NPR News Now – December 21, 2025, 1PM EST

Episode Overview:
This concise five-minute newscast delivers the latest updates on political developments in Washington, Ukraine-Russia peace talks, a memorial following a tragedy in Australia, evolving holiday traditions in America, and the marking of the winter solstice at Stonehenge.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Lawmakers Respond to Partial Epstein Files Release

[00:20–01:13]

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) released only a partial set of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting backlash from lawmakers.
  • Top Democrats accuse the DOJ of violating the Epstein Transparency Act.
  • House Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin, expresses doubt over Congress’s ability to sue the DOJ.
    • Quote: “It's not clear that we've got standing to do that. Speaker Johnson would clearly standing to do that on behalf of the whole House of Representatives.” — Jamie Raskin, [00:47]
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasizes legal obligations:
    • Quote: “The statute requires the so called Department of Justice at this moment within 15 days to provide a written explanation to Congress and to the American people as to why they've withheld certain documents.” — Hakeem Jeffries, [01:00]
  • DOJ defended the withholding of about a dozen files, including one featuring former President Trump.

2. Ukraine–Russia Peace Talks Face Barriers

[01:24–02:27]

• President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine calls for broader consultations with European allies as peace discussions with the Trump administration take place in Florida.
  • Zelensky notes Norway’s support in pressuring Russia to end the war.
  • Key negotiation hurdles include:
    • Status of Ukraine’s territories (“the hardest” issue)
    • Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
    • Funding for Ukraine’s recovery
    • Technical security guarantees
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin claims openness to negotiations but reiterates that Russia’s aims remain unchanged.
  • Summary insight: Despite rapid talks, a deal remains elusive due to deep-rooted disagreements.

3. Sydney, Australia: Memorial for Bondi Beach Mass Shooting

[02:27–03:11]

• A week after gunmen attacked a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, killing 15, thousands attend a memorial there.
  • The tragedy marks Australia’s worst mass shooting in 30 years.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by attendees amid criticism of his government’s response to rising antisemitism and promises to tighten laws and enhance security.
  • Memorable moment: The memorial comes at the end of Hanukkah, adding emotional resonance to the day.

4. Vice President J.D. Vance Addresses Turning Point USA

[03:11–03:46]

• Vice President J.D. Vance is set to speak to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA in Phoenix.
  • Organization’s president, Erica Kirk (widow of founder Charlie Kirk), has endorsed Vance for the 2028 presidential race.
  • No direct quotes or further context given; the focus is on the endorsement’s significance for Republican political dynamics.

5. Growing Movement of Santas of Color

[03:46–04:30]

• Increasing popularity of “Santas of Color” reflects diversity in holiday traditions.
  • Shedric Webster, a prominent Black Santa in Nashville, is a founding member of the Santas of Color Coalition.
    • Quote: “There's a difference in our beard care. There's a difference in how we walk and how we talk.” — Shedric Webster, [04:00]
  • Alyssa DeTurro, a parent, highlights the importance of representation:
    • Quote: “Knowing that Santa looks like you would come to your neighborhood or spend time with your family, you see yourself more in Christmas, right? One of my friends has Asian Santas, and I love that.” — Alyssa DeTurro, [04:11]
  • Many “Santas of Color” travel nationally to participate in holiday events.

6. Stonehenge Celebrates the Winter Solstice

[04:30–04:58]

• Thousands gathered at Stonehenge, UK, before dawn in costumes, cheering and dancing as sunrise marked the winter solstice.
  • The site is known for its alignment with the sun’s movement on solstice days.
  • The shortest day of the year north of the equator; seen by many as a time of renewal and hope.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Raskin, House Judiciary Committee, on DOJ lawsuit:

  • “It's not clear that we've got standing to do that. Speaker Johnson would clearly standing to do that on behalf of the whole House of Representatives.” [00:47]

• Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, on DOJ obligations:

  • “The statute requires the so called Department of Justice at this moment within 15 days to provide a written explanation to Congress and to the American people as to why they've withheld certain documents.” [01:00]

• Shedric Webster, Santas of Color Coalition:

  • “There's a difference in our beard care. There's a difference in how we walk and how we talk.” [04:00]

• 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? One of my friends has Asian Santas, and I love that.” [04:11]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:20] DOJ faces scrutiny over Epstein file release
• [01:24] Ukraine seeks EU help as US, Russia talks heat up
• [02:27] Memorial for mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia
• [03:11] VP J.D. Vance’s upcoming address, Turning Point USA news
• [03:46] Santas of Color bring diversity to holiday traditions
• [04:30] Stonehenge: Marking the winter solstice

Tone & Style:
The episode maintains NPR’s hallmark calm, impartial, and informative style, blending breaking news with cultural reflections and human interest stories. Each report is crisp, focused, and introduces multiple perspectives. The inclusion of direct speaker quotes maintains authenticity and immediacy.