Jason Moran, a well-known pianist and composer, is no longer the artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center. He served in this position for 14 years and organized many performances. Moran is recognized for his contributions to music, including film scores for "Selma" and "13th."
Key Facts
Jason Moran is a pianist, composer, and educator who worked at the Kennedy Center for 14 years.
He announced his departure from the Kennedy Center through social media.
Moran became the artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center in 2011, after Dr. Billy Taylor.
He helped organize events like the NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert and a residency program for young artists called Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead.
Jason Moran has composed music for films like "Selma" and "13th."
Several artists have left the Kennedy Center after recent leadership changes involving President Trump.
The Kennedy Center did not comment on Moran's departure.
President Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on several countries, including some in Asia, which may affect Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming trip to a Southeast Asian security meeting. The U.S. aims to improve relationships in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's influence, but the focus on trade tariffs could complicate these efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans for new tariffs on multiple countries, including Asian nations, if they do not negotiate trade deals with the U.S.
The tariffs are set to begin on August 1 and could be as high as 40% for some Southeast Asian countries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending a regional security meeting in Malaysia, where trade issues might be a topic despite the official agenda focusing on maritime security and transnational crime.
Countries like Japan and South Korea, not part of ASEAN, will be present at the meeting and face potential 25% tariffs.
Some ASEAN countries targeted by the tariffs include Malaysia, which would face 25% tariffs mainly on electronics.
Rubio may engage with foreign ministers from China and Russia during the meeting, though meetings have not been confirmed.
China and Russia are seen as significant players in the region, with issues like Russia's actions in Ukraine and China's regional influence high on the agenda.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russia's actions in Ukraine and announced the U.S. will continue providing Ukraine with defensive weapons.
Floods in the Texas Hill Country have left more than 160 people missing, prompting ongoing search and recovery efforts. Rescue teams and volunteers are working to find bodies, following the storm that killed over 100 people, including 30 children. The mental health of first responders is a concern as they handle the emotional strain of their work.
Key Facts
Floods hit Texas’ Hill Country, with more than 160 people reported missing.
Over 100 people have died due to the floods, including 30 children.
Search efforts are ongoing, with teams looking for both survivors and bodies.
Margo Mellon is among the volunteers aiding in the searches.
First responders often face mental health challenges from their work.
Support systems and mental health resources are crucial for those responding to disasters.
Experts emphasize the importance of addressing the psychological effects on responders.
Historical events like Hurricane Katrina have shown the long-term impact on search teams.
This year, the United States has reported 1,288 measles cases, the most in 33 years, primarily due to an outbreak in Texas. Measles cases pose a risk of losing the U.S. "elimination" status unless vaccination rates improve.
Key Facts
The U.S. reported 1,288 measles cases in 2025, the highest since 1992.
A major outbreak in Texas accounts for 753 cases.
Three people have died from measles in the U.S. this year.
155 individuals have been hospitalized due to the disease.
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning it no longer constantly spread over a year.
Vaccination rates for kindergarteners in the U.S. have decreased to 92.7%.
A 95% vaccination rate is needed to prevent measles outbreaks effectively.
The CDC continues to promote MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines to combat measles spread.
Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, will be sentenced on October 3. A jury found him guilty of transporting people for prostitution, though he was cleared of more serious charges like sex trafficking.
Key Facts
Sean Combs' sentencing is scheduled for October 3.
A federal jury convicted him of transporting people for prostitution.
The jury did not find him guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors claimed he ran a long-term criminal operation related to sexual abuse.
Witnesses and evidence, such as bank records and videos, were used in the trial.
Despite being found guilty of some charges, Combs has been in jail since last year, which counts towards his sentence.
Heavy rain and flash floods in Texas led to criticism of the National Weather Service's (NWS) forecasts. The criticism came amid concerns about staffing cuts ordered by former President Trump, which Democrats linked to the disaster. At least 80 people died in the flooding, and there is an ongoing debate about whether the staff reductions impacted the NWS's performance.
Key Facts
Former President Trump ordered staffing cuts to the National Weather Service, which some say could risk people's safety.
Neil Jacobs, nominated for a key role at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is scheduled to testify about the issue.
Flash flooding in Texas killed at least 80 people, including many who were at a summer camp.
The local NWS office had five staff members working during the overnight shift when the floods happened.
Some NWS officials defended their actions, saying they issued urgent flood warnings early.
Nationally, nearly half of the NWS field offices have lost at least 20% of their staff.
The Trump administration proposed cutting the NWS's parent agency’s budget by 27%.
There are ongoing concerns about whether these cuts affect the NWS's ability to forecast severe weather accurately.
The United States has changed its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, making most visas single-entry and valid for three months starting July 8. This aligns with Nigeria's practice of issuing single-entry visas for US visitors. The US says this policy may change based on various future diplomatic and security considerations.
Key Facts
The US now offers most Nigerian citizens single-entry visas valid for only three months.
Previously, Nigerian citizens could obtain visas allowing multiple entries over two years or more.
This change is part of a global effort called "reciprocity realignment," ensuring visa practices are consistent.
The Nigerian government has not yet responded to this new US visa policy.
The US plans to review these policies regularly based on diplomatic and security needs.
The US will check social media accounts of visa applicants for any signs of hostility towards American principles.
Nigeria issues single-entry visas valid for three months to US citizens.
Nigerians apply for a significant number of student visas to the United States.
More than 160 people are missing following severe floods in Texas, which have resulted in 109 deaths so far. Governor Greg Abbott indicated that the number of missing could increase and search efforts are ongoing in areas heavily impacted by the flooding.
Key Facts
Over 160 people are missing in Texas after major floods.
109 people have died in these floods.
Kerr County is the hardest-hit area, with 94 deaths.
27 girls and counselors died at a summer camp affected by the flood on the Guadalupe River.
Five campers, one counselor, and one unrelated child are still missing.
Throughout Texas, at least 15 other deaths are linked to the floods.
Search and rescue teams are using helicopters, drones, and dogs.
Rescuers face challenges due to water, mud, and dangerous conditions.
Kerr County commissioners discussed a flood warning system that was planned but never built. This debate comes after recent floods caused damage in central Texas.
Key Facts
Kerr County is in central Texas.
A flood warning system was planned for the area but was not built.
Tom Moser, a former commissioner, supported the creation of the warning system.
Recent floods have caused damage in Kerr County.
The debate about the system's absence happened during a meeting on July 9, 2025.
The floods in Texas have resulted in 109 deaths, with 161 people still missing as search and rescue operations continue. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that search efforts will persist until all missing persons are found. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed federal worker layoffs to resume following a decision that impacts several government agencies.
Key Facts
109 people died in the recent Texas floods, and 161 are still missing.
Search and rescue teams are still actively looking for missing individuals.
The worst flooding occurred along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
Kerr County lacks a traditional outdoor warning system for flash floods but uses a text alert system.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott plans to start investigations into flood response and preparation soon.
President Trump has been focused on foreign policy, with ongoing discussions about peace efforts between Israel and Hamas.
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted a block, allowing federal layoffs to continue while legal challenges are pending.
Up to 20 federal agencies are affected by the layoffs, with around 10,000 Health and Human Services employees notified.
Some states are trying to prevent unexpected bills for ambulance rides that travel by road, not air. This is because a federal law protects against surprise bills for air ambulances but not for ground ambulances. Utah and North Dakota are among the states passing new laws to address this issue, but it faces challenges from insurance companies.
Key Facts
Ambulance rides on the ground can result in unexpected bills not covered by federal law.
The No Surprises Act protects against surprise air ambulance bills but does not include ground ambulance rides.
Some states have passed laws to stop surprise ground ambulance bills, including Utah and North Dakota.
Insurance companies sometimes do not pay the full cost of ambulance rides, leaving patients with high bills.
Concerns exist that forcing insurers to pay more for ambulance rides might increase health coverage costs for everyone.
In Colorado and Montana, attempts to pass laws to prevent these bills have been unsuccessful due to concerns about overall cost impacts.
Patients often cannot choose which ambulance company helps them, meaning they might get unexpected bills from out-of-network providers.
Recent news highlights include deadly floods in Texas, President Trump focusing on foreign policy, and the Supreme Court letting President Trump temporarily continue federal layoffs.
Key Facts
Deadly floods have occurred in Texas.
President Trump is focusing on foreign policy issues this week.
The U.S. Supreme Court allows President Trump to proceed with federal layoffs for now.
Morning Edition is the source of this news summarized by hosts A Martínez and Michel Martin.
The information is based on a recent news brief from July 9, 2025.
A church in Kerrville, Texas is helping people come together after floods hit the central Texas area. The First Presbyterian Church is being used as a reunification center where people can meet family and friends.
Key Facts
The location is in Kerrville, Texas.
The event involves floods hitting central Texas.
The First Presbyterian Church is the reunification center.
Pastor Jasiel Hernandez Garcia is involved with the church.
The church helps people reconnect after the disaster.
Some supporters of the MAGA movement are upset because the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said they didn't find evidence of a "client list" or a blackmail scheme linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
The DOJ and FBI conducted an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
They reported finding no incriminating "client list" or blackmail scheme involving Epstein.
Some supporters of the MAGA movement expressed anger over these findings.
The information was discussed on NPR with a reporter from Axios.
The subject relates to the controversy surrounding Epstein's activities.
Texas is currently depending on FEMA for disaster relief after severe flooding. However, Governor Greg Abbott and other state officials are working with President Trump to consider reducing or eliminating FEMA. The goal is for states to take on more responsibility in managing and preparing for disasters with less federal involvement.
Key Facts
Texas is dealing with serious floods, and FEMA has provided federal aid to help.
Gov. Greg Abbott praised President Trump for quickly approving disaster funding for Texas.
Trump proposed cutting down FEMA's role, suggesting states handle more disaster response.
Abbott and Texas' emergency official, W. Nim Kidd, are on a council to review FEMA's future.
FEMA provides around $45 billion yearly for disaster relief across the U.S.
Some council ideas include giving states big block grants instead of specific reimbursements.
Discussions include simplifying disaster funding and increasing states' training responsibilities.
FEMA is also considering reducing its National Flood Insurance Program.
In Kerr County, Texas, Thad Heartfield leads a volunteer search effort after a flood, following the July 4 rains. More than 100 people died, and over 160 are missing. Heartfield's son is one of the missing, and volunteers work daily to find flood victims.
Key Facts
Over 100 people died due to flooding in Kerr County, Texas, after heavy rains on July 4.
More than 160 people are currently missing following the flood.
Thad Heartfield, an attorney, leads the volunteer search effort to find flood victims, including his son.
Volunteers meet daily at a Walmart in Kerrville to organize search efforts.
The group searches through debris and difficult terrain for the missing.
Volunteers have found nine bodies, including two of Heartfield's son's friends.
Law enforcement and other emergency workers are also involved in the search efforts.
Thad Heartfield uses maps to assign areas to volunteer teams for searching.
Researchers held an event at the Rayburn House Office Building to draw attention to recent cuts in federal funding for scientific research projects. These cuts, made by the Trump administration, threaten important ongoing studies, many of which address public health issues like pandemic preparation and cancer research.
Key Facts
Researchers organized a "science fair" on Capitol Hill to highlight federal funding cuts.
The event was meant to show how these cuts could impact future scientific and medical advances.
Scientists like Sumit Chanda, who worked on pandemic response, had their funding removed.
The cuts were part of a decision to reduce funding for projects now seen as unnecessary post-pandemic.
Many researchers did not receive clear reasons for the termination of their grants.
Professor Kimiko Krieger lost funding for her cancer research without a specific explanation.
The event was organized by Democrats on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
NPR's requests for comments from the White House and a Republican committee chair did not receive a response.
