NPR News Now – 08-21-2025 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh (& news correspondents)
Date: August 21, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This tightly packed news episode covers some of the day's key stories: President Trump's planned ride-along with law enforcement in D.C., Israel's controversial West Bank settlement approval, new corruption charges against a top NYC advisor, a deadly listeria outbreak in Virginia, the Menendez brothers' parole hearings, ongoing impacts of tariffs on Walmart and shoppers, and upcoming Broadway openings featuring prominent stars.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Trump’s Ride-Along and D.C. Crime

[00:23]

• President Trump announced on the Todd Starnes Show that he plans to join National Guard and police for a ride-along in Washington, D.C. tonight.
• Trump recently ordered federal oversight of D.C. law enforcement “on the grounds that crime in the city is surging.”
• Context: While crime is high in some D.C. neighborhoods, overall violent crime rates have actually dropped nearly 30%.

Lakshmi Singh:
“Crime rates are high in some parts of D.C. but data show that overall violent crime in the District has fallen nearly 30%.” ([00:23])

2. Israel’s West Bank Settlement Approval

[00:53]

• Israel finalized approval for thousands of housing units in the E1 settlement project, east of Jerusalem.
• The project, long delayed by US and international pressure, is controversial because it could bisect the West Bank and undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.
• The Palestinian Authority calls it illegal and says it “would destroy the chance of a two state solution.”
• Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultra-right leader, declared this will “erase any notion of a Palestinian state.”

Jackie Northam (NPR correspondent, Tel Aviv):
“The controversial development, which involves more than 3,400 housing units, will be built on a tract of land east of Jerusalem, effectively slicing the West Bank in two.” ([01:09])

“Israel’s ultra right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who approved the plans, said the E1 settlements will erase any notion of a Palestinian state.” ([01:31])

3. Charges Against NYC Mayor's Senior Advisor

[01:48]

• Ingrid Lewis-Martin, former advisor and confidant to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, faces new corruption indictments.
• Alleged crimes include trading influence in real estate development, street redesign, and migrant shelter contracts for bribes.
• Prosecutors say she pocketed tens of thousands of dollars; all defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Samantha Max (WNYC):
“Lewis Martin was already facing other corruption charges. Now she and various co-defendants are facing four new indictments.” ([02:23])

4. Listeria Outbreak at Boar’s Head Plant

[02:36]

• The USDA is taking over inspections at the Jarrett, Virginia Boar’s Head deli meat plant for at least three months.
• This follows a deadly listeria outbreak: 10 dead, dozens sickened.

5. Menendez Brothers Seek Parole

[02:50]

• Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, are before the parole board after 30+ years in prison.
• They maintain they acted in self-defense after abuse; their case remains among the most infamous in modern US criminal history.

6. Walmart and Rising Tariffs

[03:25]

• Walmart reports tariff costs are rising weekly, expecting continued growth through year-end.
• While prices for some items are up, others (like back-to-school products) remain low as Walmart absorbs some added costs.
• CEO Doug McMillan notes that shopper habits haven’t shifted dramatically—yet.

Doug McMillan (via Alina Selyukh, NPR):
“The impact of tariffs has been gradual enough that any behavioral adjustments by the customer have been somewhat muted.” ([03:52])

• Higher prices are leading middle- and lower-income buyers to sometimes switch or skip purchases, while Walmart attracts more higher-income shoppers looking for deals.

7. Broadway Revivals with Celebrity Leads

[04:10]

• Several TV and film stars are set for Broadway debuts or major returns:
  • Carrie Coon ("White Lotus," "Gilded Age") will star in a revival of Tracy Letts’ thriller Bug this December.
  • Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear") will appear as father and daughter in the Pulitzer-winning play Proof next March.

Jeff London (NPR):
“In March, two Golden Globe winners, film and television actor Don Cheadle and Ayo Edeburi[…]make their Broadway debuts as a father and daughter in Proof.” ([04:40])

8. Markets

[04:57]

• The Dow closed down 152 points.

Notable Quotes

• Lakshmi Singh:
  “Crime rates are high in some parts of D.C. but data show that overall violent crime in the District has fallen nearly 30%.” ([00:23])

• Jackie Northam:
  “The number of settlements has quickly grown over the past few years despite international condemnation.” ([01:41])

• Doug McMillan (Walmart CEO):
  “This has not prompted, quote, dramatic shifts in shopper behavior.” ([03:40])

Memorable Moments

• The Menendez brothers’ parole hearings draw fresh attention to a landmark criminal case.
• Major Broadway stars cross over from screen to stage, highlighting trends in entertainment.

Episode Flow & Tone

Concise. Authoritative. Factual. The episode maintains the classic NPR style of clear, measured reporting, providing context and multiple viewpoints where relevant. Correspondents from various bureaus contribute localized insight. Personalities such as Doug McMillan and Bezalel Smotrich are quoted directly, keeping the news current and grounded in the words of primary actors.