NPR News Now – August 20, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: August 20, 2025
Episode Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update, anchored by Lakshmi Singh, offers listeners the latest headlines as of 3PM EDT. In under five minutes, the show covers:

• A federal judge’s decision regarding grand jury transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein case
• Ongoing NATO discussions about potential security guarantees for post-conflict Ukraine
• President Trump’s call for the resignation of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
• The release of a Hulu series about Amanda Knox, co-executive produced by Monica Lewinsky
• Amsterdam’s international tall ships festival, Sail 2025, coinciding with the city’s 750th anniversary

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Denial of Grand Jury Transcript Release in the Epstein Case

[00:26 – 01:35]

• Federal judge in Manhattan denies Trump administration’s request to release grand jury transcripts from the DOJ’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • Judge Richard Berman states there are no special circumstances warranting public release.
  • The grand jury materials requested are comparatively minor (70 pages of testimony, one PowerPoint, and a few call logs) amid “hundreds of thousands of pages” of Epstein files already in government possession.
  • Berman notes that the broader files, not these transcripts, would better inform the public.
  • This is the third denial from three separate judges regarding this request.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Berman says the grand jury Materials requested total 70 pages... And that, Berman notes, pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of pages of Epstein files... in the government's possession.” – Ryan Lucas [01:01]

2. NATO’s Virtual Session on Ukraine Security Guarantees

[01:35 – 02:31]

• NATO’s top military officials (32 chiefs of defense) convened for an unscheduled virtual meeting about security guarantees for Ukraine, should a peace deal be struck with Russia.
  • The alliance seeks a “just, credible and durable peace,” according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
  • President Trump recently stated the US may provide air support to a European-led coalition to monitor a ceasefire, but “no U.S. troops would be sent to Ukraine.”
  • European governments are debating the extent and conditions for their commitments.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Unity among the allies was tangible and... priority remains a just, credible and durable peace for Ukraine.” – Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, via Terry Schultz [02:10]

3. President Trump Calls for Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s Resignation

[02:31 – 03:19]

• President Trump, via Bill Paulsey (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac overseer), urges DOJ to investigate Fed Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage paperwork from 2021.
  • Issue: Both Michigan and Georgia homes listed as “primary residence” for mortgage (Georgia later rented out); such designation often leads to better mortgage terms.
  • Cook has not responded; Poulte has made similar allegations against Trump’s political opponents.
  • Trump also criticizes Cook and Fed officials about the pace of interest rate cuts.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Poulte has leveled similar charges against political opponents... including California Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.” – Scott Horsley [03:09]

4. Amanda Knox & Monica Lewinsky Co-Produce Hulu Series

[03:19 – 04:37]

• Hulu launches “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox,” dramatizing the saga of the American exchange student once convicted and finally exonerated (based on DNA) in Italy for her roommate’s 2007 murder.
  • Amanda Knox hopes to offer a more empathetic portrayal after years of being “ostracized and vilified and literally imprisoned.” [04:05]
  • The series is co-executive produced by Monica Lewinsky, drawing on shared experiences of intense media scrutiny.
  • Both Knox and Lewinsky are now podcasters, activists, and TV producers.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “I wanted people to relate to my experience. I wanted them to say I, I understand.” – Amanda Knox [04:09]
  • “I had so much compassion for what she had gone through.” – Monica Lewinsky [04:23]

5. Sail 2025: Amsterdam’s Tall Ships Festival

[04:37 – 05:04]

• Hundreds of historic tall ships arrive in Amsterdam for Sail 2025, a five-day maritime festival.
  • The event coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th birthday.
  • Large crowds gather to view the vessels.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The grand jury Materials requested total 70 pages... that, Berman notes, pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of pages of Epstein files...” – Ryan Lucas [01:01]
• “Unity among the allies was tangible and... priority remains a just, credible and durable peace for Ukraine.” – Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (via Terry Schultz) [02:10]
• “I wanted people to relate to my experience. I wanted them to say I, I understand.” – Amanda Knox [04:09]
• “I had so much compassion for what she had gone through.” – Monica Lewinsky [04:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Grand Jury Decision: [00:26 – 01:35]
• NATO/Ukraine Security Guarantees: [01:35 – 02:31]
• Lisa Cook Mortgage Allegations: [02:31 – 03:19]
• Amanda Knox Series & Lewinsky Partnership: [03:19 – 04:37]
• Sail 2025 Festival in Amsterdam: [04:37 – 05:04]

This five-minute edition delivers a rapid-fire and sober news briefing with NPR’s signature clarity and focus, bringing listeners the top stories shaping the hour.