NPR News Now: December 21, 2025, 8PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced news update covers the Department of Justice’s controversial release of the Epstein files, the ongoing Ukraine peace talks, upcoming economic data, a historic wildlife sighting in Michigan, and the latest box office numbers. Each story is delivered in NPR's succinct, neutral, and informative tone, focusing on top headlines and immediate news developments.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Epstein Files Release Sparks Controversy

[00:14–01:16]

• DOJ’s Position:
  The Department of Justice partially released files related to Jeffrey Epstein, citing the need for redactions to protect the privacy of victims, as mandated by privacy laws.

  • "Privacy laws required redactions to protect Epstein victims." (Luke Garrett, 00:46)

• Lawmakers' Response:
  Sponsors of the Epstein Transparency Act argue that the DOJ's actions do not comply with the new law, as most content was already public and the meaningful information was heavily redacted.

  • Rep. Thomas Massie disputes the DOJ’s legal reasoning:
    • "Redacting information very much trumps some deadline in the statute." (Thomas Massie, 00:48)
    • "Our law trumps the prior law. That's just comm. Common sense Law School 101. Yet Todd Blanche is using a different theory that wouldn't survive first contact with any court." (Thomas Massie, 00:58)
  • Massie suggests holding Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress.

Notable Quote:

"Our law trumps the prior law. That's just comm. Common sense Law School 101. Yet Todd Blanche is using a different theory that wouldn't survive first contact with any court." — Rep. Thomas Massie (00:58)

2. Miami Peace Talks on Ukraine

[01:16–02:15]

• Current Status:
  U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff describes Miami-hosted peace negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia as “productive,” but significant roadblocks remain.

• Ukrainian President Zelensky’s Statement:
  Talks are ongoing and swift, with the most difficult issue being the fate of Ukraine’s territories—followed by control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, funding for post-war recovery, and technical issues involving security guarantees.

• Russian Position:
  President Vladimir Putin reaffirms that Russia is open to negotiations, but its original goals in the war "remain unchanged."

  • "Russia's goals in this war remain unchanged." (Joanna Kakissis, 02:09)

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

[02:15–03:09]

• Upcoming Release:
  The U.S. will announce third-quarter GDP figures; though backward-looking, the report is expected to receive heightened attention this holiday week.

• Public Sentiment:
  Anxiety over the economy and rising cost of living weighs on Americans.

  • "Recent polls have shown the cost of living and affordability are becoming a top concern at many households." (Rafael Nam, 02:36)

• Political Implications:
  President Trump is under pressure to defend his economic record ahead of the holidays.

  • "That's putting a lot of pressure on President Trump who's aggressively defending his economic record." (Rafael Nam, 02:44)

4. Cougar Cubs Sighted in Michigan: A Conservation Milestone

[03:09–04:11]

• Wildlife Discovery:
  Two cougar cubs, initially spotted in March, have survived into adolescence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

  • "The existence of the cubs was documented in March... until now, they remained evasive, leading local officials to believe they hadn't survived. But earlier this month, they appeared on a trail cam." (Brianna Edgar, 03:29)

• Conservation Significance:
  This marks the first confirmed sighting of cougar cubs east of the Mississippi in over a century.

  • Brian Roll, Michigan DNR:
    • "Historic because of the proximity to where the kittens were in March. We're seeing two animals now that we are comfortable agreeing that this is probably the same animals." (Brian Roll, 03:47)

• Background:
  Cougars are endangered in Michigan, with fewer than 200 adult sightings in the past decade.

5. Weekend Box Office Results

[04:11–04:50]

• Top Film:
  Fire and Ash takes the No. 1 spot with $88 million in ticket sales, becoming the second-best global debut of the year and part of James Cameron’s ongoing sci-fi franchise.

• Second Place:
  David, an animated version of the story of David and Goliath, earns $22 million, marking the best opening for Angel Studios.

• Third Place:
  The psychological thriller The Housemaid debuts at $19 million—on a $35 million budget.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rep. Thomas Massie on DOJ’s Epstein file redactions:
  "Our law trumps the prior law. That's just comm. Common sense Law School 101. Yet Todd Blanche is using a different theory that wouldn't survive first contact with any court." (00:58)

• Joanna Kakissis summarizing Russian posture on Ukraine:
  "Russia's goals in this war remain unchanged." (02:09)

• Brian Roll on historic cougar sighting:
  "Historic because of the proximity to where the kittens were in March. We're seeing two animals now that we are comfortable agreeing that this is probably the same animals." (03:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Files Controversy: 00:14–01:16
• Ukraine Peace Talks: 01:16–02:15
• Economic Outlook/GDP Report: 02:15–03:09
• Historic Cougar Sighting in Michigan: 03:09–04:11
• Box Office Recap: 04:11–04:50

This episode provides a quick but comprehensive overview of the latest headlines as of December 21, 2025, balancing domestic legislative controversy, international diplomacy, economic anticipation, environmental news, and entertainment industry highlights. The reporting remains measured, offering listeners both facts and the stakes behind each story.