NPR News Now – December 21, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Episode Theme:
A concise update on top national and international news stories, including developments in the Epstein file releases, Australia’s day of reflection, challenges for tech workers on visas, US-Ukraine peace negotiations, Venezuela’s claims against the US, a major San Francisco power outage, and Powerball lottery news.

1. DOJ Epstein Files – Questions Over Removal

[00:14–01:12]

• Key Points:

  • The Department of Justice (DOJ) released two more batches from the Epstein files.
  • At least 16 files released Friday—including a photo featuring President Trump—were removed from the DOJ’s public repository, known as the Epstein Library.
  • NPR accessed the files Friday, but by Saturday they were unavailable for view or download.
  • The DOJ has yet to comment on whether the removal was technical, formal, or due to another reason.

• Notable Quote:

  • “It’s unclear if this is due to a technical error, a formal removal from the DOJ, or something else. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”
    — Casey Morell, 01:02

2. National Day of Reflection in Australia

[01:12–01:37]

• Key Points:

  • Australians marked a national day of reflection.
  • A large crowd gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, holding a candlelight vigil and observing a minute’s silence for the 15 victims of last weekend’s mass shooting.

• Memorable Moment:

  • The mention of a united national moment at Bondi Beach, symbolizing community grief and solidarity.

3. US Immigration Crackdown – Tech Workers on Edge

[01:12–02:17]

• Key Points:

  • Apple and Google are advising employees on visas not to leave the US due to escalating immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration.
  • Internal memos obtained by NPR warn of visa renewal appointment cancellations, stranding workers abroad.
  • The administration expanded vetting to include review of up to five years of social media history, delaying what once were routine visa appointments.
  • Neither companies nor the White House provided comment.

• Notable Quote:

  • “If you’re on a visa and can avoid leaving the country, you should do that. ... Some visa holders are having renewal appointments canceled, leaving them stuck in their home countries for months.”
    — Bobby Allen, 01:41

4. US Seeks Peace Deal in Ukraine, No Imposition

[02:17–02:59]

• Key Points:

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio states that the US cannot impose a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
  • Ongoing negotiations are happening in Miami, led by President Trump’s envoy.
  • Rubio is cautious, not detailing possible timelines or predictions, but stresses the war’s immense toll and the generational challenge of Ukraine’s reconstruction.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “The entire infrastructure of Ukraine is being destroyed almost as fast as it’s being rebuilt. Every week that goes by, the cost of rebuilding that country gets exponentially higher.”
    — Pierre News, 02:47
  • “[Trump] wants to end the war because it is, quote, a waste of money, time and talent.”
    — Michelle Kellerman, 02:59

5. Venezuela Accuses US of ‘International Piracy’

[03:09–03:22]

• Key Points:
  • Venezuela accuses the US of a “serious act of international piracy” after US forces stopped a second oil tanker near Venezuela.
  • The Trump administration claims the ship was carrying sanctioned oil and that the boarding was voluntary.

6. San Francisco Power Outage

[03:22–03:35]

• Key Points:
  • A major blackout struck San Francisco on Saturday, affecting 130,000 customers, causing significant traffic jams.
  • Residents were advised to avoid nonessential travel.

7. Powerball: No Jackpot Winner, Record Run Continues

[03:35–04:49]

• Key Points:

  • No winner for Saturday’s Powerball jackpot, now at $1.6 billion—the fourth largest in its history.
  • The next drawing will be the 46th without a jackpot winner.
  • Powerball reminds players that, since 1992, ticket sales have raised $37 billion for public service initiatives.
  • The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Powerball says ticket sales have generated $37 billion for states’ public service initiatives, including education and seniors programs.”
    — Marie Andrusevich, 04:33

Additional Highlights

• The episode maintains NPR’s neutral and succinct tone, delivering fact-driven summaries.
• The focus remains tightly on factual updates with frequent citation of named correspondents.
• Content relevant to national and international audiences: US domestic policy, global conflict, immigration, and community resilience.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files Update: 00:14–01:12
• Australia Reflection Day: 01:12–01:37
• Visa Advisory for Tech Workers: 01:37–02:17
• US-Ukraine Peace Talks: 02:17–02:59
• Venezuelan Oil Tanker Incident: 03:09–03:22
• San Francisco Blackout: 03:22–03:35
• Powerball Update: 03:35–04:49

This NPR News Now episode offers a brisk yet comprehensive roundup of pressing news stories, giving listeners a balanced and insightful start to their day.