NPR News Now – December 21, 2025, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: December 21, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of significant U.S. and global news stories. Coverage includes reactions to the partial release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, changes in U.S. immigration detention practices, diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, remembrance of a mass shooting in Australia, the emergence of racially representative Santas, and a milestone in space travel for people with disabilities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Case: Victim Disappointment Over Redacted File Release

• [00:17-01:00]
  • Thousands of heavily redacted Epstein case files released by the Justice Department, as required by recent legislation.
  • Victims, including Marina Lacerta, express frustration and skepticism over the extent of redactions and the transparency of the process.
  • Quote:
    • “We waited for this day. We waited for this moment. And we are a little bit disappointed that they're now still lingering on and, you know, distracting us with other things.”
      — Marina Lacerta, Epstein survivor, [00:37]
    • “We are very worried that it will still be redacted in the same way.”
      — Marina Lacerta, [00:55]

2. U.S. Immigration Detention Expands Amid Oversight Concerns

• [01:00-02:12]
  • With the Trump administration expanding its immigration detention program, over 65,000 people are now in custody.
  • NPR’s Meg Anderson reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reopening former prisons and detention centers—many privately owned and previously plagued by poor conditions.
  • Oversight of these facilities has been reduced.
  • Quote:
    • “What we are seeing is the clear degradation of accountability measures over conditions of confinement in detention facilities.”
      — Eunice Cho, ACLU National Prison Project, [01:50]
  • DHS responds, stating all detainees receive proper meals, medical care, and communication opportunities.

3. Sudan: Marco Rubio Calls for Humanitarian Truce

• [02:12-03:12]
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges international actors (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, etc.) to leverage influence toward peace in Sudan.
  • The ongoing conflict between the RSF paramilitary and Sudanese armed forces has displaced over 12 million people.
  • Quote:
    • “What we said to everybody on it is that what's happening there is horrifying. It's atrocious that one day the story of what's actually happened there is going to be known and everyone involved is going to look bad.”
      —Unattributed spokesperson, [02:51]
  • Reports continue of widespread atrocities against civilians.

4. Australia: National Day of Reflection After Mass Shooting

• [03:12-03:47]
  • Australia observes a day of remembrance following its deadliest mass shooting in 29 years—15 killed during a Jewish celebration a week ago.
  • National mourning marked by half-staffed flags and a candlelit vigil on Bondi Beach.

5. Santas of Color: Representation in Holiday Traditions

• [03:47-04:22]
  • In Nashville, Shedrick Webster, a Black Santa, leads efforts to diversify Santa representation through the Santas of Color Coalition.
  • Growing membership and reach highlight the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in holiday figures.
  • Quote:
    • “There's a difference in our beard care. There's a difference in how we walk and how we talk.”
      — Shedrick Webster, Nashville’s Black Santa, [04:01]
    • “Knowing that Santa looks like you would come to your neighborhood or spend time with your family, you see yourself more in Christmas, right?”
      — Alyssa Deturro, Nashville parent, [04:11]

6. First Wheelchair User Travels to Space

• [04:31-04:56]
  • Engineer Michaela Benthouse becomes the first wheelchair user to travel to space, joining a SpaceX Blue Origin mission from West Texas.
  • Motivated by a desire to experience weightlessness and the view of Earth after a life-changing accident seven years prior.

Notable Quotes

• Marina Lacerta (Epstein survivor):
  “Some of the survivors are, you know, still nervous and skeptical about how they are going to release the rest of the files. We are very worried that it will still be redacted in the same way.” [00:55]

• Eunice Cho (ACLU National Prison Project):
  “What we are seeing is the clear degradation of accountability measures over conditions of confinement in detention facilities.” [01:50]

• Unattributed official, on Sudan:
  “What's happening there is horrifying. It's atrocious that one day the story of what's actually happened there is going to be known and everyone involved is going to look bad.” [02:51]

• Shedrick Webster (Nashville’s Black Santa):
  “There's a difference in our beard care. There's a difference in how we walk and how we talk.” [04:01]

• Alyssa Deturro (parent):
  “Knowing that Santa looks like you would come to your neighborhood or spend time with your family, you see yourself more in Christmas, right?” [04:11]

Segment Timestamps

• Epstein file release & victim reaction: [00:17–01:00]
• Immigration detention expansion: [01:00–02:12]
• Sudan crisis & U.S. diplomacy: [02:12–03:12]
• Australia shooting remembrance: [03:12–03:47]
• Diverse Santas movement: [03:47–04:22]
• Space milestone for wheelchair user: [04:31–04:56]

This episode provides a brisk but impactful sweep of stories spanning justice, policy, culture, and personal achievement, delivering both facts and the voices of those affected.