NPR News Now: December 21, 2025, 2PM EST

Host: Nora Rahm
Length: ~5 minutes
Theme: Rapid-fire updates on top global and US news stories

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of significant news stories on December 21, 2025. Major topics include incomplete release of the Epstein case files, a major blackout in San Francisco, heightened security in Australia after a deadly attack, rising tensions between the US and Venezuela, a mass shooting in South Africa, winter solstice festivities at Stonehenge, and impacts on US health insurance premiums due to stalled legislation.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Incomplete Release of Epstein Files

• Topic: Lawmakers from both parties criticize the Trump administration and Justice Department for partial compliance with the Epstein Transparency Act, which mandated public release of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Details:
  • Ro Khanna (D-CA): Called DOJ's Friday release "incomplete at best." He wants more files, especially FBI witness interviews and a draft indictment from Epstein's first case.
  • Thomas Massie (R-KY): Publicly agrees, stating on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche are violating the law by withholding documents.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "[Khanna] called this release of documents on Friday, incomplete at best." (Deepa Shivaram, 00:37)
  • "Not releasing all of these documents means that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are violating the law." (Deepa Shivaram, 01:10)
• Reporter: Deepa Shivaram
• Timestamps: 00:16–01:17

2. San Francisco Power Outage

• Topic: Widespread blackout leaves 130,000+ customers without power overnight.
• Insight:
  • PG&E investigates after a substation fire; unclear if this caused the outage.
  • Major disruption: halted transit, traffic gridlock, and driverless taxis blocking intersections.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Thousands of customers were still without power Sunday morning. PG&E, the city's utility company, is investigating the cause of the outage." (Dana Cronin, 01:32)
• Reporter: Dana Cronin (KQED)
• Timestamps: 01:17–02:05

3. Sydney Memorial & Australian Security Review

• Topic: Mass gathering at Bondi Beach as Australia reviews law enforcement after a deadly shooting at a Jewish festival.
• Insight:
  • 15 killed by two gunmen; national review to assess security agency powers and protocols.
  • The surviving suspect had been investigated and cleared in 2019.
  • Review findings to be public in April.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "...the review will examine if federal police and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe." (Cristina Kukula, 02:22)
• Reporter: Cristina Kukula (Melbourne)
• Timestamps: 02:05–02:59

4. Venezuela Complains to UN Over Oil Tanker Seizures

• Topic: Ongoing US–Venezuela tensions after the US seizes oil tankers in international waters.
• Insight:
  • Venezuela to file a UN complaint following two US seizures this month.
• Notable Quotes: (brief narration, direct quotes omitted)
• Timestamps: 02:59–03:17

5. Mass Shooting in South Africa

• Topic: Manhunt underway after gunmen kill nine in a bar near Johannesburg; at least ten wounded.
• Insight:
  • Attackers continued shooting at random while escaping; second major attack in three weeks.
• Timestamps: 03:17–03:40

6. Winter Solstice Gatherings at Stonehenge

• Topic: Thousands celebrate the winter solstice at Stonehenge.
• Insight:
  • Ceremonies include drumbeats and traditional dancing; global solstice festivals from Ireland to Iran and China are described.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Some people traveled for hours to be amid the ancient stones as the sun broke through the clouds, marking the occasion with drumbeats, cheering and traditional Morris dancing." (Bernadette Kehoe, 03:58)
• Reporter: Bernadette Kehoe (BBC)
• Timestamps: 03:58–04:33

7. ACA Subsidies Lapse May Raise Health Premiums

• Topic: US lawmakers fail to extend Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies before holiday recess.
• Insight:
  • Premiums set to rise for New Year’s Day; estimate: 22 million affected.
• Notable Quotes: (brief narration)
• Timestamps: 04:33–04:50

Memorable Moments / Quotes

• Bipartisan Agreement over Epstein Files:
  "Not releasing all of these documents means that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are violating the law."
  — Deepa Shivaram, relaying Rep. Massie's comments (01:10)

• Global Winter Solstice Celebration:
  "Some people traveled for hours to be amid the ancient stones as the sun broke through the clouds, marking the occasion with drumbeats, cheering and traditional Morris dancing."
  — Bernadette Kehoe, 03:58

Timeline of Major Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:16–01:17 | Epstein Transparency Act controversy | | 01:17–02:05 | San Francisco power outage | | 02:05–02:59 | Bondi Beach memorial and Australian security review | | 02:59–03:17 | US seizes Venezuelan oil tankers | | 03:17–03:40 | Mass shooting in South Africa | | 03:58–04:33 | Stonehenge winter solstice and world celebrations| | 04:33–04:50 | ACA subsidies lapse and rising health premiums |

Summary:
This edition delivers quick, substantive updates on stories spanning politics, domestic and international crises, public safety, cultural traditions, and upcoming policy shifts—offering listeners a global news snapshot in five minutes.