NPR News Now – December 21, 2025, 8PM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This five-minute NPR News Now episode offers concise updates on several major news stories from the U.S. and around the world: the partial release of Jeffrey Epstein case files, deadly Russian missile strikes in Ukraine, the impact of stalled health insurance subsidies in Congress, a New York school district abuse investigation, and Kylie Minogue’s historic UK Christmas number one.
Key News Segments & Discussion Points
1. Jeffrey Epstein Files and Calls for Transparency
(00:16 – 01:05)
- The Justice Department (DOJ) released only a limited portion of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Main Point: Significant information remains withheld, with many documents heavily redacted.
- Lawmakers (notably Rep. Thomas Massie [R] and Rep. Ro Khanna [D]) criticize the DOJ, arguing the releases don’t align with Congressional intent and that key details regarding powerful individuals remain concealed.
- Insight: Ongoing frustration about government transparency and accountability in high-profile criminal cases.
Notable quote:
“Lawmakers who push for the law to force disclosure of the documents say the DOJ is not complying with their intention by planning to release more later.”
— Stephen Fowler, NPR Reporter (00:49)
2. Russian Missile Strikes on Odesa, Ukraine
(01:05 – 02:09)
- Russian ballistic missiles hit Odesa, killing at least eight and wounding over two dozen, severely impacting the city’s water and power.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the nation via voice message, vowing to strengthen air defenses and hold officials accountable.
- Zelensky frames the assault as part of Russia's broader intention to destabilize and destroy Ukraine, calling for continued Western pressure on the Kremlin.
Notable quote:
“No matter how difficult it is for us to react to these attacks, we must find a way to protect people as much as possible.”
— President Volodymyr Zelensky (reported by Joanna Kakissis, 01:40)
Summary insight:
Heightened urgency for enhanced air defense in Ukrainian cities and explicit calls for US-led diplomatic pressure on Russia.
3. Congress Fails to Extend ACA Health Insurance Subsidies
(02:09 – 03:04)
- With Congress adjourning for the holidays without a deal, 22 million Americans using ACA market plans face premium hikes starting New Year’s Day.
- Larry Levitt (KFF): Points out these individuals lack employer coverage and do not qualify for Medicaid/Medicare, making them highly vulnerable to insurance cost increases.
Notable quote:
“They’re people who don’t have health insurance at work...and health insurance is very expensive. So without government help...health insurance is just very expensive for these folks.”
— Larry Levitt, KFF (02:38)
- Additional strain expected on rural hospitals, with possible closures due to increased uninsured rates.
4. Investigation into School ‘Calming Stations’ for Native American Students (New York)
(03:04 – 03:45)
- Governor Kathy Hochul requests an independent probe into allegations that children from a Native American community were confined in large wooden boxes (“calming stations”) in a school district.
- Four school officials placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
- Hochul labels the reports “disturbing,” emphasizing child safety concerns.
5. Kylie Minogue’s Historic UK Christmas Number One
(03:45 – 04:45)
- Kylie Minogue’s new single “Xmas” reaches Christmas number one in the UK, surpassing Wham’s “Last Christmas.”
- Minogue becomes the first woman to top UK charts in four different decades, 37 years after her first No.1.
- Anecdote: Minogue celebrates with a family jigsaw puzzle in Australia.
Notable quote:
“Minogue the first female artist to top the UK Charts in four different decades.”
— Vicki Barker, London, NPR (04:28)
Timestamps of Major Stories
- 00:16 — Jeanine Herbst opens the news; DOJ releases limited Epstein files
- 01:05 — Russian missile strikes devastate Odesa, Ukraine
- 02:09 — Congressional stalemate leaves ACA recipients facing premium hikes
- 03:04 — NY investigation into Native American school “calming stations”
- 03:45 — Kylie Minogue’s record-breaking Christmas No.1 in UK
For those who missed this installment: The episode delivers rapid, comprehensive updates on persistent US political issues, ongoing international crises, and cultural milestones, keeping listeners connected to major events as they unfold.