NPR News Now: July 31, 2025, 1AM EDT

Hosted by Shea Stevens

U.S. Trade Policies and Veterans Affairs Reform

Shea Stevens [00:15]: President Trump has taken significant steps in altering international trade and domestic veterans' support systems. He announced a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil and imposed tariffs on other countries: 25% on imports from India and 15% on certain copper products from South Korea. These measures are part of the administration's broader strategy to protect American industries and address trade imbalances.

In a related development, President Trump signed the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program Reform Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at safeguarding veterans from losing their homes.

Quill Lawrence [00:44]: "Back during the pandemic, the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed veterans to pause mortgage payments," Lawrence explained. However, the Biden administration's decision to cancel this program led to fears of foreclosures among thousands of veterans. The recent bipartisan fix reinstates the vital support system, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need to maintain their homes. This act effectively restores the VASP program that was previously halted, providing a critical lifeline to those who served.

Redistricting Efforts in Texas and Nationwide Implications

Shea Stevens [01:27]: In Texas, Republican lawmakers have unveiled a new redistricting map, potentially paving the way for increased GOP representation in Congress. This move aligns with President Trump's objective of securing more Republican seats in the upcoming midterm elections.

Hansi Lomong [01:44]: The Texas redistricting proposal could enable the GOP to gain five additional congressional seats, influencing the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Eric Holder, chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, stated, "We do not oppose on a temporary basis responsible, responsive actions to ensure the foundations of our democracy are not permanently eroded." However, he acknowledged that any Democratic efforts to redraw congressional maps might encounter significant legal challenges. Notably, states like California and New York have specific processes and legal requirements that could hinder partisan gerrymandering efforts.

International Recognition of a Palestinian State

Shea Stevens [02:30]: On the international stage, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, contingent upon Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. This stance reflects Canada's long-standing commitment to a two-state solution.

Dr. David Eisenman [02:42]: "This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms," Eisenman elaborated. These reforms include governance restructuring, holding General elections in 2026 excluding Hamas participation, and demilitarizing the Palestinian state. Such conditions are deemed essential for the stability and viability of a recognized Palestinian state.

Additionally, Britain, France, and Malta have followed suit, announcing their intent to support Palestinian statehood, further solidifying international momentum towards resolving the long-standing conflict.

Trump Administration's Medical Records Sharing Initiative

The Trump administration is advancing a program to share personal medical records across systems and applications managed by private tech companies. This initiative, overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), mandates patient consent before any data sharing occurs. The program primarily targets areas like diabetes management, weight management, and utilizes digital tools for medication tracking and patient check-ins. Notably, over 60 companies, including UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health, have already participated, signaling strong industry support for this interoperability effort.

Heatwave Risks and Medication Interactions

Shea Stevens [03:27]: The central and eastern United States are currently experiencing extreme heat, with forecasts indicating persistently high temperatures throughout the week. This heatwave poses elevated risks, especially for individuals taking certain medications.

Alejandra Burunda [03:57]: UCLA’s Dr. David Eisenman highlighted the dangers posed by the combination of high temperatures and specific medications. Dr. Eisenman [04:01]: "So I think of core temperature as your body's internal engine, you know, like a car." He emphasized that just as a car needs to stay cool to function efficiently, humans must manage their body temperature effectively. However, medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and some antidepressants can impair the body’s natural cooling mechanisms like sweating and hydration, increasing the risk of overheating.

Dr. Eisenman [04:20]: "It's like asking a car to drive up a mountain in the summer with the air conditioner broken, low on coolant and no warning signal." This analogy underscores the heightened vulnerability of individuals on these medications during heatwaves. The CDC has provided a comprehensive list of medications that can interfere with heat regulation, urging patients to take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat.

Market Update

Shea Stevens [04:45]: On the financial front, U.S. futures are flat, and after-hours trading on Wall Street reflects mostly lower Asian market shares. Investors are advised to stay tuned for further developments as global markets respond to current events.

Summary: In this episode of NPR News Now, host Shea Stevens covers a range of critical topics. From President Trump's implementation of new tariffs and the reform of veterans' mortgage support programs to the contentious redistricting efforts in Texas that could shift congressional power balances, the news is dynamic and impactful. Internationally, Canada and several other nations are poised to recognize a Palestinian state, contingent upon significant reforms and a ceasefire in Gaza, signaling potential progress in a decades-long conflict. Domestically, the Trump administration's initiative to enhance medical records sharing reflects a push towards greater healthcare interoperability, while simultaneously, the nation grapples with severe heatwaves that pose health risks, especially for those on specific medications. Finally, financial markets remain stable yet cautious amid these unfolding events.

Notable Quotes:

• Quill Lawrence [00:44]: "Back during the pandemic, the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed veterans to pause mortgage payments."
• Hansi Lomong [01:44]: "We do not oppose on a temporary basis responsible, responsive actions to ensure the foundations of our democracy are not permanently eroded."
• Dr. David Eisenman [02:42]: "This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms."
• Dr. David Eisenman [04:01]: "So I think of core temperature as your body's internal engine, you know, like a car."
• Dr. David Eisenman [04:20]: "It's like asking a car to drive up a mountain in the summer with the air conditioner broken, low on coolant and no warning signal."

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights presented in the NPR News Now episode released on July 31, 2025, ensuring that listeners stay informed even if they missed the broadcast.