NPR News: 07-20-2025 4PM EDT
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What new U.S. sanctions are being considered against Russia and why?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rahm. The Kremlin said today that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to peace with Ukraine, but first must achieve Russia's political and military objectives. President Trump has threatened new sanctions against Russia if it doesn't agree to a peace deal by September. This is part of a wider shift in U.S. policy towards Russia. NPR's Mara Lyason says the President has
the support of lawmakers. There is big bipartisan support in Congress for tougher sanctions on Russia.
How are the recent environmental waivers affecting coal and chemical plants?
Trump viewed settling the war in Ukraine as a very personal matter. He thought he had a personally good relationship with Putin. that he could negotiate with him and he's been very frustrated that that hasn't worked out. And now he is threatening to get tough. He's also approved defensive weapons for Ukraine that Europe will pay for.
Why is Japan’s Prime Minister staying in office amid coalition losses?
So we'll see if this is a permanent shift or not.
NPR's Mara Lyason. President Trump is giving coal and chemical plants more time to comply with environmental rules that were finalized during the Biden administration. Environmental groups say the delay will expose communities to dangerous air pollution. NPR's Michael Compley reports
The exemptions give dozens of chemical and coal plants in Texas, Illinois, and other states an extra two years to comply with regulations to limit hazardous air pollution.
What caused the deadliest day for Gaza civilians seeking food?
The White House said the waivers are needed for national security, because it said complying with the new regulations would be expensive, and in some cases require technology that isn't commercially available. Earth Justice and Environmental Law Group said the waivers will just allow companies to make more money by avoiding regulations. The group said that as a result, more people will be exposed to pollution that's linked to cancer, birth defects, and asthma. Michael Copley, NPR News.
How are Texas floods and declining Lake Powell water levels impacting communities?
Japan's Prime Minister says he'll stay on in his job despite his party's foreshowing in parliamentary elections. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports exit polls show the ruling coalition is likely to lose its majority in the upper house.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that one reason he must stay on is that Japan is engaged with the US in critical tariff negotiations which must not be derailed. Ishiba has been leading a minority government since the ruling coalition lost its majority in the more powerful lower house of parliament in October. Opposition lawmakers in the lower house could try to oust Tishiba through a no confidence motion. In the upper house, opposition parties are poised to make gains, including the right wing populist San Saito Party. San Saito advocates Japanese first policies, including strict controls on immigration and foreigners in Japan.
What are the highlights and controversies of the women’s basketball All‑Star Game?
Anthony Kuhn in PR News.
Gaza health officials say today was the deadliest day yet for people in Gaza seeking food. They say the Israeli military fired on Palestinians trying to reach aid distribution sites. At least ninety-four people were killed. The Israeli military said soldiers did fire warning shots at some Palestinians. This is NPR News. Authorities in Kerr County, Texas say there are now three people missing after the deadly floods on the fourth of July, down from nearly one hundred. At least one hundred thirty five people died in the floods in the state. Most of the deaths occurred along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, about sixty miles northwest of San Antonio. New studies of Lake Powell show that water levels could drop too low to generate hydropower as soon as next year.
The lake sits on the Colorado River and is the nation's second largest reservoir. For Member Station KUNC, Alex Hager reports.
Lake Powell is about 30% full after more than two decades of omega drought. If the water level drops much lower, it will be below the hydropower turbines inside Glen Canyon Dam. They generate electricity for about five million people across seven western states. The reservoir faced the same problem a few years ago, and water managers made emergency releases from other reservoirs to prop up Lake Powell until spring runoff came to the rescue.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What new U.S. sanctions are being considered against Russia and why?
0:00–0:32
2
How are the recent environmental waivers affecting coal and chemical plants?
0:32–0:52
3
Why is Japan’s Prime Minister staying in office amid coalition losses?
0:52–1:21
4
What caused the deadliest day for Gaza civilians seeking food?
1:21–1:45
5
How are Texas floods and declining Lake Powell water levels impacting communities?
1:45–2:36
6
What are the highlights and controversies of the women’s basketball All‑Star Game?
2:36–4:39