NPR News Now: July 16, 2025, 4 PM EDT

Presented by NPR, this episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on national and international events, providing in-depth coverage and expert insights.

President Trump Criticizes His Base Over Epstein Demands

Host: Lakshmi Singh

President Donald Trump has publicly reprimanded members of his own base who are pressing the Justice Department to disclose information related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Speaking during a photo op with Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Trump shifted the focus away from Epstein, emphasizing economic achievements instead.

Donald Trump [00:49]: "I'd rather talk about the success we have with the economy, the best we've ever had and all of the things we've done, including the Middle East... the sad part is it's people that are really doing the Democrats work. They're stupid people."

Trump criticized the demands as a distraction, labeling those pushing for transparency as "stupid." This statement comes amid tensions with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who recently stated that Epstein did not maintain a client list, contrary to suggestions from Trump allies and various conspiracy theorists.

Ceasefire Attempt in Southwest Syria Amid Ongoing Conflict

Reporter: Daniel Estrin, Tel Aviv

A Syrian ceasefire agreement has been reported by Syrian state media in the southwest region of the country, though its effectiveness remains uncertain amidst continuous clashes. The Syrian government forces are engaged in intense fighting with the Druze religious minority, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

Israel has actively intervened by launching airstrikes targeting Syrian military installations and attempting to enforce a demilitarized zone near its controlled territories. These actions aim to protect the Druze community in Suwaida, which spans areas within both Syria and Israel.

Daniel Estrin [01:51]: "Israel is trying to enforce a demilitarized zone in southern Syria near Israeli controlled territory and that it's also intervening to protect the Druze religious minority which straddles Syria and Israel."

This intervention occurs at a critical juncture as Syria’s new government strives to unify the country post-civil war, with the United States facilitating diplomatic ties between Syria and Israel.

Louisiana Officials Indicted in U Visa Fraud Scheme

Reporter: Brooke Thorrington, WRKF

In central Louisiana, four law enforcement officers and a businessman have been indicted for their roles in a scheme that allowed foreign nationals to remain in the United States through the fraudulent use of U visas. These visas are intended for individuals who are victims or witnesses of crimes, permitting them to stay in the country until legal proceedings conclude.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Vanhook detailed that the defendants falsified reports of armed robberies, enabling individuals to apply for and obtain U visas under false pretenses.

Alexander Vanhook [03:11]: "Each report listed several victims of purported armed robberies in central Louisiana, and the defendants produced false police reports so the purported victims of the robberies could apply for youth visas."

The investigation uncovered that individuals were paying $5,000 each for these deceitful reports, with the total number of payments reaching into the hundreds.

High-Stakes Immigration Hearing in Tennessee

Host: Lakshmi Singh

A federal judge in Tennessee is set to hear the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man whose legal situation has become emblematic of the national debate over President Trump’s immigration policies. Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, was returned to the U.S. last month to face human smuggling charges—a charge he denies.

The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for the administration's efforts to deport Garcia a second time, highlighting the complexities and challenges within the current immigration system.

Climate Change Intensifies Weather Extremes Across the U.S.

Reporter: Michael Copley

The National Weather Service has issued warnings about escalating heatwaves from the Pacific Northwest extending eastward, coupled with increased threats of flash floods due to heavy rainfall across the central and eastern United States. These extreme weather events are being exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to more intense and frequent rainstorms.

Expert Insight: Gernot Wagner, Climate Economist at Columbia Business School

Economist Gernot Wagner explains that a warmer atmosphere retains more moisture, resulting in storms that deposit greater amounts of rain than previously experienced. This trend places significant strain on infrastructure, necessitating major investments in transportation and stormwater management systems.

Gernot Wagner [04:27]: "A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, so as the Earth heats up, storms can drop more rain than they did in the past."

Wagner emphasizes the dual challenges and opportunities presented by these changes, noting that while substantial financial investments are required, the transition also offers potential job creation.

Gernot Wagner [04:46]: "The flip side of cost is opportunity is jobs. We need to get around to actually putting money to work."

He urges communities to act swiftly to mitigate the escalating risks posed by climate-induced weather extremes.

U.S. Stock Market Closes Higher

Host: Lakshmi Singh

In financial news, U.S. stock markets ended the day on a positive note, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 231 points, approximately half a percent, closing at 44,254. This uptick reflects investor confidence amidst ongoing economic discussions and global events.

Lakshmi Singh [05:00]: "U.S. stocks have ended the day higher, with the dow closing up 231 points, or roughly half a percent, to settle at 44,254."

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