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

Host: Jeanine Herbst | Network: NPR
Episode Description: A concise update on the day’s top national and international news stories.

Episode Overview

This five-minute segment delivers brief but substantial coverage of pressing political, international, economic, cultural, and seasonal news. Stories include congressional battles over Jeffrey Epstein files, Ukraine-Russia peace talks, a preview of upcoming U.S. GDP data, box office reports, and celebrations of the winter solstice at Stonehenge.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. DOJ Release of Epstein Files Sparks Congressional Dispute

[00:14–01:11]

• Key Points:

  • Lawmakers criticize the Department of Justice (DOJ) for releasing only partial files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Top Democrats allege this move violates the Epstein Transparency Act.
  • There is debate over whether Congress has legal standing to sue the DOJ.
  • DOJ has promised a written explanation within 15 days, as required by statute.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jamie Raskin’s position:
    “It's not clear that we've got standing to do that. Speaker Johnson would clearly have standing to do that on behalf of the whole House of Representatives.” – Rep. Jamie Raskin (summary by Luke Garrett), [00:38]
  • Hakeem Jeffries’ demand for accountability:
    “The DOJ is required by law to explain themselves.” – House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (paraphrased by Luke Garrett), [00:58]
  • Clarification of the statutory requirement:
    “The Department of Justice, at this moment, within 15 days, [must] provide a written explanation to Congress and to the American people as to why they've withheld certain documents.” – Luke Garrett, [01:01]
  • Noted that withheld files include at least one with President Trump’s photograph.

2. Ukraine–Russia War: "Productive" Peace Talks, But Big Hurdles Remain

[01:23–02:23]

• Key Points:

  • U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff describes recent peace talks in Miami as “productive.”
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports:
    • Negotiations are moving quickly, involving both Trump envoys and Ukrainian officials.
    • The most difficult issues: territorial status, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, post-war recovery funding, and security guarantees.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin declares openness to negotiations but insists Russia’s goals are unchanged.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Talks are moving at a fairly rapid pace and... his team is working with Trump envoys.” – Joanna Kakissis, summarizing Zelensky, [01:41]
  • On negotiation sticking points:
    “The issue of Ukraine's territories remains the hardest, followed by the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, funding for recovery, and technical issues about security guarantees.” – Joanna Kakissis on Zelensky, [01:41]
  • “Russia was open to negotiations, but... Russia's goals in this war remain unchanged.” – Joanna Kakissis, summarizing Putin, [02:17]

3. Anticipation Builds for U.S. Q3 GDP Data Amid Economic Concerns

[02:23–03:10]

• Key Points:

  • The U.S. is set to release Q3 GDP data on Tuesday (covering July–September).
  • The report is “backwards looking,” so won’t capture the most current sentiment but comes at a time of increasing economic anxiety.
  • Recent polls show cost of living is the top concern in many households.
  • President Trump faces pressure as he defends his economic record.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “It's backwards looking, so it's not going to provide the latest snapshot of the economy. Nonetheless, the GDP report is coming at a time when Americans are not feeling great about the economy.” – Rafael Nam, [02:27]
  • “The cost of living and affordability are becoming a top concern at many households. That's putting a lot of pressure on President Trump, who's aggressively defending his economic record.” – Rafael Nam, [02:27]

4. Box Office: Avatar: Fire and Ash Leads but Lags Behind Expectations

[03:10–04:11]

• Key Points:

  • Avatar: Fire and Ash dominates U.S. box offices, but ticket sales are more than 20% lower than Way of Water’s debut.
  • The film earned $88 million domestically and $257 million overseas in its first weekend.
  • Animated film David, telling the biblical story, set a record opening for faith-based animated films at $21 million.
  • Timothy Chalamet’s Marty Supreme achieves the year's best per-theater average.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "The Avatar Threequel is definitely dominating the weekend at cinemas... but it's not hot enough to be setting records." – Bob Mondello, [03:24]
  • “At $88 million for its first three days in North America and another $257 million overseas, it's running more than 20% behind Way of Water two years ago.” – Bob Mondello, [03:32]
  • “Second place finisher David, which tells the biblical story... will take in $21 million, the highest opening ever for a faith-based animated film.” – Bob Mondello, [03:32]
  • “Timothy Chalamet's Marty Supreme will easily set this year's record for per theater average, with more than $145,000 in ticket sales at each of its six theaters.” – Bob Mondello, [03:32]

5. Winter Solstice Celebrations at Stonehenge

[04:11–end]

• Key Points:

  • Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.
  • Thousands gathered at Stonehenge, England to mark the event with costumes, music, and reflection.
  • Stonehenge is a historic site tied to ancient agricultural calendars.
  • For many, the solstice symbolizes renewal, as daylight starts to increase.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Thousands gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate, cheering and dancing as the sun rose over the prehistoric stone circle. Many wore costumes. Some sang and beat drums, while others reflected among the huge stone pillars.” – Jeanine Herbst, [04:11]
  • “Many people celebrate winter solstice as a time of renewal, as the days will now start getting longer.” – Jeanine Herbst, [04:11]

Memorable Moments

• Political Tensions Over Transparency:
  Partisan disputes over the release of Epstein files shine a spotlight on congressional power, transparency, and the legal limits of oversight.

• Ukraine Peace Talks Detailed:
  Zelensky’s openness and specificity about negotiation sticking points offers rare insight into the ongoing peace process.

• Personal Tone and Vivid Imagery at Stonehenge:
  The Stonehenge coverage delivers a sense of warmth and community:
  “Many wore costumes. Some sang and beat drums, while others reflected among the huge stone pillars.” – Jeanine Herbst, [04:11]

Segment Timestamps

• Epstein file controversy: [00:14–01:11]
• Ukraine–Russia–U.S. peace talks: [01:23–02:23]
• Upcoming U.S. GDP data: [02:23–03:10]
• Box office recap: [03:10–04:11]
• Winter Solstice at Stonehenge: [04:11–end]

This episode offers a brisk yet comprehensive overview of major headlines, balancing geopolitical stakes, domestic policy disputes, economic forecasts, cultural news, and traditions marking the turning of the year.