Leila Mottley, a young author from Oakland, California, wrote a novel called "The Girls Who Grew Big." The book follows three young women facing pregnancy and motherhood in a Florida town with changing abortion laws. Mottley also works as a doula and aims to challenge negative views about teen mothers.
Key Facts
Leila Mottley wrote "The Girls Who Grew Big," which is about young motherhood.
The story is set in Florida, where abortion laws changed during the writing process.
Mottley works as a doula, helping parents during and after birth.
The novel talks about forming support communities for new parents.
Mottley was Oakland’s Youth Poet Laureate and published her first book, "Nightcrawling," at 19.
"Nightcrawling" was longlisted for the Booker Prize, an important book award.
The novel explores diverse experiences of young motherhood across race and class.
Mottley highlights relationships between young women and older men in the story.
On Tuesday, President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi avoided answering questions about Jeffrey Epstein's death. A recent government report reaffirmed Epstein's 2019 death as a suicide, but conspiracy theories about his death continue to circulate, especially among some of Trump's supporters.
Key Facts
The FBI and DOJ confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in a Manhattan jail.
A recent memo stated there was no evidence of Epstein having a "secret client list."
Questions persist among some groups who believe Epstein was murdered because he held compromising information on powerful individuals.
A video from Epstein’s jail cell on the night of his death shows no one entering, though it has a time gap of one minute and two seconds.
President Trump and Attorney General Bondi avoided discussing Epstein's case during a meeting, focusing instead on other current events.
Bondi mentioned the prison camera system is old and that they would check for more video evidence.
Trump previously stated he would release files on Epstein.
President Donald Trump aimed to negotiate numerous trade deals with different countries within 90 days, but only secured agreements with the UK and Vietnam. While discussions with China are ongoing, the deadline for negotiations was extended, and Trump's tariff policies have shifted longstanding trade practices, leaving businesses uncertain about future trade rules.
Key Facts
Trump intended to make many trade deals quickly but secured only two deals, with the UK and Vietnam.
Negotiations with China are ongoing, with no clear details yet.
The initial deadline for talks was not met, extended to August 1.
Tariffs are import taxes, and Trump threatened to impose high tariffs starting July 9 if deals weren't made.
Businesses are uncertain because tariff policies are changing and deadlines are unclear.
It is difficult to negotiate trade agreements because they usually take a long time.
Trump’s policies have altered previous global trade rules, where countries typically used standard tariffs agreed upon universally.
Trump's administration introduced a new plan where different tariffs apply to each country, deviating from past "most favored nation" practices.
President Donald Trump sent letters to seven countries stating they will face new U.S. import taxes. These countries are not major competitors with the United States. Trump believes tariffs will help balance trade and bring factory jobs back to the U.S.
Key Facts
Trump sent tariff letters to the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Sri Lanka.
Import taxes for these countries will start on August 1st.
Libya, Iraq, Algeria, and Sri Lanka will face 30% tariffs; Moldova and Brunei 25%; the Philippines 20%.
The U.S. trade imbalance with these countries is small compared to the overall U.S. economy.
Trump did not include the European Union in this round of tariffs.
Trump believes tariffs can help resolve international disputes and balance trade.
Trump recently placed a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea.
There is no extension of the negotiation period beyond August 1st for the countries that received letters.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, did not rule out continuing the freeze on tax thresholds, which determines the income level at which people start paying higher taxes. This freeze could continue until 2029/30, potentially raising £7 billion annually. Starmer stated he was committed to Labour's manifesto but did not provide clear answers on the future of tax thresholds.
Key Facts
Tax thresholds have been frozen since 2021/22, meaning they have not been adjusted for inflation.
This freeze means more people may pay higher taxes if their income increases.
Extending the freeze until 2029/30 could bring in an estimated £7 billion each year.
Labour's manifesto pledges not to increase National Insurance, income tax, or VAT but does not specify plans for tax thresholds.
The government's fiscal rules aim not to borrow for daily spending and to reduce government debt relative to national income by 2029/29.
A proposed wealth tax could involve a 2% tax on assets over £10 million, generating an estimated £24 billion per year.
Critics argue that a wealth tax might prompt wealthy individuals to move abroad.
Starmer emphasized not relying solely on taxes for economic growth.
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.
