NPR News Now – December 20, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Major news updates in the U.S. and globally, covering politics, legal developments, public health, and international news.

Episode Overview

This tightly packed five-minute news segment delivers the latest updates on U.S. legal and political controversies (including new Jeffrey Epstein file releases and judicial free speech), recent pharmaceutical pricing reforms, rising flu/COVID/RSV cases, political career shifts, and an international commemoration after tragedy. The reporting is concise, factual, and urgent, maintaining NPR’s balanced and authoritative tone.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

[00:14 – 01:04]

• The Justice Department made thousands of Jeffrey Epstein-related files public, per a recent congressional mandate.
• The Trump administration admits that not all files have been released; more will come by year's end.
• Rep. Ro Khanna expresses strong frustration at delays and discusses possible Congressional action, like impeachment or inherent contempt of Congress, but prefers transparency from the administration first.

Quote [00:40 | Rep. Ro Khanna]:
“People are taking a big risk by not enforcing the law… what I would prefer is that we get an explanation for where the other documents are and what their timeline is.”

• Many documents released are heavily redacted.

2. Supreme Court Move on Immigration Judges’ Free Speech

[01:04 – 02:13]

• The Supreme Court temporarily halted a Trump administration ban that would bar immigration judges from speaking publicly about their work or the immigration system unless remarks are cleared with officials.
• Judges (Department of Justice employees) argue this policy violates their free speech rights.
• A federal appeals court sided with the judges; the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court, claiming dire consequences if the lower ruling stands.
• Supreme Court, with no dissents noted, lets the case proceed for now.

Quote [01:59 | Nina Totenberg]:
“In an unexpected action, the court, with no noted dissents, let the immigration judge’s case go forward, at least for now.”

3. Expansion of Drug Pricing Deal

[02:13 – 03:09]

• The Trump administration expands its drug pricing deal to include nine more pharmaceutical companies.
• These companies agree to sell new and existing drugs to the U.S. government at prices matching other developed countries.
• The deal is expected to lower Medicaid costs, with out-of-pocket consumers accessing discounts via the “Trump RX” website.
• Companies (including Amgen, Merck, GSK) pledge $150 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments and will be exempt from tariffs for three years.

Quote [02:41 | Yuki Noguchi]:
“Consumers who pay out of pocket will also be able to get lower prices for some of the company’s most popular drugs through a government website called Trump RX. Under the agreements, Amgen, Merck, GSK and others will also invest $150 billion in US manufacturing…”

4. Rising Respiratory Illnesses: CDC Alert

[03:09 – 04:01]

• The CDC reports a significant rise in flu, COVID-19, and RSV; the flu is the most severe at present.
• Louisiana and Colorado are hardest hit, but national activity is rising.
• Experts fear a severe flu season as the dominant strain has mutated. The mutation increases transmissibility, though not severity.
• CDC urges immediate flu shots, especially before the holidays.

Quote [03:43 | Rob Stein]:
“…the dominant flu strain recently mutated. The mutated virus doesn’t appear to make people sicker, but it does appear to spread more easily. That means more people could get sick and get seriously ill.”

5. Political Update: Elise Stefanik Suspends Campaign

[04:01 – 04:25]

• Rep. Elise Stefanik suspends her campaign for NY governor and will not seek Congressional reelection.
• Stefanik was House GOP leader, previously considered by Trump for a UN appointment.
• She cites the desire to avoid a lengthy primary campaign.

6. International: Sydney Hanukkah Memorial

[04:26 – 04:43]

• Thousands gathered on Sydney’s Bondi Beach to honor victims of a Hanukkah celebration shooting that left 15 dead and many injured.
• Attendees formed a circle in the ocean as an act of solidarity with the Jewish community.

7. Markets Wrap-Up

[04:44 – 04:53]

• Dow Jones closed up 183 points; NASDAQ up 301 points.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Ro Khanna expressing congressional frustration:
  “People are taking a big risk by not enforcing the law… what I would prefer is that we get an explanation for where the other documents are and what their timeline is.” (00:40)

• Nina Totenberg on the Supreme Court’s surprise move:
  “In an unexpected action, the court, with no noted dissents, let the immigration judge’s case go forward, at least for now.” (01:59)

• Yuki Noguchi on drug cost reform:
  “Consumers who pay out of pocket will also be able to get lower prices for some of the company’s most popular drugs through a government website called Trump RX.” (02:41)

• Rob Stein on mutated flu strain:
  “…the dominant flu strain recently mutated. The mutated virus doesn’t appear to make people sicker, but it does appear to spread more easily.” (03:43)

Key Takeaways

• Epstein files release is partial and politically contentious.
• Supreme Court signals possible support for judicial free speech rights.
• Major pharma pricing reforms could lower U.S. drug costs.
• CDC urges vigilance and vaccination against a rapidly spreading, mutated flu.
• Rep. Elise Stefanik exits key NY gubernatorial race.
• Sydney’s Jewish community finds solidarity after tragedy.
• Stock market posts strong gains.

The segment is brisk, fact-driven, and focused on headlines, with on-the-ground insights provided by veteran NPR correspondents.