NPR News Now: July 31, 2025, 8AM EDT

Hosted by Dale Willman, NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines and in-depth reporting every five minutes. Below is a comprehensive summary of the July 31, 2025, episode.

1. Federal Reserve Maintains Steady Interest Rates

Timestamp: 00:16

In a significant decision, policymakers at the Federal Reserve voted 9 to 2 to keep interest rates unchanged. This marks the first non-unanimous vote in over three decades. The Fed's move comes amid mounting pressure from President Trump, who has been advocating for lower rates to stimulate economic growth.

Jerome Powell, Fed Chair, addressed the decision, emphasizing the impact of external factors:

“Services inflation has continued to ease while increased tariffs are pushing up prices in some categories of goods. Near term measures of inflation expectations have moved up on balance over the course of this year on news about tariffs as reflected in both market based and survey based measures. Beyond the next year or so, however, most measures of longer term expectations remain consistent with our 2% inflation goal.”
[00:37]

Powell highlighted that while tariffs have introduced upward pressure on certain goods' prices, the longer-term inflation expectations remain aligned with the Fed's target.

2. International Condemnation Following Palestinian Activist's Death

Timestamp: 01:04

Tragedy struck in the West Bank as Aldehat Aleen, a Palestinian activist, was killed by a Jewish settler. His death has sparked widespread condemnation and international concern.

Eleanor Beardsley reports that France has condemned the act, citing:

"Settlers have killed 30 people since 2022."
[01:23]

Aleen was instrumental in creating the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, which focuses on the expropriation of Palestinian land by settlers. A video of the incident shows Inon Levy, an Israeli settler, firing his gun near Aleen's village. Both the EU and the US had previously sanctioned Levy, but these sanctions were lifted by President Trump. France has signaled readiness to reimpose sanctions on Israeli officials supporting settlers.

3. President Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Brazilian Goods

Timestamp: 02:01

In a bold move, President Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods, set to take effect on August 6th. This decision is a response to what Trump perceives as Brazil's violations of human rights and undermining of the rule of law.

Carrie Kahn provides detailed insights:

“Brazil deserves the high tax because it violates human rights, undermines the rule of law, and is politically persecuting its former president.”
[02:24]

The tariffs target a broad range of Brazilian exports but include exemptions for critical industries:

• Orange Juice Exports: Brazil supplies nearly half of the orange juice consumed in the US.
• Aerospace Components: Including parts for Embraer aircraft.

Embargoed Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has warned of potential layoffs for US workers if the tariffs come into effect. The executive order also stems from allegations against Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former far-right leader, who is currently facing charges related to an attempted coup to remain in power post the 2020 elections. Additionally, the US Treasury has sanctioned a Brazilian Supreme Court justice for alleged abuses of power.

4. US-Pakistan Trade Agreement and Escalating Conflict in Ukraine

Timestamp: 03:11

Trade Agreement Between the US and Pakistan

The United States and Pakistan have reportedly finalized a trade agreement aimed at developing Pakistan's untapped oil reserves. This initiative is expected to reduce tariffs and bolster economic cooperation. While specific exploration sites remain undisclosed, it is widely believed that much of Pakistan's oil reserves are located in the insurgency-prone southwestern province of Baluchistan.

Attack in Kyiv, Ukraine

In a concerning escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian officials have confirmed that a Russian drone and missile strike targeted Kyiv, resulting in at least seven deaths, including a six-year-old boy. Over 50 individuals were injured, with expectations of the casualty numbers rising. The attack led to the partial collapse of a nine-story residential building, complicating rescue operations as teams strive to reach those trapped under the rubble.

5. Texas Lawmakers Address July 4th Flooding in Kerrville

Timestamp: 04:16

Following the devastating floods in Kerrville during the July 4th celebrations, Texas lawmakers are set to conduct a hearing in the hardest-hit community. This marks the first time legislators will gather testimonies from residents and local officials since the disaster.

Blaise Gainey reports:

“It's the first time lawmakers will hear testimony from residents and locals since the deadly July 4th flooding.”
[04:16]

Key focus areas of the hearing include:

• Early Warning Systems: Improving the timeliness and accuracy of flood warnings.
• Emergency Sirens: Expanding coverage in flood-prone regions.
• Direct Aid: Providing immediate financial assistance to affected communities.

Senator Paul Bettencourt emphasized the need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements:

“We're not just looking at sirens. You got to look at gauges. You have to look at cell communications.”
[04:37]

Bettencourt advocates for the state to assume greater financial responsibility for warning infrastructure, rather than leaving it solely to municipalities.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with critical updates on economic policies, international conflicts, trade agreements, and local disaster responses. From the Federal Reserve's pivotal decision on interest rates influenced by global trade tensions to the heart-wrenching loss of a Palestinian activist and the ensuing international repercussions, the news covered a broad spectrum of pressing issues. Additionally, domestic challenges such as the Texas flooding response highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness and community resilience.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of current events, NPR News Now continues to deliver timely and in-depth reporting.