragic Civilian Casualties Reported

In Gaza, the Israeli military has acknowledged a tragic error during a strike that resulted in the deaths of six children. Ruth Sherlock reports at [02:31] [02:31] Ruth Sherlock:

"The Israeli military said in a statement that it was targeting a member of the Islamic Jihad militia and that a technical error with the munition meant it fell, quote, unquote, dozens of meters from the target."

These children were among at least ten individuals killed while filling water containers in central Gaza. Their bodies were later transported to Al Awda Hospital, where more than a dozen others sustained injuries. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that over 58,000 people have been killed in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with women and children comprising more than half of the casualties.

Severe Flooding in Texas Hill Country: Rising Concerns and Ongoing Search Efforts

The Texas Hill Country is grappling with severe flooding following up to five inches of rain within a few hours overnight, as reported by Giles Snyder at [03:13] [03:13] Giles Snyder:

"More rain in the Texas Hill country leading to more concern about flooding. The National Weather Service in Austin says up to 5 inches fell in a few hours overnight, leading to flood warnings and watches."

Tragically, at least 132 people have lost their lives, and over 160 remain missing since the catastrophic flooding on the 4th of July. Search efforts have been suspended, intensifying fears for those still unaccounted for.

Electric Vehicle Industry: Panasonic's Kansas Battery Plant Amid Economic Challenges

One of the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery plants is set to open today in Kansas, despite the EV industry's current economic headwinds. Zane Irwin with the Kansas News Service details at [03:51] [03:51] Zane Irwin:

"Just days before the ribbon cutting ceremony, international outlet Nikkei Asia reported the factory has postponed its target to to be at full capacity by spring 2027."

A spokesperson for Panasonic neither confirmed nor denied the postponement. The EV sector is navigating several challenges, including declining Tesla sales, fluctuating auto tariffs, and the impending expiration of electric vehicle tax credits in September as part of President Trump's tax and spending bill. Nevertheless, Panasonic remains optimistic about the long-term prospects, asserting that battery production is already underway and continues to push forward in Kansas.

International Space Station: Successful Return of Privately Financed Crew

A diverse group of visitors to the International Space Station is returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule. The trio, hailing from Poland, India, and Hungary, undocked early this morning, targeting a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. Their mission, privately financed, marks a significant milestone in international and commercial space collaboration. Jael Snyder reported at [04:35] [04:35] Giles Snyder:

"The three visitors to the orbiting outpost are from Poland, India and Hungary. Their flight was privately financed."

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