NPR News Now – December 20, 2025, 3AM EST

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This 5-minute episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on significant U.S. and international news stories from December 19th, 2025. Key topics include the partial release of Jeffrey Epstein government files, Representative Elise Stefanik’s political decisions, U.S. military actions against ISIS in Syria, the health impact of Los Angeles wildfires, and deadly events in Gaza.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. Jeffrey Epstein Government Files Released

[00:14 – 01:05]

• The Justice Department released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein in compliance with a Congress-mandated law, but many documents remain withheld, sparking frustration among lawmakers.
• Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), a cosponsor of the release law, voiced dissatisfaction with the process and suggested possible congressional actions if noncompliance persists (e.g. impeachment hearings, holding officials in contempt).

Notable Quote

“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.”
— Rep. Ro Khanna [00:41]

2. Elise Stefanik Withdraws from New York Governor Race

[01:05 – 02:07]

• Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), once considered a rising GOP star and a strong Trump ally, announced she’s ending her campaign for New York governor and won’t seek reelection to her House seat.
• Her pivot from a moderate to a MAGA-aligned figure was highlighted, as were setbacks including Trump withdrawing her UN ambassador nomination and her poor polling numbers.
• Stefanik intends to focus on her family instead.

Summary by Brian Mann:

“Stefanik was a rising star in the Republican Party... But her political climb faltered this year when Trump withdrew her nomination to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. ... Now Stefanik says she's dropping her bid for governor and won’t run again for her upstate New York House seat.”
— Brian Mann [01:24]

3. U.S. Strikes Islamic State Targets in Syria

[02:07 – 03:10]

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed U.S. military strikes on Islamic State targets in central Syria, using jets, helicopters, and artillery.
• The action followed the killing of three Americans in Syria by a gunman linked to ISIS.
• President Trump promised retaliation, with Defense Secretary Hegseth stating the U.S. would persist in their operations.

Notable Quote

“Today we hunted and we killed our enemies, lots of them, and we will continue.”
— Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as quoted by Greg Myre [02:25]

4. Aftermath of Los Angeles Wildfires: Heart Attacks Spike

[03:10 – 04:13]

• A study found a 46% increase in heart attacks in the months following LA’s January wildfires, particularly in areas hardest hit.
• Researchers noted major shifts in medical issues post-fire, with expected increases in lung issues and surprising rises in cardiac events.
• Abnormal blood tests were attributed to exposure to toxic materials in the fire debris.

Key Insight

“They also saw huge increases in abnormal blood tests. Ebinger says that could be a sign of overall stress on people’s bodies from the particularly toxic smoke and ash produced by the fires, which burn through toxic materials like home insulation, cars and batteries.”
— Alejandra Barunda [03:55]

5. Deadly Shooting in Gaza

[04:13 – 04:32]

• Israeli troops fired into northern Gaza, killing at least five Palestinians, including a baby, amid a stalled truce between Hamas and Israel.
• The Israeli military claims troops targeted “suspicious individuals” and announced an investigation.

6. Market Update

[04:32 – 04:53]

• U.S. stocks rallied, led by technology shares:
  • Nasdaq up 1.31%
  • S&P 500 up 0.88%
  • Dow Jones up 183 points

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• Ro Khanna:
  “We could hold them in inherent contempt of Congress. But I don't want to go there just on one day... what I would prefer is that we get an explanation for where the other documents are and what their timeline is.” [00:41]

• Brian Mann on Stefanik:
  “...her political climb faltered this year when Trump withdrew her nomination to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.” [01:24]

• Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth (via Greg Myre):
  “Today we hunted and we killed our enemies, lots of them, and we will continue.” [02:25]

• Dr. Joseph Ebinger (via Alejandra Barunda):
  “46% increase in the rate of people presenting for heart attacks during that time period.” [03:51]

Recap

This fast-paced episode offers listeners vital updates on government transparency, the shifting political landscape, U.S. military operations, the broader impacts of climate disasters, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and financial markets. Each story reflects the day’s most pressing headlines with concise, reliable reporting and direct commentary from newsmakers and NPR journalists.