NPR News Now: December 19, 2025, 12PM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest updates on several major national stories in a concise format. Key topics include the partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the Justice Department, the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to an Oracle-led consortium, a slight rise in U.S. home sales, Oklahoma’s Supreme Court striking down controversial social studies standards, and a rare comet flyby.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Release of Epstein Files

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Report: By Stephen Fowler
Timestamp: [00:14–01:10]

• The Justice Department faces a deadline to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, per a law signed by President Trump.

• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch states only a partial batch—hundreds of thousands of files—are being released today, with more to follow over the next few weeks, in order to protect victim identities.

• Stephen Fowler (NPR): Clarifies that, while the law sets a 30-day deadline after Trump’s signing, there is no enforcement or penalty mechanism for missing the deadline or failing in redactions.

  “There is no enforcement mechanism or penalties or consequences written into the law for this time not being met or any improper redaction of information.” – Stephen Fowler [00:45]

2. TikTok’s U.S. Operations Sold

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Report: By Bobby Allen
Timestamp: [01:10–02:14]

• TikTok’s U.S. assets have been sold to a group of investors including Oracle, Silverlake, and MGC (backed by UAE interests). Oracle, led by Larry Ellison (a Trump ally), becomes the prominent face of the new consortium.

• ByteDance retains a minority stake, and current investors keep about a third of the new entity.

• The app’s algorithm remains with ByteDance, but will be subject to audits by the U.S.-led company.

• Despite security concerns in Washington about Chinese influence, users are not expected to notice changes to TikTok in the U.S.

  “China Hawks in Washington have been worried about Beijing using TikTok to influence the political views of the 170 million Americans on the app. Yet under the deal, ByteDance will still own the app's algorithm with audits by the new American led entity.” – Bobby Allen [01:51]

3. U.S. Home Sales Data

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Report: By Scott Newman
Timestamp: [02:14–03:06]

• Existing home sales in November rose 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units.
• Gains seen in the Northeast and South; Midwest saw slight declines; the West was unchanged.
• NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yoon: Points to lower mortgage rates for rising transactions; notes homeowners are delaying listings into winter.
• Median U.S. home price remains just under $410,000.

4. Oklahoma Court Blocks Revised Social Studies Standards

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Report: By Beth Wallace
Timestamp: [03:06–04:05]

• The Oklahoma State Supreme Court has blocked new social studies standards, which included material casting doubt on the 2020 presidential election results.

• The court found the state Board of Education violated Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act by approving the changes after last-minute revisions.

• Former State Superintendent Ryan Walters, an advocate for the controversial standards, criticizes the decision on social media.

  “This is outrageous to see this kind of left wing judicial activism in the state where every county voted for President Trump.” – Ryan Walters (clip via Beth Wallace) [03:49]

5. Comet 3i Atlas Flyby

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Timestamp: [04:05–04:35]

• The 3i Atlas Comet, discovered over the summer, is passing close to Earth—approximately 167 miles away.

• NASA assures there is no danger to Earth.

• This flyby offers astronomers a rare chance to study how comets release dust and gases and could deepen understanding of comet development around stars.

  “It will give astronomers the chance to study dust and gases released from the center of the comet as it’s worn by the sun. That could offer rare insight into how comets form around stars.” – Jeanine Herbst [04:13]

6. Market Update

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Timestamp: [04:35–04:52]

• Wall Street is trading higher:
  • Dow Jones up 277 points.
  • Nasdaq up 247 points.

Memorable Quotes

• “There is no enforcement mechanism or penalties or consequences written into the law for this time not being met or any improper redaction of information.” – Stephen Fowler [00:45]
• “China Hawks in Washington have been worried about Beijing using TikTok to influence the political views of the 170 million Americans on the app. Yet under the deal, ByteDance will still own the app's algorithm with audits by the new American led entity.” – Bobby Allen [01:51]
• “This is outrageous to see this kind of left wing judicial activism in the state where every county voted for President Trump.” – Ryan Walters (clip) [03:49]
• “It will give astronomers the chance to study dust and gases released from the center of the comet as it’s worn by the sun. That could offer rare insight into how comets form around stars.” – Jeanine Herbst [04:13]

Recap

This episode provides a concise yet thorough snapshot of the day's headlines: a cautious, managed release of sensitive Epstein files, a landmark tech deal with national security and political implications, nuanced real estate data, state education politics intertwined with the 2020 election, and a remarkable celestial event offering scientific opportunity. The reporting maintains NPR’s signature clear, factual, and measured tone.